Cross-Connected Coupled Inductors for Same-Side Driver Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupled inductors in multiphase switching regulators consume excessive space due to opposite-side driver arrangements, leading to inefficiencies in current sharing and transient response.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of cross-connected coupled inductor structures with same-side driver circuitry, utilizing orthogonal or helical geometries to reduce space consumption and minimize conductive routing, enabling efficient inverse coupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If opposite-side driver arrangements are used in coupled inductors, then current sharing and transient response are improved, but space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent sharing and transient responseVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional opposite-side driver arrangement by placing both driver circuitries on the same side of the coupled inductor. This inversion is achieved through cross-connected winding structures where first and second windings are coupled such that their far ends connect to opposite polarity terminals, enabling same-side driver placement while maintaining the necessary electrical characteristics for improved current sharing and transient response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the coupled inductor by adjusting the coupling coefficient and winding configuration. The cross-connected structure modifies the inductance values and coupling characteristics to compensate for the non-ideal effects of same-side driver placement, thereby maintaining reliable current sharing and transient response performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If cross-connected coupled inductor structures with same-side driver circuitry are implemented, then space consumption is reduced, but signal interference isolation may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearea requiredVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the winding configuration and terminal arrangement to optimize signal interference isolation. The cross-connected structure creates asymmetric magnetic coupling paths that help cancel out interference signals while maintaining the compact same-side driver layout. The unequal winding turns or asymmetric positioning of windings relative to each other contributes to interference rejection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

3Loss of energy

If same-side driver placement is used, then lead lengths are minimized and power losses reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower lossesVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the driver circuitry placement by consolidating both drivers on the same side of the coupled inductor. This merging reduces the overall lead length and associated power losses. The cross-connected winding structure facilitates this merging by providing appropriate electrical connections that maintain functionality while reducing the physical separation between drivers and inductor terminals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This configuration reduces the overall area required by the inductor structures, improves signal interference isolation, and enhances transient performance by allowing driver circuitry to be placed on the same side, thus minimizing lead lengths and power losses.

Implementation Method 1

Cross-connected coupled inductor structures to achieve inverse coupling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

utilizing orthogonal or helical geometries to reduce space consumption and minimize conductive routing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20250218652A1Cross-connected coupled inductor structures

Publication Date: 2025.07.03 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Cross-connected coupled inductor structures are disclosed herein. An example coupled inductor includes an enclosure having a left section and a right section, a front surface opposite a back surface, and a top surface opposite a bottom surface, a first plane of the front and back surfaces orthogonal to a second plane of the top and bottom surfaces. The example coupled inductor also includes a first conductor having a first terminal proximate to an intersection of the bottom surface and the front surface of the right section of the enclosure, and a second terminal proximate to an intersection of the bottom surface and the back surface of the left section of the enclosure. The example coupled inductor also includes a second conductor having a third terminal proximate to an intersection of the bottom surface and the front surface of the left section of the enclosure, and a fourth terminal proximate to an intersection of the bottom surface and the back surface of the right section of the enclosure.