Crossed-Winding Coupled Inductor for Two-Phase Current Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inversely coupled inductors face challenges in current equalization due to different path lengths and impedance in two-phase circuits, which are not conducive to efficient magnetic flux reversal and cancellation.
Innovation Solution
The design features a magnetic core with windings that cross outside the passage, allowing same-type terminals to be located on the same side, improving symmetry and facilitating current equalization by arranging the first and second windings to penetrate and cross the magnetic core in opposite directions, thereby adjusting the inversely coupling coefficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If same-type terminals are disposed on different sides of the inductor to reverse two-phase electric currents, then magnetic flux reversal and cancellation effect is achieved, but path lengths and impedance of the two phases become different, which is not conducive to current equalization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by having windings cross outside the magnetic core passage rather than only passing through it. The first and second windings pass through the first passage and then cross each other outside the passage, creating a three-dimensional winding configuration. This dimensional change allows same-type terminals to be disposed on the same side while maintaining magnetic flux reversal, thereby achieving both magnetic flux cancellation and current equalization.
2Ease of operation
If windings are arranged to cross outside the magnetic core passage, then same-type terminals can be located on the same side improving symmetry, but the winding structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of magnetic flux reversal and terminal arrangement by having both first and second windings share the same spatial path through the magnetic core passage and then cross outside it. This combined winding configuration achieves magnetic flux cancellation while simultaneously positioning same-type terminals on the same side, improving circuit symmetry without requiring separate structures for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The windings are segmented into distinct sections: portions passing through the magnetic core passage and portions crossing outside the passage. This segmentation allows each section to fulfill its specific function - the internal portion handles magnetic flux generation while the external crossing portion enables terminal arrangement and flux cancellation, thereby managing structural complexity through functional division.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional layout is used with terminals on different sides, then manufacturing is simpler, but current equalization is compromised due to different path lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning same-type terminals on the same side during the winding fabrication stage. The windings are designed and manufactured with the crossing configuration already in place, so that when assembled with the magnetic core, the current paths are automatically equalized without requiring additional adjustment or alignment steps during final assembly.
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 enhances current equalization, improves the symmetry of two-phase circuits, reduces the size of the inductor, and simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing pre-fabrication of windings and magnetic cores, which are then assembled, resulting in improved performance and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor is a common electronic element in an integrated circuit that converts electrical energy into magnetic energy for storage
Implementation Method 2
the same inductor can achieve smaller inductance when in a dynamic operation to improve the response speed as well as increased inductance when in a static operation to achieve a smaller ripple current
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an inversely coupled inductor and a power module. The inversely coupled inductor includes a magnetic core, a first winding and a second winding, where a first passage is formed in the magnetic core; a part of the first winding and a part of the second winding pass through the first passage, and the first winding crosses with the second winding outside the first passage. The power supply module includes the above inversely coupled inductor, which is in turn stacked on, and electrically connected to, the packaged chip module. By arranging the two windings to cross with each other on the outside of the first passage of the magnetic core, the same type terminal (such as input pins or output pins) of the inversely coupled inductor can be located on the same side.