Distributed Capacitor Bank Design for Power Noise Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for designing power supply noise suppression in printed wiring board assemblies are inefficient, relying on trial-and-error approaches and off-the-shelf solutions, which are time-consuming and costly, and fail to optimally suppress noise and maintain signal integrity as electronic data rates increase.
Innovation Solution
A systematic procedure for designing a distributed capacitor bank that determines optimal capacitor components and their quantities to achieve target impedance across a wide bandwidth, ensuring noise suppression by plotting frequencies and capacitors on an impedance vs. frequency chart, and verifying that all intersecting points occur below the target impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional decoupling capacitance methods are used, then noise suppression is achieved to some extent, but the design process becomes time-consuming and costly due to trial-and-error testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a systematic design procedure that calculates optimal capacitor values and positions before implementation. The method determines the required decoupling capacitance through predefined calculations based on noise frequency, impedance requirements, and circuit characteristics, eliminating the need for iterative trial-and-error testing during the design process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical trial-and-error design process with a computational methodology. Instead of physically testing different capacitor configurations, the system uses mathematical models and calculations to determine optimal capacitor values, substituting physical experimentation with computational analysis to achieve the same noise suppression results.
2Ease of manufacture
If off-the-shelf computer programs are used for guidance, then some design guidance is provided, but the performance and reliability remain sub-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by tailoring capacitor values and configurations to specific circuit requirements rather than using generic off-the-shelf solutions. The method calculates optimal capacitor values based on the specific noise frequency, impedance requirements, and circuit characteristics of each application, adjusting parameters to achieve optimal performance for each unique design scenario.
3Reliability
If numerous discrete decoupling capacitors are added, then noise suppression improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the capacitor configuration by calculating precise values based on noise frequency and impedance requirements. Rather than simply adding more capacitors, the method determines the optimal number and values needed to achieve effective noise suppression across the frequency range, avoiding unnecessary complexity while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic design approach where capacitor values are adjusted based on the specific frequency characteristics of the noise and the impedance requirements of the circuit. The methodology adapts the capacitor configuration to the actual operational conditions rather than using fixed, one-size-fits-all solutions, optimizing performance for each specific application.
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 method effectively suppresses noise on power lines within operational specifications, reducing the need for trial-and-error testing and improving signal integrity and compliance with EMI regulations, while being cost-effective and time-efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a procedure is described for designing a distributed capacitor bank delivering impedances below a specified 'Target Impedance' over a wide bandwidth to suppress electronic switching noise
Implementation Method 2
The quickened signal transition times cause noise along a wide frequency range on the power lines and result in unacceptable levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI)
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide methods and systems to design a distributed discrete capacitor bank incorporating power plane capacitance to concentrate the suppression of AC coupling to the frequencies caused by clocks and signal transitions. Aspects of the disclosure provide a procedure for designing a distributed capacitor bank from a combination of bulk capacitors, ceramic capacitors and/or plane capacitance that provides the desired impedance Z to suppress noise at all desired frequencies.