Heat Sink Connection Layout for Switching Power Supply Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Switching power supplies emit high-frequency noise into the air and transfer noise to circuit grounds, causing interference and emission via AC lines, which existing methods fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a noise absorption component, such as an inductor, between the heat sink and a low-impedance pattern in the printed substrate to attenuate high-frequency noise, reducing emissions and transfers to the primary-side circuit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a heat dissipation device is used to discharge heat from the semiconductor element, then heat dissipation is improved, but high-frequency noise is generated and emitted into the air and transferred to the circuit ground

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidhigh-frequency noise
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An inductor is introduced as an intermediary component between the heat sink and the printed substrate. This inductor acts as a mediator that allows thermal conduction while blocking high-frequency noise transmission. The inductor's impedance to high-frequency signals prevents noise from reaching the circuit ground, while its thermal properties enable heat dissipation from the semiconductor element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Significantly reduces high-frequency noise emissions from the heat sink and minimizes noise transfer to the primary-side circuit, improving electromagnetic compatibility and reducing interference.

Implementation Method 1

an inductor that is connected between the connection portion of the heat sink and a part of the pattern, and absorbs electrical noise induced to the heat sink

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a heat sink that includes a connection portion and dissipates heat generated in the semiconductor element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12457681B2Switching power supply including heat sink
Publication Date: 2025.10.28 CANON KK
  • US12457681B2 patent drawing
  • US12457681B2 patent drawing
  • US12457681B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A switching power supply apparatus includes a printed substrate, a transformer, a primary-side circuit, a secondary-side circuit, and some components. A semiconductor element is mounted on the printed substrate. A heat sink includes a connection portion and dissipates heat generated in the semiconductor element. The connection portion is connected to the printed substrate by soldering. A conductive pattern is formed on the printed substrate. An inductor is connected between the connection portion of the heat sink and a part of the pattern, and absorbs electrical noise induced to the heat sink.