Inductor-Cooled Voltage Regulator Module for Low-Parasitic Power Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern processors face challenges with high load currents and sudden dynamic changes, requiring precise voltage regulation to manage power dissipation and prevent thermal overload, which existing voltage regulator modules struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator module with a power stage featuring an inductor embedded in a magnetic core and a metal clip that connects its end to the power output terminal, providing effective cooling and a low-ohmic current path with minimal parasitic inductance, allowing power delivery and regulation at the same side, enabling efficient voltage regulation and thermal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If power demand and load currents are increased to meet computational requirements, then processing capability is improved, but power dissipation and thermal issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the voltage regulator module by reducing parasitic inductance through optimized inductor design and minimizing current path length. This enables more efficient power delivery with reduced energy loss, allowing higher computational loads without proportional increases in power dissipation.
2Loss of energy
If input voltage is lowered to reduce power dissipation, then thermal management is improved, but voltage regulation precision becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies key parameters including reducing parasitic inductance to below 5nH and optimizing current path length. These parameter changes enable precise voltage regulation even at lower input voltages closer to the processor's minimum operating voltage, maintaining regulation precision while reducing power dissipation.
3Reliability
If current path length is reduced to minimize parasitic inductance, then voltage regulation performance is improved, but module complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The inductor is designed with the power stage and control circuitry in a highly integrated manner, with current paths routed directly through the inductor windings and PCB traces. This integration achieves minimal parasitic inductance while avoiding the complexity of separate discrete components and extensive interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar current paths to three-dimensional routing through vertical inductor windings and multi-layer PCB construction. This dimensional change allows current to flow through shorter, more direct paths in the Z-direction, reducing parasitic inductance without increasing the planar footprint or module complexity.
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 effectively regulates voltage and manages high load currents, reducing power dissipation and thermal issues, enabling processors to handle additional computational tasks while maintaining cooler operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first power stage configured to receive an input voltage from the power input terminal and output a phase current at a switch node of the first power stage, the first power stage including an inductor having a vertical conductor embedded in a magnetic core
Implementation Method 2
a first metal clip which electrically connects the second end of the vertical conductor to the power output terminal such that power is delivered to and from the voltage regulator module at the same side of the voltage regulator module
Data Source
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AI summary
A voltage regulator module includes: power input and output terminals at a same side of the voltage regulator module; a first power stage configured to receive an input voltage from the power input terminal and output a phase current at a switch node of the first power stage, the first power stage including an inductor having a vertical conductor embedded in a magnetic core, the vertical conductor having a first end which is electrically connected to the switch node and a second end opposite the first end; and a first metal clip which electrically connects the second end of the vertical conductor to the power output terminal such that power is delivered to and from the voltage regulator module at the same side of the voltage regulator module. A method of producing the voltage regulator module and electronic assembly that includes the voltage regulator module are also described.