Integrated Capacitor Inductor with Loop-Back Terminals
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of high magnetic permeability materials within capacitors to serve as inductor cores can increase parasitic equivalent series inductance (ESL), degrading capacitor performance at high frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A loop-back terminal structure is employed in the capacitor design to reduce the permeable volume and minimize the net magnetic field induced by the capacitor current, using high magnetic permeability materials like ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic materials within the capacitor structure, with conductive plates and conductors arranged to create countervailing magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If high magnetic permeability material is integrated within the capacitor structure to serve as an inductor core, then the energy storage capability and device integration are improved, but the parasitic equivalent series inductance (ESL) increases, degrading capacitor performance at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor structure is segmented into multiple capacitive elements arranged in a specific geometric pattern (e.g., interdigitated fingers or distributed plates) rather than a single monolithic capacitor. This segmentation allows the magnetic permeable material to be distributed throughout the structure, providing inductive energy storage while the segmented capacitor elements maintain low parasitic inductance through their distributed current paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the inductor and capacitor into a single integrated structure where the same magnetic permeable material serves both functions. The inductor core and capacitor electrodes are combined in a unified geometry, allowing simultaneous magnetic energy storage and electric energy storage without requiring separate components, thereby reducing overall device bulk while managing parasitic effects.
Solution Approach 3:
The capacitor electrodes are arranged in a three-dimensional configuration (e.g., interdigitated layers or vertical stacking) rather than simple parallel plates. This dimensional arrangement creates multiple current paths and reduces the loop area enclosed by capacitor leads, thereby minimizing parasitic inductance while maintaining capacitance. The magnetic permeable material is similarly configured in multiple dimensions to maximize inductive coupling.
2Reliability
If the capacitor structure is designed to reduce parasitic inductance through loop-back terminals, then high frequency performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The loop-back terminal structure is merged with the inductor winding structure, where the capacitor's return path forms part of the inductive loop. This integration means the loop-back configuration serves dual purposes: reducing capacitor parasitic inductance and contributing to the inductor's magnetic flux path, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite the sophisticated terminal arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor electrodes and terminals are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: storing electric energy, providing low-inductance current paths, and contributing to the magnetic flux containment. The same structural elements that reduce parasitic inductance also enhance the inductive coupling, making the design universally beneficial for both capacitive and inductive performance without requiring additional components.
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 approach results in a low-bulk combined inductor-capacitor with reduced equivalent series inductance, maintaining performance across a wide frequency range and allowing for independent operation of inductive and capacitive elements.
Implementation Method 1
A high magnetic permeability material is distributed within the capacitor structure comprised of at least one of a ferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic material
Implementation Method 2
the conductive plates and conductors are arranged so that current flow between the third and fourth terminals proximate to the high magnetic permeability material provides countervailing canceling magnetic fields within the high magnetic permeability material
Data Source
AI summary
A combination capacitor and inductor employ a common volume of high permeability material for energy-storing electrical and magnetic fields thereby reducing the bulk of these components with respect to separate components of comparable value. Capacitor conductors are arranged so that while proximate to the high permeability material they provide countervailing current flows to minimize parasitic inductance exacerbated by the high permeability material.