Integrated Magnetic Core Inductor for Voltage Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing voltage regulators often compromise on characteristics like reliability, power consumption, and form factor due to the use of separate discrete magnetic core inductors, which increases production costs and reduces performance.
Innovation Solution
An integrated voltage regulator system with a coupled-magnetic-core inductor is developed, where the magnetic core is integrated within the same package as other components, reducing costs and improving performance by minimizing size, power consumption, and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate discrete magnetic core inductors are used in voltage regulators, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but production costs increase and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the magnetic core inductor with other voltage regulator components into a single integrated device. The magnetic core is formed within the same package as the control circuitry, eliminating the need for separate discrete inductors. This integration maintains manufacturing simplicity while improving performance through reduced component count and optimized electromagnetic coupling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If separate discrete magnetic core inductors are used, then component independence is maintained, but form factor increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnetic core inductor with control circuitry into a single compact package, significantly reducing the overall form factor. The magnetic core is formed within the same housing as the electronic components, eliminating the space required for separate discrete inductors and their associated mounting structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate discrete magnetic core inductors are used, then design flexibility is maintained, but operation speed decreases and frequency bandwidth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the magnetic core inductor with the control circuitry to enable faster operation speeds and broader frequency bandwidth. The close coupling between the magnetic core and control components reduces signal transmission delays and electromagnetic interference, allowing the device to operate at higher frequencies with improved dynamic response.
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
The integrated system achieves significant power consumption savings, a smaller form factor, faster operation speed, and broader frequency bandwidth, making it suitable for portable and cloud computing devices while maintaining reliable voltage regulation.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic winding coil formed within the trench area
Implementation Method 2
coupled-magnetic-core inductor formed within a package
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes an insulating layer disposed over a silicon substrate. The insulating layer includes a core insulating area and a peripheral insulating area. A trench laterally encloses the core insulating area and separates the core insulating area from the peripheral insulating area. A magnetic winding coil is disposed within the trench and separates the core insulating area from the peripheral insulating area. A conductive inner core is disposed within the core insulating area and is surrounded by the magnetic winding coil. The conductive inner core is made of a first material that is electrically conductive, and the magnetic winding coil is made of a second material that is magnetic and differs from the first material.