Integrated Transformer Field Plate Winding Fringing Effect
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated transformers in electronic devices suffer from fringing effects due to electric fields between windings, leading to potential deterioration or destruction, especially under high voltage conditions, which compromises the operation of System-on-Chip (SoC) devices.
Innovation Solution
An integrated transformer design featuring a primary and secondary winding with a dielectric portion between them, along with a field plate winding electrically coupled to the primary winding, which extends laterally to distribute equipotential surfaces and reduce electric field peaks, and optionally incorporating an attenuation layer with a high dielectric coefficient to further mitigate fringing effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional integrated transformer structure is used, then the transformer can be integrated into SoC devices, but fringing effects cause local concentration of electric field leading to deterioration or destruction of the primary winding
Solution Approach 1:
A field plate winding is introduced as an intermediary component between the primary and secondary windings. This field plate winding acts as a mediator to redistribute and equalize the electric field distribution, preventing direct harmful interaction between the primary and secondary windings while maintaining the integrated transformer's functionality within SoC devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters of the system by introducing a field plate winding with specific capacitance values (e.g., at least 50 pF, or at least 100 pF) and specific inductance ratios (e.g., Lp/Lf between 0.5 and 2.0). These parameter changes enable the field plate to effectively counterbalance the fringing effects and achieve uniform electric field distribution.
2Power
If the primary winding is subjected to high intensity voltage, then the transformer can operate under high voltage conditions, but the fringing effect causes local concentration of electric field at the outer coil edges leading to burning or rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The field plate winding is configured in advance to counteract the harmful fringing effects before they can cause damage. By pre-establishing the field plate with appropriate inductance and capacitance values, the system proactively neutralizes the electric field concentration that would otherwise occur at the outer coil edges during high voltage operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The field plate winding is designed to create equipotential surfaces that equalize the electric field distribution across the transformer structure. This equipotential configuration ensures that no localized region experiences excessive electric field concentration, even when the transformer operates under high voltage conditions.
3Reliability
If the field plate winding is designed with high inductance and capacitance values, then the fringing effects are effectively suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field plate winding is merged with the existing primary and secondary windings to form an integrated three-winding structure. This merging approach allows the field plate functionality to be incorporated into the transformer's existing metallization layers and structural framework, minimizing additional complexity while achieving effective fringing effect suppression.
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 solution effectively suppresses or mitigates fringing effects, enhancing the robustness of the transformer and preventing damage from electric field peaks, allowing the transformer to operate reliably under high voltage conditions with reduced risk of burning or rupture.
Implementation Method 1
the physical phenomenon called fringing effect may occur. The fringing effect causes a local concentration of the electric field in correspondence of an edge (or fringe) of the outer coil of the inductor which forms the upper winding
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric portion of dielectric material interposed between the primary winding and the secondary winding
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding each having a spiral planar arrangement coils. A dielectric portion of dielectric material is interposed between the primary winding and the secondary winding. A field plate winding is electrically coupled with the primary winding. The field plate winding includes at least one field plate coil having a first lateral extension greater than a second lateral extension of a primary outer coil of the primary winding. The field plate coil is superimposed in plan view to the primary outer coil of the primary winding.