Magnetic Power Coupling for IC Voltage Drop Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional processor power supplies face challenges in delivering high-current, low-voltage power efficiently due to voltage drops and high supply impedance, especially when handling high-voltage signals for direct conversion in data centers.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic power supply coupling system that uses a transformer with a primary winding external to the integrated circuit module to induce an alternating current in a secondary winding, which is then converted to direct current, eliminating voltage drops and reducing the number of conversion stages needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a high-current low-voltage power supply is brought onto a package or module that encloses the processor integrated circuit electrically, then power delivery capability is improved, but voltage drop and high supply impedance occur due to wire resistance and inductance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery capabilityVSAvoidvoltage drop

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary to transfer power from an external source to the integrated circuit module. Instead of directly conducting high-current low-voltage power through wires (which causes voltage drop), the system uses magnetic coupling where a primary winding generates a magnetic field that induces current in a secondary winding on the module, eliminating the need for high-current wire connections and reducing resistive losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical conduction mechanism (mechanical wire connections) with electromagnetic induction. By substituting direct electrical contact with magnetic field coupling, the system eliminates the physical limitations of wire resistance and inductance, allowing power to be transferred without the harmful effects of voltage drop and supply impedance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If a three-stage step-down process is used to convert 480 VAC to processor supply voltage, then power conversion is achieved, but significant energy losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower conversion capabilityVSAvoidenergy losses

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power conversion function from the conventional three-stage regulator architecture and implements it as a single magnetic coupling stage. By removing two of the three conversion stages and replacing them with direct magnetic coupling, the system achieves power conversion with fewer energy conversion steps, thereby reducing cumulative energy losses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using the conventional approach of stepping down voltage through multiple regulated stages (high voltage to low voltage), the patent inverts the approach by using magnetic coupling to directly induce the required low-voltage high-current output from an external high-voltage source, effectively reversing the traditional power conversion architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution provides efficient, low-voltage high-current direct current power directly to the integrated circuit module, reducing voltage drops and minimizing the number of conversion stages compared to conventional methods, thereby enhancing power delivery efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a secondary winding that is configured to generate an induced, alternating current in response to an alternating magnetic flux. A primary winding is external to the integrated circuit module, proximate to the integrated circuit module, and coupled to a main power supply corresponding to an alternating current that generates the magnetic flux

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10361023B2Magnetic power coupling to an integrated circuit module

Publication Date: 2019.07.23 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

A magnetic power supply coupling system is disclosed. An integrated circuit module includes an integrated circuit die and a secondary winding that is configured to generate an induced, alternating current based on a magnetic flux. A primary winding is external to the integrated circuit module, proximate to the integrated circuit module, and coupled to a main power supply corresponding to an alternating current that generates the magnetic flux. The induced, alternating current is converted into a direct current at a voltage level to supply power to the integrated circuit die.