Magnetically Coupled Inductors for Power Over Data Line Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power over data line applications face mode conversion issues due to asymmetry between data-line conductors, leading to interference from common mode signals, which existing technologies fail to mitigate effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetically coupled inductors with conductive coils wound in opposite directions around a common magnetic core, along with symmetric conductive leads and orientation of the magnetic core parallel to data-line traces, reduces mode conversion by employing destructive flux configurations and symmetric lead lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power is transmitted over data-line conductors, then the need for dedicated power and ground lines is reduced, but mode conversion issues arise due to asymmetry between conductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric inductor winding configurations where the first inductor has windings wound in a first direction and the second inductor has windings wound in a second direction (opposite to the first direction). This asymmetric winding arrangement creates opposing magnetic fluxes that cancel common mode signals, thereby reducing mode conversion interference while enabling power transmission over data-line conductors.
2Loss of energy
If inductors are used for power coupling, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two inductors with opposite winding directions into a single integrated structure with a shared magnetic core. This merging approach maintains the power coupling efficiency benefits of using inductors while reducing the overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate magnetic cores and windings for each inductor, thereby achieving both energy efficiency and structural simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If symmetric lead lengths are used, then mode conversion is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by designing the inductor windings to generate opposing magnetic fluxes that proactively cancel common mode signals before they can cause mode conversion interference. The asymmetric winding configuration is built into the inductor structure itself, providing inherent common mode rejection that reduces mode conversion without relying solely on precise lead length matching, thereby lowering manufacturing precision requirements.
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 minimizes mode conversion, allowing for efficient power transmission and reception over data-line conductors while maintaining low attenuation of differential data signals, thereby enhancing data channel bandwidth and reducing the need for dedicated power and ground lines.
Implementation Method 1
a first conductive coil wound in a first winding direction around the magnetic core; a second conductive coil wound in a second winding direction around the magnetic core
Implementation Method 2
magnetically coupled inductors with conductive coils wound in opposite directions around a common magnetic core, along with symmetric conductive leads and orientation of the magnetic core parallel to data-line traces, reduces mode conversion by employing destructive flux configurations
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for power over data line applications with low mode conversion are described. For example, an apparatus may include a magnetic core; a first conductive coil wound in a first winding direction around the magnetic core; a second conductive coil wound in a second winding direction around the magnetic core; a first conductive lead connecting a first end of the first conductive coil to a first pin; a second conductive lead connecting a second end of the first conductive coil to a second pin; a third conductive lead connecting a first end of the second conductive coil to a third pin, wherein lengths of the first conductive lead and the third conductive lead are equal; and a fourth conductive lead connecting a second end of the second conductive coil to a fourth pin, wherein lengths of the second conductive lead and the fourth conductive lead are equal.