Multi-Layer Inductor Design for High Inductance in Miniaturized Form
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Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized inductors face challenges in securing sufficient inductance due to reduced coil size and number of turns, making it difficult to maintain high inductance and quality factor in thin film type inductors used in IT devices.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a body with a coil and a support member, featuring first and second coils with lead and connection portions, and external electrodes, where the coils are connected via a via, allowing for increased winding length without changing the inductor's size or materials, thereby enhancing inductance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of thin film type inductor is decreased for miniaturization, then the volume and weight are reduced, but the inductance L and quality factor Q decrease due to reduced coil area and number of turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-layer coil structure to a multi-layer stacked coil structure, utilizing the vertical dimension (thickness direction) to increase the effective coil area. The first and second coils are disposed on different surfaces of the magnetic layer, connected in parallel through vias, effectively increasing inductance without increasing the planar footprint of the inductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds multiple coil structures within the same magnetic layer by stacking them in the thickness direction. The first coil and second coil are nested within the same magnetic layer structure, with their ends connected through vias, creating a compact multi-layer configuration that increases inductance while maintaining miniaturization.
2Length of moving object
If the number of turns of the coil is decreased to reduce inductor size, then the inductor becomes more compact, but the inductance L decreases making it difficult to secure sufficient inductance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent compensates for reduced number of turns by utilizing the thickness direction to create multiple coil layers. The first and second coils are disposed on different surfaces of the magnetic layer, effectively increasing the total wire length and inductance without increasing the planar dimensions of the inductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining magnetic layer with embedded coils, where the magnetic material enhances the inductance of each coil turn. This composite approach allows achieving sufficient total inductance with fewer turns compared to non-magnetic core designs.
3Area of stationary object
If the area in which the coil is formed is decreased for miniaturization, then the inductor size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to secure sufficient inductance thereby decreasing inductance L and quality factor Q
Solution Approach 1:
The patent overcomes the limited planar area by extending the coil structure into the thickness dimension. Multiple coils are stacked vertically within the same magnetic layer, increasing the effective coil area and inductance without increasing the planar footprint of the inductor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the coil structure into multiple segments (first coil and second coil) that are disposed on different surfaces of the magnetic layer. These segmented coils are connected in parallel through vias, with each segment contributing to the total inductance while fitting within the constrained planar area.
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 configuration increases inductance by optimizing the exposure positions of the lead portions and winding lengths of the coils, improving the electrical properties of miniaturized inductors while maintaining compact size.
Implementation Method 1
The support member may include a via connecting the first and second coils to each other
Implementation Method 2
An inductor is a representative passive element configuring an electronic circuit together with a resistor and a capacitor to remove noise. The inductor is combined with a capacitor that uses electromagnetic characteristics to configure a resonance circuit amplifying a signal in a specific frequency band, a filter circuit, or the like.
Data Source
AI summary
An inductor includes a body including a coil, and a support member and external electrodes disposed on an outer surface of the body. The coil may include first and second coils, wherein the first coil does not coincide with a coil mirror-symmetric to the second coil, based on one surface of the body. This is due to the fact that exposure positions of lead portions of the first and second coils exposed to the outer surface of the body are different from each other.