PCB Power Distribution Network Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power delivery networks in computing devices suffer from noise suppression and isolation issues, which can adversely affect the performance of subsystems by inducing AC current and voltage fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a printed circuit board (PCB) with a power distribution layer comprising a root conductive region and branch conductive regions, where each branch is insulated from others by non-conductive regions, effectively isolates noise by increasing the inductance of the conductive paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a power plane with low-impedance path is used to supply power to multiple chips, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but noise transmission to other subsystems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution network is segmented into multiple isolated branches, each serving specific subsystems. The power distribution layer is divided into first and second separate branches with no conductive coupling between them, preventing noise propagation from one branch to another while maintaining efficient power delivery to each subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive regions act as intermediaries between adjacent conductive regions in the power distribution layer. These insulating structures block electromagnetic coupling and noise transmission between different power branches while allowing each branch to independently deliver power to its connected subsystems.
2Device complexity
If noise suppression techniques such as adding capacitance are employed, then overall power delivery network impedance is reduced, but noise isolation between subsystems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution network is divided into spatially separated branches that are electrically isolated from each other. This segmentation inherently provides noise isolation without requiring additional noise suppression components, as the physical separation itself prevents noise coupling between subsystems.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive regions serve as inherent isolating intermediaries between power branches. These insulating structures naturally block noise transmission without requiring additional active noise suppression components, achieving both low impedance power delivery and effective noise isolation simultaneously.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conductive paths are made longer to increase inductance for noise isolation, then noise isolation is improved, but power delivery efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The power distribution layer is segmented into multiple independent branches, each with its own dedicated conductive path to subsystems. This segmentation provides noise isolation through electrical separation while maintaining short, efficient conductive paths within each branch, avoiding the need for unnecessarily long paths that would reduce power delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the power distribution layer have different conductive properties optimized for their specific functions. Branches are designed with appropriate local conductive characteristics to balance noise isolation requirements with power delivery efficiency, rather than using uniform long paths throughout the entire network.
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 improves power supply noise isolation between subsystems, enhancing the overall performance and reliability of computing devices by reducing the impact of noise-induced fluctuations on power supply voltages.
Implementation Method 1
Each branch conductive region may be insulated from other branch conductive regions by a non-conductive region
Implementation Method 2
effectively isolates noise by increasing the inductance of the conductive paths
Data Source
AI summary
A system for power delivery network (“PDN”) isolation includes a multi-layer printed circuit board (“PCB”) in which a power distribution layer has a root conductive region and two or more branch conductive regions fanning out from the root conductive region. Each branch conductive region is insulated from other branch conductive regions by a non-conductive region. Each branch conductive region has at least one power delivery connection. Each of various electronic circuits mounted on the PCB and sharing the same PDN may be shorted to one of the branch conductive regions.