Planar Transformer With Integrated Y-Capacitor EMI Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The use of a separate Y-capacitor in power supply devices increases costs and reduces the compactness of power supply devices due to its physical presence, while existing planar transformers struggle to effectively manage electromagnetic interference (EMI) within the required frequency ranges.
Innovation Solution
A planar transformer design that integrates an EMI reduction unit within its stacked multi-layer printed circuit board structure, eliminating the need for a separate Y-capacitor by utilizing a conductor pattern with spiral directions and vias to connect output terminals, mimicking the noise coupling function of a Y-capacitor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate Y-capacitor is mounted on the power supply device, then radiation noise is removed effectively, but the cost increases and the device size becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the Y-capacitor function into the planar transformer by integrating a noise coupling capacitor directly into the transformer structure. The capacitor is formed within the multi-layer printed circuit board that constitutes the transformer, combining what were previously separate components (transformer and Y-capacitor) into a single integrated unit. This eliminates the need for a separate mounted Y-capacitor while maintaining EMI filtering effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar transformer is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides electromagnetic transformation while simultaneously incorporating EMI filtering capabilities through the integrated noise coupling capacitor. The multi-layer PCB structure serves both as the transformer winding support and as the capacitor formation medium, allowing the same structure to fulfill both transformation and noise suppression roles.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate Y-capacitor is mounted on the power supply device, then radiation noise is removed effectively, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Y-capacitor function is merged into the planar transformer volume, eliminating the need for additional mounting space. The capacitor is formed within the existing multi-layer PCB structure of the transformer, so no extra volume is required beyond what is already allocated for the transformer itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise coupling capacitor is nested within the multi-layer printed circuit board structure of the planar transformer. The capacitor traces and vias are embedded within the same PCB layers that form the transformer windings, creating a compact nested configuration where the capacitor functionality is contained within the transformer's existing footprint.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a separate Y-capacitor is mounted on the power supply device, then radiation noise is removed effectively, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transformer and Y-capacitor into a single manufactured unit. The multi-layer PCB is fabricated with both the transformer winding traces and the noise coupling capacitor traces in the same manufacturing process, eliminating the need for separate component procurement, inventory management, and assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar transformer structure provides its own EMI filtering function through the integrated capacitor, making the system self-sufficient. The transformer includes its own noise suppression capability built-in, eliminating the need for additional separate EMI filtering components and reducing overall system complexity.
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 integration reduces the volume and cost of the power supply device while maintaining EMI reduction efficiency, ensuring performance comparable to devices with separate Y-capacitors, with no significant loss in efficiency and maintaining a compact size.
Implementation Method 1
a conductor pattern which includes a first pattern formed in a first spiral direction and a second pattern formed in a second spiral direction, that is, the same as the first spiral direction, respectively on stacked layers different from each other, and the first and second patterns are electrically connected to each other via at least one via
Data Source
AI summary
A planar transformer is disclosed. The disclosed planar transformer includes: a magnetic core; a first coil unit formed in a conductor pattern in a plurality of layers stacked in the magnetic core; a second coil unit formed in a conductor pattern in the plurality of layers stacked in the magnetic core; an electromagnetic interference (EMI) reduction unit disposed on the output end of the second coil unit; and a base for accommodating the magnetic core and the coil units.