Power Supply Module Vertical Component Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply modules have a large footprint due to the mounting configuration of electronic components, which hinders further miniaturization and integration in compact electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A power supply module design featuring a substrate with perpendicular surfaces, where electronic components are mounted on one surface and an inductor on the other, sealed by resin members, allowing for a smaller footprint and improved noise suppression through optimized component placement and resin shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If electronic components are mounted on the top surface of a chip inductor to reduce module size, then the footprint is reduced, but the inductor and components occupy the same planar space which may cause electromagnetic interference and thermal issues

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar mounting to three-dimensional vertical stacking. The chip inductor is positioned on the substrate, and electronic components are mounted on the vertical sidewalls of the inductor, utilizing the Z-dimension to reduce planar footprint while maintaining spatial separation between the inductor and components, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If multiple electronic components are mounted on a single substrate surface, then integration density increases, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration densityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

Components are distributed across different vertical levels and surfaces. The substrate provides a first mounting surface, while the vertical sidewalls of the chip inductor provide additional mounting surfaces at different heights. This vertical distribution improves heat dissipation by exposing components to different thermal environments and increasing surface area for heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If the module uses a compact vertical structure to reduce footprint, then size is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefootprintVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The module is segmented into distinct functional zones: the substrate layer, the chip inductor with defined sidewalls, and the mounted electronic components. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes for each component, which are then assembled in a systematic sequence, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the three-dimensional structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chip inductor serves as an intermediary structure that provides both its functional inductance and a mechanical platform for mounting components on its sidewalls. This dual-function design simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for separate mounting fixtures or additional support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3432458B1Power supply module and power supply device
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • EP3432458B1 patent drawingFigure 1(A)~1(B)
  • EP3432458B1 patent drawingFigure 2(A)~2(B)
  • EP3432458B1 patent drawingFigure 3(A)~3(B)

AI summary

A power supply module (101) has a first outer surface (VS1) and a second outer surface (VS2) that is adjacent to the first outer surface (VS1) and perpendicular to the first outer surface (VS1). The power supply module (101) includes a substrate (1) that has a first surface (PS1) and a side surface (SS1), a plurality of electronic components (a control IC (3), a capacitor (21), switching elements (31, 32), and the like) that are mounted at least on the first surface (PS1), a first resin material (11) that is formed on the first surface (PS1), and terminal electrodes (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6) that are exposed at least at the first outer surface (VS1). The first resin member (11) seals the electronic components mounted on the first surface (PS1). In the substrate (1), the first surface (PS1) is perpendicular to the first outer surface (VS1), and the first outer surface (VS1) is formed so as to extend at least across the side surface (SS1) of the substrate (1) and the first resin member (11). The area of the first outer surface (VS1) is smaller than the area of the second outer surface (VS2).