Power Supply System with Recessed Inductor for Tracker Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power supply systems with tracker modules and power inductors face challenges in reducing size due to the spatial occupancy of these components, making it difficult to miniaturize the system effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system design that includes a first board with a tracker module and a power inductor, where the tracker module has a second board with IC chips containing switches for a pre-regulator circuit, switched-capacitor circuit, and supply modulator, and the power inductor is partially housed in a recess on the first board, allowing for efficient spatial arrangement and size reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the tracker module and power inductor are disposed separately on the first board, then each component can be independently designed and manufactured, but the overall system size increases due to the space occupied by both components
Solution Approach 1:
The power inductor is disposed inside the recess of the tracker module's second board, creating a nested configuration where one component occupies the space of another. This nesting approach allows both the tracker module and power inductor to coexist in a compact arrangement, reducing the overall system footprint while maintaining independent component designs
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by utilizing the recess (vertical depth) of the tracker module. By placing the power inductor in the recess rather than beside the tracker module on the same plane, the design efficiently uses the Z-axis dimension to reduce the X-Y plane occupation area
2Area of stationary object
If the power inductor is integrated into the tracker module, then the system size is reduced, but the tracker module cannot be miniaturized further due to the space occupied by the power inductor
Solution Approach 1:
The power inductor is nested within the recess of the tracker module's second board, allowing the inductor to occupy space that would otherwise be unused. This nesting enables the tracker module to maintain a compact form factor while accommodating the power inductor, effectively reducing the overall system size without proportionally increasing the tracker module's external dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The recess is created at a specific location on the second board to accommodate the power inductor, allowing the rest of the tracker module to maintain its compact design. This localized structural modification enables space optimization without compromising the overall miniaturization of the tracker module
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 reduces the overall size of the power supply system by minimizing unnecessary space between the tracker module and power inductor, enabling a more compact form factor while maintaining effective heat dissipation and noise resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-regulator circuit is configured to convert an input voltage into an adjustment voltage by using the power inductor
Implementation Method 2
The switched-capacitor circuit is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages based on the adjustment voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system is provided that includes a first board, a tracker module disposed at the first board, and a power inductor disposed at the first board. The tracker module includes a second board and at least one IC chip disposed at the second board. The at least one IC chip includes at least one switch included in a pre-regulator circuit, at least one switch included in a switched-capacitor circuit, and at least one switch included in a supply modulator. In a plan view in a thickness direction of the first board, the second board has a recess, and at least a portion of the power inductor is disposed in the recess.