PCB Coil Layout for Current Sensing in Power Switch Stacks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic power devices face challenges in capturing current information without impacting power circuit performance or switching efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An electronic power device with a detection apparatus comprising a coil mounted on a printed circuit board adjacent to connection terminals, aligned in the same geometric plane, measures magnetic fields generated by current variations, transforming them into voltage for current information without additional power supply.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a detection apparatus is integrated into the power device to capture current information, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent information detectionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection apparatus is merged with the printed circuit board by mounting the coil directly on the PCB adjacent to the connection terminals. This integration allows current information detection to be incorporated into the existing power device structure without adding separate detection modules, thereby improving measurement capability while minimizing increases in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil acts as an intermediary element that measures the magnetic field generated by current flow between the connection terminals. By detecting the magnetic field rather than directly measuring current, the system achieves accurate current information detection while maintaining electrical isolation and minimizing impact on the power circuit operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a coil is added to measure magnetic field for current detection, then measurement capability is improved, but power circuit performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent variation detectionVSAvoidpower circuit performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coil serves as a non-intrusive intermediary that detects the magnetic field generated by current flow without directly contacting or interfering with the power circuit. This indirect measurement approach allows accurate detection of current variations while maintaining the integrity and performance of the power circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces direct electrical measurement methods with magnetic field detection. By using the coil to sense the magnetic field generated by current flow, the system achieves current detection without introducing additional electrical paths or components that could affect power circuit performance or switching efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If additional detection components are integrated, then measurement functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic field measurementVSAvoidintegration process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coil is mounted directly on the printed circuit board during the existing PCB assembly process, merging the detection function with the manufacturing流程 of the power device. This approach allows the detection apparatus to be integrated using standard PCB mounting techniques, improving measurement functionality while avoiding significant increases in manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables current variation detection without affecting power circuit performance or switching efficiency, facilitating integration and optimizing control through magnetic field measurement.

Implementation Method 1

the coil is configured to measure the magnetic field existing between said terminals in said plane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4617678A1Improved electronic power device
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 ALSTOM HOLDINGS SA
  • EP4617678A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617678A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617678A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The electronic power device (2) comprises a first power switch (S1) and a second power switch (S2) connected in series between first (6) and second (8) connection terminals of the device (2), and a detection apparatus comprising at least one coil (12) associated with the first and second connection terminals, and an electronic processing circuit (14) configured to detect an electrical voltage measured by said coil (12). The coil (12) is mounted on a printed circuit board (16) adjacent said first (6) and second (8) connection terminals and aligned, substantially in the same geometric plane as said printed circuit board (16). The coil (12) is configured to measure the magnetic field existing between said terminals (6, 8) in said plane (P1).