Stacked VRM Inductor Assembly for Low Thermal Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The bottleneck of voltage regulation modules (VRM) in modern processors with low power supply voltage and high current demand is the heat dissipation, limiting the improvement of output current and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator module with an inductor assembly featuring a magnetic core and windings, optimized for low thermal resistance, where the inductor and intelligent power module (IPM) unit are stacked, and the inductor winding is designed to enhance thermal connection and heat dissipation, reducing upward thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the output current of the voltage regulation module is increased, then the power supply capability is improved, but the heat dissipation burden increases and limits further improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from planar arrangement to three-dimensional stacked architecture, placing the inductor directly above the IPM unit to create vertical thermal conduction paths, effectively utilizing the third dimension to improve heat dissipation while maintaining high current output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor serves as a thermal intermediary component, with its magnetic core and winding structure providing a thermal conduction pathway that transfers heat from the IPM unit to the heatsink, enabling efficient heat removal from the power conversion path
2Temperature
If the thermal connection between inductor winding and IPM unit is enhanced, then the upward thermal resistance is reduced, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inductor and IPM unit into a single stacked assembly with integrated thermal pathways, where the inductor winding is positioned to directly contact or closely approach the IPM unit, creating unified thermal management without requiring separate complex thermal interface structures
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor structure serves dual functions: electrical energy storage for power conversion and thermal conduction pathway for heat dissipation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated thermal management components and reducing overall structural 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
The module achieves low thermal resistance, good heat dissipation, large output current, and high conversion efficiency, addressing the heat dissipation limitations of VRM.
Implementation Method 1
heat generated by the IPM unit is transmitted to the top surface of the inductor through the magnetic material of the inductor and the winding
Implementation Method 2
heat generated by the IPM unit is transmitted to the top surface of the inductor through the magnetic material of the inductor and the winding
Data Source
AI summary
A voltage regulation module with low thermal resistance is provided. The voltage regulation module includes a top inductor and a bottom assembly. The top inductor includes a magnetic core and a winding, and the winding includes a first winding and a second winding; the bottom assembly comprises a bottom substrate and an IPM unit. The first winding and the second winding both comprise a first pin and a second pin. The first pin and the second pin are both arranged on the bottom surface of the magnetic core and are electrically connected with the bottom substrate; and the inductor. The IPM unit and the bottom substrate are sequentially stacked. The upward thermal resistance of the voltage regulation module is reduced by optimally designing the shape structure of the inductor winding and optimizing the thermal connection between the inductor winding and the IPM unit.