TLVR Inductor Coupling Layout Without a Compensation Inductor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trans-inductor voltage regulators (TLVRs) occupy significant footprint and incur higher production costs due to the need for a compensation inductor, leading to processing inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Configure the TLVR inductor with controlled leakage inductance to replace the compensation inductor, adjusting the coupling coefficient between primary and secondary windings to achieve equivalent inductance, thereby eliminating the need for a discrete compensation inductor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compensation inductor is used in TLVR design, then transient response performance is improved, but device footprint and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compensation inductor function with the secondary winding of the TLVR inductor by configuring the secondary winding to have controlled leakage inductance. This integration eliminates the need for a separate compensation inductor while maintaining the required transient response performance, thereby reducing device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary winding is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the necessary inductance for voltage regulation and simultaneously provides the leakage inductance that acts as compensation inductance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated compensation components.
2Reliability
If a compensation inductor is used in TLVR design, then transient response performance is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the compensation function into the secondary winding configuration, the patent reduces the number of discrete components that need to be procured, stored, and assembled. This integration directly reduces production costs while maintaining transient response performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the compensation function from a separate component and integrates it into the existing secondary winding structure, eliminating the need for additional compensation inductors and their associated assembly operations.
3Power
If TLVR is configured with traditional multi-phase buck VR, then power capability is maintained, but processing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the inductance parameters of the secondary winding to achieve controlled leakage inductance, which enables the TLVR to achieve both high power capability and improved processing efficiency through optimized magnetic coupling between windings.
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
Reduces cost, space, and improves power capability by optimizing the TLVR design, allowing for additional phases without increasing physical size.
Implementation Method 1
a secondary winding inductively coupled to the at least one primary winding, the at least one secondary winding comprising leakage inductance
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a voltage regulator (VR) inductor includes determining a compensation inductance of a compensation inductor in a secondary winding of the VR inductor. The method further includes determining leakage inductance in the secondary winding. The method further includes determining an equivalent inductance of the secondary winding based on the compensation inductance and the leakage inductance. The method further includes reconfiguring the secondary winding based on removing the compensation inductor, to obtain a reconfigured secondary winding. The method further includes adjusting a coupling coefficient between a primary winding of the VR inductor and the secondary winding to adjust the equivalent inductance. The adjusting of the coupling coefficient is based on the removing of the compensation inductor.