Tracker Module Capacitor Layout for Lower Wiring Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Resistance losses in the wiring lines of a switched-capacitor circuit lead to deteriorated output characteristics in power modulation circuits.
Innovation Solution
A tracker module with a specific arrangement of capacitors and switches in a switched-capacitor circuit, where the first capacitor is closer to the integrated circuit than the second capacitor, reducing resistance losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the wiring lines of the switched-capacitor circuit are extended to connect capacitors, then the circuit functionality is achieved, but resistance losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a planar two-dimensional layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The first capacitor is placed on the same substrate as the integrated circuit, while the second capacitor is positioned on a different layer or substrate, connected through vertical wiring. This spatial reorganization reduces the horizontal wiring distance and associated resistance losses while maintaining all necessary circuit connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit is divided into functionally separated modules: the integrated circuit with the first capacitor on one substrate, and the second capacitor on a separate substrate or layer. This segmentation allows optimization of wiring paths for each module independently, reducing overall resistance losses while maintaining circuit functionality.
2Loss of energy
If capacitors are arranged close to the integrated circuit, then resistance losses are reduced, but the available space for other components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By utilizing the third dimension (vertical stacking), the patent places the first capacitor in close proximity to the integrated circuit on the same layer, minimizing wiring resistance. Simultaneously, the second capacitor is positioned on a different layer or substrate, effectively using vertical space rather than horizontal space. This resolves the contradiction by satisfying both the resistance reduction requirement and the space availability requirement through spatial reorganization.
Data Source
AI summary
A tracker module includes an integrated circuit, a first capacitor and a second capacitor arranged in or on a module laminate. The integrated circuit includes at least one switch in a switched-capacitor circuit and at least one switch in a supply modulator. The switched-capacitor circuit is configured to generate a plurality of discrete voltages. The supply modulator is configured to generate an output voltage by selectively switching among the plurality of discrete voltages based on a control signal. The first capacitor is a flying capacitor of the switched-capacitor circuit. The second capacitor is a smoothing capacitor of the switched-capacitor circuit. In a plan view of the module laminate, the first capacitor is arranged closer to the integrated circuit than the capacitor.