Transformer Winding Layout for High-Ratio Power Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing power requirements of intelligent data processing chips, such as GPUs and CPUs, necessitate a power conversion system that can handle higher input voltages and lower output voltages, while maintaining efficiency and reliability, particularly in two-stage step-down circuit architectures.

Innovation Solution

A power conversion device with optimized transformer winding and component layout, incorporating a first and second switch bridge arm, flying capacitors, and a magnetic assembly, to achieve a voltage ratio of 5:1 or 8:1, reducing losses and improving reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the voltage ratio of the proportional converter is increased to 5:1 or 8:1 to reduce the input voltage of the rear-stage voltage regulator, then the reliability of the rear-stage voltage regulator is improved, but the conversion loss and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of rear-stage voltage regulatorVSAvoidconversion loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power conversion system is divided into two stages: a front-stage proportional converter that performs the majority of voltage reduction (48V to intermediate voltage with 5:1 or 8:1 ratio), and a rear-stage voltage regulator that performs fine-tuning. This segmentation allows each stage to operate in its optimal range, improving overall efficiency and reliability while distributing the conversion stress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes key parameters including the transformer turns ratio (configured for 5:1 or 8:1 voltage reduction), switching frequency, and component values to minimize conversion loss while achieving the required voltage ratio. The flying capacitor voltage is precisely controlled to maintain optimal operation points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the voltage ratio of the proportional converter is increased to 5:1 or 8:1 to reduce the input voltage of the rear-stage voltage regulator, then the reliability of the rear-stage voltage regulator is improved, but the device volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of rear-stage voltage regulatorVSAvoidvolume of proportional converter
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the transformer incorporates both isolation and voltage transformation functions, the flying capacitors serve both as energy storage and voltage regulation elements, and the switch bridge arms are integrated with the transformer windings. This merging reduces overall device volume while maintaining the required 5:1 or 8:1 voltage ratio.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes three-dimensional space optimization in the transformer winding arrangement and component layout, stacking components vertically and arranging windings in multiple layers to maximize space utilization. This dimensional optimization reduces the footprint and volume of the proportional converter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Loss of energy

If the transformer winding mode and power device layout are optimized to reduce loss and volume, then the conversion efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconversion lossVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer winding configuration uses asymmetric winding patterns optimized for minimal parasitic inductance and resistance, with primary and secondary windings arranged in specific geometric patterns that reduce leakage inductance. The power device layout on the PCB also employs asymmetric placement to minimize current loop areas and reduce switching losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces standardized intermediate components such as pre-designed transformer modules with optimized winding patterns, standardized flying capacitor values, and modular switch bridge arm assemblies. These intermediary elements simplify the manufacturing process while maintaining the optimized performance characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If an auxiliary power supply circuit is added to improve cross-regulation rate and voltage detection precision, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision of input voltage detected on output sideVSAvoidcomplexity of power conversion device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary power supply circuit performs multiple functions: it provides precise voltage detection and measurement, generates reference voltages for the control system, powers the feedback circuitry, and enables cross-regulation between multiple output voltages. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating several subsystems into one integrated auxiliary power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary power supply circuit incorporates precise feedback mechanisms including voltage sampling networks, error amplifiers, and regulation loops that continuously monitor and adjust the detected voltages. This feedback system achieves high measurement precision and cross-regulation performance by constantly comparing actual voltages with reference values and making real-time corrections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enables efficient conversion of 48V input voltage to 0.65V output with low loss and small size, while enhancing the reliability of the rear-stage voltage regulator and improving voltage detection precision.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic assembly comprises a magnetic core, a first primary winding, a second primary winding, a first secondary winding and a second secondary winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The first flying capacitor and the second flying capacitor are disposed adjacent to the second side surface. The first flying capacitor is bridged between the first upper node and the first end of the first primary winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20250343487A1Power conversion device and start-up device for power conversion device
Publication Date: 2025.11.06 SHANGHAI METAPWR ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20250343487A1 patent drawing
  • US20250343487A1 patent drawing
  • US20250343487A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A power conversion device includes an input end, an output end, a first switch bridge arm, a second switch bridge arm, a first flying capacitor, a second flying capacitor, an output capacitor, and a magnetic assembly. Through a winding mode of a transformer winding, the requirement that the ratio of the input voltage to the output voltage is 5:1 or even 8:1 can be met, and the winding mode of the transformer winding and the layout of the power devices are optimized, so that the loss is reduced, and the size is reduced.