MAGNETIC COMPONENTS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The field of the invention relates generally to magnetic components and their manufacture, and more specifically to magnetic, surface mount electronic components such as inductors and transformers.

[0002] With advancements in electronic packaging, the manufacture of smaller, yet more powerful, electronic devices has become possible. To reduce an overall size of such devices, electronic components used to manufacture them have become increasingly miniaturized. Manufacturing electronic components to meet such requirements presents many difficulties, thereby making manufacturing processes more expensive, and undesirably increasing the cost of the electronic components.

[0003] Manufacturing processes for magnetic components such as inductors and transformers, like other components, have been scrutinized as a way to reduce costs in the highly competitive electronics manufacturing business. Reduction of manufacturing costs is particularly desirable when the components being manufactured are low cost, high volume components. In high volume, mass production processes for such components, and also electronic devices utilizing the components, any reduction in manufacturing costs is, of course, significant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of magnetic component assemblies and methods of manufacturing the assemblies are disclosed herein that are advantageously utilized to achieve one or more of the following benefits: component structures that are more amenable to produce at a miniaturized level; component structures that are more easily assembled at a miniaturized level; component structures that allow for elimination of manufacturing steps common to known magnetic component constructions; component structures having an increased reliability via more effective manufacturing techniques; component structures having improved performance in similar or reduced package sizes compared to existing magnetic components; component structures having increased power capability compared to conventional, miniaturized, magnetic components; and component structures having unique core and coil constructions offering distinct performance advantages relative to known magnetic component constructions.

[0005] The exemplary component assemblies are believed to be particularly advantageous to construct inductors and transformers, for example. The assemblies may be reliably provided in small package sizes and may include surface mount features for ease of installation to circuit boards.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments are described with reference to the following Figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various drawings unless otherwise specified.

[0007] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0008] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in Figure 1 during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in Figure 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary winding configuration for the miniature power inductor as depicted in Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. [0011] Figure 5 illustrates a coil configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 6 illustrates a cross sectional view of a magnetic component including an arrangement of coils shown in Figure 5.

[0013] Figure 7 is a top schematic view of a magnetic component including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0014] Figure 8 is a top schematic view of another magnetic component assembly including coupled coils.

[0015] Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of the component assembly shown in Figure 8.

[0016] Figure 10 is a top schematic view of another magnetic component assembly including coupled coils.

[0017] Figure 11 is a cross sectional view of the component shown in Figure 10.

[0018] Figure 12 is a top schematic view of another embodiment of a magnetic component including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0019] Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of the component shown in Figure 12.

[0020] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a magnetic component including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0021] Figure 15 is a top schematic view of the component shown in Figure 14. [0022] Figure 16 is a top perspective view of the component shown in Figure 14.

[0023] Figure 17 is a bottom perspective view of the component shown in Figure 14.

[0024] Figure 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a magnetic component including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0025] Figure 19 is a top schematic view of the component shown in Figure 18.

[0026] Figure 20 is a bottom perspective view of the component shown in Figure 18.

[0027] Figure 21 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a magnetic component including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Figure 22 is a top schematic view of the component shown in Figure 21.

[0029] Figure 23 is a bottom perspective view of the component shown in Figure 21.

[0030] Figure 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a magnetic component including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0031] Figure 25 is a top schematic view of the component shown in Figure 24.

[0032] Figure 26 is a bottom perspective view of the component shown in Figure 24. [0033] Figure 27 illustrates simulation and test results of magnetic components including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention versus components having discrete core pieces that are physically gapped.

[0034] Figure 28 illustrates further analysis of magnetic components including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0035] Figure 29 illustrates simulation data of magnetic components including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention versus components having discrete core pieces that are physically gapped.

[0036] Figure 30 illustrates further analysis of magnetic components including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0037] Figure 31 illustrates further analysis of magnetic components including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Figure 32 illustrates simulation and test results of magnetic components including coupled coils in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

[0039] Figure 33 illustrates coupling conclusions derived from the information of Figures 27-31.

[0040] Figure 34 illustrates embodiments of a magnetic component assembly and circuit board layouts therefore.

[0041] Figure 35 illustrates another magnetic component assembly having coupled coils. [0042] Figure 36 is a cross sectional view of the assembly shown in Figure 35.

[0043] Figure 37 illustrates a comparison of ripple current of an embodiment of the present invention having coupled coils versus discrete magnetic components without coupled coils.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Exemplary embodiments of inventive electronic component designs are described herein that overcome numerous difficulties in the art. To understand the invention to its fullest extent, the following disclosure is presented in different segments or parts, wherein Part I discusses particular problems and difficulties, and Part II describes exemplary component constructions and assemblies for overcoming such problems.

[0045] I. Introduction to the Invention

[0046] Conventional magnetic components such as inductors for circuit board applications typically include a magnetic core and a conductive winding, sometimes referred to as a coil, within the core. The core may be fabricated from discrete core pieces fabricated from magnetic material with the winding placed between the core pieces. Various shapes and types of core pieces and assemblies are familiar to those in the art, including but not necessarily limited to U core and I core assemblies, ER core and I core assemblies, ER core and ER core assemblies, a pot core and T core assemblies, and other matching shapes. The discrete core pieces may be bonded together with an adhesive and typically are physically spaced or gapped from one another.

[0047] In some known components, for example, the coils are fabricated from a conductive wire that is wound around the core or a terminal clip. That is, the wire may be wrapped around a core piece, sometimes referred to as a drum core or other bobbin core, after the core pieces has been completely formed. Each free end of the coil may be referred to as a lead and may be used for coupling the inductor to an electrical circuit, either via direct attachment to a circuit board or via an indirect connection through a terminal clip. Especially for small core pieces, winding the coil in a cost effective and reliable manner is challenging. Hand wound components tend to be inconsistent in their performance. The shape of the core pieces renders them quite fragile and prone to core cracking as the coil is wound, and variation in the gaps between the core pieces can produce undesirable variation in component performance. A further difficulty is that the DC resistance ("DCR") may undesirably vary due to uneven winding and tension during the winding process.

[0048] In other known components, the coils of known surface mount magnetic components are typically separately fabricated from the core pieces and later assembled with the core pieces. That is, the coils are sometimes referred to as being pre-formed or pre-wound to avoid issues attributable to hand winding of the coil and to simplify the assembly of the magnetic components. Such pre-formed coils are especially advantageous for small component sizes.

[0049] In order to make electrical connection to the coils when the magnetic components are surface mounted on a circuit board, conductive terminals or clips are typically provided. The clips are assembled on the shaped core pieces and are electrically connected to the respective ends of the coil. The terminal clips typically include generally flat and planar regions that may be electrically connected to conductive traces and pads on a circuit board using, for example, known soldering techniques. When so connected and when the circuit board is energized, electrical current may flow from the circuit board to one of the terminal clips, through the coil to the other of the terminal clips, and back to the circuit board. In the case of an inductor, current flow through the coil induces magnetic fields and energy in the magnetic core. More than one coil may be provided.

[0050] In the case of a transformer, a primary coil and a secondary coil are provided, wherein current flow through the primary coil induces current flow in the secondary coil. The manufacture of transformer components presents similar challenges as inductor components. [0051] For increasingly miniaturized components, providing physically gapped cores is challenging. Establishing and maintaining consistent gap sizes is difficult to reliably accomplish in a cost effective manner.

[0052] A number of practical issues are also presented with regard to making the electrical connection between the coils and the terminal clips in miniaturized, surface mount magnetic components. A rather fragile connection between the coil and terminal clips is typically made external to the core and is consequently vulnerable to separation. In some cases, it is known to wrap the ends of coil around a portion of the clips to ensure a reliable mechanical and electrical connection between the coil and the clips. This has proven tedious, however, from a manufacturing perspective and easier and quicker termination solutions would be desirable. Additionally, wrapping of the coil ends is not practical for certain types of coils, such as coils having rectangular cross section with flat surfaces that are not as flexible as thin, round wire constructions.

[0053] As electronic devices continue recent trends of becoming increasingly powerful, magnetic components such as inductors are also required to conduct increasing amounts of current. As a result the wire gauge used to manufacture the coils is typically increased. Because of the increased size of the wire used to fabricate the coil, when round wire is used to fabricate the coil the ends are typically flattened to a suitable thickness and width to satisfactorily make the mechanical and electrical connection to the terminal clips using for example, soldering, welding, or conductive adhesives and the like. The larger the wire gauge, however, the more difficult it is to flatten the ends of the coil to suitably connect them to the terminal clips. Such difficulties have resulted in inconsistent connections between the coil and the terminal clips that can lead to undesirable performance issues and variation for the magnetic components in use. Reducing such variation has proven very difficult and costly.

[0054] Fabricating the coils from flat, rather than round conductors may alleviate such issues for certain applications, but flat conductors tend to be more rigid and more difficult to form into the coils in the first instance and thus introduce other manufacturing issues. The use of flat, as opposed to round, conductors can also alter the performance of the component in use, sometimes undesirably. Additionally, in some known constructions, particularly those including coils fabricated from flat conductors, termination features such as hooks or other structural features may be formed into the ends of the coil to facilitate connections to the terminal clips. Forming such features into the ends of the coils, however, can introduce further expenses in the manufacturing process.

[0055] Recent trends to reduce the size, yet increase the power and capabilities of electronic devices present still further challenges. As the size of electronic devices are decreased, the size of the electronic components utilized in them must accordingly be reduced, and hence efforts have been directed to economically manufacture power inductors and transformers having relatively small, sometimes miniaturized, structures despite carrying an increased amount of electrical current to power the device. The magnetic core structures are desirably provided with lower and lower profiles relative to circuit boards to allow slim and sometimes very thin profiles of the electrical devices. Meeting such requirement presents still further difficulties. Still other difficulties are presented for components that are connected to multi-phase electrical power systems, wherein accommodating different phases of electrical power in a miniaturized device is difficult.

[0056] Efforts to optimize the footprint and the profile of magnetic components are of great interest to component manufacturers looking to meet the dimensional requirements of modern electronic devices. Each component on a circuit board may be generally defined by a perpendicular width and depth dimension measured in a plane parallel to the circuit board, the product of the width and depth determining the surface area occupied by the component on the circuit board, sometimes referred to as the "footprint" of the component. On the other hand, the overall height of the component, measured in a direction that is normal or perpendicular to the circuit board, is sometimes referred to as the "profile" of the component. The footprint of the components in part determines how many components may be installed on a circuit board, and the profile in part determines the spacing allowed between parallel circuit boards in the electronic device. Smaller electronic devices generally require more components to be installed on each circuit board present, a reduced clearance between adjacent circuit boards, or both.

[0057] However, many known terminal clips used with magnetic components have a tendency to increase the footprint and/or the profile of the component when surface mounted to a circuit board. That is, the clips tend to extend the depth, width and/or height of the components when mounted to a circuit board and undesirably increase the footprint and/or profile of the component. Particularly for clips that are fitted over the external surfaces of the magnetic core pieces at the top, bottom or side portions of the core, the footprint and/or profile of the completed component may be extended by the terminal clips. Even if the extension of the component profile or height is relatively small, the consequences can be substantial as the number of components and circuit boards increases in any given electronic device.

[0058] II. Exemplary Inventive Magnetic Component Assemblies and Methods of Manufacture.

[0059] Exemplary embodiments of magnetic component assemblies will now be discussed that address some of the problems of conventional magnetic components in the art. For discussion purposes, exemplary embodiments of the component assemblies and methods of manufacture are discussed collectively in relation to common design features addressing specific concerns in the art.

[0060] Manufacturing steps associated with the devices described are in part apparent and in part specifically described below. Likewise, devices associated with method steps described are in part apparent and in part explicitly described below. That is the devices and methodology of the invention will not necessarily be separately described in the discussion below, but are believed to be well within the purview of those in the art without further explanation. [0061] Referring to Figures 1-4, several views of an exemplary embodiment of a magnetic component or device 100 are shown. Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view and an exploded view of the top side of a miniature power inductor having a three turn clip winding in an exemplary winding configuration, at least one magnetic powder sheet, and a horizontally oriented core area in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the top side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in Figure 1 during an intermediate manufacturing step in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the bottom side of the miniature power inductor as depicted in Figure 1 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the eleventh winding configuration of the miniature power inductor as depicted in Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0062] According to this embodiment, the miniature power inductor 100 comprises a magnetic body including at least one magnetic powder sheet 101, 102, 104, 106 and a plurality of coils or windings 108, 110, 112, which each may be in the form of a clip, coupled to the at least one magnetic powder sheet 101, 102, 104, 106 in a winding configuration 114. As seen in this embodiment, the miniature power inductor 100 comprises a first magnetic powder sheet 101 having a lower surface 116 and an upper surface opposite the lower surface, a second magnetic powder sheet 102 having a lower surface and an upper surface 118 opposite the lower surface, a third magnetic powder sheet 104 having a lower surface 120 and an upper surface 122, and a fourth magnetic powder sheet 106 having a lower surface 124 and an upper surface 126.

[0063] The magnetic layers 101, 102, 104 and 106 may be provided in relatively thin sheets that may be stacked with the coils or windings 108, 110, 112 and joined to one another in a lamination process or via other techniques known in the art. The magnetic layers 101, 102, 104 and 106 may be prefabricated at a separate stage of manufacture to simplify the formation of the magnetic component at a later assembly stage. The magnetic material is beneficially moldable into a desired shape through, for example, compression molding techniques or other techniques to couple the magnetic layers to the coils and to define the magnetic body into a desired shape. The ability to mold the magnetic material is advantageous in that the magnetic body can be formed around the coils 108, 110, 112 in an integral or monolithic structure including the coil, and a separate manufacturing step of assembling the coil(s) to a magnetic structure is avoided. Various shapes of magnetic bodies may be provided in various embodiments.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, each magnetic powder sheet may be, for example, a magnetic powder sheet manufactured by Chang Sung Incorporated in Incheon, Korea and sold under product number 20u-eff Flexible Magnetic Sheet. Also, these magnetic powder sheets have grains which are dominantly oriented in a particular direction. Thus, a higher inductance may be achieved when the magnetic field is created in the direction of the dominant grain orientation. Although this embodiment depicts four magnetic powder sheets, the number of magnetic sheets may be increased or reduced so as to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Also, although this embodiment depicts a magnetic powder sheet, any flexible sheet may be used that is capable of being laminated may alternatively be used, without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment.

[0065] In further and/or alternative embodiments, the magnetic sheets or layers 101, 102, 104, and 106 may be fabricated from the same type of magnetic particles or different types of magnetic particles. That is, in one embodiment, all the magnetic layers 101, 102, 104, and 106 may be fabricated from one and the same type of magnetic particles such that the layers 101, 102, 104, and 106 have substantially similar, if not identical, magnetic properties. In another embodiment, however, one or more of the layers 101, 102, 104, and 106 could be fabricated from a different type of magnetic powder particle than the other layers. For example, the inner magnetic layers 104 and 106 may include a different type of magnetic particles than the outer magnetic layers 101 and 106, such that the inner layers 104 and 106 have different properties from the outer magnetic layers 101 and 106. The performance characteristics of completed components may accordingly be varied depending on the number of magnetic layers utilized and the type of magnetic materials used to form each of the magnetic layers.

[0066] The third magnetic powder sheet 104, according to this embodiment, may include a first indentation 128 on the lower surface 120 and a first extraction 130 on the upper surface 122 of the third magnetic powder sheet 104, wherein the first indentation 128 and the first extraction 130 extend substantially along the center of the third magnetic powder sheet 104 and from one edge to an opposing edge. The first indentation 128 and the first extraction 130 are oriented in a manner such that when the third magnetic powder sheet 104 is coupled to the second magnetic powder sheet 102, the first indentation 128 and the first extraction 130 extend in the same direction as the plurality of windings 108, 110, 112. The first indentation 128 is designed to encapsulate the plurality of windings 108, 110, 112.

[0067] The fourth magnetic powder sheet 106, according to this embodiment, may include a second indentation 132 on the lower surface 124 and a second extraction 134 on the upper surface 126 of the fourth magnetic powder sheet 106, wherein the second indentation 132 and the second extraction 134 extend substantially along the center of the fourth magnetic powder sheet 106 and from one edge to an opposing edge. The second indentation 132 and the second extraction 134 are oriented in a manner such that when the fourth magnetic powder sheet 106 is coupled to the third magnetic powder sheet 104, the second indentation 132 and the second extraction 134 extend in the same direction as the first indentation 128 and the first extraction 130. The second indentation 132 is designed to encapsulate the first extraction 130. Although this embodiment depicts an indentation and an extraction in the third and fourth magnetic powder sheets, the indentation or extraction formed in these sheets may be omitted without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment.

[0068] Upon forming the first magnetic powder sheet 100 and the second magnetic powder sheet 102, the first magnetic powder sheet 100 and the second magnetic powder sheet 102 are pressed together with high pressure, for example, hydraulic pressure, and laminated together to form a first portion 140 of the miniature power inductor 100. Also, the third magnetic powder sheet 104 and the fourth magnetic powder sheet 106 may also be pressed together to form a second portion of the miniature power inductor 100. According to this embodiment, the plurality of clips 108, 110, 112 are placed on the upper surface 118 of the first portion 140 of the miniature power inductor 100 such that the plurality of clips extend a distance beyond both sides of the first portion 140. This distance is equal to or greater than the height of the first portion 140 of the miniature power inductor 100. Once the plurality of clips 108, 110, 112 are properly positioned on the upper surface 118 of the first portion 140, the second portion is placed on top of the first portion 140. The first and second portions 140, of the miniature power inductor 100 may then be pressed together to form the completed miniature power inductor 100.

[0069] Portions of the plurality of clips 108, 110, 112, which extend beyond both edges of the miniature power inductor 100, may be bent around the first portion 140 to form a first termination 142, a second termination 144, a third termination 146, a fourth termination 148, a fifth termination 150, and a sixth termination 152. These terminations 150, 152, 142, 146, 144, 148 allow the miniature power inductor 100 to be properly coupled to a substrate or printed circuit board. According to this embodiment, the physical gap between the winding and the core, which is typically found in conventional inductors, is removed. The elimination of this physical gap tends to minimize the audible noise from the vibration of the winding.

[0070] The plurality of windings 108, 110, 112 is formed from a conductive copper layer, which may be deformed to provide a desired geometry. Although a conductive copper material is used in this embodiment, any conductive material may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. [0071] Although only three clips are shown in this embodiment, greater or fewer clips may be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Although the clips are shown in a parallel configuration, the clips may be used in series depending upon the trace configuration of the substrate.

[0072] Although there are no magnetic sheets shown between the first and second magnetic powder sheets, magnetic sheets may positioned between the first and second magnetic powder sheets so long as the winding is of sufficient length to adequately form the terminals for the miniature power inductor without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment. Additionally, although two magnetic powder sheets are shown to be positioned above the plurality of windings 108, 110, 112, greater or fewer sheets may be used to increase or decrease the core area without departing from the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiment.

[0073] In this embodiment, the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is perpendicular to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a lower inductance or the magnetic field may be created in a direction that is parallel to the direction of grain orientation and thereby achieve a higher inductance depending upon which direction the magnetic powder sheet is extruded.

[0074] The moldable magnetic material defining the magnetic body 162 may be any of the materials mentioned above or other suitable materials known in the art. Exemplary magnetic powder particles to fabricate the magnetic layers 101, 102, 104, 106 and 108 may include Ferrite particles, Iron (Fe) particles, Sendust (Fe- Si-Al) particles, MPP (Ni-Mo-Fe) particles, HighFlux (Ni-Fe) particles, Megafiux (Fe-Si Alloy) particles, iron-based amorphous powder particles, cobalt-based amorphous powder particles, or other equivalent materials known in the art. When such magnetic powder particles are mixed with a polymeric binder material the resultant magnetic material exhibits distributed gap properties that avoids any need to physically gap or separate different pieces of magnetic materials. As such, difficulties and expenses associated with establishing and maintaining consistent physical gap sizes are advantageously avoided. For high current applications, a pre-annealed magnetic amorphous metal powder combined with a polymer binder may be advantageous.

[0075] While magnetic powder materials mixed with binder are believed to be advantageous, neither powder particles nor a non-magnetic binder material are necessarily required for the magnetic material forming the magnetic body 162. Additionally, the moldable magnetic material need not be provided in sheets or layers as described above, but rather may be directly coupled to the coils 164 using compression molding techniques or other techniques known in the art. While the body 162 shown in Figure 6 is generally elongated and rectangular, other shapes of the magnetic body 162 are possible.

[0076] In various examples, the magnetic component 100 may be specifically adapted for use as a transformers or inductors in direct current (DC) power applications, single phase voltage converter power applications, two phase voltage converter power applications, three phase voltage converter power applications, and multi-phase power applications. In various embodiments, the coils 108, 110, 112 may be electrically connected in series or in parallel, either in the components themselves or via circuitry in the boards on which they are mounted, to accomplish different objectives.

[0077] When two or more independent coils are provided in one magnetic component, the coils may be arranged so that there is flux sharing between the coils. That is, the coils utilize common flux paths through portions of a single magnetic body.

[0078] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary coil 420 that may be fabricated as a generally planar element from stamped metal, printing techniques, or other fabrication techniques known in the art. The coil 420 is generally C-shaped as shown in Figure 5, and includes a first generally straight conductive path 422, a second generally straight conductive path 424 extending at a right angle from the first conductive path 422, and a third conductive path 426 extending generally at a right angle from the second conductive path 424 and in a generally parallel orientation to the first conductive path 422. Coil ends 428, 430 are defined at the distal ends of the first and third conductive paths 422, 426, and a ³ A turn is provided through the coil 420 in the conductive paths 422, 424 and 426. An inner periphery of the coil 420 defines a central flux area A (shown in phantom in Figure 5). The area A defines an interior region in which flux paths may be passed as flux is generated in the coil 422. Alternatively stated, the area A includes flux paths extending at a location between the conductive path 422 and the conductive path 426, and the location between the conductive path 424 and an imaginary line connecting the coil ends 428, 430. When a plurality of such coils 420 are utilized in a magnetic body, the central flux areas may be partially overlapped with one another to mutually couple the coils to one another. While a specific coil shape is shown in Figure 5, it is recognized that other coil shapes may be utilized with similar effect in other embodiments.

[0079] Figure 6 represents a cross section of several coils 420 in a magnetic body 440. In the embodiment shown, the body is fabricated from magnetic metal powder particles surrounded by a non-magnetic material, wherein adjacent metal powder particles are separated from one another by the non-magnetic material. Other magnetic materials may alternatively be used in other embodiments, including but not limited to the magnetic sheets or layers described above. The magnetic materials may have distributed gap properties that avoid a need for discrete core pieces that must be physically gapped in relation to one other.

[0080] Coils, such as the coils 420, are arranged in the magnetic body 440. As shown in Figure 6, the area Al designates a central flux area of the first coil, the area A2 designates a central flux area of a second coil, and the area A3 designates a central flux area of the third coil. Depending on the arrangement of the coils in the magnetic body 440 (i.e. the spacing of the coils), the areas Al, A2 and A3 may be overlapped, but not completely overlapped such that the mutual coupling of the coils may be varied throughout different portions of the magnetic body 440. In particular, the coils may be offset or staggered relative to one another in the magnetic body such that some but not all of the area A defined by each coil overlaps another coil. In addition the coils may be arranged in the magnetic body such that a portion of the area A in each coil does not overlap with any other coil.

[0081] In the non-overlapping portions of the areas A of adjacent coils in the magnetic body 440, a portion of the flux generated by each respective coil returns only in the central flux area of the respective coil that generates it, without passing through the central flux area A of an adjacent coil.

[0082] In the overlapping portions of the areas A of adjacent coils in the magnetic body 440, a portion of the flux generated by each respective coil returns in the central flux area A of the respective coil that generates it, and also passes through the overlapping central flux areas A of adjacent coils.

[0083] By varying the degree of overlapping and non-overlapping portions of the coil central flux areas A, the degree of coupling between the coils can be changed. Also, by varying a separation distance in a direction normal to the plane of the coils (i.e. by locating the coils in spaced apart planes) a magnetic reluctance of the flux paths may be varied throughout the magnetic body 440. The product of an overlapping central flux area of adjacent coils and the special distance between them determines a cross sectional area in the magnetic body through with the common flux paths may pass through the magnetic body 440. By varying this cross sectional area, magnetic reluctance may be varied with related performance advantages.

[0084] Figures 27-33 include simulation and test results, and comparative data for conventional magnetic components having discrete core pieces that are physically gapped versus the distributed gap core embodiments of the present invention. The information shown in Figures 27-33 also relates to coupling characteristics of exemplary embodiments of components using the methodology described in relation to Figure 6.

[0085] Figure 7 schematically illustrates a magnetic component assembly 460 having a number of coils arranged with partly overlapping and non- overlapping flux areas A within a magnetic body 462 such as that described above. Four coils are shown in the assembly 460, although greater or fewer numbers of coils may be utilized in other embodiments. Each of the coils is similar to the coil 420 shown in Figure 5, although other shapes of coils could be used in alternative embodiments.

[0086] The first coil is designated by the coil ends 428a, 430a extending from a first face of the magnetic body 462. The first coil may extend in a first plane in the magnetic body 462.

[0087] The second coil is designated by the coil ends 428b, 430b extending from a second face of the magnetic body 462. The second coil may extend in a second plane in the magnetic body 462 spaced from the first plane.

[0088] The third coil is designated by the coil ends 428c, 430c extending from a third face of the magnetic body 462. The third coil may extend in a third plane in the magnetic body 462 that is spaced from the first and second planes.

[0089] The fourth coil is designated by the coil ends 428d, 43Od extending from a fourth face of the magnetic body 462. The fourth coil may extend in a fourth plane in the magnetic body 462 that is spaced from the first, second and third planes.

[0090] The first, second, third and fourth faces or sides define a generally orthogonal magnetic body 462 as shown. Corresponding central flux areas A for the first, second, third, and fourth coils are found to overlap one another in various ways. Portions of the central flux areas A for each of the four coils overlaps none of the other coils. Other portions of the flux areas A of each respective coils overlaps one of the other coils. Still other portions of the flux areas of each respective coil overlaps two of the other coils. In yet another portion, the flux areas of each respective coil located closest to the center of the magnetic body 462 in Figure 7, overlaps each of the other three coils. A good deal of variation in coil coupling is therefore established through different portions of the magnetic body 462. Also, by varying the spatial separation of the planes of the first, second, third and fourth coils, a good deal of variation of magnetic reluctance in the flux paths can also be provided.

[0091] In particular, the spacing between the planes of the coils need not be the same, such that some coils can be located closer together (or farther apart) relative to other coils in the assembly. Again, the central flux area of each coil and the spacing from adjacent coils in a direction normal to the plane of the coils defines a cross sectional area through which the generated flux passes in the magnetic body. By varying the spatial separation of the coil planes, the cross-sectional area associated with each coil may vary among at least two of the coils.

[0092] Like other embodiments described, the various coils in the assembly may be connected to different phases of electrical power in some applications.

[0093] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic component assembly 470 having two coils 420a and 420b that are partly overlapping and partly non-overlapping in their flux areas A. As shown in cross section in Figure 9, the two coils are located in different planes in the magnetic body 472.

[0094] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic component assembly 480 having two coils 420a and 420b that are partly overlapping and partly non-overlapping in their flux areas A. As shown in cross section in Figure 11, the two coils are located in different planes in the magnetic body 482.

[0095] Figure 12 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic component assembly 490 having four coils 420a, 420b, 420c and 42Od that are partly overlapping and partly non-overlapping in their flux areas A. As shown in cross section in Figure 13, the four coils are located in different planes in the magnetic body 492.

[0096] Figures 14-17 show an embodiment of a magnetic component assembly 500 having a coil arrangement similar to that shown in Figures 8 and 9. The coils 501 and 502 include wrap around terminal ends 504 extending around the sides of the magnetic body 506. The magnetic body 506 may be formed as described above or as known in the art, and may have a layered or non-layered construction. The assembly 500 may be surface mounted to a circuit board via the terminal ends 504.

[0097] Figure 34 illustrates another embodiment of a magnetic component assembly 620 having coupled inductors and illustrating their relation to circuit board layouts. The magnetic component 620 may be constructed and operate similarly to those described above, but may be utilized with different circuit board layouts to achieve different effects.

[0098] In the embodiment shown, the magnetic component assembly 620 is adapted for voltage converter power applications and accordingly includes a first set of conductive windings 622a, 622b, 622c and a second set of conductive windings 624a, 624b, 624c within a magnetic body 626. Each of the windings 622a, 622b, 622c, and the windings 624a, 624b, 624c may complete a Vi turn, for example in the inductor body, although the turns completed in the windings may alternatively be more or less in other embodiments. The coils may physically couple to each other through their physical positioning within the magnetic body 626, as well as through their shape

[0099] Exemplary circuit board layouts or "footprints" 630a and 630b are shown in Figure 34 for use with the magnetic component assembly 620. As shown in Figure 34, each of the layouts 630a and 630b include three conductive paths 632, 634, and 636 that each define a Vi turn winding. The layouts 630a and 630b are provided on a circuit board 638 (shown in phantom in Figure 34) using known techniques.

[00100] When the magnetic component assembly 620 is surface mounted to the layouts 630a, 630b to electrically connect the component coils 622 and 624 to the layouts 630a, 630b, it can be seen that the total coil winding path established is three turns for each phase. Each half turn coil winding in the component 620 connects to a half turn winding in the board layouts 630a, 630b and the windings are connected in series, resulting in three total turns for each phase.

[00101] As Figure 34 illustrates, the same magnetic component assembly 620 may alternatively be connected to a different circuit board layout 640a, 640b on another circuit board 642 (shown in phantom in Figure 34) to accomplish a different effect. In the example shown, the layouts 640a, 640b include two conductive paths 644, 646 that each define a Vi turn winding.

[00102] When the magnetic component assembly 620 is surface mounted to the layouts 640a, 640b to electrically connect the component coils 622 and 624 to the layouts 640a, 640b, it can be seen that the total coil winding path established is 2 Vi turns for each phase.

[00103] Because the effect of the component 620 can be changed by varying the circuit board layouts to which it is connected, the component is sometimes referred to as a programmable coupled inductor. That is, the degree of coupling of the coils can be varied depending on the circuit board layout. As such, while substantially identical component assemblies 620 may be provided, their operation may be different depending on where they are connected to the circuit board(s) if different layouts are provided for the components. Varying circuit board layouts may be provided on different areas of the same circuit board or different circuit boards.

[00104] Many other variations are possible. For example, a magnetic component assembly may include five coils each having 1/2 turns embedded in a magnetic body, and the component can be used with up to eleven different and increasing inductance values selected by a user via the manner in which the user lays out the conductive traces on the boards to complete the winding turns.

[00105] Figures 35 and 36 illustrate another magnetic component assembly 650 having coupled coils 652, 654 within a magnetic body 656. The coils 652, 654 couple in a symmetric fashion in the area A2 of the body 656, while being uncoupled in the area Al and A3 in Figure 36. The degree of coupling in the area A2 can be varied depending on the separation of the coils 652 and 654.

[00106] Figure 37 illustrates an advantage of a multiphase magnetic component having coupled coils in the manner described versus a number of discrete, non-coupled magnetic components being used for each phase as has conventionally been done. Specifically, ripple currents are at least partially cancelled when using the multiphase magnetic components having coupled coils such as those described herein.

[00107] Figures 18-20 illustrate another magnetic component assembly 520 having a number of partial turn coils 522a, 522b, 522c and 522d within a magnetic body 524. As shown in Figure 17, each coil 522a, 522b, 522c and 522d provides a one half turn. While four coils 522a, 522b, 522c and 522d are shown, greater or fewer numbers of coils could alternatively be provided.

[00108] Each coil 522a, 522b, 522c and 522d may be connected to another half turn coil, for example, that may be provided on a circuit board. Each coil 522a, 522b, 522c and 522d is provided with wrap around terminal ends 526 that may be surface mounted to the circuit board.

[00109] Figures 21-23 illustrate another magnetic component assembly 540 having a number of partial turn coils 542a, 542b, 542c and 542d within a magnetic body 544. The coils 542a, 542b, 542c and 542d are seen to have a different shape than the coils shown in Figure 18. While four coils 542a, 542b, 542c and 542d are shown, greater or fewer numbers of coils could alternatively be provided.

[00110] Each coil 542a, 542b, 542c and 542d may be connected to another partial turn coil, for example, that may be provided on a circuit board. Each coil 542a, 542b, 542c and 542d is provided with wrap around terminal ends 546 that may be surface mounted to the circuit board.

[00111] Figures 24-26 illustrate another magnetic component assembly 560 having a number of partial turn coils 562a, 562b, 562c and 562d within a magnetic body 564. The coils 562a, 562b, 562c and 562d are seen to have a different shape than the coils shown in Figures 18 and 24. While four coils 562a, 562b, 562c and 562d are shown, greater or fewer numbers of coils could alternatively be provided.

[00112] Each coil 562a, 562b, 562c and 562d may be connected to another partial turn coil, for example, that may be provided on a circuit board. Each coil 562a, 562b, 562c and 562d is provided with wrap around terminal ends 526 that may be surface mounted to the circuit board.

[00113] III. Exemplary Embodiments Disclosed

[00114] It should now be evident that the various features described may be mixed and matched in various combinations. For example, where layered constructions are described for the magnetic bodies, non-layered magnetic constructions could be utilized instead. A great variety of magnetic component assemblies may be advantageously provided having different magnetic properties, different numbers and types of coils, and having different performance characteristics to meet the needs of specific applications.

[00115] Also, certain of the features described could be advantageously utilized in structures having discrete core pieces that are physically gapped and spaced from another. This is particularly true for the coil coupling features described.

[00116] Among the various possibilities within the scope of the disclosure as set forth above, at least the following embodiments are believed to be advantages relative to conventional inductor components.

[00117] An exemplary embodiments of magnetic component assembly is disclosed including a monolithic magnetic body and a plurality of distinct, mutually coupled coils situated in the magnetic body, wherein mutually coupled coils are arranged in the magnetic body in a flux sharing relationship with one another. [00118] The distinct, mutually coupled coils may optionally include a plurality of substantially planar coils within the magnetic body, each of the plurality of coils defining a central flux area through which a magnetic flux generated by the coil may pass, and wherein a portion of the flux generated by each respective coil returns only in the central flux area of the respective coil without passing through the central flux area of an adjacent coil. The plurality of substantially planar coils may include at least first and second coils spaced from one another in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the coils. The central flux area of each coil and the spacing from adjacent coils in the direction perpendicular to a plane of the coils may define a cross sectional area through which the generated flux passes in the magnetic body. The cross sectional area between adjacent ones of the plurality of coils may be unequal.

[00119] Also optionally, at least first and second adjacent coils are spaced apart from one another in a direction normal to the plane of the coils such that the central flux areas of the first and second coils are separated from one another by a first distance. A third coil may be spaced apart from the second coil in a direction normal to the plane of the coils, wherein the third coil is spaced apart from second coil in the direction normal to the plane of the coils such that the central flux areas of the second and third coils are separated from one another by a second distance different from the first difference.

[00120] The body may optionally comprise magnetic metal powder particles surrounded by a non-magnetic material, wherein adjacent metal powder particles are separated from one another by the non-magnetic material The distinct, mutually coupled coils may be configured to carry different phases of electrical power.

[00121] Each of the distinct, mutually coupled coils may optionally comprise first and second leads protruding from the magnetic body. The magnetic body may comprise a plurality of sides, and each of the first and second leads of each respective coil may protrude from a single one of the plurality of sides of the magnetic body. The first and second leads of each respective coil may protrude from different ones of the plurality of sides of the magnetic body, and may further protrude from opposing ones of the plurality of sides of the magnetic body. Terminal leads of each respective coil may wrap around at least one of the sides.

[00122] The coils may optionally be substantially C-shaped, and each of the coils may complete a first number of turns of a winding. The first number of turns may be a fractional number less than one. The assembly may further include a circuit board, the circuit board configured with a layout defining a second number of turns of a winding, each coil being connected to one of the second number of turns. The second number of turns may be a fractional number less than one.

[00123] The distinct, mutually coupled coils may optionally include a plurality of substantially planar coils arranged in spaced apart, substantially parallel planes, wherein each coil defines a central flux area through which a magnetic flux generated by the coil may pass, and the coil central flux areas are arranged to partly overlap and partly non-overlap one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the coils, wherein a substantial portion of the flux generated by at least one the coils passes through the central flux area of at least one of the other coils. The magnetic body surrounds the coils, the magnetic body having a plurality of sides, each coil may have opposing first and second leads, and the first and second leads of each coil may protrude from one of the plurality of sides. The first and second leads of adjacent coils may extend from different sides of the magnetic body. The magnetic body may optionally have four orthogonal sides, with first and second coil leads extending from each of the four orthogonal sides. A substantial portion of the flux generated by at least one the coils may pass through the central flux area of all of the other coils.

[00124] The distinct, mutually coupled coils may also optionally include at least three substantially planar coils arranged in spaced apart, substantially parallel planes, each coil defining a coil aperture, and the coils being arranged so that the coil apertures of adjacent coils do not completely overlap one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar coils. The at least three coils may include first and second coils extending in a substantially coplanar relationship in a first plane, the third coil extending in a second plane spaced from but generally parallel to the first plane. Each coil may define a central flux area through which a magnetic flux generated by the coil may pass, and the third coil positioned relative to the first and second coils so that a substantial portion of the flux generated by the third coil passes through the central flux areas of the first and second coils.

[00125] The distinct, mutually coupled coils comprises may be formed on a substrate material and include a plurality of partial turns defining a central flux area through which through which a magnetic flux generated by the coil may pass, the central flux areas of at least two of the coils overlapping one another in the magnetic body such that a portion of the flux generated by one of the coils passes through the central flux area of at least one other of the plurality of coils.

[00126] IV. Conclusion

[00127] The benefits of the invention are now believed to be evident from the foregoing examples and embodiments. While numerous embodiments and examples have been specifically described, other examples and embodiments are possible within the scope and spirit of the exemplary devices, assemblies, and methodology disclosed.

[00128] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.