Patent Description:
In general, a conventional inductor is a component comprising wire or other conductive material, which is shaped as a coil or helix to increase an amount of magnetic flux through a respective circuit path. Winding of a wire into a coil of multiple turns increases the number of respective magnetic flux lines in a respective inductor component, increasing the magnetic field and thus overall inductance of the respective inductor component.

<CIT>, <CIT> and <CIT> disclose an apparatus with magnetic material having conductive paths and a triangular-like cutout portions with curved sides.

An apparatus as defined by claim <NUM>, a system as defined by claim <NUM>, a circuit as defined by claim <NUM> and a method as defined by claim <NUM> are provided. The dependent claims define further embodiments.

Implementation of clean energy (or green technology) is very important to reduce our impact as humans on the environment. In general, clean energy includes any evolving methods and materials to reduce an overall toxicity on the environment from energy consumption.

This disclosure includes the observation that raw energy, such as received from green energy sources or non-green energy sources, typically needs to be converted into an appropriate form (such as desired AC voltage, DC voltage, etc.) before it can be used to power end devices such as servers, computers, mobile communication devices, wireless base stations, etc. In certain instances, energy is stored in a respective one or more battery resource. Regardless of whether energy is received from green energy sources or non-green energy sources, it is desirable to make most efficient use of raw energy (such as storage and subsequent distribution) provided by such systems to reduce our impact on the environment. This disclosure contributes to reducing our carbon footprint and better use of energy via more efficient energy conversion.

For example, this disclosure includes the observation that conventional wire wound inductor components (such as used to support power conversion) are typically bulky and therefore undesirable to implement in certain applications. Such conventional devices inevitably make it difficult to create a compact, efficient, and high current output power supply circuit.

Embodiments herein provide novel and improved inductor components for use in applications such as power conversion. For example, embodiments herein include novel inductor devices, corresponding use, methods fabricating same, etc..

More specifically, embodiments herein include fabrication of an apparatus such as a circuit component. In one example embodiment, a fabricator fabricates a core of a circuit component to include magnetic permeable material. The fabricator further produces the circuit component to include multiple electrically conductive paths (inductive paths) extending through the core of the magnetic permeable material such as from one surface of the circuit component to another. Presence of the magnetic permeable material surrounding the electrically conductive paths results in the first electrically conductive path being a first inductive path in the circuit component and the second electrically conductive path being a second inductive path in the circuit component.

The multiple electrically conductive paths include a first electrically conductive path and a second electrically conductive path. The fabricator fabricates the circuit component and, more specifically, the core of the magnetic permeable material to include one or more cutaway portions (a. , cutout portions). Presence of the cutaway portions at respective appropriate one or more locations of the circuit component reduces inductive coupling between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path disposed in the core. A degree of reduced inductor coupling between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path is dependent on a size of the at least one cutaway portion.

For example, in one embodiment, the large the cutaway portion, the less inductive coupling between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path.

The first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path are disposed in parallel to each other and extend from a first surface of the apparatus to a second surface of the apparatus.

In a first alternative, each of the at least one cutaway portion is rectangular or trapezoidal.

In a second alternative, the at least one cutaway portion includes a first cutaway portion part and a second cutaway portion part, wherein the first cutaway portion part extends from the first surface in parallel to the first and second electrically conductive paths, wherein the second cutaway portion part extends from the second surface in parallel to the first and second electrically conductive paths, wherein the core of the magnetic permeable material includes a portion disposed between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path, and wherein the portion of the magnetic permeable material is also disposed between the first cutaway portion part and the second cutaway portion part.

In accordance with further example embodiments, via the fabricator, the one or more cutaway portions of the magnetic permeable material includes a first cutaway portion and a second cutaway portion. The magnetic permeable material is absent from both the first cutaway portion and the second cutaway portion, reducing an inductive coupling coefficient between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path.

In still further example embodiments, in addition to the one or more cutaway portions, the fabricator produces the circuit component to include a portion (such as a continuum without breaks in material) of magnetic permeable material between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path. Additionally, or alternatively, further embodiments herein include, via the fabricator, disposing a portion (such as a continuum without breaks in material) of magnetic permeable material between the first cutaway portion and the second cutaway portion.

Yet further example embodiments herein include, via the fabricator, disposing the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path in parallel to each other such that the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path extend from a first surface of the circuit component to a second surface of the circuit component, the second surface being disposed opposite the first surface.

In still further example embodiments, the fabricator fabricates the circuit component to include a first cutaway portion and a second cutaway portion in which the magnetic permeable material is absent from both the first cutaway portion and the second cutaway portion. As previously discussed, absence of the magnetic permeable material at one or more locations of the circuit component reduces flow of mutual magnetic flux and thus inductive coupling between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path.

In further example embodiments, the fabricator fabricates the at least one cutaway portion in the circuit component to include a first cutaway portion. In one embodiment, the first cutaway portion is disposed in both a flux path associated with flow of first current through the first electrically conductive path and flow of second current through the second electrically conductive path.

Still further example embodiments herein include, via the fabricator, fabricating the at least one cutaway portion to include a first cutaway portion. In one embodiment, the first cutaway portion is occupied by (such as filled with) first electrically conductive material. The fabricator fabricates the at least one cutaway portion to further include a second cutaway portion; the second cutaway portion is occupied by (such as filled with) second electrically conductive material.

In still further example embodiments, the multiple electrically conductive paths disposed in the core include N electrically conductive paths, wherein N is greater than <NUM>.

Further embodiments herein include receiving the circuit component as previously discussed and using the circuit component (apparatus) to fabricate a circuit. For example, a circuit board fabricator or fabrication system disposes the circuit component in a power converter affixed to a circuit board. In one embodiment, the power converter (such as voltage regulator) is operative to convert an input voltage into an output voltage.

In further example embodiments, when installing the circuit component in the power converter, the fabrication system disposes a length-wise axis of the first electrically conductive path to be orthogonal to a surface of the substrate; and the fabrication system disposes a length-wise axis of the second electrically conductive path to be orthogonal to the surface of the substrate. Alternatively, the fabrication system disposes a length-wise axis of the first electrically conductive path to be parallel to a planar surface of the substrate; and the fabrication system disposes a length-wise axis of the second electrically conductive path to be parallel to the planar surface of the substrate.

In further example embodiments, the one or more cutaway portions in the core of the circuit component include a first cutaway portion and a second cutaway portion. The fabrication system fills the first cutaway portion with first electrically conductive material; the fabrication system fills the second cutaway portion with second electrically conductive material. In one embodiment, the first electrically conductive material is operative to convey a first voltage supplied from the substrate; and the second electrically conductive material is operative to convey a second voltage supplied from the substrate.

In further example embodiments, the apparatus as discussed herein includes multiple cells such as: i) a first cell in which the first electrically conductive path resides, the first cell defined at least in part by the at least one cutaway portion; and ii) a second cell in which the second electrically conductive path resides, the second cell defined at least in part by the at least one cutaway portion.

Each of the cutaway portions can be fabricated in any suitable shape, form, size, etc. For example, in one embodiment, a cross-section of each of the at least one cutaway portion in the component is triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc..

These and other more specific embodiments are disclosed in more detail below.

Note that any of the resources (such as a fabricator) implemented in the system as discussed herein can include one or more computerized devices, fabrication equipment, manufacturing equipment, circuit board assemblers, material handlers, controllers, mobile communication devices, handheld or laptop computers, or the like to carry out and/or support any or all of the method operations disclosed herein. In other words, one or more computerized devices or processors or corresponding equipment can be programmed and/or configured to operate as explained herein to carry out the different embodiments as described herein.

Yet other embodiments herein include software programs to perform the steps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below. One such embodiment comprises a computer program product including a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (i.e., any computer readable hardware storage medium) on which software instructions are encoded for subsequent execution. The instructions, when executed in a computerized device (hardware) having a processor, program and/or cause the processor (hardware) to perform the operations disclosed herein. Such arrangements are typically provided as software, code, instructions, and/or other data (e.g., data structures) arranged or encoded on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium such as an optical medium (e.g., CD-ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, memory stick, memory device, etc., or other a medium such as firmware in one or more ROM, RAM, PROM, etc., or as an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), etc. The software or firmware or other such configurations can be installed onto a computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform the techniques explained herein.

Accordingly, embodiments herein are directed to a method, system, computer program product, etc., that supports operations as discussed herein.

One embodiment includes a fabricator such as including computer readable storage medium and/or system having instructions stored thereon to fabricate an inductor component as described herein. The instructions, when executed by computer processor hardware, cause the computer processor hardware (such as one or more co-located or disparately located processor devices or hardware) to: fabricate a core of the circuit component to include magnetic permeable material; extend multiple electrically conductive paths through the core of the magnetic permeable material, the multiple electrically conductive paths including a first electrically conductive path and a second electrically conductive path; and fabricate the core of the magnetic permeable material to include at least one cutaway portion operative to reduce inductive coupling between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path.

The ordering of the steps above has been added for clarity sake. Note that any of the processing steps as discussed herein can be performed in any suitable order.

Other embodiments of the present disclosure include software programs and/or respective hardware to perform any of the method embodiment steps and operations summarized above and disclosed in detail below.

It is to be understood that the system, method, apparatus, instructions on computer readable storage media, etc., as discussed herein also can be embodied strictly as a software program, firmware, as a hybrid of software, hardware and/or firmware, or as hardware alone such as within a processor (hardware or software), or within an operating system or a within a software application.

Note further that although embodiments as discussed herein are applicable to switching power supplies, the concepts disclosed herein may be advantageously applied to any other suitable topologies.

Additionally, note that although each of the different features, techniques, configurations, etc., herein may be discussed in different places of this disclosure, it is intended, where suitable, that each of the concepts can optionally be executed independently of each other or in combination with each other. Accordingly, the one or more present inventions as described herein can be embodied and viewed in many different ways.

Also, note that this preliminary discussion of embodiments herein (BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS) purposefully does not specify every embodiment and/or incrementally novel aspect of the present disclosure or claimed invention(s). Instead, this brief description only presents general embodiments and corresponding points of novelty over conventional techniques. For additional details and/or possible perspectives (permutations) of the invention(s), the reader is directed to the Detailed Description section (which is a summary of embodiments) and corresponding figures of the present disclosure as further discussed below.

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of embodiments herein will be apparent from the following more particular description herein, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which like reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the embodiments, principles, concepts, etc..

According to one configuration, a fabricator fabricates a core of a circuit component to include magnetic permeable material. The fabricator further produces the circuit component to include multiple electrically conductive paths extending through the core of the magnetic permeable material such as from one surface to another. In one arrangement, the multiple electrically conductive paths include a first electrically conductive path and a second electrically conductive path. The fabricator further fabricates the circuit component and, more specifically, the core of the magnetic permeable material to include at least one cutaway portion that is operative to reduce inductive coupling between the first electrically conductive path and the second electrically conductive path disposed in the core.

Now, with reference to the drawings, <FIG> is an example three-dimensional view of an inductive circuit component according to reference examples useful for the understanding of the invention, but not by itself constituting a claimed embodiment.

In this example, the fabricator <NUM> receives materials such as one or more of metal (electrically conductive material), metal alloy, magnetic permeable material, etc..

Based on the received material, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates a core of the circuit component <NUM> (such as a monolithic solid structure) via magnetic permeable material <NUM>. The fabricator <NUM> further produces the circuit component <NUM> to include multiple electrically conductive paths <NUM> (such as electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) extending through the core of the magnetic permeable material <NUM>. In one embodiment, the fabricator <NUM> drills holes through the magnetic permeable material <NUM> and fills in the holes with electrically conductive material to produce the electrically conductive paths <NUM>.

If desired, each of the electrically conductive paths <NUM> is surrounded with a layer of insulative material (such as non-electrically conductive material) such that the electrically conductive paths do not come in contact with the core magnetic permeable material <NUM>. In other words, each electrically conductive path <NUM> is optionally coated with an insulation layer of material disposed between the corresponding electrically conductive path and the magnetic permeable material <NUM>.

In further examples, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the circuit component <NUM> and, more specifically, the core of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> to include one or more cutaway portions <NUM> (such as one or more of cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>).

As further discussed herein, presence of the cutaway portions <NUM> at respective one or more locations of the circuit component <NUM> as shown reduces inductive coupling between each pair of electrically conductive paths such as between: i) the first electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and the second electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, ii) the second electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and a third second electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, iii) the third electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and the fourth electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>.

Note that the implementation of four electrically conductive paths disposed in the component <NUM> is shown by way of nonlimiting example embodiment only. In still further example embodiments, the multiple electrically conductive paths <NUM> disposed in the core include a number N electrically conductive paths, wherein N is any value greater than <NUM>.

As previously discussed, via fabrication operations executed by the fabricator <NUM>, the one or more cutaway portions <NUM> of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> includes cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, etc. In this example embodiment, the magnetic permeable material <NUM> is absent from the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, etc..

In still further examples, in addition to the one or more cutaway portions <NUM>, the fabricator <NUM> produces the circuit component <NUM> to include a portion of magnetic permeable material (such as a continuum of magnetic permeable material <NUM> without breaks or voids) between each pair of electrically conductive paths such as between: i) electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, ii) electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, iii) electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>.

In one example, the fabricator <NUM> controls the dimensions of circuit component <NUM> to control a degree to which the pairs of adjacent electrically conductive path are inductively coupled. For example, the fabricator <NUM> produces the circuit component <NUM> to have a width, W1, along the z-axis. The fabricator <NUM> controls the degree of inductive coupling between successive pairs of electrically conductive paths via the width W2 between the respective opposing cutaway portion pairs (such as between first pair including cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> and cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, between second pair including cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> and cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and so on).

For example, in one example, the fabricator <NUM> decreases an amount of inductive coupling between respective pairs of electrically conductive paths via implementation of a smaller width W2 (lower in magnitude, larger cutaway) between respective cutaway portions <NUM>. Conversely, the fabricator <NUM> increases an amount of inductive coupling between respective pairs of electrically conductive paths via implementation of a wider width W2 between respective cutaway portions <NUM>.

Note further that presence of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> transforms each electrically conductive path into an inductive path (i.e., inductor device <NUM>). For example, flow of current through the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> (inductive path) results in generation of respective magnetic flux according to the right hand rule.

As its name suggests, the magnetic permeable material <NUM> surrounding the electrically conductive paths <NUM> is magnetic permeable. The magnetic permeable material can be fabricated from any suitable matter. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example embodiment, the core material <NUM> has a flux permeability between <NUM>-<NUM> Henries/meter or any other suitable values or ranges.

In yet further examples, note again that electrically conductive paths can be fabricated from any suitable conductive material such as metal, a metal alloy (combination of multiple different metals including electrically conductive material such as copper, tin, etc.), etc..

Note further that the electrically conductive path can be fabricated as any suitable shape such as rod-shaped, pillar-shaped, etc..

In one embodiment, each electrically conductive path in the magnetic permeable material <NUM> is a non-winding circuit path extending through the inductor device <NUM> along (parallel to) the Y axis. Note that each inductor disposed in the shared medium (i.e., magnetic permeable material <NUM>) can be fabricated as being cylindrical or any other suitable shape.

Thus, embodiments herein include a novel circuit component <NUM> comprising a common core (structure) of magnetic permeable material <NUM>. Implementation of multiple inductor devices in the same structure of magnetic permeable material <NUM> associated with the circuit component <NUM> facilitates mounting or affixing the corresponding circuit component <NUM> on a respective circuit substrate and assembly of a respective circuit. Implementation of the multiple inductor devices in the same structure of circuit component <NUM> enables fabrication of smaller footprint circuits.

As previously discussed, the state-of-the-art (conventional) multiphase solutions include implementing independent magnetic devices and independent cores for each phase of a power supply rather than providing an integrated monolithic structure as described herein. The conventional individual inductor components are non-optimal from the point of view of total board space consumption, which leads to a larger sized system. This impacts not only the overall power density of generating power, but also limits options how physically close the inductor components can be placed near a corresponding power load.

Accordingly, embodiments herein propose a monolithic magnetic structure (such as block of magnetic permeable material <NUM>) having a linear arrangement of single-turn inductor paths (such as electrically conductive paths <NUM>), where the lateral coupling of neighboring phases (electrically conductive paths <NUM>) can be adjusted from a first amount of inductive coupling to basically no inductive coupling by means of geometric cut-outs (cutaway portions) of the core magnetic permeable material <NUM>.

In certain instances, the magnetic structure (circuit component <NUM>) enables vertical power flow and the integration of a multi-phase arrangement of single-turn inductors. Note that the core magnetic permeable material <NUM> can be fabricated to include single or distributed airgaps per phase (or none at all) between pairs of electrically conductive paths, even though the main embodiment is a solution without any airgaps between each pair of electrically conductive paths. A cut-out of core material (such as cutaway portion or void of magnetic permeable material <NUM>) is not considered to be an airgap since it does not extend throughout the entire cross section of the core. In other words, the value of W2 is greater than zero, resulting in multiple inductive paths being rigidly disposed in the same circuit component <NUM> structure.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating magnetic permeability versus magnetic field of magnetic permeable material according to embodiments herein.

In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, the circuit component <NUM> in <FIG> is fabricated as follows:.

As previously discussed, the curve <NUM> in graph <NUM> of <FIG> illustrates Permeability vs DC magnetic field. As shown, the permeability softly decreases with increasing DC magnetic field, i.e., by increasing the current in a respective electrically conductive path (e.g., single-turn inductor).

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating regions of a shared core area (where a mutual flux exists) resulting in inductive coupling between multiple conductive paths according to embodiments herein.

In one embodiment, without cutaway portions disposed in the magnetic permeable material <NUM>, the circuit component <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> has an inductance for each of the four phases (electrically conductive paths <NUM>) is 29nH, while the coupling between each pair of neighboring electrically conductive paths (a. , phases) is <NUM>%. Thus, inductive coupling is fairly low even prior to implementing cutaway portions <NUM> in the magnetically permeable material <NUM>.

This disclosure includes the observation that in some circuit applications, it might be desirable to reduce the coupling between successive pairs of electrically conductive paths to a controlled minimum value while retaining the monolithic core structure (of magnetic permeable material <NUM>. The remaining coupling between pairs of phases (i.e., electrically conductive paths) is due to the shared core area of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> (such as volume <NUM>-<NUM>, volume <NUM>-<NUM>, volume <NUM>-<NUM>, volume <NUM>-<NUM>, volume <NUM>-<NUM>, etc.), with a non-negligible amount of mutual magnetic flux.

Note that the following <FIG> illustrate different examples of implementing voids cutaway portions, filled or unfilled with other material) in magnetically permeable material to reduce magnetic flux coupling according to embodiments herein.

With reference to <FIG> and other FIGS. , the cutaway portions <NUM> as discussed herein are arranged symmetrically relative to a longitudinal axis (such as X-axis). In one embodiment, the electrically conductive paths (such as copper rods) are symmetric as well.

In further example embodiments, as discussed herein, one purpose of the cutaway portions is to eliminate/reduce the areas where a mutual flux exists between the adjacent electrically conductive paths <NUM>. Since the placement of the electrically conductive paths <NUM> are symmetrical in the component <NUM> along the X-axis, their corresponding generated fluxes are symmetric as well, and therefore so they are the core area where a mutual flux exists, hence the cut-out (cutaway portions) are symmetrical in one embodiment. More specifically, as previously discussed with respect to <FIG>, the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed opposite the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>; cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed opposite cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, and so on. Thus, the location of the cutaway portions depends on the arrangement and/or locations of the electrically conductive paths <NUM> in the component <NUM>.

Moreover, note that the component may include cutaway portions disposed on only one side of the component <NUM>. For example, the component <NUM> may include cutaway portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>, without implementing cutaway portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>. In such an instance, this would result in less reduction of mutual coupling from one electrically conductive path output the next adjacent electrically conductive path.

In further example embodiments, note that the presence of the cutaway portions <NUM>, confer to the whole structure of component <NUM>, a configuration exhibiting a plurality of adjacent and consecutive "cells" each having one of the conductive paths arranged therethrough. For example, the component <NUM> of <FIG> includes: cell #<NUM> (inclusive of the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and corresponding surrounding magnetically permeable material <NUM>), cell #<NUM> (inclusive of the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and corresponding surrounding magnetically permeable material <NUM>), cell #<NUM> (inclusive of the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and corresponding surrounding magnetically permeable material <NUM>), cell #<NUM> (inclusive of the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and corresponding surrounding magnetically permeable material <NUM>).

As previously discussed, the component <NUM> as discussed herein can include any number of cells along the X-axis, Z-axis, etc. Accordingly, embodiments herein include a one dimensional array of cells, a two dimensional array of cells, etc..

In one embodiment, each of the cells has identical shapes. However, this is optional as the shapes of the cells, corresponding cross sections and volumes of cutaway portions, etc., in the respective component <NUM> can vary depending on the embodiment.

In still further embodiments, note that the adjacent and consecutive cells configuration of the component <NUM> as well as their spacing provides a way to maximize the inductance of each electrically conductive path (given the available area and its form-factor) and keep the coupling from one electrically conductive path to the next to a reduced or minimum value (without introducing air-gaps and cut-outs). Embodiments herein include core geometries and winding arrangements that are different from the component <NUM> shown in <FIG> and where there are no symmetries between rods. In such an instance, the cutaway portions or cut-outs (aimed to remove the shared core area where a mutual flux exists) and the resulting core structure might not be symmetrical as well.

Yet further, as previously discussed, note again that the shapes of the cutaway portions can vary depending on the embodiment. Note again that tuning of the coupling between and/or amongst the different cells and corresponding electrically conductive paths by removing/reducing the corresponding core area (such as via cutaway portions as previously discussed) where mutual flux exists.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a top view of a circuit component and presence of magnetic flux coupling amongst multiple conductive paths in a circuit component without cutaway portions according reference examples useful for the understanding of the invention, but not by itself constituting a claimed embodiment.

In this embodiment, flow of current through the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> causes generation of flux <NUM> according to the right-hand rule. The presence of magnetic flux <NUM> produced by the current through electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> results in a corresponding amount of current flowing through electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> as a result of magnetic flux <NUM>. In other words, the inductive coupling between electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> causes current to flow through the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> based on current flowing through the communication path <NUM>-<NUM>.

More specifically, as a result of inductive coupling between the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, flow of current through the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> causes a corresponding small amount of current to flow through electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, as a result of inductive coupling between the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, flow of current through the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> causes a corresponding small amount of current to flow through electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>.

The following drawings illustrate how implementation of one or more cutaway portions in the circuit component <NUM> results in reduced inductive coupling between pairs of neighboring electrically conductive paths.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating implementation of multiple cutaway portions to reduce inductive coupling amongst multiple inductive paths in a circuit component according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, in one embodiment, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the circuit component <NUM> to include a portion (such as a continuum without breaks in material) of magnetic permeable material <NUM>.

Additionally, or alternatively, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the circuit component <NUM> to include a cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> (such as triangle top view cross section cutaway portion) and a cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> (such as triangle top view cross section cutaway portion) in which the magnetic permeable material <NUM> is absent from both the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>. The fabricator <NUM> fabricates the circuit component <NUM> to include a cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> (such as triangle top view cross section cutaway portion) and a cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> (such as triangle top view cross section cutaway portion) in which the magnetic permeable material <NUM> is absent from both the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> and the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>.

Absence of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> at one or more locations of the circuit component <NUM>-<NUM> reduce flow of mutual magnetic flux <NUM> and thus inductive coupling between the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>. As previously discussed, presence of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> surrounding the electrically conductive paths <NUM> results in each of the electrically conductive paths being inductive paths in the circuit component <NUM>-<NUM>.

In further example embodiments, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the at least one cutaway portion in the circuit component to include a first cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>. In one embodiment, the first cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is disposed in both a flux path (see magnetic flux <NUM>) associated with flow of first current through the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and flow of second current through the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>. As further discussed below, the cutaway portions are not limited to a particular shape or axis.

This example embodiment illustrates how the fabricator <NUM> disposes each of the electrically conductive paths <NUM> in parallel with respect to the Y axis and each other such that the each of the electrically conductive paths <NUM> extends from a first surface <NUM> of the circuit component <NUM>-<NUM> to a second surface <NUM> of the circuit component <NUM>-<NUM>.

In this embodiment, if desired, implementation of the cutaway portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, etc. (such as slice, slit, rectangular cross section cutout, etc.), along the Z-axis also may be used to disrupt magnetic flux <NUM> to reduce a degree of inductive coupling between pairs of electrically conductive paths.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a top view of a circuit component according to reference examples useful for the understanding of the invention, but not by itself constituting a claimed embodiment.

As previously discussed, the fabricator <NUM> controls a width W2 associated with fabrication of the cutaway portions. In one embodiment, each of the cutaway portions <NUM> (such as triangle top view cross section) is wedge shaped, although the cutaway portions can be any suitable shape or size. Note that the cutaway portions <NUM> can be fabricated in any suitable manner.

For example, in one embodiment, the fabricator <NUM> implements a tool to physically cut away an existing portion of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> to produce each cutaway portion. Add, or alternatively, the fabricator <NUM> produces the structure of magnetic permeable material <NUM> via filling a mold including the cutaway portions. In this latter instance, it is not necessary to fabricate the cutaway portions via removal of magnetic permeable material <NUM> in such regions.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a side view of a circuit component according to reference examples useful for the understanding of the invention, but not by itself constituting a claimed embodiment.

As shown in this example, each of the electrically conductive paths (electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>, and electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) extends in parallel from surface <NUM> of the circuit component <NUM> to the surface <NUM>.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a top view of a circuit component and implementation of cutaway portions at a first width according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, implementation of one or more cutaway portions <NUM> (such as trapezoidal shaped cutaway portion from top view cross section) of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> in circuit component <NUM> (such as a monolithic magnetic structure - single solid piece of magnetic permeable material <NUM>) controls inductive coupling amongst the electrically conductive paths.

In one embodiment, the purpose of such cut-outs (such as cutaway portions <NUM>) is to reduce the shared core area (volume) where mutual flux exists in the magnetic permeable material <NUM> until the desired coupling is achieved between neighboring pairs of electrically conductive paths. For example, the amount of magnetic (inductive) coupling between respective pairs of electrically conductive paths depends on the remaining shared portion of magnetic permeable material <NUM> (core area) and therefore can be tuned by width W2.

In the example embodiment shown in <FIG>, the fabricator <NUM> controls the width associated with the cutaway portions <NUM> to be a value of W2-<NUM> in example circuit component <NUM>-<NUM>.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a top view of a circuit component and implementation of cutaway portions at a second width according to embodiments herein.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a top view of a circuit component and implementation of cutaway portions at a third width according to reference examples useful for the understanding of the invention, but not by itself constituting a claimed embodiment.

In the example shown in <FIG>, the fabricator <NUM> controls the width associated with the cutaway portions <NUM> to be a value of W2-<NUM> in example circuit component <NUM>-<NUM>. This results in the lowest inductive coupling between the pairs of neighboring electrically conductive paths.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a change in inductive coupling amongst multiple inductive paths in a circuit component based on implementation of different depths of cutaway portions according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the curve <NUM> in graph <NUM> represents a variation in inductive coupling associated with the neighboring pairs of electrically conductive paths depending upon a width of W2 (which corresponds to the depth of the cutaway portions) implemented by the fabricator <NUM>. For example, as previously discussed, larger values of width W2 (smaller sized cutaway portions <NUM>) result in greater inductive coupling and greater overall inductance per electrically conductive path. Conversely, smaller values of width W2 result in lower inductive coupling and lower overall inductance.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a change in inductance of inductive paths in a circuit component based on implementation of different depths of cutaway portions according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, and as shown in graph <NUM>, the reduction of the core area of magnetic permeable material <NUM> (via cutaway portions) in each circuit component <NUM> results in an increase of respective reluctance; that is, the deeper the cut-out (the smaller the width W2), the lower the inductance of each respective inductive path (electrically conductive path) as shown in graph <NUM>. Therefore, a trade-off between inductive coupling and inductance exists and it is left to the fabricator <NUM> to choose the optimum coupling and inductance values (via selection of proper sizing of W2 and other dimensions associated with the circuit component) according to the desired component requirements.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a circuit component fabricated to include electrically conductive material according to reference examples useful for the understanding of the invention, but not by itself constituting a claimed embodiment.

In further examples, the fabricator <NUM> (such as fabrication system) fills one or more of the cutaway portions <NUM> with electrically conductive material. For example, in one embodiment, the fabricator <NUM> fills the first cutaway portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> of circuit component <NUM>-<NUM> with first electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM> (such as metal); the fabricator <NUM> fills second cutaway portions <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM> with second electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM> (such as metal).

Thus, in one example, the first cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is occupied by (such as filled with) first electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>. The fabricator <NUM> fabricates the at least one cutaway portion in circuit component <NUM>-<NUM> to further include a second cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>; the second cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is occupied by (such as filled with) second electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>.

In this example, the electrically conductive material (such as metal or other conductor) disposed in each of the respective cutaway portions are electrically isolated from each other.

More specifically, in this example, via fabricator <NUM>, the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is filled with electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>; the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is filled with electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>; the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is filled with electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>; the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is filled with electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>; the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is filled with electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>; the cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM> is filled with electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>.

Respective corners of the core of magnetic permeable material <NUM> include electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, and <NUM>-<NUM>.

Again, in this embodiment, each of the instances of electrically conductive material <NUM> filling respective cutaway portions is isolated from each other such that each instance of electrically conductive material is able to convey a different signal or voltage.

<FIG> is an example exploded view diagram illustrating a voltage regulator circuit assembly according to reference examples useful for the understanding of the invention, but not by itself constituting a claimed embodiment.

In this example, the power supply assembly <NUM> includes electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>, electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM>, electrically conductive paths <NUM>, core of magnetic permeable material <NUM>, circuit board <NUM> including circuitry <NUM>-<NUM>, circuitry <NUM>-<NUM>, circuitry <NUM>-<NUM>, etc., and protective cover <NUM> or heat sink.

In one example, each of the instances of circuitry <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, etc., includes respective one or more switches and control circuitry to control an amount of current flowing through respective electrically conductive paths.

For example, in one example, the circuitry <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to control a magnitude of current through electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>; the circuitry <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to control a magnitude of current through electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>; the circuitry <NUM>-<NUM> is configured to control a magnitude of current through electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>; and so on.

In one example, the first electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM> is operative to electrically convey a first voltage (such as an input voltage) supplied from a substrate on which the assembly <NUM> is mounted to the respective instances of power supply circuitry <NUM>; the second electrically conductive material <NUM>-<NUM> is operative to electrically connect the respective instances of power supply circuitry <NUM> to a second voltage (such as ground reference voltage) supplied from a substrate on which the assembly is mounted.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a voltage regulator circuit assembly according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, the circuit assembly <NUM> is assembled as an array of power supply circuitry <NUM> controlling flow of current through respective electrically conductive paths and generation of one or more output voltages to power a load. As previously discussed, the assembly <NUM> can be mounted in a respective circuit board (substrate).

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating connectivity of circuit components in a power supply according to embodiments herein.

In this non-limiting example embodiment, the power supply <NUM> includes controller <NUM> and multiple phases <NUM> and <NUM> that collectively generate a respective output voltage <NUM> (output current) to power load <NUM>. The load <NUM> can be any suitable circuit such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs and ASICs (such those including one or more Artificial Intelligence Accelerators), etc., which can be located on standalone circuit board or remote circuit board.

Note that power supply <NUM> can include any number of phases. If desired, the phases can be split such that the first phase <NUM> powers a first load independent of the second phase <NUM> powering a second load. Alternatively, the combination of phase <NUM> and phase <NUM> drive the same load <NUM>.

As shown in the example embodiment of operating a combination of the phase <NUM> and phase <NUM> to power the same load <NUM>, phase <NUM> includes switch QA1, switch QB1, and inductive path <NUM> (such as electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>). Phase <NUM> includes switch QA2, switch QB2, and inductive path <NUM>.

Further in this example embodiment, the voltage source <NUM> supplies voltage V1 (such as <NUM> VDC or any suitable voltage) to the series combination of switch QA1 (such as a high-side switch) and switch QB1 (such as a low-side switch).

In one embodiment, the combination of switch QA1 and QB1 as well as inductive path <NUM> (inductor such as implemented via electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> of circuit component <NUM>) operate in accordance with a buck converter topology to produce the output voltage <NUM>.

Further in this example embodiment, note that the drain node (D) of switch QA1 is connected to receive voltage V1 provided by voltage source <NUM>. The source node (S) of switch QA1 is coupled to the drain node (D) of switch QB1 as well as the input node of inductive path <NUM>. The source node of switch QB1 is coupled to ground. The output node of the inductive path <NUM> is coupled to the load <NUM>.

Yet further in this example embodiment, the drain node of switch QA2 of phase <NUM> is connected to receive voltage V1 provided by voltage source <NUM>. The source node (S) of switch QA2 is coupled to the drain node (D) of switch QB2 as well as the input node of inductive path <NUM> (inductor such as implemented via electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> of circuit component <NUM>). The source node of switch QB2 is coupled to ground. The output node of the inductive path <NUM> is coupled to the load <NUM>.

As previously discussed, the combination of the phases <NUM> and <NUM> produces the output voltage <NUM> that powers load <NUM>. That is, the inductive path <NUM> produces output voltage <NUM>; inductive path <NUM> produces output voltage <NUM> as well.

During operation, as shown, controller <NUM> produces control signals <NUM> (such as control signal A1 and control signal B1) to control states of respective switches QA1 and QB1. For example, the control signal A1 produced by the controller <NUM> drives and controls the gate node of switch QA1; the control signal B1 produced by the controller <NUM> drives and controls the gate node of switch QB1.

Additionally, controller <NUM> produces control signals A2 and B2 to control states of switches QA2 and QB2. For example, the control signal A2 produced by the controller <NUM> drives and controls the gate node of switch QA2; the control signal B2 produced by the controller <NUM> drives and controls the gate node of switch QB2.

In one embodiment, the controller <NUM> controls the phases <NUM> and <NUM> to be <NUM> degrees out of phase with respect to each other.

As is known with buck converters, in phase <NUM>, activation of the high-side switch QA1 to an ON state while switch QB1 is deactivated (OFF) couples the input voltage V1 to the input of the inductive path <NUM>, causing an increase (such as ramped) in amount of current provided by the inductive path <NUM> to the load <NUM>. Conversely, activation of the low-side switch QB1 to an ON state while switch QA1 is deactivated (OFF) couples the ground reference voltage to the input of the inductive path <NUM>, causing a decrease (such as ramped) in amount of current provided by the inductive path <NUM> to the load <NUM>. The controller <NUM> monitors a magnitude of the output voltage <NUM> and controls switches QA1 and QB1 such that the output voltage <NUM> stays within a desired voltage range.

Via phase <NUM>, in a similar manner, activation of the high-side switch QA2 to an ON state while switch QB2 is deactivated (OFF) couples the input voltage V1 to the input of the inductive path <NUM> causing an increase in amount of current provided by the inductive path <NUM> to the load <NUM>. Conversely, activation of the low-side switch QB2 to an ON state while switch QA2 is deactivated (OFF) couples the ground reference voltage to the input of the inductive path <NUM>, causing a decrease in amount of current provided by the inductive path <NUM> to the load <NUM>. The controller <NUM> monitors a magnitude of the output voltage <NUM> and controls switches QA2 and QB2 such that the output voltage <NUM> stays within a desired voltage range.

<FIG> is an example side view diagram illustrating the multi-phase power supply of <FIG> instantiated in a vertical stack according to embodiments herein.

Further embodiments herein include receiving the circuit component <NUM> (such as including electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) as previously discussed.

A circuit board fabricator <NUM> or fabrication system disposes the circuit component <NUM> in a power converter affixed to a circuit board (such as substrate <NUM>). In one embodiment, the power converter (such as voltage regulator) is operative to convert an input voltage into an output voltage.

In further example embodiments, when installing the circuit component in the power converter, the fabricator <NUM> disposes a length-wise axis of the first electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> (a. , inductive path <NUM> along Y-axis) to be orthogonal to a planar surface of the substrate <NUM>; and the fabrication system disposes a length-wise axis of the second electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> (a. , inductive path <NUM> along Y-axis) to be orthogonal to the surface of the substrate <NUM>.

The instantiation of power supply <NUM> in this example embodiment supports vertical power flow. For example, the substrate <NUM> and corresponding one or more power sources such as V1 supply power to the power supply stack assembly <NUM>, which in turn powers the dynamic load <NUM>. Ground reference (GND) conveyed through the power supply stack assembly <NUM> provides a reference voltage and return path for current conveyed through the stack to the load <NUM>. As previously discussed, the cutaway portions (such as cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, cutaway portion <NUM>-<NUM>, etc.) can be filled in with electrically conductive material that provides a respective path between the load <NUM> and the substrate <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the substrate <NUM> is a circuit board (such as a standalone board, mother board, standalone board destined to be coupled to a mother board, etc.). The power supply stack assembly <NUM> including one or more inductor devices is coupled to the substrate <NUM>. As previously discussed, the load <NUM> can be any suitable circuit such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs and ASICs (such those including one or more Artificial Intelligence Accelerators), which can be located on standalone circuit board.

Note that the inductive path <NUM>, <NUM>, etc., (instantiation of any of the inductor devices <NUM>, etc., as discussed herein) in the power supply stack assembly <NUM> can be instantiated in any suitable manner as described herein. In this non-limiting example embodiment, the power supply stack assembly <NUM> includes one or more instantiation of any the inductor devices such as electrically conductive paths <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>, etc., as discussed herein. The power supply stack assembly <NUM> can be configured to include any of number of the inductor devices (electrically conductive path) as described herein. In this example embodiment, the circuit component <NUM> includes two instances of electrically conductive paths <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>.

Further in this example embodiment, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates power supply stack assembly <NUM> (such as a DC-DC power converter) via stacking of multiple components including a first power interface <NUM>, one or more switches in switch layer <NUM>, connectivity layer <NUM>, one or more inductor assemblies (such as including circuit component <NUM> of inductor devices), and a second power interface <NUM>.

The fabricator <NUM> further disposes the first power interface <NUM> at a base of the stack (power supply assembly <NUM> of components). The base of power supply stack assembly <NUM> (such as power interface <NUM>) couples the power supply stack assembly <NUM> to the substrate <NUM>.

In one embodiment, fabricator <NUM> disposes capacitors <NUM> and <NUM> in a layer of the power supply stack assembly <NUM> including the power interface <NUM>.

Yet further, when fabricating the power supply stack assembly <NUM>, the fabricator <NUM> electrically couples multiple switches such as switch QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 in the power supply stack assembly <NUM> to the first power interface <NUM>. The first power interface <NUM> and corresponding connectivity to the substrate <NUM> enables the switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 to receive power such as power input such as input voltage V1 and GND reference voltage from the substrate <NUM>. One or more traces, power layers, etc., on substrate <NUM> provide or convey the voltages from voltage (or power) sources to the power interface <NUM> of the power supply stack assembly <NUM>.

As previously discussed, controller <NUM> generates control signals <NUM> to control respective switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 in the power supply stack assembly <NUM> (see <FIG> for interconnectivity). Fabricator <NUM> provides connectivity between the controller <NUM> and the switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 in any suitable manner to convey respective signals <NUM>.

Atop the switches in the switch layer <NUM>, the fabricator <NUM> further fabricates the power supply stack assembly <NUM> to include one or more inductor devices as described herein. Additionally, via connectivity layer <NUM>, the fabricator <NUM> further connects the switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 to the one or more inductor devices <NUM> (such as electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>), <NUM> (such as electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>), etc..

More specifically, in this example embodiment, the fabricator <NUM> connects the source node (S) of switch QB1 to the ground reference node <NUM>-<NUM> in the power interface <NUM>. Note that the ground reference node <NUM>-<NUM> (such as ground reference return path connected to the dynamic load <NUM>) extends from the substrate <NUM> to the dynamic load <NUM> via L-shaped ground node <NUM>-<NUM> (which is connected to the ground voltage reference). Additionally, or alternatively, as previously discussed, the cutaway portions filled with electrically conductive material also can be used to provide a return a path through the circuit component <NUM>.

The fabricator <NUM> connects the drain node (D) of switch QB1 to node <NUM> (such as fabricated from metal), which is electrically connected to the first end <NUM> of the inductive path <NUM> (such as instantiation of electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>). Thus, via connectivity layer <NUM>, the fabricator <NUM> connects the drain node of the switch QB1 to the inductive path <NUM>.

The fabricator <NUM> connects the drain node (D) of switch QA1 to the voltage source node <NUM> (which is electrically connected to the input voltage V1) of the first power interface <NUM>. The fabricator <NUM> connects the source node (S) of switch QA1 to node <NUM>, which is electrically connected to the first end <NUM> of the inductive path <NUM> (such as instantiation of electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) as previously discussed. Thus, via connectivity layer <NUM> and corresponding node <NUM>, the source node of the switch QA1 is connected to the inductive path <NUM> of inductor device <NUM>.

As further shown, the fabricator <NUM> connects the source node (S) of switch QB2 to the ground reference node <NUM>-<NUM> in the power interface <NUM>. The ground reference node <NUM>-<NUM> (current return path) extends from the substrate <NUM> to the dynamic load <NUM> via L-shaped ground reference node <NUM>-<NUM> (which is connected to the ground voltage reference). The fabricator <NUM> connects the drain node (D) of switch QB2 to node <NUM> (such as fabricated from metal), which is electrically connected to the first end <NUM> of the inductive path <NUM> (such as instantiation of electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>). Thus, via connectivity layer <NUM>, the drain node of the switch QB2 is connected to the inductive path <NUM> of inductor device <NUM>.

Note that although each of the nodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> appear to be L-shaped from a side view of the power supply stack assembly <NUM>, in one embodiment, the node <NUM> extends circumferentially about an outer surface of the power supply stack assembly <NUM> (in a similar manner as electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> as previously discussed). Additionally, or alternatively, as previously discussed, the cutaway portions of the circuit component <NUM> provide a way to convey voltages through the circuit component <NUM>.

As further shown, the fabricator <NUM> connects the drain node (D) of switch QA2 to the voltage source node <NUM> (which is connected to voltage V1) in the power interface <NUM>. The fabricator <NUM> connects the source node (S) of switch QA2 to node <NUM>, which is electrically connected to the first axial end <NUM> of the inductive path <NUM> (instantiation of electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>). Thus, via connectivity layer <NUM> and corresponding node <NUM>, the source node of the switch QA2 is connected to the inductive path <NUM> (such as electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>).

Accordingly, the fabricator <NUM> disposes the one or more switches (such as QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2) in the power supply stack assembly <NUM> between the first power interface <NUM> and the inductor device <NUM>.

In one non-limiting example embodiment, each of the one or more switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 in the power supply stack assembly <NUM> is a vertical field effect transistor disposed between the first power interface <NUM> and the inductor devices. However, additionally, or alternatively, note that one or more of switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 can be any suitable type of switches such as vertical or lateral field effect transistors, bipolar junction transistors, etc. It is also possible for lateral FETs, but vertical FETs are the ideal choice for this concept due to the flip chip method to minimize the current loop.

As previously discussed, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the power supply stack assembly <NUM> to include one or more inductor devices. In this example embodiment, the fabricator <NUM> disposes the multiple inductive paths <NUM> (electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) and inductive path <NUM> (electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) in the power supply stack assembly <NUM> between the multiple switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 and the second power interface <NUM>.

In accordance with further embodiments, note that fabrication of the multiple inductive paths <NUM> and <NUM> includes: fabricating the multiple inductive paths to include a first inductive path <NUM> (electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) and a second inductive path <NUM> (electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) extending through core magnetic permeable material <NUM> of a respective inductor device <NUM> between the connectivity layer <NUM> and the power interface <NUM>. In one embodiment, fabricator <NUM> fabricates each inductor device <NUM> to include: i) core magnetic permeable material <NUM>, the core magnetic permeable material being magnetic permeable ferromagnetic material, ii) an electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> extending through the core material <NUM> from a first axial end of the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> to a second axial end <NUM> of the electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>.

Yet further in this example embodiment, the first inductive path <NUM> is disposed in a first phase <NUM> (<FIG>) of the power supply stack assembly <NUM> (power converter circuit); the second inductive path <NUM> is disposed in a second phase <NUM> (<FIG>) of the power supply stack assembly <NUM> (power converter circuit). During operation of the power converter (power supply stack assembly <NUM>), a combination of the first phase <NUM> and the second phase <NUM> disposed in parallel produce the output voltage <NUM>. If desired, the controller <NUM> can be fabricated into the power supply stack assembly <NUM> as well.

In one embodiment, each of the one or more inductive paths <NUM> (such as electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) and <NUM> (such as electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) is a respective non-winding path extending from a first layer (such as switch layer <NUM>) in the stack including the multiple switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2 to a second layer in the stack including the second power interface <NUM>.

Note that further embodiments herein include connecting multiple inductive paths in the inductor devices <NUM> in parallel to increase an inductance of a respective inductive path. As described herein, any number of inductive paths can be connected in parallel to provide a desired overall inductance. Thus, in addition to controlling parameters such as permeability of the core material <NUM> of a respective circuit component <NUM>, a respective length (between first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>) of each non-winding electrically conductive path (such as straight or direct path) in the inductor device <NUM>, embodiments herein also include connecting multiple inductive paths in parallel to control a magnitude of inductance provided by the respective inductor device <NUM>. Also, as previously discussed, embodiments herein include fabricating the core material <NUM> in the inductor devices such that a magnitude of the magnetic permeability of the core varies with respect to a respective electrically conductive path providing connectivity between layer <NUM> and <NUM>.

As further shown, the fabricator <NUM> disposes the inductor devices in the power supply stack assembly <NUM> between the multiple switches (QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2) in switch layer <NUM> and the second power interface <NUM>.

More specifically, the fabricator <NUM> produces the power supply assembly <NUM> to include a second power interface <NUM>. In one embodiment, the fabricator <NUM> connects the output axial end of the inductor devices (<NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>) and corresponding nodes to the second power interface <NUM>. The second power interface <NUM> is operable to receive the output voltage <NUM> produced by the inductor devices L1 (electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) and L2 (electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>) and output it to the load <NUM>. The fabricator <NUM> couples the output nodes of both the inductive path <NUM> and inductive path <NUM> to the output voltage node <NUM> (such as a layer of material such as metal). Thus, the output voltage node <NUM> is electrically connected to the output of the respective inductive paths <NUM> and <NUM>.

As its name suggests, the output voltage node <NUM> conveys the output voltage <NUM> to power the load <NUM>.

In one embodiment, one or more nodes or pins, pads, etc., of the dynamic load <NUM> are coupled to the output voltage node <NUM>. For example, output voltage node <NUM> of the power supply stack assembly <NUM> conveys the output voltage <NUM> produced by each of the inductive paths 1531and <NUM> to the one or more nodes, pins, pads, etc., of the load <NUM>.

Accordingly, via switching of the inductive paths between the ground voltage and the input voltage V1, the combination of inductive paths <NUM> and <NUM> collectively produces the output voltage <NUM> to power the load <NUM>.

As previously discussed, power supply stack assembly <NUM> further includes ground node <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. In one embodiment, the instantiation of electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (such as ground nodes) provide perimeter electromagnetic shielding with respect to power supply stack assembly <NUM>, preventing or reducing corresponding radiated emissions into the surrounding environment.

In yet further embodiments, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the first power interface <NUM> to include first contact elements operable to connect the first power interface <NUM> at the base of the power supply stack assembly <NUM> to a host substrate <NUM>. The fabricator <NUM> fabricates the second power interface <NUM> to include second contact elements operable to affix a dynamic load <NUM> to the power supply stack assembly <NUM>.

Note that power supply stack assembly <NUM> is fabricated to further include first capacitors <NUM>, <NUM>, etc., providing connectivity between the input voltage node <NUM> (first electrically conductive path supplying input voltage V1 to the power supply stack assembly <NUM>) and ground nodes <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> (such as second electrically conductive path supplying the ground reference voltage to the power supply stack assembly <NUM>).

The fabricator <NUM> further disposes output voltage node <NUM> (such as another electrically conductive path) in the layer of the power supply stack assembly <NUM> including the second power interface <NUM>. As previously discussed, the output voltage node <NUM> (such as layer of metal) is operable to convey the output voltage <NUM> to the dynamic load <NUM>.

In accordance with further embodiments, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the power supply stack assembly <NUM> to include second capacitors (<NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) connected between the output voltage node <NUM> and a respective ground node <NUM>. More specifically, capacitor <NUM> is coupled between output voltage node <NUM> and the ground node <NUM>-<NUM>; capacitor <NUM> is coupled between output voltage node <NUM> and the ground node <NUM>-<NUM>.

Further embodiments herein include affixing a dynamic load <NUM> to the second power interface <NUM>. Accordingly, the dynamic load <NUM> is affixed atop the power supply stack assembly <NUM>.

The power supply stack assembly <NUM> (assembly of components such as a vertical stack) as described herein provides advantages over conventional power converters. For example, the power supply stack assembly <NUM> as described herein provides novel connectivity of components in an assembly (such as via stacking), resulting in shorter circuit paths and lower losses when converting and delivering power to the dynamic load <NUM>.

As previously discussed with respect to <FIG>, during operation, the inductor devices L1 and L2 and corresponding inductive paths <NUM> and <NUM> are operable to produce an output voltage <NUM> based on the received power (current supplied by input voltage, V1). In other words, the power supply stack assembly <NUM> and corresponding fabricated stack of components (such as first power interface <NUM>, one or more switches QA1, QB1, QA2, and QB2, inductor device <NUM>, second power interface <NUM>) is a power converter operable to convert an input voltage V1 (such as a DC voltage) received at the first power interface <NUM> into the output voltage <NUM> (such as a DC voltage) outputted from the second power interface <NUM> to the dynamic load <NUM>.

Further embodiments herein include fabrication of the system. For example, embodiments herein include a fabricator <NUM>. The fabricator <NUM> receives a substrate <NUM> such as a circuit board; the fabricator <NUM> affixes a base (such as interface <NUM>) of the stack of components (such as a power supply stack assembly <NUM>) to the circuit board. As previously discussed, the stack of components (power supply stack assembly <NUM>) is operative to generate an output voltage <NUM> to power a load <NUM>. The load <NUM> is either affixed to the circuit board or the load <NUM> is affixed atop the power supply stack assembly <NUM>.

Further, as previously discussed, the load <NUM> can be any suitable circuit such as CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs and ASICs (such those including one or more Artificial Intelligence Accelerators), which can be located on standalone circuit board.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating a circuit assembly according to embodiments herein.

As shown in this example embodiment, circuit assembly <NUM> includes power supply stack assembly <NUM> disposed in an interposer layer <NUM>. The interposer layer <NUM> provides circuit path connectivity between the substrate <NUM> and the load substrate <NUM> (and load <NUM>).

In a manner as previously discussed, the power supply stack assembly (<NUM>) receives an input voltage (and any other voltage reference signals such as ground, and/or V1, V2, etc.) from the substrate <NUM>. The power supply stack assembly (<NUM>) converts the input voltage into an output voltage <NUM> (and/or output current) that powers the respective load <NUM> and/or other circuit components disposed on the load substrate <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the substrate <NUM> is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) substrate, although substrate <NUM> can be any suitable component to which socket <NUM> (optional) or interposer layer <NUM> is connected. Via insertion into socket <NUM>, the interposer layer <NUM> is in communication with the substrate <NUM>. In the absence of socket <NUM>, the interposer layer <NUM> is connected directly to the substrate <NUM>.

As shown in this example embodiment, circuit assembly <NUM> includes power supply stack assembly <NUM> disposed in a CPU (Central Processing Unit) substrate <NUM>. In one embodiment, the power supply stack assembly <NUM> is integrated into the laminate portion of the CPU substrate <NUM> itself. The CPU substrate <NUM> provides circuit path connectivity between the substrate <NUM> and the load <NUM> (and other components connected to the CPU substrate load <NUM>).

In a manner as previously discussed, the power supply stack assembly (<NUM>) receives an input voltage (and any other voltage reference signals such as ground, and/or voltages V1, V2, etc.) from the substrate <NUM>. The power supply stack assembly (<NUM>) converts the input voltage into an output voltage (and/or output current) that powers the respective load <NUM> and/or other circuit components disposed on the load CPU substrate <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the substrate <NUM> is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) substrate, although substrate <NUM> can be any suitable component to which socket <NUM> (optional) or CPU substrate <NUM> is directly connected. Via insertion into socket <NUM>, the CPU substrate layer <NUM> and power supply stack assembly is in communication with the substrate <NUM>. In the absence of socket <NUM>, the CPU substrate <NUM> is connected directly to the substrate <NUM>.

As shown in this example embodiment, circuit assembly <NUM> includes power supply stack assembly <NUM> disposed in substrate <NUM> such as a circuit board (such as a printed circuit board).

In one embodiment, the power supply stack assembly <NUM> is embedded or fabricated in an opening of the substrate <NUM>. In other words, in one embodiment, the power supply stack assembly <NUM> (converter unit) is fabricated (inserted) into an opening below the CPU substrate <NUM>. The CPU substrate <NUM> provides circuit path connectivity between the substrate <NUM> and the load <NUM> (and/or other components connected to the CPU substrate load <NUM>).

In a manner as previously discussed, the power supply stack assembly (<NUM>) receives an input voltage (and any other voltage reference signals such as ground, and/or V1, V2, etc.) from the substrate <NUM>. The power supply stack assembly (<NUM>) converts the input voltage into an output voltage (and/or output current) that powers the respective load <NUM> and/or other circuit components disposed on the load CPU substrate <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the substrate <NUM> is a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) substrate, although substrate <NUM> can be any suitable component to which socket <NUM> (optional) or CPU substrate <NUM> is directly connected. In one embodiment, via insertion into socket <NUM>, the CPU substrate <NUM> is in communication with the substrate <NUM>. In the absence of socket <NUM>, the CPU substrate <NUM> is connected directly to the substrate <NUM>.

<FIG> is an example diagram illustrating implementation of a circuit assembly including a circuit component according to embodiments herein.

In this example embodiment, assembler <NUM> receives a substrate <NUM> and corresponding components of power supply <NUM> to fabricate controller <NUM>, switches <NUM>, circuit component <NUM>, etc. The assembler <NUM> affixes (couples) the controller <NUM> and other components associated with the power supply <NUM> to the substrate <NUM>.

Via respective circuit paths <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc., as described herein, the assembler <NUM> provides connectivity between the controller <NUM>, switches <NUM>, circuit component <NUM>, and load <NUM>.

Note that components such as the controller <NUM>, circuit component <NUM>, and corresponding components can be affixed or coupled to the substrate <NUM> in any suitable manner. For example, each of the one or more components in power supply <NUM> can be soldered to the substrate <NUM>, inserted into respective sockets disposed on the substrate <NUM>, etc..

Note further that the substrate <NUM> is optional. Any of one or more circuit paths or connectivity as shown in the drawings and as described herein can be disposed in cables or other suitable medium.

In one nonlimiting example embodiment, the load <NUM> is disposed on its own substrate independent of substrate <NUM>; the substrate of the load <NUM> (such as substrate <NUM> or other substrate) is directly or indirectly connected to the substrate <NUM> via connectivity <NUM> such as one or more of wires, cables, links, etc. The controller <NUM> or any portion of the power supply <NUM> and corresponding components can be disposed on a standalone smaller board plugged into a socket of the substrate <NUM> as well.

Via one or more circuit paths <NUM> (such as one or more traces, cables, connectors, wires, conductors, electrically conductive paths, etc.), the assembler <NUM> couples the power supply <NUM> and corresponding components to the load <NUM>. In one embodiment, the circuit path <NUM> conveys the output voltage generated by the circuit component <NUM> and electrically connects the electrically conductive paths <NUM> the to the load <NUM>. The electrically conductive paths produce an output voltage to power the load <NUM>.

Accordingly, embodiments herein include a system comprising: a substrate <NUM> (such as a circuit board, standalone board, mother board, standalone board destined to be coupled to a mother board, host, etc.); a power supply system <NUM> including corresponding components as described herein; and a load <NUM> (such as a motor, winding, etc.).

Note that the load <NUM> can be any suitable circuit or hardware such as one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units), GPUs (Graphics Processing Unit) and ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits such those including one or more Artificial Intelligence Accelerators), which can be located on the substrate <NUM> or disposed at a remote location.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating example computer architecture operable to execute one or more methods according to embodiments herein.

As previously discussed, any of the resources (such as fabricator <NUM>, etc.) as discussed herein can be configured to include computer processor hardware and/or corresponding executable instructions to carry out the different operations as discussed herein.

As shown, computer system <NUM> of the present example includes an interconnect <NUM> that couples computer readable storage media <NUM> such as a non-transitory type of media (which can be any suitable type of hardware storage medium in which digital information can be stored and retrieved), a processor <NUM> (computer processor hardware), I/O interface <NUM>, and a communications interface <NUM>.

I/O interface(s) <NUM> supports connectivity to external hardware such as a keyboard, display screen, repository, fabrication equipment, etc..

Computer readable storage medium <NUM> can be any hardware storage device such as memory, optical storage, hard drive, floppy disk, etc. In one embodiment, the computer readable storage medium <NUM> stores instructions and/or data.

As shown, computer readable storage media <NUM> can be encoded with fabricator application <NUM>-<NUM> (e.g., including instructions) to carry out any of the operations as discussed herein.

During operation of one embodiment, processor <NUM> accesses computer readable storage media <NUM> via the use of interconnect <NUM> in order to launch, run, execute, interpret or otherwise perform the instructions in fabricator application <NUM>-<NUM> stored on computer readable storage medium <NUM>. Execution of the fabricator application <NUM>-<NUM> produces fabricator process <NUM>-<NUM> to carry out any of the operations and/or processes as discussed herein.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the computer system <NUM> can include other processes and/or software and hardware components, such as an operating system that controls allocation and use of hardware resources to execute fabricator application <NUM>-<NUM>.

In accordance with different embodiments, note that computer system may reside in any of various types of devices, including, but not limited to, a power supply, switched-capacitor converter, power converter, a mobile computer, a personal computer system, a wireless device, a wireless access point, a base station, phone device, desktop computer, laptop, notebook, netbook computer, mainframe computer system, handheld computer, workstation, network computer, application server, storage device, a consumer electronics device such as a camera, camcorder, set top box, mobile device, video game console, handheld video game device, a peripheral device such as a switch, modem, router, set-top box, content management device, handheld remote control device, any type of computing or electronic device, etc. The computer system <NUM> may reside at any location or can be included in any suitable resource in any network environment to implement functionality as discussed herein.

Functionality supported by one or more resources as described herein are discussed via flowchart in <FIG>. Note that the steps in the flowcharts below can be executed in any suitable order.

<FIG> is a flowchart <NUM> illustrating an example method according to embodiments herein. Note that there will be some overlap with respect to concepts as discussed above.

In processing operation <NUM>, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates a core of the circuit component <NUM> to include magnetic permeable material <NUM>.

In processing operation <NUM>, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the multiple electrically conductive paths <NUM> to extend through the core of the magnetic permeable material <NUM>. The multiple electrically conductive paths <NUM> include a first electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and a second electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>.

In processing operation <NUM>, the fabricator <NUM> fabricates the core of the magnetic permeable material <NUM> to include one or more cutaway portions <NUM> that are operative to reduce inductive coupling between the first electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM> and the second electrically conductive path <NUM>-<NUM>.

Note again that techniques herein are well suited for use in fabrication of inductor devices and corresponding implementation in power converter applications. However, it should be noted that embodiments herein are not limited to use in such applications and that the techniques discussed herein are well suited for other applications as well.

Claim 1:
An apparatus comprising:
a core fabricated from magnetic permeable material (<NUM>);
an arrangement of multiple electrically conductive paths (<NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>) extending through the core of the magnetic permeable material (<NUM>), the multiple electrically conductive paths (<NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>) including a first electrically conductive path (<NUM>-<NUM>) and a second electrically conductive path (<NUM>-<NUM>); and
the core of the magnetic permeable material (<NUM>) fabricated to include at least one cutaway portion (<NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>...<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>) operative to reduce inductive coupling between the first electrically conductive path (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the second electrically conductive path (<NUM>-<NUM>),
wherein the first electrically conductive path (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the second electrically conductive path (<NUM>-<NUM>) are disposed in parallel to each other and extend from a first surface of the apparatus to a second surface of the apparatus,
characterized in that
- a cross-section of each of the at least one cutaway portion (<NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>) is rectangular or trapezoidal, or
- the at least one cutaway portion (<NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>...<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>... <NUM>-<NUM>) includes a first cutaway portion part and a second cutaway portion part, wherein the first cutaway portion part extends from the first surface in parallel to the first and second electrically conductive paths (<NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>), wherein the second cutaway portion part extends from the second surface in parallel to the first and second electrically conductive paths, wherein the core of the magnetic permeable material (<NUM>) includes a portion disposed between the first electrically conductive path (<NUM>-<NUM>) and the second electrically conductive path (<NUM>-<NUM>), and wherein the portion of the magnetic permeable material (<NUM>) is also disposed between the first cutaway portion part and the second cutaway portion part.