PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10102962-B1
Application Number: US-201615163909-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Integrated magnetic passive devices using magnetic film

Abstract:
An inductive device is disclosed, including a first wire coupled to a first terminal and to a second terminal, a non-conductive material surrounding the first wire, and a magnetic film. The non-conductive material spans the region from the first terminal to the second terminal. The magnetic film surrounds at least a portion of the non-conductive material between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first wire has a first amount of inductance.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An inductive device, comprising:
 a first wire coupled to a first terminal and to a second terminal; 
 a second wire adjacent to the first wire; 
 a non-conductive material surrounding the first wire and the second wire, wherein the non-conductive material spans a region between the first terminal and the second terminal, and wherein the non-conductive material isolates the first wire from the second wire; and 
 a magnetic film surrounding at least a portion of the non-conductive material between the first terminal and the second terminal, wherein: 
 the magnetic film includes an upper indention on the top of the inductive device and a lower indention on the bottom of the inductive device; 
 the magnetic film in the upper and lower indentions does not come into contact; 
 the upper and lower indentions run parallel to the first wire and the second wire; and 
 the first wire has a first amount of inductance. 
 
     
     
       2. The inductive device of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the upper and lower indentions lie between the second wire and the first wire. 
     
     
       3. The inductive device of  claim 1 , wherein, as viewed in a cross section of the inductive device, a shortest distance across the magnetic film between the first wire and the second wire is less than a distance across the magnetic film through either the first wire or the second wire. 
     
     
       4. The inductive device of  claim 1 , wherein the second wire is coupled to a third terminal and to a fourth terminal. 
     
     
       5. The inductive device of  claim 4 , wherein the first amount of inductance is modified dependent upon a current through the second wire between the third terminal and the fourth terminal. 
     
     
       6. The inductive device of  claim 4 , wherein the first wire and the second wire are twisted around each other such that the first terminal and the fourth terminal are on a same side of the inductive device. 
     
     
       7. The inductive device of  claim 1 , wherein a third wire is coiled around the magnetic film and wherein the third wire is coupled to a third terminal and to a fourth terminal. 
     
     
       8. A system comprising:
 an integrated circuit including:
 a first bond pad; and 
 a second bond pad; and 
 
 an inductive device including:
 a first wire, wherein a first end of the first wire is coupled to the first bond pad and a second end of the first wire is coupled to the second bond pad; 
 a second wire adjacent to the first wire; 
 a non-conductive material surrounding the first wire and the second wire, wherein the non-conductive material spans a region between the first end of the first wire and the second end of the first wire, and wherein the non-conductive material isolates the first wire from the second wire; and 
 a magnetic film surrounding at least a portion of the non-conductive material between the first end of the first wire and the second end of the first wire, wherein: 
 the magnetic film includes an upper indention on the top of the inductive device and a lower indention on the bottom of the inductive device; 
 the magnetic film in the upper and lower indentions does not come into contact; 
 the upper and lower indentions run parallel to the first wire and the second wire; and 
 wherein the first wire has a first amount of inductance. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 8 , wherein at least a portion of the upper and lower indentions lie between the second wire and the first wire. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the integrated circuit includes a third bond pad and a fourth bond pad, and wherein a first end of the second wire is coupled to the third bond pad and a second end of the second wire is coupled to the fourth bond pad. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 10 , wherein the integrated circuit supplies a current through the second wire, and wherein an amount of the current determines a second amount of inductance of the first wire. 
     
     
       12. The system of  claim 8 , wherein the magnetic film includes at least a first piece of magnetic film and a second piece of magnetic film, and wherein the first and second pieces of the magnetic film are separated by a dielectric material. 
     
     
       13. The system of  claim 12 , wherein a length of the first piece of magnetic film and a length of the second piece of magnetic film of the magnetic film are selected by the first amount of inductance of the first wire.

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/221,835, filed on Sep. 22, 2015, and whose disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Technical Field 
     Embodiments described herein are related to the field of magnetic passive circuit components. More particularly, these embodiments relate to a structure for and method of building inductive devices. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Magnetic devices, such as, for example, inductors, may be used in a variety of circuits. Inductors may be used to resist fluctuations of an electric current. The current stabilizing property of inductors makes them useful in power supply circuits and voltage regulating circuits, helping to generate low noise power signals. Inductors may also be used in wireless circuits, particularly as part of an antenna circuit. 
     Inductor designs may be large and/or expensive when compared to other circuit components. Due to this, some electronic devices, in particular, small portable devices such as smartphones, for example, may use a minimal number of inductors to save space and cost. Limiting a number of inductors may result in more complex circuit designs with reduced performance. An inductor design and manufacturing method are desired which are low cost and small sized. 
     SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Various embodiments of an inductive device are disclosed. Broadly speaking, an inductive device, a method for creating the inductive device, and a system utilizing the inductive device are disclosed. An embodiment of the inductive device includes a first wire coupled to a first terminal and to a second terminal, a non-conductive material surrounding the first wire, and a magnetic film. The non-conductive material spans a region between the first terminal and the second terminal. The magnetic film surrounds at least a portion of the non-conductive material between the first terminal and the second terminal. The first wire has a first amount of inductance. 
     In a further embodiment, a second wire is surrounded by the non-conductive material and is parallel to the first wire. The non-conductive material is further configured to fill space between the second wire and the magnetic film and between the second wire and the first wire. 
     In another embodiment, the second wire is coupled to a third terminal and to a fourth terminal. In one embodiment, the first amount of inductance is modified dependent upon a current through the second wire between the third terminal and the fourth terminal. 
     In a further embodiment, a shape of a cross-section of the magnetic film, perpendicular to the first and second wires, is a figure-eight shape. In an embodiment, the first wire and the second wire are twisted around each other such that the first terminal and the fourth terminal are on a same side of the inductive device. In another embodiment, a second wire is coiled around the magnetic film and coupled to a third terminal and to a fourth terminal. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following detailed description makes reference to the accompanying drawings, which are now briefly described. 
         FIG. 1  illustrates components of an embodiment of an inductor. 
         FIG. 2  depicts two embodiments of an inductor. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates several embodiments of inductors with various geometries. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of an inductor with two twisted wires. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of an inductor, showing terminals for mounting. 
         FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of an inductor. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an embodiment of an inductor with a segmented magnetic layer. 
         FIG. 8  illustrates another embodiment of an inductor with a segmented magnetic layer. 
         FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of an inductor wrapped by a solenoid wire. 
         FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of an inductor wrapped by two solenoid wires. 
         FIG. 11  depicts five illustrated phases [ 11 ( a ) to  11 ( e )] in the manufacture of an embodiment of an inductor. 
         FIG. 12  depicts a wire frame with multiple pairs of wires attached for use in an embodiment of a manufacturing process for inductors. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a wafer shaped carrier for use in manufacturing inductors. 
         FIG. 14  shows a flow diagram for a method for manufacturing inductors. 
         FIG. 15  includes two illustrated phases [ 15 ( a ) and  15 ( b )] for attaching an embodiment of an inductor to an IC die. 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a flow diagram for a method for attaching inductors to integrated circuit dies. 
         FIG. 17  depicts three illustrated phases [ 17 ( a ) through  17 ( c )] for depositing a magnetic shell onto wires. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates an apparatus for depositing a magnetic shell onto wires. 
         FIG. 19  shows an apparatus for applying a mold compound to form packaged inductors. 
     
    
    
     While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form illustrated, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description. As used throughout this application, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include,” “including,” and “includes” mean including, but not limited to. 
     Various units, circuits, or other components may be described as “configured to” perform a task or tasks. In such contexts, “configured to” is a broad recitation of structure generally meaning “having circuitry that” performs the task or tasks during operation. As such, the unit/circuit/component can be configured to perform the task even when the unit/circuit/component is not currently on. In general, the circuitry that forms the structure corresponding to “configured to” may include hardware circuits. Similarly, various units/circuits/components may be described as performing a task or tasks, for convenience in the description. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase “configured to.” Reciting a unit/circuit/component that is configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph (f) interpretation for that unit/circuit/component. More generally, the recitation of any element is expressly intended not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph (f) interpretation for that element unless the language “means for” or “step for” is specifically recited. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Due to size and cost restraints, inductors may be under-utilized in small portable electronics. Inductors can improve the performance of some power supply, voltage regulation, wireless, and current regulation designs. Advantages, therefore, may exist in having an inductor design that is small and cost efficient. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to include one or more inductive devices coupled to an integrated circuit (IC) within the packaging of the IC, thereby freeing space on a circuit board. 
     It is noted that an “inductor” refers to an electronic component that resists changes in current flowing through it. As current flows through an inductor, some energy resulting from the flow of current is temporarily stored in a magnetic field. When current passing through the inductor changes, the resulting change in the magnetic field induces a voltage in the inductor, which opposes the change in current. The amount of the opposition to current changes imparted by the magnetic field is characterized by a ratio of the voltage to the rate of change of the current, which is commonly referred to as inductance. Inductors may be employed in a variety of circuit applications and may be constructed using various manufacturing methods in order to achieve a desired inductance value. 
     Moving to  FIG. 1 , components of an embodiment of an inductor are illustrated. Wire  101  and magnetic tube  103  may be used to create inductor  100 . Wire  101  is placed inside magnetic tube  103 , without touching one another. A non-conductive material, such as, but not limited to, glass, rubber, or plastic, may be used to fill the space between wire  101  and magnetic tube  103 , providing support for wire  101  and isolating the two components. A magnetic field generated by magnetic tube  103  increases an amount of inductance in wire  101 . Each end of wire  101  may be coupled to a respective node of a circuit, thereby adding the inductance to signals transmitted between these respective nodes. In some embodiments, terminals may be coupled to each end of wire  101 , providing connection points from inductor  100  to circuit nodes. 
     Wire  101  may consist of any suitable conductive material, such as, but not limited to, gold, copper, aluminum, and the like. In some embodiments, a glass, rubber, or plastic coating may be included around the wire as an isolator from other conductive materials. Magnetic tube  103  may consist of any suitable compound, including, but not limited to, materials made with iron, cobalt, or nickel. The amount of inductance in wire  101  may be determined based on several properties of inductor  100 , including, but not limited to, the length and diameter of magnetic tube  103 , the diameter of wire  101 , the distance between the outer surface of wire  101  and the inner surface of magnetic tube  103 , and the materials used in wire  101  and magnetic tube  103 . 
     It is noted that inductor  100  of  FIG. 1  is merely an example for demonstration of disclosed concepts. Some operational details have been omitted to focus on the disclosed subject matter. Other embodiments may include more components. 
     Turning to  FIG. 2 , two embodiments of a structure for an inductor are shown. Inductor  200  is similar to inductor  100  in  FIG. 1 , with the addition of wire  202 , forming a two-conductor inductor. Inductor  210  is similar to inductor  200 , except that the shape of the cross section of magnetic tube  213  is oval rather than circular. In some embodiments, the shape may approximate an elliptical shape with each of the two wires located near each focal point of the ellipse. 
     Wire  201  and wire  202  may be similar in composition to wire  101  in  FIG. 1 . In the present embodiment, wires  201  and  202  are parallel to each other and to magnetic tube  203  and therefore do not come into contact with one another. Similar to inductor  100 , magnetic tube  203  imparts an inductance on both wire  201  and wire  202 . Wires  201  and  202  are conductively isolated from each other, but are inductively coupled. A current running through wire  201  may increase or decrease the inductance on wire  202 , and vice versa. If currents in each wire are in the same direction, then an amount of inductance may be increased on each wire. Conversely, if the currents are in opposite directions, then the amount of inductance may be decreased in each wire. 
     In the embodiment of inductor  210 , magnetic tube  213  has an oval (or elliptical) cross section rather than circular. Use of an oval shape can reduce a height of inductor  210  as compared with inductor  200 . Additionally, the oval shape may increase the amount of inductance on wires  211  and  212  by bringing the magnetic material, and therefore the magnetic field, closer to the wires. In some embodiments, the oval shape may allow for a higher inductance value while using less material to create magnetic tube  213 . 
     It is noted that inductor  200  and inductor  210  in  FIG. 2  are merely examples. In other embodiments, additional components may be included, such as, for example, non-conductive coatings around each of wires  201 ,  202 ,  211 , and/or  212 . 
     Moving to  FIG. 3  cross sections for nine embodiments of structures for inductors are illustrated, each with a different geometry of components. The illustrated cross sections are formed perpendicular to the length of the wires. The cross-hatched area represents non-conductive material. Inductors  301 ,  302 ,  303 , and  304  illustrate various embodiments for the shape of two wires running through the two previously discussed magnetic tube shapes. Inductor  301  shows a circular magnetic tube with two semi-circular wires. The amount of space between the wires and the inside of the magnetic tube is reduced in comparison to inductor  200  of  FIG. 2 . The flat sides of each of the wires provide a large surface area between the two wires, creating a higher level of inductive coupling as compared to the two circular wires of inductor  200 . Furthermore, the round portions of each wire allow for a greater amount of inductance to be coupled from the magnetic tube. The structure of inductor  301  may allow for similar amount of inductance in a smaller overall package as compared to inductor  200 . Inductor  302  utilizes similarly shaped wires as inductor  301 , but places them in an elliptical magnetic tube rather than a circular one. The semielliptical wires provide similar characteristics as the semicircular wires in inductor  301 . The elliptical shape of the magnetic tube may provide for a lower height as compared to inductor  301  while providing similar amounts of inductance. 
     In the embodiment of inductors  303  and  304 , the cross section of each of the two wires is square rather than circular. Compared to circular wires, the adjacent flat sides of the two wires may allow a higher level of inductive coupling between the wires. The square shape may also be easier to manufacture in some embodiments. The square shape, may, however, result in non-uniform amounts of inductance across the wires. For example, the amount of inductance experienced by current running at the corners of the wires may be different than the amount experienced by current running along the centers of the sides. Differences between the circular (inductor  303 ) and elliptical (inductor  304 ) magnetic tubes correspond to the previously description above. 
     Inductors  305  and  306  each include more than two wires within the magnetic tubes. In these embodiments, one or more of the wires may be used for active signals while any unused wires may be used as control signals. As used herein, an “active signal” refers to a signal to which the inductance of an inductor is to be applied. A “control signal” refers to a signal used to modify an amount of inductance applied to the active signal. In some embodiments, one active signal may be coupled to two or more wires, for example, to reduce an amount of resistance applied to the active signal. A same control signal may be coupled to two or more wires to increase an influence of the control signal on the active signal. 
     The embodiment of inductor  307  includes a magnetic tube with indentions on the top and bottom occurring between the two illustrated wires. As illustrated in the cross section of inductor  307 , a shortest distance across the magnetic tube between the two wires (as indicated by line  307   a ) is less than a distance across the magnetic tube through the center of either wire (as indicated by lines  307   b  and  307   c ). As used herein, “across the magnetic tube” refers to a path between two points of the magnetic tube that crosses an imaginary line running through the center point of each wire (as indicated by line  307   d ). This shape may be referred to as a “figure-eight” or a “dual divot” cross sectional shape. The figure-eight shape may be used in some embodiments, to increase the level of inductance on the two wires by bringing more of the inner surface of the magnetic tube closer to each of the two wires. In other words, a distance from any point on the outer surface of each wire to the closest point on the inner surface of the magnetic tube may be kept more consistent than corresponding distances in inductors  200  and  210  in  FIG. 2 . The figure-eight shape may also, in some embodiments, decrease inductive coupling between the two wires, thereby reducing an impact of a signal on a first of the two wires on an inductance of a second of the two wires. 
     Similar to inductor  307 , inductor  308  is another embodiment of a dual-divot shape. The magnetic tube of inductor  308  has flat sides, rather than the curved sides shown in other inductors of  FIG. 3 . The shape of inductor  308  may resemble two overlapping hexagons. As described for inductor  307 , a shortest distance across the magnetic tube between the two wires (as indicated by line  308   a ) is less than a distance across the magnetic tube through the center of either wire (as indicated by lines  308   b  and  308   c ). Consequently, inductor  308  may also increase the level of inductance on the two wires by bringing more of the inner surface of the magnetic tube closer to each of the two wires, and may also decrease inductive coupling between the two wires. The flat surfaces of the magnetic tube may be easier to generate by some manufacturing processes. The flat surfaces may also provide some benefits for attaching inductor  308  to a circuit board or to an IC die. 
     Inductor  309  includes two flat ribbon wires and a magnetic tube with a similar wide, flat shape. In some embodiments, the wide flat shape may provide advantages, such as in applications in which height above components is limited, such as, for example, very thin portable electronics. The flat design of inductor  309  may also be advantageous for including in a multi-chip package, for example, when attached to the top of an IC die. 
     It is noted that embodiments illustrated in  FIG. 3  are example structures intended to demonstrate particular aspects of the disclosed subject matter. Additional structures are contemplated, including combinations of the illustrated structures. The illustrated embodiments are not intended to convey relative sizes of the components. For example, although the wires in each embodiment are shown as being relatively equal in size and shape, in some embodiments, wires of different sizes or shapes may be used. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 4 , an embodiment of an inductor with two twisted wires is shown. Inductor  400  is illustrated from a top-down view, including two wires labeled A and B. Note that wires A and B exchange locations between the left side and right side. Wires A and B are rotated inside of the magnetic tube of inductor  400 , as shown by cross sectional views  401  through  405 . Each cross section  401 - 405  corresponds to the location of its respective dotted line. 
     Inductor  400  corresponds to a structure such as described for inductor  301  in  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, other structures may be used. As illustrated in cross sections  401 - 405 , as the wires run from the location of cross section  401  on the left to the location of cross section  405  on the right, wire A is passed under wire B until the two wires rotate 180 degrees to the opposite sides of inductor  400 . Wires A and B are kept conductively isolated while maintaining an inductive coupling through the length of the magnetic tube. In some embodiments, the wires may be rotated as shown to allow for simpler routing of signals that inductor  400  is coupled to in a circuit. 
     It is noted that  FIG. 4  is merely an example. In other embodiments, the structure of inductor  400  may differ from the structure illustrated. Dimensions may differ as well the direction of the rotation. Although a rotation of 180 degrees is shown, in various embodiments, any suitable degree of rotation may be implemented as is suitable to the application. 
     Moving now to  FIG. 5 , an embodiment of a packaged inductor, including terminals for mounting, is shown. Inductor  500  includes terminals  501 ,  502 ,  504 , and  505  (not visible), as well as magnetic tube  503 . These components are coupled with package body  506 . Inductor  500  may correspond to any suitable two-wire inductor structure, such as, for example, any of inductors  200 ,  210 ,  301 ,  302 ,  303 ,  304 ,  307 , or  400  from  FIGS. 2, 3, and 4 . 
     In the present embodiment, on one end of inductor  500 , terminal  501  is coupled to a first wire and terminal  502  is coupled to a second wire, both wires not visible and running through magnetic tube  503 . At the other end of inductor  500 , terminal  504  is visible and is coupled to either the first or second wire, depending if the wires are rotated within magnetic tube  503  as described above in regards to  FIG. 4 . Terminal  505 , also at the other end, but not visible, is coupled to the wire not coupled to terminal  504 . Package body  505  encapsulates magnetic tube  503  and the two wires therein. As illustrated, the ends of magnetic tube  503  are not covered by package body  505 . In other embodiments, however, package body  505  may extend further past the ends of magnetic tube  503 , such that only terminals  501 ,  502 ,  504 , and  505  extend outside of the package body. 
     It is noted that  FIG. 5  is merely an example for demonstrating an embodiment of a packaged inductor. In other embodiments, dimensions of the wires may vary. Although an inductor with two wires is illustrated, a similar packaging structure may be used for other wire counts. 
     Turning to  FIG. 6 , another embodiment of an inductor is illustrated.  FIG. 6  shows a cross section of inductor  600 , including wires  601  and  602 , a plurality of magnetic beads  603 , an encapsulating package  604 , and wire shielding  605  and  606 . 
     In the present embodiment, inductor  600  uses the plurality of magnetic beads  603  in place of a magnetic tube. The inductance of wires  601  and  602  may be controlled by a density of the number of magnetic beads  603  as well as a density of each individual magnetic bead  603 . Encapsulating package  604  is formed around magnetic beads  603  to form structural rigidity and hold magnetic beads  603  in place. The size of encapsulating package  604  can determine the density of the number of magnetic beads  603 . Wire shielding  605  and  606  prevent magnetic beads  603  from creating a conductive path between wires  601  and  602 . 
     It is noted that  FIG. 6  is merely an example. Although two wires are shown in  FIG. 6 , in various embodiments, inductor  600  may include a single wire or any number of additional wires. In other embodiments, encapsulating package  604 , rather than being rectangular as illustrated, may be any suitable shape. 
     Moving to  FIG. 7 , an embodiment of an inductor with a segmented magnetic layer is illustrated. Inductor  700  includes wires  701  and  702 , and magnetic tube  703  segmented into three segments,  703   a ,  703   b , and  703   c . Inductor  700  also includes dielectric layers  705   a  and  705   b.    
     In the illustrated embodiment, segmenting magnetic tube  703  into segments  703   a - c  may reduce occurrences of eddy currents that can occur in response to changes in current through wires  701  or  702 . For example, referring back to inductor  200  in  FIG. 2 , changes in current through wire  201  or  202  may induce eddy currents in magnetic tube  203 . A longer magnetic tube  203  may generate higher currents which may, in turn, generate heat and/or electric fields. A segmented magnetic tube  703   a - c  that is a same overall length as magnetic tube  203  may reduce eddy currents in comparison. While each segment  703   a - c  may still generate eddy currents in response to changes in current through wires  701  or  702 , the total current generated by all three segments  703   a - c  may be less than the current generated in magnetic tube  203 , and therefore generated heat and electric fields will be reduced. 
     Dielectric layers  705   a - b  are used in the present embodiment to isolate each segment  703   a - c  to prevent eddy currents from passing between segments  703   a - c . If current is allowed to pass between segments, then any benefit from segmenting magnetic tube  703  may be reduced or lost entirely. Dielectric layers  705   a - b  may be any suitable length to prevent current conduction from adjacent segments of magnetic tube  703  and layer  705   a  may be a different length from layer  705   b.    
     It is noted that  FIG. 7  is an example for demonstrating disclosed concepts. In other embodiments, the number of segments in magnetic tube  703  or the number of wires included in inductor  700  may vary from the illustrated embodiment. Relative shapes and sizes of components may also differ for various embodiments. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 8 , another embodiment of an inductor with a segmented magnetic layer is shown. Inductor  800  includes wires  801  and  802 , as well as magnetic tube  803 , divided into segments  803   a  and  803   b . Similar to inductor  700  of  FIG. 7 , the segmented magnetic tube  803  may reduce effects of eddy currents in inductor  800 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, magnetic tube segments  803   a  and  803   b  are separated by an air gap rather than by a dielectric material. Use of a gap, in various embodiments, may reduce manufacturing costs and complexity compared to using another dielectric material to isolate the segments. In addition, exposing wires  801  and  802  in each gap may allow for inclusion of respective terminals for each of wires  801  and  802 , thereby allowing inductor  800  to be divided into two smaller inductors. 
     The length of segment  803   a , in combination with the cross section width contributes to both the inductance of the segment of inductor  800  as well as the susceptibility to eddy currents. The segment length, therefore, may be chosen to produce desired characteristics. 
     It is noted that  FIG. 8  is merely an example. Relative shapes and sizes of components may also differ for various embodiments, including, for example, the various geometries shown in  FIG. 3 . In other embodiments, the number of wires included in inductor  800  or the number of segments in magnetic tube  803  may vary. 
     Moving now to  FIG. 9 , an embodiment of an inductor wrapped by a solenoid wire is illustrated. Inductive device  900  includes wire  901 , magnetic tube  903 , and coiled wire  905 . In the present embodiment, inductive device  900  allows for two inductors to be created from one structure. A first inductor is created from wire  901  and magnetic tube  903  as described above in regards to inductor  100  in  FIG. 1 . 
     A second inductor is created by wrapping coiled wire  905  around magnetic tube  903 . The two inductors, therefore, share magnetic tube  903  as a magnetic component, with the first inductor utilizing the magnetic field on the interior of magnetic tube  903 . The second inductor utilizes the magnetic field on the outside of magnetic tube  903  which may remain unutilized in inductor  100 . An amount of inductance of the second inductor is determined, in part, by the number of windings of coiled wire  905  around magnetic tube  903 . 
     The first and second inductors may be used individually on different signals. In other embodiments, the two inductors may be combined. For example, wire  901  and coiled wire  905  may be coupled at each end to form two inductors in parallel, thereby reducing a total amount of combined inductance when each end of the coupled wires are attached to separate nodes of a circuit. Additionally, wire  901  and coiled wire  905  may be coupled at one end and the uncoupled ends attached to separate nodes of a circuit, forming two inductors in series, and increasing a total combined inductance. 
     It is noted that  FIG. 9  is merely an example of an inductor structure. Elements of the inductive device  900  may be combined with other concepts disclosed herein. For example, magnetic tube  903  may be segmented as shown in  FIG. 7 . In other embodiments, the number of wires included in inductive device  900  may vary. 
     Turning to  FIG. 10 , an embodiment of another inductor wrapped by a solenoid wire is illustrated. Inductive device  1000  includes wires  1001  and  1002 , magnetic tube  1003 , and coiled wires  1004  and  1005 . Similar to inductive device  900  of  FIG. 9 , inductive device  1000  also allows for two inductors to be created from one structure. A first inductor is created from wires  1001  and  1002 , and from magnetic tube  1003 , similar to inductor  309  in  FIG. 3 . Although a structure similar to inductor  309  is illustrated, any suitable structure, including, but not limited to, inductors  301 - 307  in  FIG. 3  may be used. 
     A second inductor is created by wrapping coiled wires  1004  and  1005  around magnetic core  1003 , similar as described above in regards to  FIG. 9 . Two coiled wires, however, are wrapped instead of a single wire. By using two wires rather than one, an amount of inductance in wire  1004  may be adjusted by driving a control signal on wire  1005 , and vice versa. 
     As described for inductive device  900 , the two inductors of inductive device  1000  may be used as individual inductors, with the first inductor again utilizing the magnetic field within magnetic tube  1003  and the second inductor again utilizing the magnetic field on the outside of magnetic tube  1003 . In addition, the two inductors may be combined as previously described. For example, wire  1001  may be coupled at each end with coiled wire  1004 , forming two inductors in parallel. By driving wire  1002  and coiled wire  1005  with individual control signals, an amount of combined inductance may be controlled by two inputs, potentially allowing greater control. Moreover, wire  1001  may be coupled at a single end to coiled wire  1004  to create two inductors in series rather than parallel. Again, coupling wire  1002  and coiled wire  1005  to individual control signals may allow greater control of the total combined inductance of the series inductors. 
     It is noted that inductive device  1000  of  FIG. 10  is an example for demonstrative purposes. Although two wires are shown within magnetic tube  1003 , any suitable number of wires may be used. Likewise, any suitable number of coiled wires may be wrapped around magnetic tube  1003  in place of the two illustrated wires. 
     Moving to  FIG. 11 , five phases, labeled  11 ( a ) to  11 ( e ), in the manufacture of an embodiment of an inductor are shown. The illustrated phases show the manufacture of three inductive devices, although the phases may apply to any suitable number of devices. Within the five phases, two wires  1101 , magnetic tube  1102 , and coating  1103  are included. 
     In phase  11 ( a ), wires  1101  are inserted into a length of magnetic tube  1102 . An excess length of wires  1101  extend beyond each end of magnetic tube  1102 . In other embodiments, magnetic tube  1102  may be formed around wire  1101  using a deposition process to layer a magnetic material around wires  1101 . Multiple layers, in some embodiments, may be deposited, alternating between magnetic and dielectric layers to form magnetic tube  1102 . In step  11 ( b ), a non-conductive and non-magnetic coating  1103  is applied. Coating  1103  covers the outside surface of magnetic tube  1102  and may, in some embodiments, also be applied in such a manner as to coat the inside of magnetic tube  1102  and wires  1101 , thereby forming an isolating layer between them. 
     A masking phase  11 ( c ) is used to strip portions of coating  1103 , revealing magnetic tube  1102  in intervals, as shown. Another masking phase  11 ( d ) strips the exposed portions of magnetic tube  1102 , revealing wires  1101 . In phase  11 ( e ), wires  1101  are cut in the exposed areas, creating three inductive devices. In this wire cutting phase, the exposed portions of wires  1101  may also be bent to form terminals similar to terminals  501 ,  502 ,  504 , and  505  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
     It is noted that the illustrated phases in  FIG. 11  are an example for manufacturing an embodiment of an inductor. The phases have been simplified for clarity. In other embodiments, more or fewer phases may be included. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 12 , a wire frame with multiple pairs of wires attached for use in an embodiment of a manufacturing process for inductors is illustrated.  FIG. 12  includes wire frame  1201  and multiple pairs of wires  1202  strung in parallel across wire frame  1201 .  FIG. 12  illustrates an embodiment for manufacturing inductors, such as the various forms of inductors shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     In the present embodiment, to create inductors such as those previously described, wire pairs  1202  are placed or stretched taunt across wire frame  1201 . Wire pairs  1202  are arranged in parallel, a predetermined distance apart. If the wires of wire pairs  1202  are insulated, then each pair of wires  1202  may be allowed to come into contact. Otherwise, enough distance must be kept to prevent conduction of current from one wire to the next. In some embodiments, an insulating material may be applied to each pair of wires  1202  using a spray or deposition process. Wire frame  1201  is mounted to a device allowing rotation of wire frame  1201  as necessary for applying the insulating material to each pair of wires, creating a desired shape and thickness. A magnetic tube or shell may be formed next, using a deposition process to apply one or more layers of magnetic material over the insulating material. Again, rotation of wire frame  1201  allows the deposition process to apply the layers in a desired form factor, such as, for example, any of the forms illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, each of wire pairs  1202  may be inside a magnetic tube prior to being mounted to wire frame  1201 , in which case application of insulating material or magnetic material is skipped. 
     After the magnetic shell has been formed, wire pairs  1202  may be formed into inductors using the process presented in  FIG. 11 . Wire pairs  1202  may correspond to phase  11 ( a ). Remaining on wire frame  1201 , wire pairs  1202  may continue to phases  11 ( b ) through  11 ( d ). In some embodiments, wire pairs  1202  may be removed from wire frame  1201  and placed into a carrier before phase  11 ( e ), which includes separating the inductors into individual devices. 
     In other embodiments, phase  11 ( e ) may include positioning wire frame  1201  over a semiconductor wafer which has been processed to include multiple IC dies. Each pair of wires  1202  may be spaced from one another such that one or more rows align with a row of IC dies. Spacing of individual inductors along each wire pair  1202  may be formed with spacing such that one or more inductors align with each IC die. The process of cutting the pairs of wires  1202  between each formed inductor may include an operation attaching each inductor to one of the IC die. 
     It is noted that  FIG. 12  is merely an example. Although wires are shown as being arranged in pairs, in various other embodiments, any suitable number of wires may be grouped together to form inductors including any desired number of wires, including a single wire. Wire frame  1201  is shown as round, but may any suitable shape in other embodiments. 
     Moving now to  FIG. 13 , a wafer shaped carrier for use in manufacturing inductors is shown. Carrier  1301  is shown in a top view as well as a cross section view. Carrier  1301  includes grooves  1302  for holding rows of inductors  1303  during manufacturing phases, such as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
     In the present embodiment, carrier  1301  holds strands of inductors  1303  that remain connected, such as illustrated in phase  11 ( d ). Wire frame  1201  presented in  FIG. 12  may be used to process inductors  1303  through phase  11 ( d ). At phase  11 ( d ), the strands of inductors  1303  may be separated from wire frame  1201  and each strand placed in a corresponding groove  1302 , as shown in the cross section view. Once placed in grooves  1302 , the strands of inductors  1303  may be separated into individual inductive devices, each one including one or more inductors  1303 . Separation of the inductive devices may include using lasers, chemicals, saws, or any other suitable process for cutting the exposed wires between the individual inductive devices. 
     In some embodiments, an adhesive may be used to hold each strand of inductors  1303  in the corresponding groove  1302 . Other embodiments may rely on gravity and friction to keep each strand of inductors  1303  within its corresponding groove  1302 . Carrier  1301  may be comprised of silicon, glass, plastic, or any suitable metal or metal alloy. 
     It is noted that carrier  1301  of  FIG. 13  is merely one embodiment demonstrating the disclosed concepts. In other embodiments, carrier  1301  may be any suitable shape in addition to the round shape illustrated. Other embodiments of carrier  1301  may include tabs or other fixtures to be grasped by processing equipment. Grooves  1302  are shown to be ‘V’ shaped, although, in other embodiments, grooves  1302  may be created in any appropriate shape. 
     Turning to  FIG. 14 , a flow diagram for a method for manufacturing inductors is illustrated. Method  1400  may be applied to the manufacturing phases shown in  FIG. 11  for use in creating any suitable inductor, such as, for example, any of inductors  301  through  309  in  FIG. 3 . Referring collectively to the phases in  FIG. 11  and the method in  FIG. 14 , method  1400  may begin in block  1401 . 
     A plurality of wires is arranged for the manufacturing process (block  1402 ). In the present embodiment, the wires are arranged on a wire frame, such as wire frame  1201  shown in  FIG. 12 . In other embodiments, wires may be arranged in carriers, such as, e.g., carrier  1301  in  FIG. 13 , or other suitable devices. In some embodiments, the wires may each be insulated to avoid conducting current to adjacent wires or other conductive material. In other embodiments, the wires may be bare and require physical separation from other conductive materials. The wires are arranged into subsets corresponding to a number of wires to be included in each inductor. Subsets may include a single wire to any suitable number of wires. 
     Each subset of wires is coated in an insulating material (block  1403 ). The insulating material, such as, for example, a glass or plastic compound, may be sprayed or deposited onto each subset of wires. The insulating material may also be applied in such a manner as to create a desired cross sectional shape, such as, for example, any of the cross sectional shapes illustrated in  FIG. 3 . In some embodiments, the applied insulating material may be shaped after application to the subsets of wires, such as, for example, by a molding or casting process. In various embodiments, the insulating material may be pliable to allow manipulation of the shape in further operations, or may be rigid to preserve the current shape. In embodiments using insulated wires, operations of block  1403  may be optional. 
     A magnetic shell is added to each subset of wires (block  1404 ). In the present embodiment, the magnetic shell is deposited in multiple layers onto the insulating material until a predetermined thickness and shape are achieved, thereby imparting a desired magnetic field onto the subset of wires. In some embodiments, a magnetic annealing process may be performed after deposition to create desired magnetic properties in the magnetic shell, such as aligning the magnetic poles into a desired orientation. In other embodiments, each subset of wires may be inserted into a pre-existing magnetic shell with the desired properties rather than forming the shell around the wires. 
     A non-conductive and non-magnetic material is added around each magnetic shell (block  1405 ). In some embodiments, the non-conductive and non-magnetic material may correspond to a body of a package for the inductors. In such embodiments, the package body may be a rigid plastic to provide protection and strength to the final inductor. In other embodiments, such as, for example, if the inductors will be included in a larger package with other components, the non-conductive and non-magnetic material may be pliable to allow further manipulation of the shape. 
     At this point, the structure of each of the subsets of wires may correspond to phase  11 ( b ) of  FIG. 11 . The structure may be used as an inductor, as is, by attaching each end of each wire of the subset to appropriate nodes of a circuit. In the current embodiment, however, the structure corresponds to a strand of inductors and continues processing to create multiple smaller inductors. 
     The non-conductive and non-magnetic material is removed between each inductor in the strand (block  1407 ). Each strand of inductors is masked to protect the body of each individual inductor. A material is applied to each strand in a pattern representing the body size of each inductor in the strand. The material is selected to be resistant to a chosen process for removing the non-conductive and non-magnetic material. The material may be removed by using any suitable method, such as, e.g., a chemical etching method, a mechanical filing method, or thermal method. The strand of inductors may now correspond to phase  11 ( c ) of  FIG. 11 . 
     The magnetic shell is removed between each inductor in the strand (block  1408 ). Areas of the magnetic shell exposed by the removal of the non-conductive and non-magnetic material in block  1407  are removed. In various embodiments, insulating material inside the magnetic shell and surrounding the subset of wires may be removed in the same step or an additional step. The masking used in block  1407  may be reused when removing the exposed magnetic shell, or, in other embodiments, new masking material may be applied. Removal of the magnetic shell, in various embodiments, is accomplished by using a chemical etching, a mechanical filing, or thermal method. Each wire of the subset of wires in the strand is exposed. In the current state, the strand of inductors may correspond to phase  11 ( d ) of  FIG. 11 . 
     Further operations of the method may depend on a planned usage of the inductors (block  1409 ). If the inductors in each strand will be attached to IC dies, then the method ends in block  1413 . Further details regarding attaching the inductors to IC dies will be provided below. If, however, the inductors will be formed into individual devices to be coupled to various circuits at a later time, then the method moves to block  1410  to continue the manufacturing process. 
     Each strand of inductors is placed onto a carrier (block  1410 ). Each strand is separated from the wire frame and placed onto a carrier, such as, for example, carrier  1301  in  FIG. 13 . An adhesive may be used, in some embodiments, to hold the inductors in place within grooves of the carrier during subsequent processing operations. In other embodiments, the wire frame and carrier may be designed such that the wire frame secures to the carrier with the strands of inductors aligned with the grooves of the carrier. 
     Each strand of inductors is separated into individual inductors (block  1411 ). The separation process may use a laser, a saw, or chemicals to cut the exposed wires between each of the inductors in given strand. In some embodiments, a subset of the exposed wires may be cut, leaving smaller strands of two or more inductors to be used as a single inductive device. 
     The individual inductors, or strands of two or more inductors, are reconstituted (block  1412 ). As used herein, “reconstituting” an inductor refers to a process of forming a desired shape of the device, including terminals for coupling the inductors to circuits. Inductors may be pressed or molded into a desired shape, such as any shapes illustrated in  FIG. 2 or 3 . The reconstitution process may also include adding a mold compound (e.g., a plastic material) around the magnetic shell to form a protective body. Ends of the wires of each inductor may be cut and/or bent into a suitable shape. The method ends in block  1413 . 
     It is noted that the method illustrated in  FIG. 14  is merely an example embodiment. Variations on this method are possible. Some operations may be performed in a different sequence, and/or additional operations may be included. 
     Moving to  FIG. 15 , two phases, labeled  15 ( a ) and  15 ( b ), for attaching an embodiment of an inductor to an IC die are shown. The illustrated phases show two respective inductors  1503  being attached to bond pads  1503  on each of nine IC dies  1501 , beginning with two strands of inductors  1502  per row of dies  1501 . The phases may apply to any suitable number of dies or number of inductors per die. 
     In phase  15  ( a ) of the illustrated embodiment, inductor strands  1502  are positioned over rows of dies  1501 . The bodies of each inductor in strands  1502  are aligned between sets of bond pads  1503 . In some embodiments, each wire strand  1502  may be attached to a wire frame such as wire frame  1201  in  FIG. 12 . Wire frame  1201  may be sized to correspond to a size of wafers on which IC dies  1501  are fabricated. In such an embodiment, to align the strands  1502  to IC dies  1501  on a wafer, wire frame  1201  is positioned concentric to the wafer with strands  1502  running parallel to the rows of IC dies  1501 . In some embodiments, an adhesive may be used to hold each inductor body in place while each inductor is separated from strands  1502 . Bond pads  1503  are metal pads created in a given layer of metal during manufacture of the IC die. Bond pads  1503  may be exposed through openings in a passivation layer covering the top of each die. In some embodiments, additional metal may be deposited on top of each bond pad  1503  to increase the height of a contact point above the top of the passivation. 
     In phase  15  ( b ), inductors  1504  are separated from strands  1502 . Exposed wire between each inductor  1504  is removed using a suitable method, such as laser cutting, thermal cutting, mechanical sawing, or chemical etching, for example. In some embodiments, such as when laser or thermal cutting is used, the cutting step may also attach the ends of the wires of each inductor  1504  to a respective bond pad  1503 . In other embodiments, additional operations may be included to bend the wires to contact each bond pad  1503  and to solder each wire to the respective bond pad  1503 . 
     It is noted that the phases illustrated in  FIG. 15  are merely examples. In other embodiments, any suitable number of inductors may be attached to each die. Although  FIG. 15  shows only one inductor per strand being attached to a respective die, more than one inductor per strand may be attached to a given die. 
     Turning now to  FIG. 16 , a flowchart for a method for attaching inductors to IC dies is illustrated. Method  1600  may be applied to the manufacturing phases shown in  FIG. 15  for use in attaching an inductor, such as, for example, any of inductors  301  through  309  in  FIG. 3 , to an IC die. In some embodiments, method  1600  may be used in conjunction with method  1400  of  FIG. 14 . Referring collectively to the phases in  FIG. 15  and the method in  FIG. 16 , method  1600  may begin in block  1601 . 
     Wafers which include IC dies onto which inductors will be attached are processed to expose bond pads to be used to attach the inductors (block  1602 ). To couple inductors into circuits within a die, such as, for example, one of IC die  1501 , bond pads  1503  are fabricated during the IC manufacturing process. Generally speaking, a passivation layer may be created on top of the circuits of each IC die  1501  to protect the circuits underneath. To reach bond pads  1503 , holes are created in the passivation to expose bond pads  1503 . In some embodiments, additional metal is deposited on bond pads  1503  to raise the contact point of the pads to a level higher than the passivation. 
     Stands of inductors are arranged over the IC dies on the wafer (block  1603 ). Method  1600  may, in some embodiments, be applied after method  1400  in  FIG. 14 . In such embodiments, operations of block  1603  occur after block  1409  in which a determination is made that the inductors in each strand will be attached to IC dies. At this stage, the strands of inductors may correspond to strands  1502  in  FIG. 15 . The strands  1502  are aligned over bond pads  1503  such that an exposed wire on either side of a body of a given inductor is above each bond pad  1503 . In some embodiments, strands  1502  may remain attached to a wire frame, such as wire frame  1201  in  FIG. 12 , and the wire frame  1201  is aligned with the wafer to produce the desired alignment. 
     Wires between each inductor of each strand  1502  are cut (block  1604 ). Various methods may be used to cut the exposed wires, as previously disclosed. Excess wire is removed. In some embodiments, the cutting process may include a step to bend each wire such that it comes into contact with a respective bond pad  1503 . The inductors may now correspond to inductors  1504 . 
     The wires of each inductor are attached to respective bond pads (block  1605 ). Each wire from a given inductor  1504  is attached to a respective bond pad  1503 , thereby coupling the given inductor  1504  to the circuits with the corresponding die  1501 . The wires may be attached by soldering or fusing the wires to the bond pads  1503 . 
     The magnetic shells of inductors  1504  are reconstituted to produce desired magnetic fields (block  1606 ). During the manufacturing process, the magnetic shells in inductors  1504  may experience conditions, such as, for example, high temperatures, that may degrade or alter the magnetic field of the shell. A reconstitution process is used to restore the magnetic field to include desired properties. In some embodiments, the magnetic shell may not have a significant magnet field until undergoing a reconstitution process. This reconstitution process involves applying a magnetic field to the shield until desired magnetic properties have been imparted into the shell. The reconstitution process may include elevating a temperature of inductors  1504  while the magnetic field is applied. 
     IC dies  1501  are separated and packaged as IC chips (block  1607 ). IC dies  1501 , in the present embodiment, are still included on a corresponding wafer at this stage. Dies  1501  are separated using, for example, a wafer saw, to cut rows and columns between each die  1501  on the wafer until each die has been separated. Each die  1501  may be packaged in a desired package type. A plastic or other material may be used to encapsulate each die, including the coupled inductors  1504  into a single IC chip. In some embodiments, each inductor  1504  may be completely contained within the package, with no direct connections to any pins of the package. In place of a package, IC dies  1501  may be attached directly to circuit boards. 
     It is noted that method  1600  in  FIG. 16  is an example process. Variations of this method are contemplated. In other embodiments, additional operations may be included. Various operations may be performed in a different sequence or in parallel. 
     Moving now to  FIG. 17 , three phases of an embodiment,  17 ( a ) through  17 ( c ), are illustrated for depositing a magnetic shell onto wires. Each phase  17   a - c  includes wire carrier  1701 . Insulated wires  1702   a  are shown in a first state in phase  17   a . Insulated wires  1702   a  are then shown in a second state in phase  17   b , and then in phase  17   c , insulated wires  1702   c  are in a third state. Both top views and side views are illustrated for each phase  17   a - c.    
     In phase  17   a , a plurality of insulated wires  1702  are stretched between two sides of wire carrier  1701 , as illustrated in the side view. In the present embodiment, insulated wires  1702   a  include two round wires with an oval insulating material, as shown in the top view. In other embodiments, however, any suitable number and form of wires and insulator shape may be used. Wire carrier  1701  is segmented as indicated by the curved lines such as  1701   a . This segmentation allows flexibility of wire carrier  1701  that will be demonstrated in another figure below. 
     In the present embodiment, wire carrier  1701  allows for each pair of insulated wires  1702   b  to rotate as shown in phase  17   b . This rotation allows access for 360 degrees around insulated wires  1702   b , which will allow for a magnetic material to be deposited uniformly around each pair of insulated wires  1702   b . Phase  17   c  illustrates insulated wires  1702   c  after the magnetic material has been deposited to form a magnetic shell. 
     It is noted that the phases of  FIG. 17  are merely an example. While only four pairs of wires are illustrated, in other embodiments, any number of insulated wires may be included on a wire carrier. Although insulated wires are show, use of bare wires is also contemplated. In some embodiments, a hollow tube may be placed into wire carrier  1701 , rather than wires. In such embodiments, a magnetic shell is formed around the hollow tube and one or more wires may be inserted into the hollow tube after the magnetic shells are formed. 
     Turning to  FIG. 18 , an apparatus for depositing a magnetic shell onto wires is illustrated.  FIG. 18  includes a top view and a side view of a cylindrical apparatus for depositing magnetic and/or dielectric material onto insulated wires to create inductors.  FIG. 18  includes wire carrier  1801  which may correspond to wire carrier  1701  in  FIG. 17  and a plurality insulated wires  1802 , which may correspond to insulated wires  1702   a  in  FIG. 17 . Wire carrier  1801  mounts to carousel  1803 , wrapping around carousel  1803  as shown in the top view. Magnetic or dielectric material  1804  is deposited onto insulated wires  1802 . 
     As previously described, wire carrier  1801  is segmented, with each pair of insulated wires  1802  stretched between two segments, one at each end. The segmentation allows wire carrier  1801  to wrap around carousel  1803 . Wire carrier  1801  may be attached to carousel  1803  by any suitable method such as, for example, screws or clamps. 
     In the illustrated example, carousel  1803  rotates around its main axis  1807 , as shown by arrow  1805 . As carousel  1803  rotates, magnetic material  1804  is emitted from a source towards each pair of insulated wires  1802  as they rotate past the source. In addition to rotating around carousel  1803 , each pair of insulated wires  1802  rotates as shown by arrow  1806 . The rate of rotation of each pair of insulated wires  1802  may correspond to several rotations of carousel  1803 . For example, for one 360 degree rotation of carousel  1803 , each pair of insulated wires  1802  may rotate only 45, 60, or 90 degrees. The slower rotation of insulated wires  1802  may allow for a uniform thickness of magnetic material  1804  to be deposited around all 360 degrees of wires  1802 . In other embodiments, multiple sources for magnetic material  1804  may be placed around carousel  1803 , allowing for a higher rate of rotation. 
     The process may be repeated emitting a dielectric material  1804  rather than magnetic material. Further applications of material  1804  may alternate between magnetic and dielectric, forming a magnetic shell with multiple layers of magnetic material. Magnetic properties may be adjusted by altering a thickness of each layer and by applying different numbers of layers. 
     It is noted that the apparatus of  FIG. 18  is one example for use in manufacturing inductors. Although each pair of insulated wires includes two wires, any suitable number of wires may be used. In addition the shape of each wire and of the insulation may vary in other embodiments. 
     Moving to  FIG. 19 , an apparatus is shown for applying a mold compound to form packaged inductors.  FIG. 19  includes wire carrier  1901 , insulated wires  1902  attached to wire carrier  1901 , inductive devices  1903  formed by an addition of magnetic shells to insulated wires  1902 , and mold compound  1904 . In some embodiments, wire carrier  1901  may correspond to wire carrier  1701  in  FIG. 17 . Operations illustrated in  FIG. 19  and described herein may be performed subsequent to operations shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 . 
     In  FIGS. 17 and 18 , insulated wires attached to a wire carrier are coated with magnetic and dielectric materials to create a magnetic shell around the wires as part of a manufacturing process to create inductive devices. In the present embodiment, after magnetic shells  1903  have been deposited onto each pair of insulated wires  1902 , mold compound  1904  is applied to a group of inductive devices  1903  on wire carrier  1901 . As used and described herein, “mold compound” refers to any suitable substance that may be used to encapsulate a semiconductor chip or other types of electronic components, such as, for example, capacitors, resistors, and transistors. Mold compound  1904  may correspond to a plastic or epoxy resin substance that is applied in a liquid state and subsequently hardens to a solid, in response to thermal conditions or a chemical reaction. 
     As illustrated, a gap is evident between mold compound  1904  and wire carrier  1901 . In other embodiments, mold compound  1904  may be applied to inductive devices  1903  up to the edges of wire carrier  1901 , and may come into contact with wire carrier  1901 . Upon mold compound  1904  reaching a hardened state, a portion of mold compound  1904  may be removed between inductive devices  1903 . At such a stage, each inductive device  1903  may correspond to phase  11 ( b ) in  FIG. 11 , and phases  11 ( c ) and  11 ( d ) may be performed while inductive devices  1903  remain attached to wire carrier  1901 , eventually leading to phase  11 ( e ) with individual inductors. 
     It is noted that  FIG. 19  is merely an example. Although five inductive devices  1903  are shown, any suitable number may be included on a given wire carrier. Although wire carrier  1901  is illustrated with only three sides, a fourth side may be included on the open end along the dashed lines, forming a rectangular shape. 
     Although specific embodiments have been described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, even where only a single embodiment is described with respect to a particular feature. Examples of features provided in the disclosure are intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive unless stated otherwise. The above description is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. 
     The scope of the present disclosure includes any feature or combination of features disclosed herein (either explicitly or implicitly), or any generalization thereof, whether or not it mitigates any or all of the problems addressed herein. Accordingly, new claims may be formulated during prosecution of this application (or an application claiming priority thereto) to any such combination of features. In particular, with reference to the appended claims, features from dependent claims may be combined with those of the independent claims and features from respective independent claims may be combined in any appropriate manner and not merely in the specific combinations enumerated in the appended claims.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20160525
Publication Date: 20181016
Grant Date: 20181016
Priority Date: 20150922
Inventors: CAPPABIANCA, DAVID P.
CAO, ZHITAO
LAI, Kwan-Yu
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H05K2201/1003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F27/2823", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/181", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F27/32", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F41/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F27/29", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F17/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F17/06", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F2017/065", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01F2017/065", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/1003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/181", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K1/181", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H05K2201/1003", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 63761675