Improving the efficiency and dynamics of 3D integrated POL

Abstract

The 3-Dimensional (3D) integrated non-uniform flux inductor has shown good performance in achieving high power density and high efficiency in Point of Load (POL) module design. In this work, both single-phase and two-phase coupled non-uniform flux inductors are designed to build an 18A POL module with a QFN package. The non-uniform flux inductor's unique property of varying core loss at different load conditions is analyzed, and the two-phase coupled inductor design that considers both efficiency and dynamics is demonstrated. The module evaluation shows improvement in efficiency and power density in comparison to conventional design.