Inductive components used in integrated circuits, transformers and inductors that form part of integrated circuits

Abstract

Inductive components such as transformers can be improved by including magnetic cores. However, the advantage of having a magnetic core is lost if the core goes into magnetic saturation. One way to avoid saturation is to provide larger cores, but this is expensive in the context of integrated circuits. The inventors have realized that the magnetic flux density varies with the position of the magnetic core in an integrated circuit, causing some cores to saturate earlier than others. This degrades the final performance of the core. The present disclosure provides a structure that delays the onset of early saturation, allowing the transformer to handle more power.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to an improved inductor or an improved transformer manufactured using microelectronic technology, and an integrated circuit comprising such an inductive element. Background technique [0002] Magnetic components such as inductors and transformers are known to have many uses. For example, inductors can be used to make filters and resonant circuits, or they can be used in switching power converters to step up or step down an input voltage for producing different output voltages. Transformers can be used to transfer power or signals from one circuit to another while providing a high level of galvanic isolation. [0003] Inductors and transformers can be fabricated in an integrated circuit environment. For example, it is known that approximately spaced-apart conductors, usually forming a helix or helix, may be formed on or within a semiconductor substrate to form a coil as part of an inductor or transformer. Spiral inductor...

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Problems solved by technology

However, such an arrangement is nonlinear in its performance

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