Electromagnetic design optimization tool for resonant integrated spiral planar power passives (ISP3)

The electromagnetic integration of multiple passive components into a single integrated planar power passive module has been shown viable, not only for resonant structures, but recently also for nonresonant applications. Recent improvements in electromagnetic design and loss modeling for a resonant integrated spiral planar power passive (ISP3) structures have made it possible to accurately estimate the electromagnetic characteristics of the structure before construction. In this paper, this improved modeling forms the basis of an approach for electromagnetically optimizing the structure. A graphical interface tool for identifying trends in resultant structure parameters with respect to design variables is presented. The graphical interface is also used to evaluate different possible optimization criteria. Using a simple optimization criterion, two improved prototype designs are developed and constructed. Finally, these two prototypes are then experimentally tested and compared with a prior state of the art design. These two resultant improved prototypes yield more than a doubling in structure power density without a decrease in structure efficiency. The relatively low resultant temperature differential within the prototypes shows that a substantial increase in power density is still possible and this can be effectively exploited if accurate thermal modeling is included in the future design optimization process.