Integrated multi-phase coupled inductor for high-current
This technology is a compact, multi-phase inductor — a core electrical component used to manage current in power converters — where multiple inductors share a single magnetic core rather than sitting as separate parts on a circuit board. The design uses an asymmetric arrangement of conductive vias (vertical copper conductors) within symmetrical slots in the core, which controls how magnetic flux flows between phases and allows the inductors to be tightly coupled. The result is a smaller, more efficient power stage for electronics that require multi-phase power delivery, such as processors, data center hardware, or EV power systems. A control circuit manages the switching timing of each phase, coordinating the inductors to smooth out current ripple and improve overall performance.
What you could build
A compact integrated magnetics component for multi-phase voltage regulators used in data center server racks, AI accelerator boards, or EV on-board chargers — sold to power electronics OEMs or module manufacturers as a drop-in inductor solution.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense electronics and data center supply chain companies in Northern Virginia, as well as power electronics firms supporting DoD programs at installations like Dahlgren or Fort Belvoir, would have direct interest.
Readiness: Prototype likely
Concept — described but not yet demonstrated. Lab validated — supported by experimental results in the patent. Prototype likely — the text describes a built, working embodiment.
Readiness is inferred from the patent text, not from a lab visit.
The record
- Inventors
- Feiyang Zhu, Qiang Li, Fred C. Lee
- Granted
- March 18, 2025
- Status
- Granted patent
- Patent number
- 12255004
Ready to talk?
Virginia Tech Intellectual Properties handles licensing for this technology.
Prosim summaries are generated from public patent text and are not legal advice.