Inline converter integrated into power cables
This technology reimagines the physical design of a power converter by arranging all its key components — capacitors, semiconductors, and inductors — in a coaxial (cylindrical, cable-like) geometry that integrates directly with the power cables it connects to. Rather than a bulky box with discrete components mounted on a circuit board, the converter wraps around or along the cable itself, keeping the electrical path short and symmetric. This coaxial layout reduces electromagnetic interference, improves efficiency at the component interfaces, and can shrink the overall footprint of power conversion hardware. The result is a converter that is physically part of the cable run rather than an interruption in it.
What you could build
A compact, inline power converter integrated directly into power cable assemblies for data centers, EV charging infrastructure, or high-density electronics — bought by system integrators, power electronics OEMs, and defense electronics suppliers who need high-frequency, low-profile DC-DC conversion.
Who in Virginia should care
Defense electronics primes and contractors in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads corridor (e.g., supporting Navy shipboard power systems or aerospace programs) would have direct interest in compact, high-efficiency power conversion hardware.
Readiness: Concept
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
- Mark Cairnie, Christina DiMarino, Khai Ngo, Qiang Li, Guo-Quan Lu, Dushan Boroyevich, Douglas DeVoto, Bidzina Kekelia, Yang Cao
- Filed
- Patent pending — filed August 25, 2025
- Status
- Application
- Publication number
- US20260121525A1
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.