Distributed (parallel) inductor design for VRM applications

The design of planar magnetic components for application in voltage regulator modules (VRMs) is investigated. In particular, the application of distributed magnetic structures that facilitate locating the VRM closer to the processor load is proposed, so that interconnect impedance and its effects can be reduced. It is shown that in addition to facilitating VRM packaging, the utilization of winding and core regions is improved by replacing a single lumped component with parallel and coupled inductor designs.