Embedded passives integrated circuits for power converters

In power conversion the passive components (capacitors, transformers and inductors) determine the size. By their integration significant improvement are possible. We have developed the new emPIC (embedded passives integrated circuit) concept for a high integration of power converters. All passive components will be integrated in the PCB (printed circuit board) by using structured layers of different material. It is being realised in a German consortium consisting of Philips Research, Isola (PCB material supplier), Straschu, Ruwel (PCB manufacturers) and university support. As a first step to the complete emPIC circuit, a demonstrator with PCB integrated capacitive layers was designed and fabricated by the consortium. This publication gives an overview of the vailable technologies and shows the results of the first demonstrator.