Power electronic subassemblies with increased functionality based on planar sub-components

Multilayer printed circuit boards (ML-PCB) have been applied to construct windings in planar transformers. Such PCB windings are examples of planar sub-components that are used to simplify the construction of switch mode power converters. In this contribution, this concept is expanded and a range of planar sub-components is introduced. They differ from normal components in the sense that they are not able to function on their own, but need other subcomponents to define their circuit function. A number of subcomponents are assembled to form a subassembly, which is then used as a base to mount conventional power electronic components. Construction and assembly aspects and the equivalent circuits are presented, and the application of planar subcomponents is described at the hand of two experimental prototype sub-assemblies. The concept is further expanded to a converter containing a number of such sub-assemblies