Office Action Predictor
Last updated: April 16, 2026
Application No. 17/666,382

PLANAR TRANSFORMER INCLUDING NOISE CANCELLATION FOR AUXILIARY WINDING

Final Rejection §102§103
Filed
Feb 07, 2022
Examiner
CHAN, TSZFUNG JACKIE
Art Unit
2837
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Navitas Semiconductor Limited
OA Round
2 (Final)
75%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
3y 0m
To Grant
94%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 75% — above average
75%
Career Allow Rate
646 granted / 859 resolved
+7.2% vs TC avg
Strong +19% interview lift
Without
With
+19.3%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 0m
Avg Prosecution
35 currently pending
Career history
894
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
54.0%
+14.0% vs TC avg
§102
17.2%
-22.8% vs TC avg
§112
24.7%
-15.3% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 859 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103
DETAILED ACTION Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . Election/Restrictions Applicant’s election without traverse of Species I in the reply filed on 07/14/2025 is acknowledged. Claims 2-3 and 19 are withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b) as being drawn to a nonelected Species II-V, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Election was made without traverse in the reply filed on 07/14/2025. Claim 2 should be withdrawn because having “the compensation winding is formed on a same layer as the first shield winding” and “an auxiliary winding formed around the magnetic core and positioned on a same layer as the first shield winding” would require the “auxiliary winding”, “the first shield winding”, and “the compensation winding” to be on a same layer which is not shown in Species I but instead shown in Species V: Fig. 13. Claim 3 is withdrawn from the dependency of claim 2. Claim 19 should be withdrawn because having “the at least one compensation winding is positioned on a same layer as the at least one shield winding and the at least one auxiliary winding” would require the “the at least one auxiliary winding”, “the at least one shield winding”, and “the at least one compensation winding” to be on a same layer which is not shown in Species I but instead shown in Species V: Fig. 13. Claim Objections Claim 8 is objected to because of the following informalities: Claim 8 recites “the first primary winding the second primary winding the second shield winding” should be --the first primary winding, the second primary winding, the second shield winding--. Appropriate correction is required. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claim(s) 7, 9, and 11 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Xiao [U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0223333] (hereinafter as “Xiao ‘333”). Regarding Claim 7 (1st interpretation), Xiao ‘333 shows a transformer (Figs. 10-11 with teachings from Figs. 1-14) comprising: a first layer (layer for element 5) including a first secondary winding (5); a second layer (layer for element 4) including a first shield winding (4) and a compensation winding (element 23 at element 4); a third layer (layer for top element 3) including a first primary winding (top element 3); a fourth layer (layer for bottom element 3) including a second primary winding (bottom element 3); a fifth layer (layer for element 2) including a second shield winding (2) and an auxiliary winding (element 23 at element 2); and a sixth layer (layer for element 1) including a second secondary winding (1). Alternatively (2nd interpretation), Xiao ‘333 shows a transformer (Figs. 10-11 with teachings from Figs. 1-14) comprising: a first layer (layer for element 1) including a first secondary winding (1); a second layer (layer for element 2) including a first shield winding (2) and a compensation winding (element 23 at element 2); a third layer (layer for bottom element 3) including a first primary winding (bottom element 3); a fourth layer (layer for top element 3) including a second primary winding (top element 3); a fifth layer (layer for element 4) including a second shield winding (4) and an auxiliary winding (element 23 at element 4); and a sixth layer (layer for element 5) including a second secondary winding (5). Regarding Claim 9, Xiao ‘333 shows the compensation winding (element 23 at element 4 or element 23 at element 2) is formed in an opposite direction as compared to the first shield winding (4 or 2, element 23 at element 4 or element 23 at element 2 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as element 4 or 2 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise, Paragraphs [0019], [0021], [0061], [0086], [0092]). Regarding Claim 11, Xiao ‘333 shows the auxiliary winding (element 23 at element 2 or element 23 at element 4) is a primary auxiliary winding (element 23 at element 2 or element 23 at element 4 is considered a primary auxiliary winding since the term “primary” is considered arbitrary). Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action: A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made. Claim(s) 8-10 and 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xiao ‘333 in view of Yu [CN 110310815]. Regarding Claim 8, Xiao ‘333 shows the claimed invention as applied but does not show a magnetic core wherein the first secondary winding, the first shield winding, the compensation winding, the first primary winding the second primary winding the second shield winding, the auxiliary winding and the second secondary winding are formed at least partially around the magnetic core. Yu shows a magnetic core (41) wherein the first secondary winding (bottom element 52), the first shield winding (bottom element 53), the compensation winding (54), the first primary winding (bottom element 51) the second primary winding (top element 51) the second shield winding (top element 53), the auxiliary winding (511) and the second secondary winding (top element 52) are formed at least partially around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teaching from Fig. 4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a magnetic core wherein the first secondary winding, the first shield winding, the compensation winding, the first primary winding the second primary winding the second shield winding, the auxiliary winding and the second secondary winding are formed at least partially around the magnetic core as taught by Yu for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao ‘333 to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and characteristics as required by design requirements and suppresses noise (Abstract, Advantage). Regarding Claim 9, Xiao ‘333 shows the compensation winding (element 23 at element 4 or element 23 at element 2) is formed in an opposite direction as compared to the first shield winding (4 or 2, element 23 at element 4 or element 23 at element 2 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as element 4 or 2 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise, Paragraphs [0019], [0021], [0061], [0086], [0092]). In addition, Yu shows the compensation winding (54) is formed in an opposite direction as compared to the first shield winding (bottom element 53, element 54 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as bottom element 53 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the compensation winding is formed in an opposite direction as compared to the first shield winding as taught by Yu for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao ‘333 to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and characteristics as required by design requirements and suppresses noise (Abstract, Advantage). Moreover, having the compensation winding is formed in an opposite direction as compared to the first shield winding would have been an obvious design choice in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise as required by design requirements. Regarding Claim 10, Xiao ‘333 shows the claimed invention as applied but does not show a first end of the compensation winding is electrically coupled to the first shield winding and a second end is electrically floating. Yu shows a first end of the compensation winding (54) is electrically coupled to the first shield winding (bottom element 53) and a second end is electrically floating (see Figs. 4, 14, and 16, a first end of element 54 is electrically coupled to bottom element 53 and a second end is electrically floating or suspended, see English translation). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a first end of the compensation winding is electrically coupled to the first shield winding and a second end is electrically floating as taught by Yu for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao ‘333 to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and characteristics as required by design requirements and suppresses noise (Abstract, Advantage). Regarding Claim 12, Xiao ‘333 shows the claimed invention as applied but does not show the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance. Yu shows the auxiliary winding (511) induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding (bottom element 51) and the second secondary winding (bottom element 52), and wherein the compensation winding (54) at least partially cancels the current imbalance (as of limitation "the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance", it is seen that the Yu reference has the same structural limitations as of the invention, therefore, it is inherent to be labeled as the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance as taught by Yu for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao ‘333 to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and characteristics as required by design requirements and suppresses noise (Abstract, Advantage). Claim(s) 12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xiao ‘333 in view of Tang et al. [CN 111312489]. Regarding Claim 12, Xiao ‘333 shows the claimed invention as applied but does not show the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance. Tang et al. shows the auxiliary winding (AUX) induces a current imbalance (displacement current ICM-AUX) between the second primary winding (P) and the second secondary winding (S), and wherein the compensation winding (BALANCED) at least partially cancels the current imbalance (displacement current ICM is zero). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance as taught by Tang et al. for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao ‘333 to achieve common mode noise is zero to optimize the EMI characteristics (see English translation). Claim(s) 1, 4-7, 12-18, and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yu [CN 110310815] in view of Puranen [EP 3576113]. Regarding Claim 1, Yu shows an electronic component (Figs. 8 with teachings from Figs. 1-16) comprising: a magnetic core (41); first (top element 51) and second (bottom element 51) primary windings formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); first (top element 52) and second (bottom element 52) secondary windings formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); first (top element 53) and second (bottom element 53) shield windings formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); an auxiliary winding (511) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); and a compensation winding (54) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4). Yu does not explicitly show an auxiliary winding positioned on a same layer as the first shield winding and a compensation winding positioned on a same layer as at least one of the first and the second shield windings. Puranen shows a transformer (Fig. 2 or Fig. 4) teaching and suggesting an auxiliary winding (203 or 416) formed around the magnetic core (106 or 408) and positioned on a same layer as the first shield winding (208 or 419, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4); and a compensation winding (204 or 417) formed around the magnetic core (106 or 408) and positioned on a same layer as at least one of the first and the second shield windings (209 or 420, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have an auxiliary winding positioned on a same layer as the first shield winding and a compensation winding positioned on a same layer as at least one of the first and the second shield windings as taught by Puranen for the electronic component as disclosed by Yu to reduce manufacture cost and size where the entire winding window of the planar transformer is covered that the capacitive coupling between the primary winding and the secondary winding is efficiently reduced; and the compensation winding reduces the common mode noise by adjusting the common mode voltage closer to zero (Abstract, Advantage). Regarding Claim 4, Puranen shows the compensation winding (204 or 417) is formed on a same layer as the second shield winding (209 or 420, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4). Regarding Claim 5, Yu shows the compensation winding (54) is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding (bottom element 53, element 54 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as bottom element 53 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Puranen shows the compensation winding (204 or 417) is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding (209 or 420, element 204 or 417 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as element 209 or 420 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Moreover, having the compensation winding is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding would have been an obvious design choice in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise as required by design requirements. Regarding Claim 6, Yu shows a first end of the compensation winding (54) is electrically coupled to the at least one of the first and second shield windings (top element 53 or bottom element 53) and a second end is electrically floating (see Figs. 4, 14, and 16, a first end of element 54 is electrically coupled to top element 53 or bottom element 53 and a second end is electrically floating or suspended, see English translation). Regarding Claim 7, Yu shows a transformer (Figs. 8 with teachings from Figs. 1-16) comprising: a first layer (layer for top element 52) including a first secondary winding (top element 52); a second layer (layer for top element 53) including a first shield winding (bottom top 53); a third layer (layer for top element 51) including a first primary winding (top element 51); a fourth layer (layer for bottom element 51) including a second primary winding (bottom element 51); a fifth layer (layer for bottom element 53) including a second shield winding (bottom element 53); and a sixth layer (layer for bottom element 52) including a second secondary winding (bottom element 52). Yu does not explicitly show a second layer including a first shield winding and a compensation winding and a fifth layer including a second shield winding and an auxiliary winding. Puranen shows a transformer (Fig. 2 or Fig. 4) teaching and suggesting a second layer including a first shield winding (209 or 420) and a compensation winding (204 or 417, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4) and a fifth layer including a second shield winding (208 or 419) and an auxiliary winding (203 or 416, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a second layer including a first shield winding and a compensation winding and a fifth layer including a second shield winding and an auxiliary winding as taught by Puranen for the electronic component as disclosed by Yu to reduce manufacture cost and size where the entire winding window of the planar transformer is covered that the capacitive coupling between the primary winding and the secondary winding is efficiently reduced; and the compensation winding reduces the common mode noise by adjusting the common mode voltage closer to zero (Abstract, Advantage). Regarding Claim 8, Yu shows a magnetic core (41) wherein the first secondary winding (top element 52), the first shield winding (top element 53), the compensation winding (54), the first primary winding (top element 51) the second primary winding (bottom element 51) the second shield winding (bottom element 53), the auxiliary winding (511) and the second secondary winding (bottom element 52) are formed at least partially around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teaching from Fig. 4). Regarding Claim 9, Yu shows the compensation winding (54) is formed in an opposite direction as compared to the first shield winding (top element 53, element 54 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as top element 53 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Puranen shows the compensation winding (204 or 417) is formed in an opposite direction as compared to the first shield winding (209 or 420, element 204 or 417 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as element 209 or 420 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Moreover, having the compensation winding is formed in an opposite direction as compared to the first shield winding would have been an obvious design choice in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise as required by design requirements. Regarding Claim 10, Yu shows a first end of the compensation winding (54) is electrically coupled to the first shield winding (top element 53) and a second end is electrically floating (see Figs. 4, 14, and 16, a first end of element 54 is electrically coupled to top element 53 and a second end is electrically floating or suspended, see English translation). Regarding Claim 11, Yu shows the auxiliary winding (511) is a primary auxiliary winding (element 511 is considered a primary auxiliary winding since primary winding 51 include auxiliary winding 511 and primary power winding 512, see English translation). Puranen shows the auxiliary winding (203) is a primary auxiliary winding (element 203 is considered a primary auxiliary winding since auxiliary winding 203 are connected to a primary circuit that contains the primary winding 201, Paragraph [0039]). Regarding Claim 12, Yu shows the auxiliary winding (511) induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding (bottom element 51) and the second secondary winding (bottom element 52), and wherein the compensation winding (54) at least partially cancels the current imbalance (as of limitation "the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance", it is seen that the Yu reference has the same structural limitations as of the invention, therefore, it is inherent to be labeled as the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance). Regarding Claim 13, Yu shows a transformer (Figs. 8 with teachings from Figs. 1-16) comprising: a magnetic core (41); at least one primary winding (top element 51 and bottom element 51) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); at least one secondary winding (topmost layer element 52 and bottommost layer element 52) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); at least one shield winding (top element 53 and bottom element 53) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4) and positioned between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); at least one auxiliary power winding (element 511 and/or second bottom layer element 52) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); and at least one compensation winding (54) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4) and arranged to cancel a current imbalance in the transformer generated by the at least one auxiliary power winding (element 54 arranged to cancel a current imbalance generated by element 511 and/or second bottom layer element 52, see English translation). Yu does not show at least one auxiliary power winding positioned on a same layer as the at least one shield winding. Puranen shows a transformer (Fig. 2 or Fig. 4) teaching and suggesting at least one auxiliary power winding (203 or 416) formed around the magnetic core (106 or 408) and positioned on a same layer as the at least one shield winding (208 or 419, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one auxiliary power winding positioned on a same layer as the at least one shield winding as taught by Puranen for the electronic component as disclosed by Yu to reduce manufacture cost and size where the entire winding window of the planar transformer is covered that the capacitive coupling between the primary winding and the secondary winding is efficiently reduced; and the compensation winding reduces the common mode noise by adjusting the common mode voltage closer to zero (Abstract, Advantage). Regarding Claim 14, Yu shows the at least one compensation winding (204 or 417) is formed on a same layer as the at least one shield winding (209 or 420, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4). Regarding Claim 15, Yu shows the at least one compensation winding (54) is formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4) in an opposite direction as compared to the at least one shield winding (bottom element 53, element 54 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as bottom element 53 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Puranen shows the at least one compensation winding (204 or 417) is formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4) in an opposite direction as compared to the at least one shield winding (209 or 420, element 204 or 417 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as element 209 or 420 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Regarding Claim 16, Yu shows a first end of the compensation winding (54) is electrically coupled to the at least one shield winding (top element 53 or bottom element 53) and a second end is electrically floating (see Figs. 4, 14, and 16, a first end of element 54 is electrically coupled to top element 53 or bottom element 53 and a second end is electrically floating or suspended, see English translation). Regarding Claim 17, Yu shows the at least one shield winding is a first shield winding (top element 53) and the at least one auxiliary power winding (element 511 and/or second bottom layer element 52), and wherein the transformer includes a second shield winding (bottom element 53) on a different layer than the first shield winding (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4). Puranen shows a first shield winding (208 or 419, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4) and the at least one auxiliary power winding (203 or 416) is formed on a same layer as the first shield winding (208 or 419, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4). Regarding Claim 18, Puranen shows the at least one compensation winding (204 or 417) is positioned on a same layer as the second shield winding (209 or 420, see Fig. 2 or Fig. 4). Regarding Claim 20, Yu shows the auxiliary power winding (511) induces a current imbalance between the at least one primary winding (top and/or bottom element 51) and the at least one secondary winding (top and/or bottom element 52), and wherein the at least one compensation winding (54) at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance (as of limitation "the auxiliary power winding induces a current imbalance between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding, and wherein the at least one compensation winding at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance", it is seen that the Yu reference has the same structural limitations as of the invention, therefore, it is inherent to be labeled as the auxiliary power winding induces a current imbalance between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding, and wherein the at least one compensation winding at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance). Claim(s) 5 and 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yu in view of Puranen as applied to claims 1, 4, and 13 above, and further in view of Xiao [U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0223333] (hereinafter as “Xiao ‘333”). Regarding Claim 5, Yu in view of Puranen shows the claimed invention as applied above. In addition, Xiao ‘333 shows a transformer (Figs. 6 and 14) teaching and suggesting the compensation winding (P4, 22 is functioning as a compensation winding, Paragraphs [0019]) is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding (P3, 21, Paragraphs [0067]-[0074]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the compensation winding is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding as taught by Xiao ‘333 for the electronic component as disclosed by Yu in view of Puranen to suppress the common mode current where optimal EMI performance is achieved (Paragraphs [0067]-[0074]). Regarding Claim 15, Yu in view of Puranen shows the claimed invention as applied above. In addition, Xiao ‘333 shows a transformer (Figs. 6 and 14) teaching and suggesting at least one compensation winding (P4, 22 is functioning as a compensation winding, Paragraphs [0019]) is formed around the magnetic core (as taught by Yu and Puranen) in an opposite direction as compared to the at least one shield winding (P3, 21, Paragraphs [0067]-[0074]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one compensation winding is in an opposite direction as compared to the at least one shield winding as taught by Xiao ‘333 for the electronic component as disclosed by Yu in view of Puranen to suppress the common mode current where optimal EMI performance is achieved (Paragraphs [0067]-[0074]). Claim(s) 12 and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yu in view of Puranen as applied to claims 7 and 13 above, and further in view of Tang et al. [CN 111312489]. Regarding Claim 12, Yu in view of Puranen shows the claimed invention as applied above. In addition, Tang et al. shows the auxiliary winding (AUX) induces a current imbalance (displacement current ICM-AUX) between the second primary winding (P) and the second secondary winding (S), and wherein the compensation winding (BALANCED) at least partially cancels the current imbalance (displacement current ICM is zero). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the auxiliary winding induces a current imbalance between the second primary winding and the second secondary winding, and wherein the compensation winding at least partially cancels the current imbalance as taught by Tang et al. for the electronic component as disclosed by Yu in view of Puranen to achieve common mode noise is zero to optimize the EMI characteristics (see English translation). Regarding Claim 20, Yu in view of Puranen shows the claimed invention as applied above. In addition, Tang et al. shows the auxiliary power winding (AUX) induces a current imbalance (displacement current ICM-AUX) between the at least one primary winding (P) and the at least one secondary winding (S), and wherein the at least one compensation winding (BALANCED) at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance (displacement current ICM is zero). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the auxiliary power winding induces a current imbalance between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding, and wherein the at least one compensation winding at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance as taught by Tang et al. for the electronic component as disclosed by Yu in view of Puranen to achieve common mode noise is zero to optimize the EMI characteristics (see English translation). Claim(s) 1, 4-6, 13-18, and 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xiao [U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0216001] in view of Yu [CN 110310815]. Regarding Claim 1, Xiao shows an electronic component (Figs. 12-13 with teachings from Figs. 1-15) comprising: a magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]); first (top element 3) and second (bottom element 3) primary windings formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]); first (5) and second (1) secondary windings formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]); first (4) and second (2) shield windings formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]); an auxiliary winding (element 23 at element 4) formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]) and positioned on a same layer as the first shield winding (4, see Figs. 12-13); and a compensation winding (element 23 at element 2) formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]) and positioned on a same layer as at least one of the first and the second shield windings (2, see Figs. 12-13). Yu clearly shows a magnetic core (41); first (top element 51) and second (bottom element 51) primary windings formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); first (top element 52) and second (bottom element 52) secondary windings formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); first (top element 53) and second (bottom element 53) shield windings formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); an auxiliary winding (511) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); and a compensation winding (54) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a magnetic core as taught by Yu for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and characteristics as required by design requirements and suppresses noise (Abstract, Advantage). Regarding Claim 4, Xiao shows the compensation winding (element 23 at element 2) is formed on a same layer as the second shield winding (2, see Figs. 12-13). Regarding Claim 5, Xiao shows the compensation winding (element 23 at element 2) is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding (2, element 23 at element 2 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as element 2 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Yu shows the compensation winding (54) is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding (bottom element 53, element 54 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as bottom element 53 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Moreover, having the compensation winding is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding would have been an obvious design choice in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise as required by design requirements. Regarding Claim 6, Yu shows a first end of the compensation winding (54) is electrically coupled to the at least one of the first and second shield windings (top element 53 or bottom element 53) and a second end is electrically floating (see Figs. 4, 14, and 16, a first end of element 54 is electrically coupled to top element 53 or bottom element 53 and a second end is electrically floating or suspended, see English translation). Regarding Claim 13, Xiao shows a transformer (Figs. 12-13 with teachings from Figs. 1-15) comprising: a magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]); at least one primary winding (top element 3 and bottom element 3) formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]); at least one secondary winding (element 5 and element 1) formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]); at least one shield winding (element 4 and element 2) formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]) and positioned between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding (see Figs. 12-13); at least one auxiliary power winding (element 23 at element 4) formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]) and positioned on a same layer as the at least one shield winding (4, see Figs. 12-13); and at least one compensation winding (element 23 at element 2) formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]) and arranged to cancel a current imbalance in the transformer generated by the at least one auxiliary power winding (element 23 at element 2 arranged to cancel a current imbalance generated by element 23 at element 4, as of limitation " arranged to cancel a current imbalance in the transformer generated by the at least one auxiliary power winding", it is seen that the Xiao reference has the same structural limitations as of the invention, therefore, it is inherent to be labeled as arranged to cancel a current imbalance in the transformer generated by the at least one auxiliary power winding). Yu clearly shows a magnetic core (41); at least one primary winding (top element 51 and bottom element 51) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); at least one secondary winding (topmost layer element 52 and bottommost layer element 52) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); at least one shield winding (top element 53 and bottom element 53) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4) and positioned between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); at least one auxiliary power winding (element 511 and/or second bottom layer element 52) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4); and at least one compensation winding (54) formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4) and arranged to cancel a current imbalance in the transformer generated by the at least one auxiliary power winding (element 54 arranged to cancel a current imbalance generated by element 511 and/or second bottom layer element 52, see English translation). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have a magnetic core and at least one compensation winding arranged to cancel a current imbalance in the transformer generated by the at least one auxiliary power winding as taught by Yu for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao to achieve desirable magnetic coupling and characteristics as required by design requirements and suppresses noise (Abstract, Advantage). Regarding Claim 14, Xiao shows the at least one compensation winding (element 23 at element 2) is formed on a same layer as the at least one shield winding (2, see Figs. 12-13). Regarding Claim 15, Xiao shows the at least one compensation winding (element 23 at element 2) is formed around the magnetic core (Paragraph [0048]) in an opposite direction as compared to the at least one shield winding (2, element 23 at element 2 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as element 2 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Yu shows the at least one compensation winding (54) is formed around the magnetic core (see Fig. 8 with teachings from Fig. 4) in an opposite direction as compared to the at least one shield winding (bottom element 53, element 54 will have to be formed in an opposite direction as bottom element 53 in order to cancel or reduce common mode noise). Regarding Claim 16, Yu shows a first end of the compensation winding (54) is electrically coupled to the at least one shield winding (top element 53 or bottom element 53) and a second end is electrically floating (see Figs. 4, 14, and 16, a first end of element 54 is electrically coupled to top element 53 or bottom element 53 and a second end is electrically floating or suspended, see English translation). Regarding Claim 17, Xiao shows the at least one shield winding is a first shield winding (4) and the at least one auxiliary power winding (element 23 at element 4) is formed on a same layer as the first shield winding (see Figs. 12-13), and wherein the transformer includes a second shield winding (2) on a different layer than the first shield winding (see Figs. 12-13). Regarding Claim 18, Xiao shows the at least one compensation winding (element 23 at element 2) is positioned on a same layer as the second shield winding (2, see Figs. 12-13). Regarding Claim 20, Yu shows the auxiliary power winding (511) induces a current imbalance between the at least one primary winding (top and/or bottom element 51) and the at least one secondary winding (top and/or bottom element 52), and wherein the at least one compensation winding (54) at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance (as of limitation "the auxiliary power winding induces a current imbalance between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding, and wherein the at least one compensation winding at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance", it is seen that the Yu reference has the same structural limitations as of the invention, therefore, it is inherent to be labeled as the auxiliary power winding induces a current imbalance between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding, and wherein the at least one compensation winding at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance). Claim(s) 5 and 15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xiao in view of Yu as applied to claims 1, 4, and 13 above, and further in view of Xiao [U.S. Pub. No. 2022/0223333] (hereinafter as “Xiao ‘333”). Regarding Claim 5, Xiao in view of Yu shows the claimed invention as applied above. In addition, Xiao ‘333 shows a transformer (Figs. 6 and 14) teaching and suggesting the compensation winding (P4, 22 is functioning as a compensation winding, Paragraphs [0019]) is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding (P3, 21, Paragraphs [0067]-[0074]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the compensation winding is formed in an opposite direction as the second shield winding as taught by Xiao ‘333 for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao in view of Yu to suppress the common mode current where optimal EMI performance is achieved (Paragraphs [0067]-[0074]). Regarding Claim 15, Xiao in view of Yu shows the claimed invention as applied above. In addition, Xiao ‘333 shows a transformer (Figs. 6 and 14) teaching and suggesting at least one compensation winding (P4, 22 is functioning as a compensation winding, Paragraphs [0019]) is formed around the magnetic core (as taught by Yu) in an opposite direction as compared to the at least one shield winding (P3, 21, Paragraphs [0067]-[0074]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have at least one compensation winding is in an opposite direction as compared to the at least one shield winding as taught by Xiao ‘333 for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao in view of Yu to suppress the common mode current where optimal EMI performance is achieved (Paragraphs [0067]-[0074]). Claim(s) 20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Xiao in view of Yu as applied to claim 13 above, and further in view of Tang et al. [CN 111312489]. Regarding Claim 20, Xiao in view of Yu shows the claimed invention as applied above. In addition, Tang et al. shows the auxiliary power winding (AUX) induces a current imbalance (displacement current ICM-AUX) between the at least one primary winding (P) and the at least one secondary winding (S), and wherein the at least one compensation winding (BALANCED) at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance (displacement current ICM is zero). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to have the auxiliary power winding induces a current imbalance between the at least one primary winding and the at least one secondary winding, and wherein the at least one compensation winding at least partially cancels the induced current imbalance as taught by Tang et al. for the electronic component as disclosed by Xiao in view of Yu to achieve common mode noise is zero to optimize the EMI characteristics (see English translation). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Fei et al. [U.S. Pub. No. 2021/0366647] shows in Fig. 3B a transformer having secondary windings, primary windings, and shielding. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to TSZFUNG J CHAN whose telephone number is (571)270-7981. The examiner can normally be reached M-TH 8:00AM-6:00PM. Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice. If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, Shawki Ismail can be reached at (571)272-3985. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300. Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000. /TSZFUNG J CHAN/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2837
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Prosecution Timeline

Feb 07, 2022
Application Filed
Oct 18, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103
Dec 22, 2025
Response Filed
Jan 09, 2026
Final Rejection — §102, §103
Mar 30, 2026
Request for Continued Examination
Apr 06, 2026
Response after Non-Final Action

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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3-4
Expected OA Rounds
75%
Grant Probability
94%
With Interview (+19.3%)
3y 0m
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
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