Switching transformers, their operation methods, and electronic devices containing them

Abstract

This invention provides a switching transformer, its operating method, and an electronic device comprising the same. The switching transformer includes a primary circuit and a secondary circuit. The primary circuit includes a first input / output terminal, a plurality of primary windings, and a primary switching circuit, the primary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect the plurality of primary windings in series or in parallel. The secondary circuit includes a second input / output terminal, a plurality of secondary windings, and a secondary switching circuit, the secondary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect the plurality of secondary windings in series or in parallel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0068806, filed on June 11, 2019, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to switching transformers, and more specifically, to switching transformers used in receivers and / or transmitters of wireless communication devices. Background Technology

[0004] A transformer can electromagnetically couple a primary circuit and a secondary circuit with a predetermined coupling coefficient by using the magnetic flux induced by the alternating current (AC) flowing through the primary and secondary windings.

[0005] A switching transformer is a device configured to change the voltage or current ratio between the input and output sides of a transformer by means of switching operation. In one application, a switching transformer can be used in a receiver configured to support carrier aggregation. Carrier aggregation is a technique by which multiple carrier signals (“carrier components”) are combined within a wireless communication signal to form a “carrier-aggregated signal,” wherein each carrier signal can occupy a corresponding bandwidth over a wider frequency range of the carrier-aggregated signal. This type of receiver can use a transformer corresponding to each frequency band / carrier component, where each transformer is part of a circuit for transforming and sampling the received signal. However, generally, the more transformers deployed on the chip, the larger the chip size. Switching transformers can be controlled to operate efficiently in at least two frequency bands. Since the received signal may not simultaneously contain carrier components from all possible frequency bands, using one or more switching transformers in the receiver reduces the total chip area allocated to the transformers, and thus reduces the chip size.

[0006] In related technology switching transformers, induced magnetic flux may be lost due to the presence of floating windings in the primary and / or secondary windings. This flux loss can affect the performance of the switching transformer. Furthermore, due to restricted switching operation, related technology switching transformers may not cover the desired frequency band. Summary of the Invention

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a switching transformer configured to independently control a primary winding in a primary circuit and a secondary winding in a secondary circuit in response to a switching control signal; and an electronic device comprising the switching transformer.

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a switching transformer is provided, the switching transformer comprising: a primary circuit including a first input / output (I / O) terminal, a plurality of primary windings, and a primary switching circuit, the primary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect the plurality of primary windings in series or in parallel; and a secondary circuit including a second I / O terminal, a plurality of secondary windings, and a secondary switching circuit, the secondary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect the plurality of secondary windings in series or in parallel. Each of the primary switching circuit and the secondary switching circuit performs a switching operation based on the frequency band of an input signal received from the first I / O terminal or the second I / O terminal.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a switching transformer is provided, the switching transformer comprising: a first I / O terminal including a single-ended terminal; a second I / O terminal including a differential terminal; a primary circuit including a plurality of primary windings and configured to receive a receive signal and / or transmit a transmit signal from the first I / O terminal; a plurality of secondary windings mutually coupled to the plurality of primary windings and configured to output an output signal generated by the received signal or input an input signal generating the transmit signal via the second I / O terminal; and a switching circuit configured to adjust the equivalent inductance values ​​of the plurality of primary windings and the plurality of secondary windings based on the frequency of a first signal or a second signal.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic device is provided, the electronic device comprising: a primary circuit including a first I / O terminal, a plurality of primary windings, and a primary switching circuit, the primary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect at least some of the plurality of primary windings in series or in parallel; a secondary circuit including a second I / O terminal, a plurality of secondary windings, and a secondary switching circuit, the secondary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect at least some of the plurality of secondary windings in series or in parallel; and control logic configured to output a switch control signal to the primary switching circuit and the secondary switching circuit to thereby activate one of a plurality of modes.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a switching transformer is provided. The method includes: receiving an input signal via a first I / O terminal or a second I / O terminal; controlling at least one primary switch connected between a plurality of primary windings and at least one secondary switch connected between a plurality of secondary windings based on the frequency of the input signal; and outputting an output signal via the plurality of primary windings and the plurality of secondary windings. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Embodiments of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic device according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2A This is a block diagram of a receiver according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2B This is a block diagram of a transmitter according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a receiver configured to support carrier aggregation according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer configured to perform a first switching operation according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The equivalent circuit diagram of the transformer.

[0020] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer configured to perform a second switching operation according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The equivalent circuit diagram of the transformer.

[0022] Figure 9 This is an equivalent circuit diagram of a transformer according to an example embodiment, used to explain a transformer in which the primary circuit performs a first switching operation and the secondary circuit performs a second switching operation.

[0023] Figure 10 This is an equivalent circuit diagram of a transformer according to an example embodiment, used to explain a transformer in which the primary circuit performs a second switching operation and the secondary circuit performs a first switching operation.

[0024] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the primary and secondary windings according to an example embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12A This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the first primary winding according to an example embodiment.

[0026] Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the second primary winding according to an example embodiment.

[0027] Figure 12CThis is a diagram illustrating the structure of the primary winding according to an example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 12D This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the second-stage winding according to an example embodiment.

[0029] Figure 12E This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the third-stage winding according to an example embodiment.

[0030] Figure 12F This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the fourth secondary winding according to an example embodiment.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a primary winding and a secondary winding configured to perform a first switching operation, according to an example embodiment.

[0032] Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the primary and secondary windings configured to perform a second switching operation, according to an example embodiment.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a transformer operation method according to an example embodiment.

[0034] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of a communication device according to an example embodiment.

[0035] Explanation of icon numbers

[0036] 1: Electronic devices;

[0037] 2, 4: Receiver;

[0038] 3: Transmitter;

[0039] 10, 10a, 10a_1, 10a_2, 10b: Transformers;

[0040] 110: Primary circuit;

[0041] 120: Secondary circuit;

[0042] 130: Control logic circuit / control logic;

[0043] 200a, 200b: Mixers;

[0044] 210a, 210b: Local oscillators;

[0045] 500a: Low-noise amplifier;

[0046] 500b: Power amplifier;

[0047] 550: Filter;

[0048] 600: Antenna;

[0049] 800: Communication device;

[0050] 810: Application-Specific Integrated Circuit;

[0051] 830: Dedicated Instruction Set Processor;

[0052] 850: Memory;

[0053] 870: Main processor;

[0054] 890: Main memory;

[0055] k: Coupling coefficient;

[0056] CB: Capacitor;

[0057] CT: Central image stitching node;

[0058] CTL: Tap Line;

[0059] CTR: Switch control signal;

[0060] DT1: Second I / O terminal / First differential terminal;

[0061] DT2: Second I / O terminal / Second differential terminal;

[0062] GND: Grounding terminal;

[0063] LP: Primary winding;

[0064] LP1: Primary winding / First primary winding;

[0065] LP2: Primary winding / Second primary winding;

[0066] LPa, LSa1, LSa2: Series windings;

[0067] LPb1: First primary parallel winding;

[0068] LPb2: Second primary parallel winding;

[0069] LS: Secondary winding;

[0070] LS1: Secondary winding / Primary winding;

[0071] LS2: Secondary winding / Secondary secondary winding;

[0072] LS3: Secondary winding / Third winding;

[0073] LS4: Secondary winding / Fourth secondary winding;

[0074] LSb1: First-stage parallel winding;

[0075] LSb2: Secondary parallel winding;

[0076] LSb3: Third-stage parallel winding;

[0077] LSb4: Fourth secondary parallel winding;

[0078] S1: Signal / First signal / Low-frequency band signal / Converted signal / High-frequency band signal / Converted signal;

[0079] S1_1, S1_2: Input signal / first signal;

[0080] S1-R: First signal / Input signal / Received signal;

[0081] S1-T: Quadrature modulation output signal / transmit signal;

[0082] S2: Second signal / signal / transformed signal / low-frequency band signal / high-frequency band signal;

[0083] S2I: I signal / signal;

[0084] S2I-T: I signal / transmit signal / signal;

[0085] S2I-R: In-phase signal / received signal / signal;

[0086] S2Q: Q signal / signal;

[0087] S2Q-T: Q signal / transmit signal / signal;

[0088] S2Q-R: Quadrature phase signal / received signal / signal;

[0089] S710, S720, S730: Steps;

[0090] SPA1: Primary switch / First primary switch;

[0091] SPB1: Primary switch / Second primary switch;

[0092] SPB2: Primary switch / Third primary switch;

[0093] SSA1: Secondary switch / Primary switch;

[0094] SSA2: Secondary switch / Secondary secondary switch;

[0095] SSB1: Secondary switch / tertiary switch;

[0096] SSB2: Secondary switch / Fourth secondary switch;

[0097] SSB3: Secondary switch / Fifth secondary switch;

[0098] ST: First I / O terminal;

[0099] SW1: Primary switching circuit / switching circuit;

[0100] SW2: Secondary switching circuit / switching circuit;

[0101] VDD: Power supply terminal. Detailed Implementation

[0102] In the following description, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals refer to the same elements or features.

[0103] In this article, terms such as “low frequency” and “high frequency” are relative terms and do not refer to any specific frequency band (e.g., the low frequency (LF) band and the (HF) band).

[0104] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electronic device 1 according to an example embodiment. The electronic device 1 may include a transformer 10 and control logic circuitry (“control logic”) 130. Hereinafter, since the transformer 10 may include multiple switches, the transformer 10 may be referred to as a switching transformer. The transformer 10 may include primary circuitry 110 and secondary circuitry 120.

[0105] According to the example embodiment, the electronic device 1 may be part of a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver. In the receiving direction, the electronic device 1 may receive a first signal S1-R from a first external device via primary circuitry 110. The first signal S1-R may be a quadrature modulated signal, such as a signal modulated according to phase shift keying (PSK), frequency shift keying (FSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), frequency modulation (FM), etc. The electronic device 1 may transform the input signal S1-R to generate an output signal via secondary circuitry 120. This output signal is referred to as a second signal S2 (e.g., a "complex sine curve"), and the second signal S2 may include an in-phase signal ("I signal") S2I-R and a quadrature phase signal ("Q signal") S2Q-R.

[0106] In the transmission direction, electronic device 1 can receive an input signal also designated as the second signal S2, which can be a complex sine curve comprising an I signal S2I-T and a Q signal S2Q-T. Here, the input signal S2 can be transformed to generate a quadrature modulated output signal S1-T transmitted to an external device via primary circuit 110. In the following, signal S1 will refer to either the received signal S1-R or the transmitted signal S1-T; I signal S2I will refer to either the received signal S2I-R or the transmitted signal S2I-T; Q signal S2Q will refer to either the received signal S2Q-R or the transmitted signal S2Q-T; and signal S2 will refer to either S2I-R and S2Q-R together or S2I-T and S2Q-T together.

[0107] For example, primary circuit 110 may include single-ended terminals, and the first signal S1 may be a single-ended signal. Secondary circuit 120 may include differential terminals, and the second signal S2 may be a differential signal, a "differential output" during reception, or a "differential input" during transmission. As described above, transformer 10 may function as a balun. Simultaneously, primary circuit 110 and secondary circuit 120 may be electromagnetically coupled due to a coupling coefficient k.

[0108] Each of the primary circuit 110 and secondary circuit 120 according to the example embodiment may include at least one switch, which may be connected in series or in parallel to the windings included in each of the primary circuit 110 and secondary circuit 120. For example, the primary switching circuit SW1 may include at least one switch configured to connect multiple primary windings (e.g., ...) in series or in parallel. Figure 4 (LP1 and LP2 in the circuit). Furthermore, the secondary switching circuit SW2 may include at least one switch configured to connect multiple secondary windings (e.g., LP1 and LP2 in the circuit) in series or parallel. Figure 4 (LS1 and LS2 in the text).

[0109] Control logic 130 can output a switch control signal CTR, used to control at least one switch, to the primary switch circuit SW1 and the secondary switch circuit SW2. For example, the switch control signal CTR can activate one of multiple modes by controlling at least one switch.

[0110] In a first mode, control logic 130 according to an example embodiment may output a first switching control signal to connect multiple primary windings in series and multiple secondary windings in series. For example, the first mode may be a low-frequency mode. The frequency band in the low-frequency mode may be, for example, a relatively lower frequency band among two, three, or more candidate frequency bands, or a sub-band within a wider spectrum commonly used for carrier aggregation. In this example, control logic 130 may operate in the first mode when the frequency of the input signal is lower than the reference frequency.

[0111] In the second mode, control logic 130 according to the example embodiment may output a second switching control signal to connect multiple primary windings in parallel and multiple secondary windings in parallel. For example, the second mode may be a high-frequency mode. The frequency band in the high-frequency mode may be, for example, a relatively lower frequency band among two, three, or more candidate frequency bands, or a sub-band within a wider spectrum commonly used for carrier aggregation. In this example, control logic 130 may operate in the second mode when the frequency of the input signal is greater than or equal to the reference frequency.

[0112] In the third mode, the control logic 130 according to the example embodiment can output a third switching control signal to connect multiple primary windings in series and multiple secondary windings in parallel. For example, transformer 10 can increase the linearity of the output signal in the third mode. Furthermore, transformer 10 can implement high input impedance using a relatively small amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier or a power amplifier) ​​to obtain performance benefits. In this case, transformer 10 can implement optimal impedance corresponding to a specific amplifier design or type.

[0113] In the fourth mode, the control logic 130 according to the example embodiment can output a fourth switching control signal to connect multiple primary windings in parallel and multiple secondary windings in series. For example, transformer 10 can improve the gain and quality factor of the input signal in the fourth mode. Furthermore, transformer 10 can implement low input impedance using a relatively large amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier or a power amplifier) ​​to obtain performance benefits. Here, transformer 10 can implement optimal impedance for a specific amplifier design or type.

[0114] Figure 2A This is a block diagram of receiver 2 according to an example embodiment. Figure 2B This is a block diagram of transmitter 3 according to an example embodiment. Receiver 2 and transmitter 3 may or may not be parts of the same transceiver.

[0115] See Figure 2A Receiver 2 may include a mixer 200a, a local oscillator 210a, a transformer 10a, a low-noise amplifier 500a, and an antenna 600. The antenna 600 can receive external signals with low-frequency or high-frequency spectral components, and the low-noise amplifier 500a can amplify the external signal and output a first signal S1. (See above reference.) Figure 1 The first signal S1 can be a single-ended signal.

[0116] Transformer 10a may include a first I / O terminal and a second I / O terminal. The first I / O terminal may receive a signal output from low-noise amplifier 500a, and the second I / O terminal may output a transformed signal to mixer 200a. That is, transformer 10a may receive a first signal S1, which is a single-ended signal, and output a second signal S2 (comprising the I signal S2I and Q signal S2Q discussed above), which is a differential signal. Therefore, transformer 10a may function as, for example, a balun-to-unbalance transformer.

[0117] Simultaneously, the local oscillator 210a can output a reference signal, and the mixer 200a can down-convert the second signal S2 based on the reference signal. For example, the down-converted signal can pass through the modem and be used to process various signals.

[0118] According to an example embodiment, transformer 10a can control various characteristics of receiver 2. In one example, to increase the linearity of receiver 2, transformer 10a can be switched to operate in a third mode. In another example, to improve the gain and noise characteristics of receiver 2, transformer 10a can be switched to operate in a fourth mode. In yet another example, to increase the bandwidth of receiver 2, transformer 10a can be switched to operate in a second mode.

[0119] See Figure 2B The transmitter 3 may include a mixer 200b, a local oscillator 210b, a transformer 10b, a power amplifier 500b, and an antenna 600. For example, the mixer 200b may up-convert a signal output from a modem. The up-conversion may be based on a reference signal output from the local oscillator 210b. The mixer 200b may output an up-converted second signal S2 (which includes signals S2I and S2Q). The transformer 10b may include a first I / O terminal and a second I / O terminal. The first I / O terminal may receive the signal output from the mixer 200b, and the second I / O terminal may output the converted signal to the power amplifier 500b. That is, the transformer 10b may receive the second signal S2, which is a differential signal, and output a first signal S1, which is a single-ended signal. Therefore, the transformer 10b may act as a balun-to-unbalanced transformer.

[0120] Power amplifier 500b amplifies the first signal S1, and the amplified first signal S1 can be output to free space through antenna 600. It should be noted that, using a suitable T / R circuit (not shown), it is possible to use the same transformer 10a for both transmission and reception operations.

[0121] According to an example embodiment, transformer 10b can control various characteristics of transmitter 3. In one example, to increase the linearity of transmitter 3, transformer 10b can be switched to operate in a third mode. In another example, to improve the gain and noise characteristics of transmitter 3, transformer 10b can be switched to operate in a fourth mode. In yet another example, to increase the bandwidth of transmitter 3, transformer 10b can be switched to operate in a second mode.

[0122] As described above, according to the exemplary embodiment, transformer 10a can be disposed between the low-noise amplifier 500a and mixer 200a included in receiver 2, and according to the exemplary embodiment, transformer 10b can be disposed between the power amplifier 500b and mixer 200b included in transmitter 3. Transformers 10a and 10b can perform conversion between balanced and unbalanced signals.

[0123] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a receiver configured to support carrier aggregation according to an example embodiment. References will be omitted. Figure 2A Redundant descriptions provided.

[0124] See Figure 3Antenna 600 can receive external signals containing multiple carrier components. Filter 550 can divide the signal received from antenna 600 into multiple frequency bands and output the divided signals to multiple low-noise amplifiers 500a respectively. For example, transformer 10a_1 can receive a first signal S1_1 having one or more of the frequency bands in a first group and operates in a first mode (e.g., low-frequency mode). Transformer 10a_2 can receive a second, different group of first signals S1_2 having one or more of the frequency bands and operates in a second mode (e.g., high-frequency mode). Receiver 4 may also include one or more additional transformers 10a_i (e.g., i = three or more), each transformer 10a_i coupled between a corresponding LNA 500a and mixer 200a. For example, any one of transformers 10a_1, 10a_2, ... can be configured to operate selectively in a low-frequency mode or a high-frequency mode by means of a switch control signal CTR, wherein the low-frequency mode of one transformer 10a is a mode for optimally changing the frequency band of the signal (which is different from the frequency band of the other transformer 10a) (and the same applies to the high-frequency mode). For example, different reference frequencies can be associated with each transformer 10a. For example, when the frequency of the input signal S1_1 is lower than the first reference frequency, transformer 10a_1 can operate in a first low-frequency mode optimized for the first low-frequency band. When the frequency of the input signal S1_1 is higher than the first reference frequency, transformer 10a_1 can operate in a first high-frequency mode optimized for the first high-frequency band. When the frequency of the input signal S1_2 is lower than a second, different reference frequency, transformer 10a_2 can operate in a second low-frequency mode optimized for the second, different low-frequency band. When the frequency of the input signal S1_2 is higher than the second reference frequency, transformer 10a_2 can operate in a second high-frequency mode optimized for the second, different high-frequency band. Meanwhile, a transmitter configured to support carrier aggregation can achieve similar performance by including multiple transformers 10b and multiple transmit amplifiers. Figure 3 The receiver operates in a manner similar to that of a transmitter amplifier, each of which amplifies different frequency bands.

[0125] See Figure 1 , Figure 2A , Figure 2B as well as Figure 3, the electronic device 1, transformer 10, receiver 2, transmitter 3, and receiver 4 according to the exemplary embodiment can operate in various communication environments. For example, the electronic device 1, transformer 10, receiver 2, transmitter 3, and receiver 4 according to the exemplary embodiment can communicate based on 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, and / or any compatible communication standard. For example, compared with previous standards, in the latest communication standards such as 4G and 5G, the frequency bands designated for communication may be wider. For example, in a carrier aggregation system, there may be N possible frequency bands in the entire allocated spectrum, and N dedicated transformers may be provided in a conventional system, each of the transformers being compatible with one of the frequency bands. However, the chip size may be related to the number of transformers on the chip, and there may be only M < N frequency bands for communication at any given time. The transformer 10 described herein is capable of generating various turns according to the frequency of the input signal and thus operates on one of the selectable frequency bands. Therefore, a smaller number of transformers 10 can replace such conventional transformers, making the chip size smaller. In addition, the transformer 10 can avoid the problem of reduced throughput exhibited by the switchable transformers of the related art.

[0126] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of the transformer 10 according to the exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, reference will be made to Figure 1 the reference numerals in the Figure 4 drawings to describe

[0127] Referring to Figure 4 , the transformer 10 may include a primary circuit 110 configured to receive or transmit a first signal S1 via a first I / O terminal ST, and a secondary circuit 120 configured to output or input a second signal S2 (constituted by an I signal S2I and a Q signal S2Q) via second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2 (collectively referred to as I / O terminals), respectively.

[0128] The primary circuit 110 according to the exemplary embodiment may include a first I / O terminal ST, a plurality of primary windings (such as LP1 and LP2) connected to the first I / O terminal ST, and a primary switch circuit SW1. The plurality of primary windings may include a first primary winding LP1 and a second primary winding LP2. The primary switch circuit SW1 may include a plurality of primary switches (such as SPA1, SPB1, and SPB2). The primary switch circuit SW1 may include a first primary switch SPA1, a second primary switch SPB1, and a third primary switch SPB2.

[0129] The primary switch SPA1, the primary switch SPB1, and the primary switch SPB2 may be configured to connect the primary windings LP1 and LP2 in series or in parallel.

[0130] The secondary circuit 120 according to an example embodiment may include second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2, a plurality of secondary windings (e.g., LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4) connected to the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2, and a secondary switching circuit SW2. The second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2 may include a first differential terminal DT1 and a second differential terminal DT2. For example, the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2 may transmit differential signals. The differential signals may include an I signal S2I and a Q signal S2Q. The first differential terminal DT1 may transmit and receive the I signal S2I, and the second differential terminal DT2 may transmit and receive the Q signal S2Q.

[0131] Multiple secondary windings may include a primary winding LS1, a secondary winding LS2, a tertiary winding LS3, and a fourth secondary winding LS4. In some embodiments, the primary winding LS1 and the tertiary winding LS3 may have substantially the same inductance, and the secondary winding LS2 and the fourth secondary winding LS4 may have substantially the same inductance. In another embodiment, the primary winding LS1, the secondary winding LS2, the tertiary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 may have different inductances. The secondary switching circuit SW2 may include multiple secondary switches (e.g., SSA1, SSA2, SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3). The secondary switching circuit SW2 may include a primary switch SSA1, a secondary switch SSA2, a tertiary switch SSB1, a fourth secondary switch SSB2, and a fifth secondary switch SSB3.

[0132] Secondary switches SSA1, SSA2, SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3 can be configured to connect the primary winding LS1, the secondary winding LS2, the tertiary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 in series or parallel. Simultaneously, the primary winding LS1, the secondary winding LS2, the tertiary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can be mutually coupled to the primary winding LP1 and the primary winding LP2.

[0133] According to an example embodiment, one end of each of the primary winding LS1 and the secondary winding LS2 can be connected to the first differential terminal DT1, and the other end can be connected to the center tab node CT. Furthermore, one end of each of the secondary winding LS3 and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can be connected to the second differential terminal DT2, and the other end can be connected to the center tab node CT. For example, the center tab node CT can be located between the secondary winding LS2 and the fourth secondary winding LS4, and connected to the ground terminal GND.

[0134] According to the example embodiment, the primary secondary switch SSA1 can be located between the primary secondary winding LS1 and the secondary secondary winding LS2. The secondary secondary switch SSA2 can be located between the tertiary secondary winding LS3 and the fourth secondary winding LS4. The tertiary secondary switch SSB1 can be located between the first differential terminal DT1 and the secondary secondary winding LS2. The fourth secondary switch SSB2 can be located between the fourth secondary winding LS4 and the second differential terminal DT2. The fifth secondary switch SSB3 can be located between the primary secondary winding LS1, the tertiary secondary winding LS3, and the ground terminal GND.

[0135] According to an example embodiment, primary circuitry 110 may include a power supply terminal VDD. The power supply terminal VDD can supply a fixed direct-current (DC) voltage to circuit elements connected thereto. For example, the power supply terminal VDD can supply a fixed DC voltage (e.g., a bias voltage) to a low-power amplifier. Alternatively, the power supply terminal VDD can be an alternating current (AC) power supply terminal or a ground terminal.

[0136] According to an example embodiment, the primary circuit 110 may include a capacitor CB. One end of the capacitor CB may be connected to a first I / O terminal ST, and the other end may be connected to a ground terminal VDD. In one example, the capacitor CB may be a variable capacitor. In another example, the capacitor CB may be a capacitor bank array containing multiple capacitors. Simultaneously, the capacitor CB may be configured to adjust the impedance of circuit elements connected to it. Alternatively, the capacitor CB may resonate with an undesirable reactive element, thereby neutralizing the reactive element.

[0137] According to the example embodiment, the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 can perform switching operations based on input signals (e.g., first signal S1 or second signal S2) received from the first I / O terminal ST or the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2.

[0138] According to an example embodiment, based on the frequency of the input signal, the switching circuit can adjust the equivalent inductances of the primary windings LP1 and LP2, and the equivalent inductances of the first secondary winding LS1, the second secondary winding LS2, the third secondary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4. The switching circuit may include a primary switching circuit SW1 and a secondary switching circuit SW2.

[0139] In one example, when the frequency of the input signal is low, the first primary switch SPA1 can be turned on (short-circuited), and the second primary switch SPB1 and the third primary switch SPB2 can be turned off (opened). In another example, when the frequency of the input signal is high, the first primary switch SPA1 can be turned off, and the second primary switch SPB1 and the third primary switch SPB2 can be turned on.

[0140] According to an example embodiment, when the frequency of the input signal is low, the switching circuit SW1 can connect the primary winding LP1 and the primary winding LP2 in series, increasing the equivalent inductance of the primary circuit 110. Furthermore, the switching circuit SW2 can connect the first secondary winding LS1, the second secondary winding LS2, the third secondary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 in series, increasing the equivalent inductance of the secondary circuit 120. In another example, when the frequency of the input signal is high, the switching circuit SW1 can connect the primary winding LP1 and the primary winding LP2 in parallel, decreasing the equivalent inductance of the primary circuit 110. Furthermore, the switching circuit SW2 can connect the first secondary winding LS1, the second secondary winding LS2, the third secondary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 in parallel, decreasing the equivalent inductance of the secondary circuit 120.

[0141] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer 10 configured to perform a first switching operation according to an example embodiment, and Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The equivalent circuit diagram.

[0142] exist Figure 5 In this context, the dashed line can be understood as a section where no current flows. For example, a switch can be turned on (off), or the potential difference between the nodes at both ends of the dashed line can be the same. Furthermore, it can be understood that... Figure 5 This is understood as a circuit diagram illustrating the operation of transformer 10 or control logic 130 in the first mode. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The attached icon numbers are used to describe Figure 5 and Figure 6 .

[0143] See Figure 5 The transformer 10 can receive a low-frequency signal S1 through the first I / O terminal ST, transform the low-frequency signal S1, and output the transformed signal S2 through the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2. The reverse is also possible. For example, the transformer 10 can receive a low-frequency signal S2 through the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2, and output the transformed signal S1 through the first I / O terminal ST. That is, the electronic device 1 containing the transformer 10 can use communication signals with low frequencies for wired or wireless communication. When a low-frequency input signal is input, the winding can have a low induced magnetic flux. Therefore, due to the series-connected windings, the overall length and area of ​​the winding can be increased, and the coupling coefficient k between the primary circuit 110 and the secondary circuit 120 can be improved.

[0144] According to the example embodiment, when the frequency of the input signal is less than the reference frequency, the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 can perform a first switching operation. For example, the first switching operation can be the operation of the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2, which includes connecting some or all of a plurality of primary windings (e.g., the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2) in series, and connecting some or all of a plurality of secondary windings (e.g., the first secondary winding LS1, the second secondary winding LS2, the third secondary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4) in series.

[0145] According to an example embodiment, the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 can operate in response to a switching control signal CTR based on the frequency of the input signal. For example, control logic 130 can output the switching control signal CTR. When the frequency of the input signal is less than a reference frequency, the switching control signal CTR can command the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 to perform a first switching operation. For example, the switching control signal CTR can command the first primary switch SPA1, the first secondary switch SSA1, and the second secondary switch SSA2 to be turned on. Conversely, when the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 or the first secondary winding LS1, the second secondary winding LS2, the third secondary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 are connected in parallel (e.g., in a second mode), control logic 130 can output the switching control signal CTR, which commands the inverting switching operation, to the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2.

[0146] See Figure 6 When the frequency of the input signal is less than the reference frequency, the equivalent inductance of the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 can be increased. That is, the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 can be connected in series, and the equivalent inductance can be the sum of the corresponding inductances of the series-connected first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2. Similarly, when the frequency of the input signal is less than the reference frequency, the equivalent inductance of the first primary winding LS1, the second primary winding LS2, the third primary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can be increased. The inductances of the first primary winding LS1 and the second primary winding LS2 can be summed to increase their equivalent inductance. Furthermore, the inductances of the third primary winding LS3 and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can be summed to increase their equivalent inductance. Conversely, when the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2, or the first primary winding LS1, the second primary winding LS2, the third primary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 are connected in parallel, their equivalent inductance can be decreased. The latter situation will be referred to below. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Describe it.

[0147] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram of a transformer 10 configured to perform a second switching operation according to an example embodiment, and Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The equivalent circuit diagram.

[0148] exist Figure 7 In this context, the dashed line can be understood as a section where no current flows. For example, a switch can be turned on (off), or the potential difference between the nodes at both ends of the dashed line can be the same. Furthermore, it can be understood that... Figure 7 This is understood as a circuit diagram illustrating the operation of transformer 10 or control logic 130 in the second mode. (Refer to...) Figure 1 The attached icon numbers are used to describe Figure 7 and Figure 8 .

[0149] See Figure 7 The transformer 10 can receive a high-frequency band signal S1 through the first I / O terminal ST, transform the high-frequency band signal S1, and output the transformed signal S2 through the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2. The reverse is also possible. For example, the transformer 10 can receive a high-frequency band signal S2 through the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2, and output the transformed signal S1 through the first I / O terminal ST. That is, the electronic device 1 containing the transformer 10 can use a communication signal with a high-frequency band for wired or wireless communication. When receiving an input signal with a high-frequency band, reducing the equivalent inductance can be advantageous in terms of coupling coefficient k, energy loss, and / or noise factor. Therefore, the windings included in the primary circuit 110 and the secondary circuit 120 can be connected in parallel. Due to the parallel connection of the windings, the equivalent inductance can be reduced. Furthermore, when the equivalent inductance is reduced, the windings can be designed with a larger area (compared to related technology designs and / or compared to a single winding), and thus the coupling coefficient k can be further increased.

[0150] According to an example embodiment, when the frequency of the input signal is greater than the reference frequency, the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 can perform a second switching operation. For example, the second switching operation can be the operation of the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2, which includes connecting at least some of a plurality of primary windings (e.g., a first primary winding LP1 and a second primary winding LP2) in parallel, and connecting at least some of a plurality of secondary windings (e.g., a first secondary winding LS1, a second secondary winding LS2, a third secondary winding LS3, and a fourth secondary winding LS4) in parallel.

[0151] According to an example embodiment, the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 can operate in response to a switching control signal CTR based on the frequency of the input signal. For example, when the frequency of the input signal is greater than that of a reference signal, the switching control signal CTR can command the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 to perform a second switching operation. For example, the switching control signal CTR can command the first primary switch SPA1, the first secondary switch SSA1, and the second secondary switch SSA2 to open, and command all other switches to turn on.

[0152] See Figure 8 When the frequency of the input signal is greater than the reference frequency, the equivalent inductance of the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 can be reduced. That is, the first primary winding LP1 can be connected in parallel to the second primary winding LP2. The equivalent inductance can be obtained by paralleling the corresponding inductances of the parallel-connected first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2. Similarly, when the frequency of the input signal is greater than the reference frequency, the equivalent inductance of the first primary winding LS1, the second primary winding LS2, the third primary winding LS3, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can be reduced. The inductances of the first primary winding LS1 and the second primary winding LS2 can be paralleled to reduce their equivalent inductance. Furthermore, the inductances of the third primary winding LS3 and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can be paralleled to reduce their equivalent inductance.

[0153] Figure 9 This is an equivalent circuit diagram of a transformer 10 according to an example embodiment, used to explain a transformer 10 in which the primary circuit performs a first switching operation and the secondary circuit performs a second switching operation.

[0154] In addition, it is also possible to Figure 9 This is interpreted as the equivalent circuit of the transformer 10 controlled by the control logic 130 operating in the third mode. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2B as well as Figure 4 The attached icon numbers are used to describe Figure 9 .

[0155] In the transformer 10 according to the example embodiment, some or all of the plurality of primary windings (e.g., LP1 and LP2) can be connected in series, and some or all of the plurality of secondary windings (e.g., LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4) can be connected in parallel. Therefore, the equivalent inductance of the primary windings LP1 and LP2 can be increased, while the equivalent inductance of the secondary windings LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 can be decreased. For example, the number of windings in the primary circuit 110 can be increased, while the number of windings in the secondary circuit 120 can be decreased. For example, when the winding ratio (“turns ratio”) of the primary circuit 110 to the secondary circuit 120 is approximately 1:1, the linearity of the signal output from the transformer 10 or the electronic device 1 can be increased. Additionally, when the electronic device 1 acts as a transmitter, a high-gain power amplifier 500b can be connected to the first I / O terminal ST. The impedance of the high-gain power amplifier 500b can be implemented as a high input impedance.

[0156] Figure 10 This is an equivalent circuit diagram of a transformer 10 according to an example embodiment, used to explain the primary circuit performing a second switching operation and the secondary circuit performing a first switching operation.

[0157] In addition, it is also possible to Figure 10 This is interpreted as the equivalent circuit of transformer 10 or control logic 130 operating in the fourth mode. (Refer to...) Figure 1 , Figure 2B as well as Figure 4 The attached icon numbers are used to describe Figure 10 .

[0158] In the transformer 10 according to the example embodiment, some or all of the plurality of primary windings (e.g., LP1 and LP2) can be connected in parallel, and some or all of the plurality of secondary windings (e.g., LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4) can be connected in series. Therefore, the equivalent inductance of the primary windings LP1 and LP2 can be reduced, and the equivalent inductance of the secondary windings LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 can be increased. For example, the number of windings in the primary circuit 110 can be reduced, and the number of windings in the secondary circuit 120 can be increased. For example, when the winding ratio of the primary circuit 110 to the secondary circuit 120 is increased to, for example, 1:4 or 1:8, the transformer 10 or the electronic device 1 can have high gain and the noise factor can be improved. Additionally, when the electronic device 1 acts as a transmitter, a power amplifier 500b with low gain can be connected to the first I / O terminal ST. The appropriate or optimized impedance for the power amplifier 500b can be implemented as a low input impedance.

[0159] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the primary winding LP and the secondary winding LS according to an example embodiment.

[0160] See Figure 11 The primary winding LP may include a first primary winding LP1 and a second primary winding LP2. The corresponding windings may not be electrically connected at the point where the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 intersect. For example, at the point where the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 intersect, the conductor of the first primary winding LP1 may be formed in a first layer, and the conductor of the second primary winding LP2 may be formed in a second layer different from the first layer. Unless otherwise specified below, the windings are not electrically connected at the points where they intersect.

[0161] According to an example embodiment, the secondary winding LS may include a primary winding LS1, a secondary winding LS2, a tertiary winding LS3, and a fourth secondary winding LS4. Similarly, the windings are not electrically connected at points where they intersect. However, the ground terminal GND, the secondary winding LS2, and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can be electrically connected via a center tap CTL. The center tap CTL can be formed by a center contact node (e.g., ...). Figure 10 The wire formed by CT in the middle.

[0162] According to an example embodiment, the primary winding LP may further include multiple primary switches (e.g., SPA1, SPB1, and SPB2), and the secondary winding LS may further include multiple secondary switches (e.g., SSA1, SSA2, SSB1, SSB2, and SSB3). The coupling factor k of the primary winding LP and the secondary winding LS can be adjusted due to various switching operations. For example, when only the first primary switch SPA1 is turned on in the primary winding LP and the remaining primary switches are turned off, the number of turns in the primary winding LP can be two. In the opposite switching operation, the number of turns in the primary winding LP can be one. Meanwhile, when viewed from the first I / O terminal ST and the power supply terminal VDD, the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 can be connected in parallel. Therefore, the coupling factor k can be adjusted by adjusting the number of turns in the primary winding LP or the secondary winding LS depending on the switching operation.

[0163] Figure 12A This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the first primary winding according to an example embodiment. Figure 12B This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the second primary winding according to an example embodiment. Figure 12C This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the primary winding according to an example embodiment. Figure 12D This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the second-stage winding according to an example embodiment. Figure 12E This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the third-stage winding according to an example embodiment. Figure 12F This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the fourth secondary winding according to an example embodiment.

[0164] See Figure 11 and Figures 12A to 12F The primary winding LP and secondary winding LS may not be electrically connected at points where they intersect. That is, at intersection points, some windings may be formed in the first layer, and others in the second layer. In other words, at intersection points, some windings and others may be formed in layers located on different levels. The primary winding LP and secondary winding LS can be formed in the same or adjacent layers where the windings do not intersect. By forming the primary winding LP and secondary winding LS in the same or adjacent layers, the induced magnetic flux can be reduced.

[0165] See Figure 11 , Figure 12A as well as Figure 12B A portion of the conductors (or traces) of the first primary winding LP1 may be formed outside the primary winding LP. For example, a portion of the conductors of the first primary winding LP1 may be formed at the furthest point from the center of the primary winding LP. The remaining portion of the conductors / traces of the first primary winding LP1 may be formed inside the primary winding LP. For example, the remaining portion of the conductors of the first primary winding LP1 may be formed at the point closest to the center of the primary winding LP. The second primary winding LP2 may be similar to the first primary winding LP1. For example, a portion of the conductors of the second primary winding LP2 may be formed outside the primary winding LP, and the remaining portion of the conductors may be formed inside the primary winding LP. Meanwhile, one end of the first primary winding LP1 may be connected to the power supply terminal VDD, and the other end may be connected to the first primary switch SPA1 and the third primary switch SPB2. One end of the second primary winding LP2 may be connected to the first I / O terminal ST, and the other end may be connected to the first primary switch SPA1 and the second primary switch SPB1.

[0166] See Figure 11 , Figure 12C , Figure 12D , Figure 12E as well as Figure 12F The secondary winding LS comprises multiple windings that can be formed at different average distances from the center of the secondary winding LS. For example, a first position may be located at the average distance furthest from the center of the secondary winding LS, and a fourth position may be located at the average distance closest to the center of the secondary winding LS. A second position may be located at an average distance from the center of the secondary winding LS, which is closer than the first position and farther than the third position. A third position may be located at an average distance from the center of the secondary winding LS, which is closer than the second position and farther than the fourth position.

[0167] According to an example embodiment, portions of the primary winding LS1 and the secondary winding LS3 may be formed at a first position, while other portions may be formed at a second position. Portions of the secondary winding LS2 and the fourth secondary winding LS4 may be formed at a third position, and other portions may be formed at a fourth position. The first to fourth positions may be located on substantially the same plane. For example, the first to fourth positions may be the same on the Z-axis but different on the X and Y axes.

[0168] According to an example embodiment, the primary winding LS1 can be connected to the first differential terminal DT1, the primary switch SSA1, the secondary switch SSA2, the third switch SSB1, the fifth secondary switch SSB3, and the primary winding LS3. The secondary winding LS2 can be connected to the primary switch SSA1, the third switch SSB1, and the center contact node CT (or ground terminal GND). The primary winding LS3 can be connected to the second differential terminal DT2, the secondary switch SSA2, the fourth secondary switch SSB2, the fifth secondary switch SSB3, and the primary winding LS1. The fourth secondary winding LS4 can be connected to the second secondary switch SSA2, the fourth secondary switch SSB2, and the center contact node CT (or ground terminal GND).

[0169] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a primary winding and a secondary winding configured to perform a first switching operation, according to an example embodiment. Figure 14 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the primary and secondary windings configured to perform a second switching operation, according to an example embodiment. In the following, reference will be made to... Figure 1 and Figure 4 The attached icon numbers are used to describe Figure 13 and Figure 14 .

[0170] See Figure 13 and Figure 14 Windings with the same shaded line can refer to windings to which the same signal, current, or voltage is applied. In other words, windings with different shaded lines can refer to windings that are not connected to each other. For example, striped windings and dotted windings may not be connected to each other. Also, as referenced above... Figure 11 As described, in the primary winding LP, the windings may not be electrically connected at the locations where the windings cross each other.

[0171] See Figure 13 The primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 can perform the first switching operation. In the primary circuit 110, the first primary switch SPA1 can be turned on, and the second primary switch SPB1 and the third primary switch SPB2 can be turned off. Therefore, the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 can be connected in series with each other. See [reference needed] Figure 13 The series winding LPa can be a winding in which the first primary winding LP1 is connected in series with the second primary winding LP2. Therefore, the inductances of the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2 can be summed to increase their equivalent inductance.

[0172] Simultaneously, in the secondary circuit 120, the primary switch SSA1 and the secondary switch SSA2 can be switched on, and the secondary switch SSB1, the fourth secondary switch SSB2, and the fifth secondary switch SSB3 can be switched off. Therefore, the primary winding LS1 and the secondary winding LS2 can be connected in series, and the third winding LS3 and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can be connected in series. Figure 13 As illustrated, the series winding LSa1 can be a winding in which the primary winding LS1 is connected in series with the secondary winding LS2. Furthermore, the series winding LSa2 can be a winding in which the tertiary winding LS3 is connected in series with the fourth secondary winding LS4. Therefore, the inductances of the primary winding LS1 and the secondary winding LS2 can be summed, and the inductances of the tertiary winding LS3 and the fourth secondary winding LS4 can also be summed. Thus, the equivalent inductance of the secondary circuit 120 can be increased.

[0173] See Figure 14 The primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 can perform a second switching operation. In this second switching operation, the primary switching circuit SW1 and the secondary switching circuit SW2 can be in a switching state opposite to that of the first switching operation. In the primary circuit 110, the first primary switch SPA1 can be disconnected, and the second primary switch SPB1 and the third primary switch SPB2 can be connected. Therefore, the first primary parallel winding LPb1 and the second primary parallel winding LPb2 can be connected in parallel. Thus, the inductances of the first primary parallel winding LPb1 and the second primary parallel winding LPb2 can be connected in parallel to increase their equivalent inductance.

[0174] Simultaneously, in the secondary circuit 120, the primary switch SSA1 and the secondary switch SSA2 can be disconnected, and the secondary switch SSB1, the fourth secondary switch SSB2, and the fifth secondary switch SSB3 can be connected. Therefore, the primary parallel winding LSb1 and the secondary parallel winding LSb2 can be connected in parallel, and the third parallel winding LSb3 and the fourth secondary parallel winding LSb4 can be connected in parallel.

[0175] The first primary parallel winding LPb1 and the second primary parallel winding LPb2 mentioned above can be substantially the same as the first primary winding LP1 and the second primary winding LP2, respectively. In addition, the first secondary parallel winding LSb1 to the fourth secondary parallel winding LSb4 can be substantially the same as the first secondary winding LS1 to the fourth secondary winding LS4, respectively.

[0176] See Figure 13 and Figure 14 When an input signal is received via the first I / O terminal ST or the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2, multiple primary windings (e.g., LP1 and LP2) and multiple secondary windings (e.g., LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4) may not be floating. In typical switching transformers, floating conductors through which current does not flow can be created during some switching operations. That is, when floating conductors are created, conductors that are not critical in some switching operations may be designed, which may increase chip size and cost. In addition, when floating conductors are present, the magnetic flux generated by the conductor through which current flows can be blocked or impeded by the floating conductors, resulting in a loss of magnetic flux. However, according to the example embodiment, since no floating conductors are created, chip size can be optimized, cost can be reduced, and magnetic flux loss can be reduced to increase the coupling coefficient. Therefore, the performance of transformer 10 can be improved.

[0177] Figure 15 This is a flowchart of a transformer operation method according to an example embodiment. The description will refer to the reference numerals in the accompanying drawings. Figure 15 .

[0178] exist Figure 15 In this method, the input signal can be received through the first I / O terminal ST or the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2 (step S710).

[0179] At least one primary switch connected between multiple primary windings (e.g., LP1 and LP2) and at least one secondary switch connected between multiple secondary windings (e.g., LS1, LS2, LS3 and LS4) can be controlled based on the frequency of the input signal (step S720).

[0180] In this example, when the frequency of the input signal is less than the reference frequency, the primary windings LP1 and LP2 can be connected in series, and the secondary windings LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 can also be connected in series. Therefore, the equivalent inductance of the primary windings LP1 and LP2, as well as the equivalent inductance of the secondary windings LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4, can be increased.

[0181] In another example, when the frequency of the input signal is greater than or equal to the reference frequency, the primary windings LP1 and LP2 can be connected in parallel, and the secondary windings LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 can also be connected in parallel. Therefore, the equivalent inductance of the primary windings LP1 and LP2 can be reduced, as can the equivalent inductance of the secondary windings LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4.

[0182] The output signal can be output through the primary windings LP1 and LP2 and the secondary windings LS1, LS2, LS3, and LS4 (step S730). The output signal can be obtained by increasing or decreasing the voltage and current of the input signal. That is, the output signal can be obtained by changing the input signal. When the electronic device 1 is a transmitter 3, the output signal can be output through the first I / O terminal ST. When the electronic device 1 is a receiver 2, the output signal can be output through the second I / O terminals DT1 and DT2.

[0183] Figure 16 This is a block diagram of a communication device 800 according to an example embodiment. The communication device 800 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 810, an application-specific instruction set processor (ASIP) 830, a memory 850, a main processor 870, and a main memory 890. At least two of the ASIC 810, ASIP 830, and main processor 870 can communicate with each other. Furthermore, at least two of the ASIC 810, ASIP 830, memory 850, main processor 870, and main memory 890 may be embedded in a single chip.

[0184] The ASIP 830 (a custom IC for a specific purpose) supports and executes a dedicated instruction set for a particular application. The memory 850 communicates with the ASIP 830 and acts as a non-transitory storage device to store multiple instructions executed by the ASIP 830. For example, the memory 850 may contain (but is not limited to) any type of memory accessible by the ASIP 830, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and combinations thereof.

[0185] The main processor 870 can execute multiple instructions and control the communication device 800. For example, the main processor 870 can control the ASIC 810 and ASIP 830 to process data received through a wireless communication network or to process user input from the communication device 800. The main memory 890 can communicate with the main processor 870 and acts as a non-transitory storage device to store multiple instructions executed by the main processor 870. For example, the main memory 890 may include (but is not limited to) any type of memory accessible by the main processor 870, such as RAM, ROM, magnetic tape, magnetic disk, optical disk, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and combinations thereof.

[0186] Electronic device 1 and / or transformer 10 may be included Figure 16 The communication device 800 may be included in all or some of its configurations. For example, electronic device 1 and / or transformer 10 may be included in a configuration where an output signal needs to be obtained by transforming an input signal. Furthermore, electronic device 1 and / or transformer 10 may be included in a component where the transformer ratio needs to be controlled according to the frequency of the input signal. Meanwhile, the operating method of transformer 10 may be determined by a method included in... Figure 16 At least one of the components in the communication device 800 is used to perform this action. In some embodiments, Figure 1 The operation of the control logic 130 can be implemented as a plurality of instructions stored in memory 850. ASIP 830 can execute the plurality of instructions stored in memory 850 and perform at least one of the operations of the transformer 10 operation method. In some embodiments, at least one of the operations of the transformer 10 operation method can be performed by a hardware block designed attributable to logic synthesis, and the hardware block can be included in ASIC 810. In some embodiments, at least one of the operations of the transformer 10 operation method can be implemented as a plurality of instructions stored in main memory 890. Main processor 870 can execute the plurality of instructions stored in main memory 890 and perform at least one of the operations of the transformer 10 operation method.

[0187] According to an example embodiment, in the high-frequency band, the primary windings can be connected in parallel, and the secondary windings can also be connected in parallel. Due to the parallel connection of the windings, inductance can be reduced, and therefore the windings can be designed to have a longer length and / or a larger area. Therefore, the coupling coefficient and the bandwidth that can be covered can be increased in proportion to the length / area.

[0188] According to the example embodiment, when an input signal is input, there is no floating winding, which reduces magnetic flux loss. Therefore, the coupling coefficient can be increased.

[0189] Furthermore, the structures or diagrams shown in the above figures and their descriptions are examples and can be extended and interpreted to other structures or diagrams that can be easily extended by those skilled in the art. That is, for the sake of simplicity, examples of winding structures, number of turns, turns ratio, inductance, and impedance are provided and can be extended to various values ​​according to design specifications.

[0190] Although the inventive concept has been specifically illustrated and described with reference to embodiments thereof, it should be understood that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A switching transformer, comprising: A primary circuit includes a first input / output terminal, a plurality of primary windings, and a primary switching circuit, the primary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect the plurality of primary windings in series or in parallel. as well as The secondary circuit includes a second input / output terminal, multiple secondary windings, and a secondary switching circuit, wherein the secondary switching circuit includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the multiple secondary windings in series or in parallel. Each of the primary and secondary switching circuits performs a switching operation based on the frequency band of the input signal received from the first or second input / output terminal. The first input / output terminal includes a single-ended terminal, and the second input / output terminal includes a differential terminal.

2. The switching transformer according to claim 1, wherein, When the frequency of the input signal is less than the reference frequency, each of the primary switching circuit and the secondary switching circuit performs a first switching operation, and when the frequency of the input signal is greater than or equal to the reference frequency, each of the primary switching circuit and the secondary switching circuit performs a second switching operation.

3. The switching transformer according to claim 2, wherein, In the first switching operation, the plurality of primary windings are connected in series, and the plurality of secondary windings are connected in series.

4. The switching transformer according to claim 2, wherein, In the second switching operation, the plurality of primary windings are connected in parallel, and the plurality of secondary windings are connected in parallel.

5. The switching transformer according to claim 1, wherein, When the input signal is received through the first input / output terminal or the second input / output terminal, the plurality of primary windings and the plurality of secondary windings are not floating.

6. The switching transformer of claim 1, wherein the first input / output terminal receives a signal output by a low-noise amplifier, and the second input / output terminal outputs a transformed signal to a mixer.

7. The switching transformer of claim 1, wherein the first input / output terminal outputs the transformed signal to the power amplifier, and the second input / output terminal receives the signal output by the mixer.

8. The switching transformer of claim 1, wherein each of the primary switching circuit and the secondary switching circuit operates in response to a switching control signal based on the frequency of the input signal.

9. The switching transformer according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of primary windings includes a first primary winding and a second primary winding. The primary switching circuit is configured to connect the first primary winding and the second primary winding in series or in parallel. The plurality of secondary windings includes a primary winding, a secondary winding, a tertiary winding, and a quaternary winding, and The secondary switching circuit is configured to connect the primary winding and the secondary winding in series or in parallel, and to connect the tertiary winding and the fourth secondary winding in series or in parallel.

10. The switching transformer according to claim 9, wherein the second input / output terminal includes a first differential terminal and a second differential terminal. One end of each of the first and second secondary windings is connected to the first differential terminal, and the other end of each of the first and second secondary windings is connected to the center contact node. One end of each of the third and fourth secondary windings is connected to the second differential terminal, and the other end of each of the third and fourth secondary windings is connected to the center contact node.

11. The switching transformer according to claim 10, wherein the secondary switching circuit includes a first secondary switch, a second secondary switch, a third secondary switch, a fourth secondary switch, and a fifth secondary switch. The first-stage switch is disposed between the first-stage winding and the second-stage winding, the second-stage switch is disposed between the third-stage winding and the fourth-stage winding, the third-stage switch is disposed between the first differential terminal and the second-stage winding, the fourth-stage switch is disposed between the fourth-stage winding and the second differential terminal, and the fifth-stage switch is disposed between the first-stage winding, the third-stage winding and the ground terminal.

12. A switching transformer, comprising: The first input / output terminal includes a single-ended terminal; The second input / output terminal includes differential terminals; A primary circuit includes a plurality of primary windings and is configured to receive a receive signal via the first input / output terminal and / or transmit a transmit signal from the first input / output terminal; The secondary circuit includes a plurality of secondary windings coupled to each other with the plurality of primary windings, the secondary circuit being configured to output an output signal generated by the received signal via the second input / output terminal, or to input an input signal that generates the transmitted signal; as well as A switching circuit configured to adjust the equivalent inductance values ​​of the plurality of primary windings and the plurality of secondary windings based on the frequency of the received signal or the input signal.

13. The switching transformer of claim 12, wherein the switching circuit is further configured to increase the equivalent inductance of the plurality of primary windings and the equivalent inductance of the plurality of secondary windings when the frequency of the input signal is less than a reference frequency, and to decrease the equivalent inductance of the plurality of primary windings and the equivalent inductance of the plurality of secondary windings when the frequency of the input signal is greater than or equal to the reference frequency, wherein the input signal is the received signal or the input signal.

14. The switching transformer of claim 13, wherein the switching circuit is further configured to perform a switching operation when the frequency of the input signal is less than the reference frequency to connect at least some of the plurality of primary windings in series, and to connect at least some of the plurality of secondary windings in series.

15. The switching transformer of claim 13, wherein the switching circuit is further configured to perform a switching operation when the frequency of the input signal is greater than or equal to the reference frequency to connect at least some of the plurality of primary windings in parallel, and to connect at least some of the plurality of secondary windings in parallel.

16. An electronic device comprising: A primary circuit includes a first input / output terminal, a plurality of primary windings, and a primary switching circuit, the primary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect at least some of the plurality of primary windings in series or in parallel. The secondary circuit includes a second input / output terminal, a plurality of secondary windings, and a secondary switching circuit, the secondary switching circuit including at least one switch configured to selectively connect at least some of the plurality of secondary windings in series or in parallel. as well as The control logic is configured to output a switch control signal to the primary switch circuit and the secondary switch circuit, thereby activating one of a plurality of modes. The first input / output terminal includes a single-ended terminal, and the second input / output terminal includes a differential terminal.

17. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, In the first mode, the control logic is further configured to output a first switch control signal to the primary switch circuit and the secondary switch circuit to connect at least some of the plurality of primary windings in series and at least some of the plurality of secondary windings in series.

18. The electronic device according to claim 17, wherein, In the second mode, the control logic is further configured to output a second switch control signal to the primary switch circuit and the secondary switch circuit. The second switch control signal indicates the reverse of the switch operation indicated by the first switch control signal.

19. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, In the third mode, the control logic is further configured to output a third switch control signal to the primary switch circuit and the secondary switch circuit to connect at least some of the plurality of primary windings in series and at least some of the plurality of secondary windings in parallel.

20. The electronic device according to claim 16, wherein, In the fourth mode, the control logic is further configured to output a fourth switch control signal to the primary switch circuit and the secondary switch circuit to connect at least some of the plurality of primary windings in parallel and at least some of the plurality of secondary windings in series.

21. A method for operating a switching transformer, the method comprising: Input signals are received via the first input / output terminal or the second input / output terminal; The frequency of the input signal is used to control at least one primary switch connected between multiple primary windings and at least one secondary switch connected between multiple secondary windings. as well as The output signal is output through the plurality of primary windings and the plurality of secondary windings.

22. The operating method of claim 21, wherein controlling the at least one primary switch connected between the plurality of primary windings and the at least one secondary switch connected between the plurality of secondary windings based on the frequency of the input signal comprises: When the frequency of the input signal is less than the reference frequency, the plurality of primary windings are connected in series and the plurality of secondary windings are connected in series.

23. The operating method of claim 21, wherein controlling the at least one primary switch connected between the plurality of primary windings and the at least one secondary switch connected between the plurality of secondary windings based on the frequency of the input signal comprises: When the frequency of the input signal is greater than or equal to the reference frequency, the plurality of primary windings are connected in parallel and the plurality of secondary windings are connected in parallel.

24. The method of operation according to claim 21, wherein controlling the at least one primary switch connected between the plurality of primary windings and the at least one secondary switch connected between the plurality of secondary windings based on the frequency of the input signal comprises: When the frequency of the input signal is greater than or equal to the reference frequency, the equivalent inductance of the plurality of primary windings is reduced and the equivalent inductance of the plurality of secondary windings is also reduced.

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