Transformer arrangement

Abstract

The transformer device includes a first coil, a second coil, and a third coil. The first coil includes a plurality of first segments and at least one first connecting portion. The first segments are connected to each other via the at least one first connecting portion. The second coil includes a plurality of second segments and a plurality of second connecting portions. The second segments are connected to each other via the second connecting portions. The third coil is used to couple the first coil and the second coil. The third coil includes a plurality of third segments and a plurality of third connecting portions. A portion of the third segments are connected to each other in parallel via the third connecting portions, and at least one of the first segments and at least one of the second segments are located between the portion of the third segments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to transformer devices, and more particularly to planar transformer devices that can be used for power combining. Background Technology

[0002] Integrated circuits used for radio frequency signals need to convert signals between common-mode and differential modes. This conversion can be achieved using a balun. A balun is an application of a transformer and, in integrated circuits, is also composed of coils. Therefore, how to arrange the coils to achieve good coupling, a high quality factor, and good line balance is an important issue. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some embodiments, the transformer assembly includes a first coil, a second coil, and a third coil. The first coil includes a plurality of first segments and at least one first connection. The first segments are interconnected via the at least one first connection. The second coil includes a plurality of second segments and a plurality of second connections. The second segments are interconnected via the second connections. The third coil is used to couple the first coil and the second coil. The third coil includes a plurality of third segments and a plurality of third connections. A portion of the third segments is connected in parallel, and at least a portion of the first segments and at least a portion of the second segments are located between these portions of the third segments.

[0004] The features, implementation, and technical effects of this disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0006] Figure 1B Drawings based on some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the first and second coils in the diagram;

[0007] Figure 1C Drawings based on some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of the third coil in the diagram;

[0008] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a transformer device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0011] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Symbol Explanation

[0013] 100, 200, 300, 400, 500: Transformer unit

[0014] 120, 140, 160: Coils

[0015] A-A': Reference line

[0016] CP1, CP2, CP3: Connecting parts

[0017] L1, L2, L3: line segments

[0018] P11, P12, P13, P21, P22, P23, P31, P32: Endpoints

[0019] +X, -X, +Y, -Y: Direction Detailed Implementation

[0020] All terms used herein have their ordinary meanings. The definitions of the terms above in commonly used dictionaries, and the examples of any term used in this disclosure, are merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope or meaning of this disclosure. Similarly, this disclosure is not limited to the various embodiments shown in this specification.

[0021] The terms “about” or “substantial” as used herein generally refer to an error or range of approximately 20 percent, more preferably approximately 10 percent, and most preferably approximately 5 percent. Unless otherwise specified, all numerical values ​​mentioned herein are considered approximate, i.e., the error or range indicated by “about” or “substantial”.

[0022] Additionally, for ease of explanation, spatially relative terms such as “left,” “right,” “up,” and “down” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element (or feature) and another shown in the figures. These spatially relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device during use or operation, in addition to those shown in the figures. The device may have other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptive terms used herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] As used herein, “coupled” or “connected” can refer to two or more components making direct physical or electrical contact with each other, or indirectly making direct physical or electrical contact with each other, or to two or more components operating or acting on each other. As used herein, “circuit” can refer to a device consisting of at least one transistor and / or at least one active or passive component connected in a certain manner to process signals.

[0024] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of one or more of the listed related items. The terms first, second, third, etc., are used herein to describe and identify individual elements. Therefore, a first element herein may also be referred to as a second element without departing from the intent of this disclosure. For ease of understanding, similar elements in the figures will be designated with the same reference numerals.

[0025] Reference Figures 1A to 1C , Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 1B Drawings based on some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of coils 120 and 140 in the diagram, and Figure 1C Drawings based on some embodiments of this disclosure Figure 1A A schematic diagram of coil 160 is shown. In some embodiments, transformer device 100 may operate as (but is not limited to) a power combiner that couples signals from two symmetrical coils to a single coil to output a single signal. For ease of illustration, the plurality of components included in transformer device 100 are shown respectively. Figure 1B and Figure 1C In some embodiments, the transformer assembly 100 may be composed of... Figure 1B Multiple coils 120 and 140 and Figure 1C The coil 160 is formed in the middle.

[0026] Each of coils 120 and 140 can be a planar inductor. For example... Figure 1B As shown, coil 120 includes multiple line segments L1 (indicated by horizontal stripes) and multiple connecting portions CP1 (indicated by diagonal stripes). The multiple line segments L1 are interconnected via connecting portions CP1 to form coil 120. For example, each end of connecting portion CP1 has at least one guide hole (VIA) (indicated by black) to couple connecting portion CP1 to the corresponding line segment L1. Similarly, coil 140 includes multiple line segments L2 (indicated by white) and multiple connecting portions CP2 (indicated by diagonal stripes). The multiple line segments L2 are interconnected via connecting portions CP2 to form coil 140. For example, each end of connecting portion CP2 has at least one guide hole to couple connecting portion CP2 to the corresponding line segment L2.

[0027] In some embodiments, each of coils 120 and 140 may operate as a differential inductor. For example, coil 120 includes endpoints P11 and P12. Endpoints P11 and P12 may output (or receive) a set of differential signals. In some embodiments, an intermediate endpoint (not shown) between endpoints P11 and P12 may be used to receive a common-mode voltage (e.g., AC ground). The trace length between endpoint P11 and the intermediate endpoint is substantially the same as the trace length between endpoint P12 and the intermediate endpoint. In some embodiments, the intermediate endpoint may operate as a center tap endpoint. Similarly, coil 140 includes endpoints P21 and P22. Endpoints P21 and P22 may output (or receive) a set of differential signals. In some embodiments, an intermediate endpoint between endpoints P21 and P22 may be used to receive a common-mode voltage (e.g., AC ground). The trace length between endpoint P21 and the intermediate endpoint is substantially the same as the trace length between endpoint P22 and the intermediate endpoint. In some embodiments, the intermediate endpoint may operate as a center tap point.

[0028] In some embodiments, a reference line A-A' exists between coils 120 and 140, such that coils 120 and 140 are substantially mirror-symmetrical with respect to reference line A-A'. It should be understood that reference line A-A' is substantially located at the midpoint between coils 120 and 140, and reference line S-S' is not a physical element in the transformer device 100.

[0029] Coil 160 can be a planar inductor, which can be used to couple coils 120 and 140. For example... Figure 1C As shown, coil 160 includes multiple line segments L3 (represented by dots) and multiple connecting portions CP3 (represented by diagonal stripes). The multiple line segments L3 are interconnected via the multiple connecting portions CP3 to form a ring structure. For example, each end of a connecting portion CP3 has at least one via to couple the connecting portion CP3 to the corresponding line segment L3. Coil 160 can be configured for (but is not limited to) single-ended signaling applications. For example, coil 160 includes endpoint P31 and endpoint P32. Endpoint P31 can receive a single-ended signal, and endpoint P32 can receive a DC voltage (e.g., common-mode voltage or ground voltage). In some embodiments, coil 160 is substantially mirror-symmetrical with respect to reference line A-A'. In other words, as... Figure 1AAs shown, the transformer assembly 100 has a substantially bilaterally symmetrical structure. In some embodiments, an intermediate endpoint between endpoint P31 and endpoint P32 can be used to receive a common-mode voltage (e.g., AC ground voltage). The trace length between endpoint P31 and the intermediate endpoint is substantially the same as the trace length between endpoint P32 and the intermediate endpoint. In some embodiments, the intermediate endpoint can operate as a center tap point.

[0030] like Figure 1A or Figure 1B As shown, multiple line segments L1 and multiple connecting parts CP1 form a first winding with 4 turns. For example, from endpoint P11 to endpoint P12, the multiple line segments L1 and multiple connecting parts CP1 sequentially form a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn (e.g., the outermost winding), a second winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a third winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a fourth winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn (e.g., the innermost winding), a third winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a fourth winding of approximately 1 / 2 turn, a third winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a fourth winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a third winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, and a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn. Similarly, multiple line segments L2 and multiple connecting parts CP2 form a second winding with 4 turns. Similarly, from endpoint P21 to endpoint P22, multiple line segments L2 and multiple connecting parts CP2 sequentially form a first loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn (e.g., the outermost loop), a second loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a first loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a third loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a fourth loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn (e.g., the innermost loop), a third loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a fourth loop of approximately 1 / 2 turn, a third loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a fourth loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a third loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a first loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn, and a first loop of approximately 1 / 4 turn.

[0031] As described below, multiple line segments L1, L2, L3, multiple connectors CP1, CP2, and CP3 form multiple interleaved portions on opposite sides of coil 160. In some embodiments, these interleaved portions are formed by each turn of both the first and second windings and coil 160 on these opposite sides. In some embodiments, these opposite sides are a first side and a second side, wherein the first side may be a -X direction side and the second side may be a +X direction side. In some embodiments, endpoints P31 and P32 are located on a third side of coil 160 (e.g., a +Y direction side), and endpoints P11, P12, P21, and P22 are located on a fourth side of coil 160 (e.g., a -Y direction side), wherein the third and fourth sides are different from the first and second sides. In other words, the aforementioned multiple interleaved portions and endpoints P11, P12, P21, P22, P31, or P32 are located on different sides. Furthermore, the multiple interlacing portions on the first side are symmetrical to the multiple interlacing portions on the second side.

[0032] At Figure 1A In the first side of coil 160 (e.g., the side in the -X direction), each of coils 120 and 140 crosses coil 160 four times. For example, on the first side, two connecting parts CP1 and CP2 cross the line segment L3 of the outermost coil of coil 160, and another two connecting parts CP1 and CP2 cross the line segment L3 of the third coil of coil 160. Additionally, on the first side, corresponding line segments L1 to L2 cross the connecting part CP3 of the outermost coil of coil 160, and another corresponding line segments L1 to L2 cross the connecting part CP3 of the third coil of coil 160. Based on the symmetrical structure, on the second side of coil 160 (e.g., the side in the +X direction), each of coils 120 and 140 also crosses coil 160 four times.

[0033] Similarly, on the third side of coil 160 (e.g., the side in the +Y direction), each of coils 120 and 140 crosses coil 160 four times. On the fourth side of coil 160 (e.g., the side in the -Y direction), each of coils 120 and 140 crosses coil 160 six times. In some embodiments, the first and second sides described above are opposite sides of coil 160 (e.g., the left and right sides of coil 160), and the third and fourth sides described above are other opposite sides of coil 160 (e.g., the upper and lower sides of coil 160). Specifically, on the third side, the outermost loop segment L1 of coil 120 and the outermost loop segment L2 of coil 140 cross multiple connection portions CP3 between the first and second loops of coil 160. On the third side, line segment L1 of the third turn of coil 120 and line segment L2 of the fourth turn of coil 120 cross the connection portion CP3 between the third and fourth turns of coil 160, and connection portion CP1 between the third and fourth turns of coil 120 and connection portion CP2 between the third and fourth turns of coil 140 cross the line segment L3 of the third turn of coil 160. Similarly, on the fourth side, line segment L1 of the first turn of coil 120 and line segment L2 of the first turn of coil 120 cross multiple connection portions CP3 between the first and second turns of coil 160, and line segment L1 of the second turn of coil 120 and line segment L2 of the second turn of coil 120 cross the connection portion CP3 between the second and third turns of coil 160. In the fourth side, line segment L1 of the third turn of coil 120 and line segment L2 of the third turn of coil 120 cross multiple connecting portions CP3 between the third and fourth turns of coil 160, and connecting portion CP1 between the third and fourth turns of coil 120 and connecting portion CP2 between the third and fourth turns of coil 140 cross line segment L3 of the third turn of coil 160.

[0034] With the above configuration, coils 120, 140, and 160 can form multiple interlaced sections via multiple connecting parts CP1, CP2, and CP3. Depending on the circuit application, the current direction on the multiple connecting parts CP1 and CP2 can be controlled to be in the same direction or opposite directions. The inductance values ​​of the multiple connecting parts CP1 and CP2 change significantly depending on the current direction, thus the current direction can be controlled to achieve different circuit application purposes. Equivalently, multiple line segments L1, L2, and L3 can be intertwined (twisted) via multiple connecting parts CP1, CP2, and CP3. Because of the design in this embodiment, multiple connecting parts CP1 and CP2 can be simultaneously and uniformly coupled to multiple CP3.

[0035] In some embodiments, portions of line segments L3 are connected in parallel via connecting portions CP3, and at least a portion of the plurality of line segments L1 and at least a portion of the plurality of line segments L2 are located between the plurality of line segments in that portion. For example, as Figure 1C As shown, multiple line segments L3 in the first and second turns of coil 160 are connected in parallel via connecting part CP3. Multiple line segments L3 in the third and fourth turns (e.g., the innermost turn) of coil 160 are also connected in parallel via connecting part CP3. Figure 1A As shown, most of the line segments L1 to L2 are located between the first and second turns of coil 160, and between the third and fourth turns of coil 160. In this example, the outermost turn of coil 120 or coil 140 is located inside coil 160. In other words, the range of each of coils 120 and 140 partially overlaps with the range of coil 160. With the above arrangement, coil 160 can couple to coils 120 and 140. In this way, the signal received by coil 160 can be simultaneously coupled to coils 140 and 160 to output two sets of differential signals. Alternatively, the differential signals received by coils 140 and 160 can be coupled to coil 120 to synthesize a single signal.

[0036] In some embodiments, coil 120 may include additional connecting portions CP1 (not shown) and additional guide holes (not shown) for coupling the innermost coil segments L1 to each other. In some embodiments, such as Figures 1A to 1C As shown, multiple line segments L1, L2, and L3 can be implemented by a first metal layer, and multiple connectors CP1, CP2, and CP3 can be implemented by a second metal layer, wherein the first metal layer is different from the second metal layer. For example, the first metal layer can be (but is not limited to) an ultra-thick metal (UTM) layer, and the second metal layer can be (but is not limited to) a redistribution layer (RDL).

[0037] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device 200 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Compared to Figure 1AIn this example, the transformer device 200 includes fewer interleaved portions. Each of coils 120 and 140 crosses coil 160 twice on a first side and twice on a second side. In some embodiments, portions of the first winding (e.g., formed by multiple line segments L1 and multiple connectors CP1) and the second winding (e.g., formed by multiple line segments L2 and multiple connectors CP2) form multiple interleaved portions with coil 160 on the first and second sides of coil 160. Specifically, on the first side, two connectors CP1 and CP2 cross line segments L3 of the outermost coil of coil 160, and corresponding multiple line segments L1 to L2 cross the connector CP3 line of the outermost coil of coil 160. Compared to... Figure 1A In this example, coils 120 and 140 do not cross the third turn (or innermost turn) of coil 160 on the first side of coil 160, and coils 120 and 140 do not cross the third turn (or innermost turn) of coil 160 on the second side of coil 160. In this example, the innermost turn of each of the aforementioned first and second windings and the third turn adjacent to that innermost turn do not form multiple interleaved portions with coil 160 on the first and second sides.

[0038] In other words, the third and fourth turns of coil 120 on the first and second sides are formed directly through line segment L1 (i.e., without using connection CP1), the third and fourth turns of coil 140 on the first and second sides are formed directly through line segment L2 (i.e., without using connection CP2), and the third and fourth turns of coil 160 on the first and second sides are formed directly through line segment L3 (i.e., without using connection CP3). This reduces the number of interlaced sections. In different applications, the number of interlaced sections can be used to adjust the inductance ratio between coils 120, 140, and 160. For example, more interlaced sections result in higher capacitance and mutual inductance among coils 120, 140, and 160, thereby improving the mutual inductance among them.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Compared to Figure 1A Transformer device 100 or Figure 2 Transformer device 200, Figure 3 Coils 120, 140, and 160 have different numbers of turns.

[0040] In this example, multiple line segments L1 and multiple connecting parts CP1 form a first winding with two turns. For example, from endpoint P11 to endpoint P12, the multiple line segments L1 and multiple connecting parts CP1 sequentially form a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn (e.g., the outermost turn), a second winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn (e.g., the innermost turn), a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second winding of approximately 1 / 2 turn, a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, and a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn. Similarly, multiple line segments L2 and multiple connecting parts CP2 form a second winding with two turns. For example, from endpoint P21 to endpoint P22, the multiple line segments L2 and multiple connecting parts CP2 sequentially form a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn (e.g., the outermost turn), a second winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn (e.g., the innermost turn), a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second winding of approximately 1 / 2 turn, a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, a second winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn, and a first winding of approximately 1 / 4 turn.

[0041] In this example, coil 120 also includes endpoint P13, which is an intermediate endpoint between endpoints P11 and P12. In some embodiments, endpoint P13 may be a center tap. Endpoint P13 may extend from coil 120 along the Y direction via an additional segment L1 to receive common-mode voltage (e.g., AC ground voltage). Similarly, coil 140 also includes endpoint P23, which is an intermediate endpoint between endpoints P21 and P22. In some embodiments, endpoint P23 may be a center tap. Endpoint P23 may extend from coil 140 along the Y direction via an additional segment L2 to receive common-mode voltage.

[0042] In this example, multiple segments L3 of the outermost coil of coil 160 are connected in parallel to multiple segments L3 of the innermost coil via multiple connecting parts CP3. A portion of multiple segments L1 and a portion of multiple segments L2 are located between the parallel segments L3. For example, multiple segments L1 in the second coil of coil 120 and multiple segments L2 in the second coil of coil 140 are located between the parallel segments L3. In this example, the extent of each of coils 120 and 140 partially overlaps with the extent of coil 160, and the outermost coil of coil 120 or coil 140 is outside coil 160. With the above arrangement, coil 160 can couple coils 120 and 140.

[0043] Similar to Figure 1A Each turn of both the first and second windings forms multiple interleaved portions with coil 160 on a first side (e.g., the -X side) and a second side (e.g., the +X side) of coil 160. Figure 3In this configuration, each of coils 120 and 140 crosses coil 160 twice on the first side and twice on the second side. For example, on the first side, connecting portions CP1 and CP2 cross the innermost loop segment L3 of coil 160, and corresponding segments L1 and L2 cross the outermost loop connecting portion CP3. Based on a symmetrical structure, each of coils 120 and 140 crosses coil 160 twice on the second side. Similarly, each of coils 120 and 140 crosses coil 160 four times on the third side and twice on the fourth side, where the third and fourth sides are the other opposite sides of coil 160. Through this arrangement, coils 120, 140, and 160 can form multiple interlaced portions via multiple connecting portions CP1, multiple connecting portions CP2, and multiple connecting portions CP3. Similar to... Figure 1A The transformer device 100 has multiple line segments L1, L2 and L3 that can be intertwined via multiple connecting parts CP1, CP2 and CP3.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device 400 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Compared to Figure 3 In this example, the transformer assembly 300 has fewer interlaced sections. Specifically, neither coil 120 nor coil 140 crosses coil 160 on either the first or second side of coil 160. In other words, on the first and second sides, the first and second turns of coils 120, 140, and 160 are formed directly by multiple line segments L1, L2, and L3, respectively (i.e., without using connecting parts CP1, CP2, or CP3). This reduces the number of interlaced sections, allowing for different inductance ratios.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a transformer device 500 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the shape and overall area differ... Figure 1A The transformer assembly 100, but the transformer assembly 500 and the transformer assembly 100 have a similar arrangement. Similar to... Figure 1A Transformer device 100 or Figure 2 The transformer assembly 200 has coils 120, 140, and 160, each of which has four turns. Compared to Figure 1AIn the transformer device 100, in this example, coil 120 includes only one connection portion CP1, and coils 120, 140, and 160 are directly formed on the first side (e.g., the side in the -X direction) and the second side (e.g., the side in the +X direction) by multiple line segments L1, multiple line segments L2, and multiple line segments L3, respectively. In other words, compared to transformer device 100, transformer device 500 has fewer interlaced portions.

[0046] In detail, from endpoint P11 to endpoint P12, multiple line segments L1 and connecting parts CP1 sequentially form a first loop (e.g., the outermost loop), a second loop (e.g., the outermost loop), a third loop (e.g., the innermost loop), a fourth loop (e.g., the innermost loop), a third loop (e.g., the innermost loop), a second loop (e.g., the innermost loop), and a first loop (e.g., the outermost loop). Similarly, from endpoint P21 to endpoint P22, multiple line segments L2 and multiple connecting parts CP2 sequentially form a first loop (e.g., the outermost loop), a second loop (e.g., the outermost loop), a third loop (e.g., the innermost loop), a third loop (e.g., the innermost loop), a second loop (e.g., the innermost loop), and a first loop (e.g., the outermost loop).

[0047] Multiple line segments L3 in the first turn (e.g., the outermost turn) and the second turn of coil 160 are connected in parallel via connecting part CP3. Multiple line segments L3 in the third and fourth turns (e.g., the innermost turn) of coil 160 are connected in parallel via connecting part CP3. Multiple line segments L1 to L2 in the first part are located between the first and second turns of coil 160, and multiple line segments L1 to L2 in the second part are located between the third and fourth turns of coil 160. Multiple line segments L1 forming the outermost turn of coil 120 and multiple line segments L2 forming the outermost turn of coil 140 are located outside the outermost turn of coil 160. In this example, the range of coil 160 partially overlaps with the range of each of coil 120 and coil 140. With the above arrangement, coil 160 can couple coil 120 and coil 140.

[0048] On the other hand, in this example, coils 120 and 140 cross coil 160 six times on the third side and six times on the fourth side, where the third and fourth sides are opposite sides of coil 160. For example, the third side is the +Y side, and the fourth side is the -Y side. Specifically, on the third side, the outermost loop segment L1 of coil 120 and the outermost loop segment L2 of coil 140 cross multiple connection portions CP3 between the first and second loops of coil 160, and the connection portion CP1 of the outermost loop of coil 120 and the connection portion CP2 of the outermost loop of coil 140 cross the loop segment L3 of the first loop of coil 160. On the third side, the loop segment L1 of the third loop of coil 120 and the loop segment L2 of the fourth loop of coil 140 cross the connection portion CP3 between the third and fourth loops of coil 160. Similarly, on the fourth side, line segment L1 of the second turn of coil 120 and line segment L2 of the second turn of coil 140 cross multiple connection portions CP3 between the first and second turns of coil 160, and connection portion CP1 between the second and third turns of coil 120 and connection portion CP2 between the second and third turns of coil 140 cross line segment L3 of the third turn of coil 160. On the fourth side, line segment L1 of the innermost turn of coil 120 and line segment L2 of the innermost turn of coil 140 cross multiple connection portions CP3 between the third and fourth turns of coil 160.

[0049] With the above arrangement, coils 120, 140, and 160 can form multiple interlaced portions via multiple connecting portions CP1, CP2, and CP3. Equivalently, multiple line segments L1, L2, and L3 can be intertwined via multiple connecting portions CP1, CP2, and CP3.

[0050] The embodiments of the aforementioned transformer devices 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 (e.g., number of winding turns, material, number of connection terminals, shape, etc.) and various application examples are for illustrative purposes only, and this disclosure is not limited to the above examples. For example, the shapes of coils 120, 140, and 160 can be other polygons or circles. The number of winding turns, the spacing between each line segment, the line width of each line segment, and / or the number of guide holes of coils 120, 140, and 160 can be adjusted according to actual needs.

[0051] In summary, the transformer device in some embodiments of this disclosure utilizes a mirror-symmetrical inductance structure with three sets of coils. This allows the transformer device to achieve better line balance, making it suitable for applications such as power combining, balanced-to-unbalanced conversion, and unbalanced-to-balanced conversion. Furthermore, depending on the application, the transformer device can also utilize intertwined wiring to achieve uniform coupling.

[0052] Although the embodiments of this disclosure are described above, these embodiments are not intended to limit this disclosure. Those skilled in the art can make changes to the technical features of this disclosure based on its express or implied content. All such changes may fall within the scope of patent protection sought by this disclosure. In other words, the scope of patent protection of this disclosure shall be determined by the claims of this specification.

Claims

1. A transformer device, comprising: A first coil includes a plurality of first wire segments and at least one first connecting portion, wherein the plurality of first wire segments are interconnected via the at least one first connecting portion; A second coil comprising a plurality of second wire segments and a plurality of second connecting portions, wherein the plurality of second wire segments are interconnected via the plurality of second connecting portions; and A third coil is used to couple the first coil and the second coil. The third coil comprises a plurality of third segments and a plurality of third connecting portions. A portion of the plurality of third segments is connected in parallel to each other via the plurality of third connecting portions. At least a portion of the plurality of first segments and at least a portion of the plurality of second segments are located between these portions of the plurality of third segments. An outermost coil of either the first coil or the second coil is located within the third coil. The plurality of first line segments and the at least one first connecting portion form a first winding, the plurality of second line segments and the plurality of second connecting portions form a second winding, and a portion of the number of turns of both the first winding and the second winding and the third coil form a plurality of interleaved portions on opposite sides of the third coil.

2. The transformer device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first segments, the plurality of second segments, and the plurality of third segments are intertwined via the at least one first connecting portion, the plurality of second connecting portions, and the plurality of third connecting portions.

3. The transformer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of first segments, the plurality of second segments, the plurality of third segments, the at least one first connection portion, the plurality of second connection portions, and the plurality of third connection portions form a plurality of interleaved portions with the third coil on opposite sides of the third coil.

4. The transformer device of claim 3, wherein each of the first coil and the second coil has a plurality of endpoints, and the plurality of endpoints are not located on opposite sides.

5. The transformer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of first segments and the at least one first connection portion form a first winding, the plurality of second segments and the plurality of second connection portions form a second winding, and each turn of the first winding and the second winding forms a plurality of interleaved portions with the third coil on opposite sides of the third coil.

6. The transformer device of claim 1, wherein the extent of each of the first coil and the second coil partially overlaps with the extent of the third coil.

7. The transformer device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first coil, the second coil, or the third coil is mirror-symmetrical.

8. A transformer device, comprising: A first coil includes a plurality of first wire segments and at least one first connecting portion, wherein the plurality of first wire segments are interconnected via the at least one first connecting portion; A second coil comprising a plurality of second wire segments and a plurality of second connecting portions, wherein the plurality of second wire segments are interconnected via the plurality of second connecting portions; and A third coil is used to couple the first coil and the second coil. The third coil comprises a plurality of third segments and a plurality of third connecting portions. A portion of the plurality of third segments is connected in parallel to each other via the plurality of third connecting portions. At least a portion of the plurality of first segments and at least a portion of the plurality of second segments are located between these portions of the plurality of third segments. An outermost coil of either the first coil or the second coil is located within the third coil. The plurality of first line segments and the at least one first connection portion form a first winding, the plurality of second line segments and the plurality of second connection portions form a second winding, and the innermost turn of each of the first winding and the second winding and the other turn adjacent to the innermost turn do not form a plurality of interleaved portions with the third coil on opposite sides of the third coil.

9. The transformer device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of first segments, the plurality of second segments, and the plurality of third segments are intertwined via the at least one first connecting portion, the plurality of second connecting portions, and the plurality of third connecting portions.

10. The transformer device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of first segments, the plurality of second segments, the plurality of third segments, the at least one first connection, the plurality of second connections, and the plurality of third connections form a plurality of interleaved portions with the third coil on opposite sides of the third coil.

11. The transformer device of claim 10, wherein each of the first coil and the second coil has a plurality of endpoints, and the plurality of endpoints are not located on opposite sides.

12. The transformer device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of first segments and the at least one first connection portion form a first winding, the plurality of second segments and the plurality of second connection portions form a second winding, and each turn of the first winding and the second winding forms a plurality of interleaved portions with the third coil on opposite sides of the third coil.

13. The transformer device of claim 8, wherein the extent of each of the first coil and the second coil partially overlaps with a extent of the third coil.

14. The transformer device of claim 8, wherein the first coil, the second coil, or the third coil is mirror-symmetric.

Images