Pulse shaping network with coupled magnetism

Abstract

A pulse shaping network configured for a radio frequency (rf) power amplifier system, the pulse shaping network comprising: a coupling magnetic element comprising a first inductive element magnetically coupled to a second inductive element, the first inductive element comprising a first winding disposed around a first portion of a core; the second inductance element comprises a second winding arranged around the second part of the core body; wherein the first inductive element and the second inductive element are electrically coupled to provide three output terminals for coupling the magnetic element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to pulse shaping networks, and more particularly to pulse shaping networks having coupled magnetics. Background Art

[0002] As is known in the art, so-called "discrete" supply modulation systems (sometimes also referred to as discrete "drain modulation") - the supply voltage is switched between a set of discrete voltage levels, possibly including additional filtering through filter circuits (sometimes referred to as "pulse shaping networks" or PSNs) to shape the voltage transitions between the set of discrete voltage levels. Systems of this type may include, for example, "class G" amplifiers, multi-level LINC (MLINC) power amplifiers, asymmetric multi-level out-of-phase (AMO) power amplifiers, multi-level back-off amplifiers (including asymmetric multi-level back-off amplifiers), and digital polar transmitters, among other types.

[0003] Filter circuits (eg, the aforementioned PSN) contain magnetic components such as inductors to provide efficient filtering. The inclusion of such magnetic components results in the pulse shaping network being a relatively large and expensive component. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the concepts, systems and techniques described herein, the inventors have recognized that filter circuits (e.g., pulse shaping networks) that include magnetic components (e.g., inductors) to provide efficient filtering pose a challenge to implementing highly miniaturized discrete drain modulation systems and, in particular, pulse shaping networks because they are relatively large and expensive components.

[0005] To address this challenge, concepts, systems, and techniques are described herein that are intended to reduce the size of magnetic components (e.g., inductor components) and filter circuits (e.g., pulse shaping networks) that include magnetic components. Thus, according to one aspect of the concepts described herein, a magnetic element includes a first inductor element magnetically coupled to a second inductor element. The first inductor element includes a first winding disposed around a first portion of a core, and the second inductor element includes a second winding disposed around a second portion of the core, wherein the first inductor element and the second inductor element are electrically coupled to provide three output terminals of the coupled magnetic element. With this particular arrangement, a multi-winding magnetic component is provided. Such a multi-winding magnetic component can be used in any application where it is desired to integrate the magnetic component with other electronic components on a single semiconductor die (e.g., in a CMOS or BCD process) or integrated circuit (IC). For example, the method can be expected to be used in mobile applications (e.g., mobile handsets).

[0006] According to further aspects of the concepts described herein, a pulse shaping network configured for use in a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system includes a coupled magnetic element, the coupled magnetic element including a first inductive element magnetically coupled to a second inductive element. The first inductive element includes a first winding disposed around a first portion of a core, and the second inductive element includes a second winding disposed around a second portion of the core, wherein the first inductive element and the second inductive element are electrically coupled to provide three output terminals of the coupled magnetic element.

[0007] With this particular arrangement, a pulse shaping network (or more generally, a filter circuit) is provided which is suitable for use in various applications and which is smaller than conventional pulse shaping networks. For example, such applications including radio frequency (RF) power amplifier systems may be used in RF modules, for example, for mobile handsets.

[0008] The concepts, systems and techniques described herein may also be used to provide a discrete drain modulation system that is smaller than (i.e., miniaturized relative to) a conventional discrete drain modulation system. Such a miniaturized discrete drain modulation system may include a miniaturized pulse shaping network (i.e., a pulse shaping network that is smaller than a conventional pulse shaping network). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The manner and process of making and using the disclosed embodiments may be understood by reference to the figures in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the components and structures shown in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather emphasis is placed on illustrating the principles of the concepts described herein. Like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the different views. In addition, embodiments are illustrated in the drawings by way of example and not limitation, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system using multiple power supply levels and powering multiple power amplifiers;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary RF power amplifier system including a power generator, a power modulator, and an optional filter;

[0012] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a portion of an exemplary RF power amplifier system including a filter network connected to a power supply modulator through a switch;

[0013] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a prior art pulse shaping network including a "T" connection of an inductor;

[0014] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic structure including coupled magnetic windings provided according to the concepts described herein;

[0015] Fig. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary electrical coupling of a magnetic structure including coupled magnetic windings provided in accordance with the concepts described herein;

[0016] Figure 6B yes Fig. 6A Schematic diagram of the equivalent circuit model of the magnetic structure;

[0017] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B According to the concept described in this article, Fig. 6A a representation of a magnetic structure including an exemplary one-piece magnetic core arrangement;

[0018] Figure 8 is with Fig. 6A A schematic diagram of an exemplary magnetic circuit model corresponding to a magnetic structure of FIG.

[0019] Fig. 9 According to the concept described in this article, Fig. 6A A representation of a magnetic structure including an exemplary two-piece magnetic core arrangement; and

[0020] Fig.10 is a representation of an exemplary magnetic structure having an alternating electrical coupling arrangement provided in accordance with the concepts described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Now refer to Figure 1 , the exemplary RF amplifier system 100 is configured to use multiple power supply levels V1 to V n The system 100 includes an energy source 102 that provides power to a multi-output power generator 104 that is configured to provide a power level (e.g., a power voltage). The system 100 includes a plurality of power modulators 106a to 106n and optionally a plurality of filtering and / or regulating circuit systems 108a to 108n that are configured to receive a modulator voltage V MOD And the received modulator voltage V MOD is filtered and / or regulated to provide the supply voltage V SUPPLY#1 To V SUPPLY#n The system 100 includes a plurality of power amplifiers 110a to 110n configured to receive a power supply voltage V based on the operation of the power supply modulators 106a to 106n. SUPPLY#1 To V SUPPLY#n . Figure 1 One or more aspects of signal processing and control for system 100 are omitted.

[0022] Reference Figure 2 , the exemplary RF power amplifier system 200 includes: a single inductor multiple output boost converter as a power generator 204, which is configured to receive power from the energy source 102; a parallel power modulator 206; and an optional LC filter 208. The power modulator 206 provides one of the power supply voltages V1 to V3 to the power amplifier 210 based on the operation of the power modulator 206.

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The power generator 104, 204 can be configured to synthesize multiple power supply voltages from a single input source, and in some implementations, regulate one or more of these power supply voltages. The power supply modulator 106a to 106n, 206 can be configured to quickly switch between the power supply voltages provided by the power generator 104, 204 to provide the power supply voltage to the RF amplifier 110a to 110n, 210. As described above, in some implementations, the power supply modulator 106a to 106n, 206 is configured to provide a modulator voltage that is filtered and / or regulated by the optional filtering and / or regulating circuit system 108a to 108n and the optional LC filter 208.

[0024] Based on the concepts, systems, circuits, and techniques described herein, it has been recognized that the optimal implementation of the power generator and power modulator may depend on the power level, voltage level, and application space of the RF amplifier system. However, it is worth noting that for many mobile applications, it may be desirable to monolithically integrate the electronic components of both the power generator and the power modulator, as well as a portion of the auxiliary circuitry, on a single semiconductor die (e.g., in a CMOS or BCD process), and in some cases, it may be desirable to integrate these electronic devices together with the power amplifier on a single die. However, in all cases, efficient driving of the switches involved in power generation, power modulation, and auxiliary networks is valuable for achieving a small, high-performance design.

[0025] The power generator can be implemented in a variety of ways. The power generator has been implemented using multiple individual converters, multiple output magnetic converters, multiple output switched capacitor converters, hybrid magnetic / switched capacitor converters that provide a set of ratiometric output voltages, and hybrid magnetic / switched capacitor converters that provide differential capacitive energy transfer for a related but non-ratiometric distribution of discrete supply voltages.

[0026] In some implementations, one or more auxiliary networks can be associated with the power modulator described herein, the one or more auxiliary networks including switch elements associated with the connection of the power modulator output to one or more loads (e.g., power amplifiers). The one or more auxiliary networks can include: (1) a connection switch network that can route one or more on-die power modulator outputs to one or more power amplifier outputs; (2) one or more switchable filter components that are used to adjust the filtering performed on the provided modulator output; and / or (3) one or more disconnect switches that enable the power modulator output to be disconnected from the power amplifier and / or filter.

[0027] Reference Figure 3 , a portion of an exemplary RF power amplifier system 300 includes a plurality of power supply modulators 302a to 302n configured to provide a supply voltage to a plurality of power amplifiers 308a to 308f via a plurality of filters 304a to 304n and a plurality of filter networks 306a to 306e. The filters 304a to 304n, the filter networks 306a to 306e, and the power amplifiers 308e to 308f are coupled to a switch network 310 including a plurality of switches. The filters 304a to 304n and the filter networks 306a to 306e are sometimes collectively referred to herein as "filter circuitry".

[0028] The filter circuit system is configured to receive the modulator voltage V provided by the corresponding power supply modulator 302a to 302n. MOD and filter it to provide the power supply voltage V SUPPLY#1 To V SUPPLY#6 The switching network 310 is operated to cause the selected filter network among the filters 304a to 304n and the filter networks 306a to 306e to modulate the modulator voltage V MOD Filtering and / or conditioning is performed to provide the power amplifiers 308a to 308f with the desired supply voltage V that has undergone the desired conditioning and / or filtering. SUPPLY#1 To V SUPPLY#6 For example, the switch network 310 can be used to switch a single modulator voltage V MOD Routed to one or more of the power amplifiers 308a to 308f to enable filters, energy storage devices, or pulse shaping networks (including filter networks 306a to 306e) to be connected or disconnected, to enable the characteristics of the filter networks 306a to 306e to be dynamically reconfigured, and / or to enable multiple power modulators to be connected in parallel to drive a single output.

[0029] In some implementations, the filter networks 306a to 306e may include a pulse shaping network, a linear regulator, etc. to modulate the modulator voltage V MOD Filters and / or regulates and provides the supply voltage V SUPPLY#1 To V SUPPLY#6 The pulse shaping network necessarily includes magnetic components such as inductors to provide efficient filtering. Inductors pose a challenge to the implementation of highly miniaturized discrete drain modulation systems, especially pulse shaping networks, because they are relatively large and expensive components.

[0030] Reference Figure 4 , a pulse shaping network 400 of the prior art includes a T connection 402 of inductors 404a to 404c, a capacitor 406 connected to the inductor 404c, and a capacitor 408 connected to the inductor 404b and the capacitor 406. In the pulse shaping network 400, the inductor 404c and the capacitor 406 are configured to help provide a transmission zero at a frequency of interest in terms of transmission characteristics, while the inductors 404a, 404b are configured to help achieve an overall low-pass characteristic. One disadvantage of the pulse shaping network 400 is that it includes three inductors 404a to 404c, and the inductors are relatively large and lossy electronic components.

[0031] Figure 5 shows that a pulse shaping network may be included to provide relative Figure 4 An exemplary magnetic structure 500 is provided that provides the same or improved functionality as the prior art pulse shaping network 400. The magnetic structure 500, including coupled magnetic windings 502a-502b, is smaller than the inductors 404a-404c of the T-connection 402. Thus, the magnetic structure 500 can provide improved functionality while enabling a reduction in the overall size of the pulse shaping network. The improved functionality can include reduced losses / increased efficiency (e.g., for a given size) and the ability to synthesize a negative effective inductance in one branch of the equivalent T network, if desired, which is not possible with uncoupled discrete inductors.

[0032] Fig. 6A An exemplary electrical coupling of a magnetic structure 600 including coupled magnetic windings 602a-602b is shown. For example, Figure 5 The magnetic structure 500 can be Fig. 6A Electrically coupled in the manner shown in . Figure 6B Shows Fig. 6A Equivalent circuit model of the magnetic structure 600.

[0033] Refer again Figure 5 , the coupled magnetic windings 502a to 502b are magnetically coupled. The first coupled magnetic winding 502a exhibits a self-inductance L 11, the second coupled magnetic winding 502b exhibits a self-inductance L 22 , and the two coupled magnetic windings 502a to 502b together have Figure 5 The mutual inductance L of the polarity shown in M In some implementations, the coupled magnetic windings 502a-502b are implemented as inductors.

[0034] The magnetic structure 500 can be described using an inductance matrix as follows:

[0035]

[0036] Based on the inductance matrix, basic physics requires that:

[0037]

[0038] If the magnetic structure 500 is Fig. 6A As shown, external terminals A, B, and C are used for electrical connection, and then Figure 6B The magnetic structure 500 is represented by an equivalent circuit model 610 shown in FIG. 5 , wherein the parameter L A , L B and L C The self-inductance L of the coupled magnetic windings 502a to 502b is 11 , L 22 and mutual inductance L M To represent, where L A =L 11 -L M , L B =L 22 -L M , and L C =L M Thus, using a single magnetic structure 500 with appropriately magnetically coupled coupled magnetic windings 502a-502b, the electrical terminal behavior of three inductors in a T-structure can be replicated while achieving the improved functionality described above. Figure 4 The prior art pulse shaping network 400 shown here is conventionally implemented with three separate inductors. Such a magnetic structure 500 can be applied to the pulse shaping network with a smaller size.

[0039] In some implementations, an alternative (e.g., reverse) coupling may be employed such that:

[0040] L A =L 11 +|L M |,L B =L 22 =|L M |, and L C =-|LM |.

[0041] L C The sign of the term may depend on the magnetic element / structure used to couple the magnetic element (e.g. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 For example, referring briefly to Fig. 9 The coupled magnetic element 900 has two inductive elements 906a and 906b with opposite winding polarities, so for L C However, if the first winding 902a or the second winding 902b is reversed so that the polarity of the windings is the same, then L C will have a negative value. Similarly, a simple reference Fig.10 The coupled magnetic element 1000 has two inductance elements 1003a and 1003b with the same winding polarity. C However, if one of the windings 1001a, 1001b is reversed so that the polarity of the windings is opposite, then L C will have a positive value.

[0042] Reference Fig. 7A , Fig. 6A The magnetic structure 600 is implemented (or represented) as a magnetic structure 700, which includes a single-piece magnetic core 702 having a first center leg 704a and a second center leg 704b. A first winding 706a having N1 turns is arranged around the first leg 704a and is configured to provide a first inductive element 707a having a first external terminal 708a and a second external terminal 708b. A second winding 706b having N2 turns is arranged around the second leg 704b and is configured to provide a second inductive element 707b having a third external terminal 708c and a fourth external terminal 708d. The single-piece magnetic core 702 also includes a third external leg 710a and a fourth external leg 710b, and air gaps are arranged in the third external leg 710a and the fourth external leg 710b. The associated magnetic flux path Φ c (identified by reference numerals 711a to 711c) are defined by core paths and gaps (eg, air gaps).

[0043] The first signal path 712a has a first end and a second end, the first end is coupled to the external terminal 708a of the first inductor element 707a, and the second end is coupled to the first output A of the magnetic structure 700. The second signal path 712b has a first end and a second end, the first end is coupled to the external terminal 708c of the second inductor element 707b, and the second end is coupled to the second output B of the magnetic structure 700. The third signal path 712c has a first end and a second end, the first end is coupled to the external terminal 708b of the first inductor element 707a, and the second end is coupled to the external terminal 708d of the second inductor element 707b. The third signal path 712c is also coupled to the third output C of the magnetic structure 700.

[0044] Reference Figure 7B , the magnetic structure 720 shows Fig. 6A Another embodiment of a circuit implementation of the magnetic structure 600 of FIG. This example embodiment includes a single-piece magnetic core 722. Two of the associated magnetic flux paths That is, 721a, 721b, defined by a leakage path outside the core 722. In this embodiment, the single-piece magnetic core 722 has opposing first and second legs 724a, 724b and opposing third and fourth legs 724c, 724d, wherein an air gap is provided in the fourth leg 724d, and the first, second, third and fourth legs 724a to 724d are coupled to form a closed (e.g., annular) shape. A first winding 726a having N1 turns is provided around a portion of the first leg 724a and is configured to provide a first inductance element 727a of the magnetic structure 720, the first inductance element 727a having a first external terminal 728a and a second external terminal 728b. A second winding 726b having N2 turns is disposed around a portion of the second leg 724b and is configured to provide a second inductive element 727b of the magnetic structure 720, the second inductive element 727b having a third external terminal 728c and a fourth external terminal 728d. A first signal path 729a has a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the first external terminal 728a of the first inductive element 727a, and the second end being coupled to the first output A of the magnetic structure 720. A second signal path 729b has a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the external terminal 728c of the second inductive element 727b, and the second end being coupled to the second output B of the magnetic structure 720. A third signal path 729c has a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the external terminal 728b of the first inductive element 727a, and the second end being coupled to the external terminal 728d of the second inductive element 727b. The third signal path 729c is also coupled to a third output C of the magnetic structure 720.

[0045] Reference Figure 8 , presenting the Fig. 6A The magnetic structure of 600 and Fig. 7A , Figure 7B According to the magnetic circuit model 800, the magnetic flux Φ of the two coupled magnetic windings 602a to 602b is c , and and flux linkage and The net reluctance of the magnetic path is determined by the currents i1 and i2 flowing into terminals A and B, the number of turns N1 and N2 of the coupled magnetic windings 602a to 602b, and the net reluctance of the magnetic path. and Based on this model, the following self-inductance and mutual inductance are provided: as well as Therefore, by setting the appropriate number of turns N1 and N2 and the magnetic resistance of different paths, the desired self-inductance and mutual inductance can be achieved to correspond to a set of desired parameters corresponding to the T connection.

[0046] Pulse Shaping Network Figure 4 An exemplary value of the inductance value in the T connection 402 may be approximately L A =7nH, L B =7nH, and L C = 2nH. You can use Fig. 6A The magnetic structure 600 of coupled magnetic windings 602a to 602b in the embodiment of the present invention achieves these values, wherein the value is about L 11 =9nH, L 22 =9nH, and L M = 2nH. These values ​​of self-inductance and mutual inductance can be easily achieved within the physical range using various physical structures.

[0047] In some implementations, it may be desirable to implement the coupled magnetic windings 602a-602b as components fabricated on a single magnetic core piece (e.g., as shown in FIG. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B In some implementations, it may be desirable to implement the coupled magnetic windings 602a-602b as windings on a non-magnetic core or as traces in a module or printed circuit substrate. In some implementations, it may be desirable to implement the coupled magnetic windings 602a-602b using multiple magnetic core pieces.

[0048] In some implementations, the coupled magnetic windings 602a-602b may be implemented using two separately constructed inductors that are placed in close physical proximity and physically positioned so that they couple out a desired degree of magnetic flux and are also electrically connected to achieve a desired T-connection performance. For example, the two inductors may be positioned at a controlled spacing on a module, printed circuit board, or integrated circuit substrate housing a pulse shaping network with electrical interconnections in the module traces. By implementing a magnetic structure with two coupled magnetic windings, performance typically achieved using three inductors may be achieved while requiring only two physical inductors, and improved energy storage and / or filtering capabilities may be achieved based on a given component size. Additionally, an arrangement using coupled magnetic windings may have the benefits of being able to use standard, mass-produced miniaturized inductor components when building the magnetic structure, and being able to control or adjust the degree of coupling through the physical placement of the two inductors. For example, precise control of the degree of coupling can be managed using modern "pick and place" equipment in component positioning, and can also be controlled by manually mounting the components or by other assembly methods. The two inductors can also be placed on their own special substrate with a controlled spacing, and the special substrate can in turn be mounted on a substrate that houses the pulse shaping network.

[0049] Reference Fig. 9 , the coupled magnetic element 900 includes two windings 902a, 902b disposed around respective ones of the cores 904a, 904b to form respective inductive elements 906a, 906b disposed in close proximity. Close proximity means close enough that there is magnetic flux linking the two windings 902a, 902b (and ideally, there is significant flux linking the two windings 902a, 902b). The coupled magnetic element 900 has Figure 8 The magnetic circuit model shown in .

[0050] The coupled magnetic element 900 has external terminals 908a-908d. Signal paths 910a, 910b have respective first ends and respective second ends, the respective first ends being coupled to respective ones of the external terminals 908a, 908b, and the respective second ends being coupled to respective ones of the output terminals A, B of the magnetic element 900. Signal path 910c interconnects the external terminals 908c, 908d and leads to the output terminal C of the coupled magnetic element 900. The magnetic flux path is indicated using the line identified by reference numeral 912. In this configuration, the inductive elements 906a, 906b are wound in opposite directions to obtain a positive L M In many designs, the two inductive elements 906a, 906b may be identical.

[0051] therefore, Fig. 9 The implementation method will be Fig. 6A An example of a magnetic structure 600 is shown as including a two-piece magnetic core (generally indicated as 904) including a first winding 902a and a second winding 902b, wherein the windings 902a, 902b are disposed on separate magnetic core pieces 904a, 904b to provide inductive elements 906a, 906b. For example, the two inductive elements 906a, 906b may be a wound dumbbell inductor configuration or a similar solenoid inductor configuration having a magnetic core or a non-magnetic core. The inductive elements 906a, 906b may also have other physical structures and / or be manufactured by other techniques known in the industry.

[0052] The electrical coupling between the inductive elements 906a, 906b used to create the coupled magnetic element 900 may be fabricated using any additive or subtractive printed circuit technology or by other fabrication techniques known in the industry. Fig. 9 With the structure and interconnection pattern shown in , achieving positive mutual inductance requires the two inductive elements 906a, 906b to have opposite winding polarities as shown. Negative mutual inductance can be achieved by using the same winding polarity on the inductive elements 906a, 906b.

[0053] Reference Fig.10 , a coupled magnetic element (or structure) 1000 includes two windings 1001a, 1001b arranged around a respective one of the cores 1002a, 1002b, the two windings 1001a, 1001b forming an inductive element 1003a, 1003b arranged in close proximity. Close proximity means close enough that there is a flux linking the two windings 1001a, 1001b (and ideally, there is a significant flux linking the two windings). The windings 1001a, 1001b are arranged to have the same winding polarity. The coupled magnetic element 1000 has Figure 8 . The coupled magnetic element 1000 has external terminals 1004a to 1004d. The signal paths 1006a, 1006b have respective first ends and respective second ends, the respective first ends are coupled to respective terminals of the terminals 1004a, 1004b, and the respective second ends are coupled to respective terminals of the output terminals A, B of the coupled magnetic element 1000. The signal path 1006c interconnects the external terminals 1004c, 1004d and leads to the output terminal C of the coupled magnetic element. The flux path is represented by the line identified by reference numeral 1008. In this configuration, the inductive elements 1003a, 1003b are wound with the same sense to obtain a positive L M In many designs, the two inductive elements 1003a, 1003b may be identical.

[0054] In this arrangement, positive mutual inductance can be achieved using two inductive elements 1003a, 1003b with the same winding polarity. In some implementations, the two inductive elements 1003a, 1003b can be the same component. The magnetic flux path including the winding linking the two components is shown as: and Φ c .

[0055] Using the concepts, systems, devices, structures and techniques described herein, miniaturized inductive components can be used to construct pulse shaping networks (including capacitor elements and other filter elements) and configuration elements (e.g., switches) where the elements are all mounted on a single substrate (e.g., module). The power modulator and / or power amplifier can be mounted on the same substrate (e.g., within the same module), or part or all of the pulse shaping network (including coupled magnetic windings) can be placed on a first substrate and connected to additional elements on a second substrate.

[0056] Although specific materials are sometimes referred to herein, it should be understood that other materials having similar functional and / or structural properties may be substituted where appropriate, and that one of ordinary skill in the art will understand how to select such materials and incorporate them into embodiments of the concepts, techniques, and structures described herein without departing from the scope of those teachings.

[0057] Various embodiments of the concepts, systems, devices, structures, and techniques for which protection is sought are described herein with reference to the relevant drawings. Alternative embodiments may be designed without departing from the scope of the concepts, systems, devices, structures, and techniques described herein. Note that various connection relationships and positional relationships (e.g., above, below, adjacent, etc.) between elements are described in the following description and in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise indicated, these connection relationships and / or positional relationships may be direct or indirect, and the described concepts, systems, devices, structures, and techniques are not intended to be limited to this aspect. Therefore, the coupling of entities may refer to direct or indirect coupling, and the positional relationship between entities may be a direct or indirect positional relationship.

[0058] As an example of an indirect positional relationship, references in this description to forming layer "A" above layer "B" include situations where there are one or more intermediate layers (e.g., layer "C") between layer "A" and layer "B", as long as the relevant features and functions of layer "A" and layer "B" are not substantially changed by the intermediate layers. The following definitions and abbreviations are used for interpretation of the claims and specification. As used herein, the terms "comprise", "comprising", "include", "including", "has", "having", "contain" or "containing" or any other variation thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a composition, mixture, process, method, article, or device comprising a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, but may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such a composition, mixture, process, method, article, or device.

[0059] In addition, the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any implementation or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations or designs. The terms "one or more" and "one or more" should be understood to include any integer greater than or equal to one, i.e., one, two, three, four, etc. The term "plurality" should be understood to include any integer greater than or equal to two, i.e., two, three, four, five, etc. The term "connected" may include indirect "connections" and direct "connections."

[0060] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc. indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but each embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is considered that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0061] Hereinafter, for the purpose of description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom" and their derivatives shall refer to the described structures and methods as oriented in the accompanying drawings. The terms "overlying", "on top of", "on top of", "positioned on", or "positioned on top of" mean that a first element, e.g., a first structure, is present on a second element, e.g., a second structure, wherein there may be an intermediate element, such as an interface structure, between the first element and the second element. The term "directly contacting" means that a first element, e.g., a first structure, is connected to a second element, e.g., a second structure, without any intermediate elements.

[0062] The use of ordinal terms such as "first", "second" and "third" in the claims to modify claim elements does not itself imply any priority, precedence or order of one claim element relative to another claim element or the temporal order of the actions of performing the method, but is merely used as a mark to distinguish one claim element with a particular name from another element with the same name (but using ordinal terms) to distinguish the claim elements.

[0063] The terms "approximately" and "about" may be used to mean within ±20% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±10% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±5% of a target value in some embodiments, and within ±2% of a target value in some embodiments. The terms "approximately" and "about" may include the target value. The term "substantially equal" may be used to mean values ​​within ±20% of each other in some embodiments, within ±10% of each other in some embodiments, within ±5% of each other in some embodiments, and within ±2% of each other in some embodiments.

[0064] The term "substantially" may be used to refer to values ​​within ±20% of a comparison measure in some embodiments, within ±10% in some embodiments, within ±5% in some embodiments, and within ±2% in some embodiments. For example, a first direction that is "substantially" perpendicular to a second direction may refer to a first direction within ±20% of a 90° angle with the second direction in some embodiments, within ±10% of a 90° angle with the second direction in some embodiments, within ±5% of a 90° angle with the second direction in some embodiments, and within ±2% of a 90° angle with the second direction in some embodiments.

[0065] It should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and arrangement of the parts set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The disclosed subject matter can have other embodiments and can be practiced and executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the wording and terminology adopted herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as restrictive. Therefore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the conception on which the present disclosure is based can be easily used as the basis for designing other structures, methods and systems for several purposes for executing the disclosed subject matter. Therefore, as long as equivalent constructions do not deviate from the subject matter disclosed and its scope, the claims should be deemed to include such equivalent constructions.

[0066] While the disclosed subject matter has been described and illustrated in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the present disclosure is made by way of example only and that many changes may be made to the details of the implementation of the disclosed subject matter without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed subject matter.

Claims

1. A pulse shaping network configured for use in a radio frequency (RF) power amplifier system, the pulse shaping network comprising: a coupling magnetic element, the coupling magnetic element comprising a first inductive element magnetically coupled to a second inductive element; the first inductive element comprising a first winding disposed around a first portion of a core; and the second inductive element, the second inductive element comprising a second winding disposed around a second portion of the core; The first inductor element and the second inductor element are electrically coupled to provide three output terminals of the coupled magnetic element.

2. The pulse shaping network according to claim 1, wherein: The coupled inductor element performs a function equivalent to that provided by a circuit comprising three positive-valued inductors coupled in a T configuration.

3. The pulse shaping network according to claim 1, wherein: The coupled inductor element implements a function equivalent to that provided by a circuit including two positive-valued inductors and one negative-valued inductor coupled in a T configuration.

4. The pulse shaping network according to claim 1, wherein: The core is a one-piece core including the first portion and the second portion.

5. The pulse shaping network according to claim 4, wherein: The one-piece core is magnetic.

6. The pulse shaping network of claim 1, wherein: The coupling magnetic element comprises: a single magnetic core having a pair of center legs and a pair of outer legs, wherein an air gap is disposed in one of the outer legs; the first winding disposed around a portion of a first center leg of the pair of center legs and configured to provide a first external terminal and a second external terminal of the first inductive element; the second winding disposed around a portion of a second center leg of the pair of center legs and configured to provide a third external terminal and a fourth external terminal of the second inductive element; a first signal path having a first end coupled to a first external terminal of the first inductive element and a second end coupled to a first output terminal of three output terminals of the coupled magnetic element; a second signal path having a first end coupled to a third external terminal of the second inductive element and a second end coupled to a second output terminal of the three output terminals of the coupling magnetic element; and a third signal path having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the second external terminal of the first inductive element, the second end being coupled to the fourth external terminal of the second inductive element, and the third signal path being coupled to a third output terminal of the three output terminals of the coupling magnetic element.

7. The pulse shaping network of claim 1, wherein: The coupling magnetic element comprises: a single magnetic core having opposing first and second legs and opposing third and fourth legs, wherein an air gap is provided in the fourth leg, and the first, second, third and fourth legs are coupled to form a closed shape; the first winding disposed around a portion of the first leg and configured to provide a first external terminal and a second external terminal of the first inductive element; the second winding disposed around a portion of the second leg and configured to provide a third external terminal and a fourth external terminal of the second inductive element; a first signal path having a first end coupled to a first external terminal of the first inductive element and a second end coupled to a first output terminal of three output terminals of the coupled magnetic element; a second signal path having a first end coupled to a third external terminal of the second inductive element and a second end coupled to a second output terminal of the three output terminals of the coupling magnetic element; and a third signal path having a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the second external terminal of the first inductive element, the second end being coupled to the fourth external terminal of the second inductive element, and the third signal path being coupled to a third output terminal of the three output terminals of the coupling magnetic element.

8. The pulse shaping network of claim 1, wherein: The core body includes separate core pieces, wherein a first portion of the core body corresponds to a first core piece and a second portion of the core body corresponds to a second core piece.

9. The pulse shaping network of claim 8, wherein: The first winding and the second winding are wound in opposite directions.

10. The pulse shaping network of claim 8, wherein: The first winding and the second winding are wound in the same direction.

11. The pulse shaping network of claim 10, wherein: The first and second core members and associated windings are identical.

12. The pulse shaping network of claim 1, wherein: The coupling magnetic element comprises: a first core having a first winding disposed thereon, wherein a first end of the first winding is coupled to a first output terminal of the output terminals of the coupling magnetic element, and a second end of the first winding is coupled to a third output terminal of the output terminals of the coupling magnetic element; A separate second core is spaced a predetermined distance from the first core, the second core having a second winding disposed thereon, wherein a first end of the second winding is coupled to a second output terminal among the output terminals of the coupling magnetic element, and a second end of the second winding is coupled to a third output terminal among the output terminals of the coupling magnetic element.

13. The pulse shaping network of claim 12, wherein: The first winding and the second winding are wound in opposite directions.

14. The pulse shaping network of claim 12, wherein: The first winding and the second winding are wound in the same direction.

15. The pulse shaping network of claim 14, wherein: The first and second cores and associated windings are identical.

16. The pulse shaping network of claim 1, wherein: The coupling magnetic element comprises: a first core having a first winding disposed thereon, wherein a first end of the first winding is coupled to a first output terminal of the output terminals of the coupling magnetic element, and a second end of the first winding is coupled to a third output terminal of the output terminals of the coupling magnetic element; A second core is spaced a predetermined distance from the first core, the second core having a second winding disposed thereon, wherein a first end of the second winding is coupled to a third output terminal among the output terminals of the coupling magnetic element, and a second end of the second winding is coupled to a second output terminal among the output terminals of the coupling magnetic element.

17. The pulse shaping network of claim 16, wherein: The first winding and the second winding are wound in the same direction.

18. The pulse shaping network of claim 16, wherein: The first winding and the second winding are wound in opposite directions.

19. A discrete power modulation system for providing a varying power supply bias voltage to a power supply terminal of a radio frequency (RF) amplifier, the discrete power modulation system comprising: A power management circuit (PMC) having an input and an output; an RF amplifier having an RF input, an RF output, and a power supply terminal; a pulse shaping network (PSN) having an input coupled to the PMC and having an output coupled to a power supply terminal of the RF amplifier, the PSN comprising a coupling magnetic element, the coupling magnetic element comprising: a first inductive element magnetically coupled to a second inductive element; The first inductive element comprises a first winding disposed around a first portion of a core; and The second inductive element includes a second winding disposed around a second portion of the core; wherein the first inductive element and the second inductive element are electrically coupled to provide three output terminals of the coupled magnetic element, and Wherein the PSN is configured to filter signals caused by transitions between discrete voltage levels received from the PMC.

20. The discrete power modulation system according to claim 19, wherein: The core body includes separate core pieces, wherein a first portion of the core body corresponds to a first core piece and a second portion of the core body corresponds to a second core piece.

21. A radio frequency (RF) transmission system comprising: an RF amplifier having an RF input, an RF output, and a power supply terminal configured to receive a power supply bias voltage signal; as well as A discrete power modulation system for providing a varying power bias voltage to a power supply terminal of the RF amplifier, the discrete power modulation system comprising: a power management circuit (PMC) having an input and an output; a pulse shaping network (PSN) having an input coupled to the PMC and having an output coupled to a power supply terminal of the RF amplifier, the PSN comprising a coupling magnetic element, the coupling magnetic element comprising: a first inductive element magnetically coupled to a second inductive element; The first inductive element comprises a first winding disposed around a first portion of a core; and The second inductive element includes a second winding disposed around a second portion of the core; wherein the first inductive element and the second inductive element are electrically coupled to provide three output terminals of the coupled magnetic element, and Wherein the PSN is configured to filter signals caused by transitions between discrete voltage levels received from the PMC.

22. The RF transmission system according to claim 21, wherein: The core body includes separate core pieces, wherein a first portion of the core body corresponds to a first core piece and a second portion of the core body corresponds to a second core piece.

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