3D Transmission Line Transformer for High Impedance Matching Ratios
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transmission line transformers have difficulty achieving large impedance transformation ratios, leading to challenges in reducing the size of impedance matching circuits.
Innovation Solution
A transmission line transformer configuration with a first and second transmission line connected in series on a substrate, and a third transmission line electromagnetically coupled between them, allowing for increased impedance transformation ratios without increasing circuit size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of transmission line transformers are cascade-connected to achieve a desired impedance transformation ratio, then the impedance transformation ratio is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmission line transformers into a single integrated structure where primary transmission lines from multiple transformers are connected in series and share a common secondary transmission line. This merging approach achieves the cumulative impedance transformation ratio of multiple transformers while using a single compact device instead of cascade-connected separate transformers, thereby reducing overall circuit size and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a nested configuration where multiple primary transmission lines are arranged to overlap or interleave with a shared secondary transmission line. This nesting allows the electromagnetic fields of multiple transformer sections to interact through a common path, achieving high impedance transformation ratios within a condensed spatial footprint that would otherwise require larger cascade-connected structures
2Adaptability or versatility
If a plurality of transmission line transformers are cascade-connected to achieve a desired impedance transformation ratio, then the impedance transformation ratio is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple transformer functions into a single integrated structure with shared components (particularly the common secondary transmission line), the invention reduces the total number of discrete parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to producing and cascade-connecting multiple separate transformers, while still achieving the required impedance transformation ratio
3Area of stationary object
If traditional transmission line transformer configurations are used, then the circuit size is reduced, but the impedance transformation ratio is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the thickness direction of the substrate as an additional spatial dimension by disposing transmission lines at different positions in the thickness direction. This three-dimensional arrangement allows primary and secondary transmission lines to be electromagnetically coupled through vertical separation rather than requiring large planar areas, thereby achieving high impedance transformation ratios within a compact footprint
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration achieves higher impedance transformation ratios than traditional methods, enabling a reduction in the size of impedance matching circuits while maintaining low insertion loss.
Implementation Method 1
The first transmission line and the second transmission line are electromagnetically coupled to the third transmission line
Data Source
AI summary
A first transmission line and a third transmission line are disposed at different positions in a thickness direction of a substrate. The third transmission line includes a first end portion connected to one end portion of the first transmission line, and a second end portion that is grounded. The first transmission line is electromagnetically coupled to the third transmission line. The first transmission line has a coil pattern and the third transmission line has a partially open loop pattern.