Cross-Coupled Differential Transmission Line for High Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional differential transmission lines for high-frequency systems face challenges in achieving high isolation between nodes, especially in millimeter wave band applications, due to signal leakage caused by parasitic capacitance and the need for large and complex inductor-based solutions.

Innovation Solution

A differential transmission line configuration utilizing cross-coupled capacitance to ensure high isolation between nodes, eliminating the need for inductors and simplifying the design while maintaining a small component size and low insertion loss.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an inductor is added to secure isolation of the switch, then isolation is improved, but device complexity and component size increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveisolationVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the isolation function with the existing cross-coupled capacitor structure. The cross-coupled capacitors are configured to provide both the necessary coupling for signal transmission and the isolation function when the switch is off, eliminating the need for separate inductor components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the isolation function from the traditional inductor-based solution and implements it using the cross-coupled capacitor network. By removing the inductor and utilizing only capacitor elements, the design achieves isolation through a different mechanism that reduces component count and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If an inductor is added to secure isolation of the switch, then isolation is improved, but component size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveisolationVSAvoidcomponent size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The isolation function is merged into the cross-coupled capacitor structure, allowing the same components to serve dual purposes: signal coupling during normal operation and isolation when the switch is off. This eliminates the need for additional inductor components that would increase area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses capacitor elements that are generally smaller and more integrated-friendly than inductors. The cross-coupled capacitor configuration achieves the isolation function with compact components suitable for integrated circuit implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Device complexity

If cross-coupled capacitance is used instead of inductor, then device complexity is reduced, but isolation performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidisolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter from inductive isolation to capacitive isolation. By adjusting the capacitance values and configuration of the cross-coupled capacitors, the design achieves effective isolation through a different physical mechanism that is well-suited for high-frequency operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the inductor-based isolation mechanism with a capacitor-based mechanism. This replacement changes the underlying electrical mechanism from inductive reactance to capacitive reactance, providing isolation through a different physical principle that offers advantages in integrated circuit implementation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of energy

If conventional switch configuration is used, then insertion loss is low, but isolation is degraded due to parasitic capacitance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion lossVSAvoidisolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of parasitic capacitance into a beneficial isolation mechanism. The cross-coupled capacitor configuration is designed such that the parasitic capacitance of the switches works in conjunction with the intentional cross-coupled capacitors to provide effective isolation, rather than degrading performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters and configuration to accommodate and utilize parasitic capacitance. By carefully selecting capacitor values and switch configurations, the design achieves both low insertion loss in the on-state and high isolation in the off-state, turning a potential disadvantage into an advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The proposed solution effectively achieves high isolation over a wide bandwidth without increasing insertion loss, making it suitable for high-frequency applications and reconfigurable circuit designs.

Implementation Method 1

a first cross-capacitor connected between a first terminal of the first switch and a second terminal of the second switch, and a second cross-capacitor connected between a first terminal of the second switch and a second terminal of the first switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-coupled capacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS12335069B2Differential transmission line having high isolation and configuration method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 ELECTRONICS & TELECOMM RES INST
  • US12335069B2 patent drawing
  • US12335069B2 patent drawing
  • US12335069B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A differential transmission line having a switch may comprise: a first transmission line comprising a first distribution element having a first impedance; a second transmission line comprising a second distribution element having a second impedance; and a first switch block connected between a first end of the first transmission line and a first end of the second transmission line, wherein the first switch block comprises a first switch connected in series to the first end of the first transmission line, a second switch connected in series to the first end of the second transmission line, a first-cross capacitor connected between a first terminal of the first switch and a second terminal of the second switch, and a second cross-capacitor connected between a first terminal of the second switch and a second terminal of the first switch.