Dual Inductor Circuit Nested Design for Multi-Band Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductor designs in wireless communication devices are space-consuming and inefficient, particularly when supporting multiple frequency bands, as they require multiple inductors with shared resonance frequencies, leading to parasitic effects and electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A dual inductor circuit with an inductor-within-inductor design, where a small inductor is independently disposed within a larger inductor, sharing a ground terminal but with independent terminals, allowing for separate resonance frequencies and reduced parasitic effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductors are used to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but area consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an inductor-within-inductor design where a first inductor is disposed inside a second inductor, allowing two different inductance values to occupy the same physical space. This nested configuration enables support for multiple frequency bands while minimizing the total area consumed by the inductor structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual inductor structure serves multiple functions simultaneously - each inductor can be independently selected for different frequency bands, and the shared ground terminal and compact layout contribute to multiple performance objectives including area efficiency, parasitic reduction, and electromagnetic interference mitigation.
2Area of stationary object
If inductors share a common ground terminal, then area consumption is reduced, but parasitic effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing separate ground terminals for each inductor rather than using a shared ground connection. This localized grounding approach minimizes the parasitic inductance and resistance that would otherwise be introduced by common ground paths, thereby reducing electromagnetic interference and improving signal integrity for each frequency band.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If inductors are physically separated, then parasitic effects are reduced, but area consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by nesting one inductor inside the other, allowing physical separation of the inductor windings to reduce parasitic coupling while maintaining a compact overall footprint. The inner inductor is positioned within the outer inductor's bounding box, achieving both electromagnetic isolation and area efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple mixers are used for multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal mixer design that can operate across multiple frequency bands by incorporating a dual inductor structure. The mixer circuitry remains identical for both frequency bands, while the inductor selection (via switching mechanisms) adapts the circuit to the desired frequency band, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate mixers for each band.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless communication device includes a component operating in a single frequency mode. The component includes a first differential branch that includes first input nodes and first output nodes. The first output nodes are coupled to ground. A second differential branch includes second input nodes, second output nodes, and a first planar inductor coupling a first terminal and a second terminal to ground. A third differential branch includes third input nodes, third output nodes, and a second planar inductor. The second planar inductor is formed within the first planar inductor of the second differential branch and couples a third terminal and a fourth terminal to ground. The third and fourth terminals are electrically independent from the first planar inductor and the first and second terminals. The second and third differential branches form a dual inductor circuit.