Inductive Power Combiner Circuit for High Output Without Breakdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power combiner circuits face limitations in achieving high output power due to supply voltage constraints, high impedance requirements, and parasitic element breakdowns, particularly in series and parallel combining methods, and stacked transistors are limited by breakdown limits.
Innovation Solution
A power combiner circuit design that uses inductive couplings between cells to distribute power to both a load and subsequent cells, allowing for a controlled source voltage and reducing the need for individual drive signals, while enabling the use of multiple transistors without breakdown issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If series combining of cells is used to increase output power, then output power is improved, but source voltages become high causing breakdown of parasitic elements
Solution Approach 1:
The power combiner circuit is divided into multiple cells, each contributing to the output power. By segmenting the circuit into manageable units with controlled voltage distribution, the patent avoids excessive source voltages that would cause parasitic breakdown while still achieving high output power through cumulative contribution of multiple cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage distribution parameters across the circuit by using inductive couplings to provide controlled source voltages to subsequent cells. This parameter control ensures that no single parasitic element experiences excessive voltage stress, preventing breakdown while maintaining high overall output power.
2Power
If parallel combining of cells is used to increase output power, then output power is improved, but large transformations to low impedances are required causing high losses
Solution Approach 1:
Inductive couplings are introduced as intermediary elements between cells to transfer power with controlled impedance transformations. These intermediaries enable efficient power transfer without requiring large impedance transformations, thereby reducing combining losses while still achieving high output power.
3Power
If multiple transistors are used with series combiner to increase output power, then output power is improved, but individual drive signals are required which are difficult to generate and distribute
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive coupling structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides controlled source voltages to subsequent cells, enables power transfer, and simplifies the drive signal distribution. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining high output power capability.
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 design enhances output power by limiting source voltages and avoiding parasitic breakdowns, allowing for a flexible layout and increased number of transistors, thus overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
each cell but the last cell gives a part of its output power to a load and another part of its output power is provided to a respective next cell via an inductive coupling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Power combiner circuits are provided comprising a plurality of cells (10). Some cells provide part of their output power to a load (11) and another part of their output power to a next cell of the plurality of cells (10). A corresponding method is also provided.