Multi-Width Waveguide Impedance Matching for IC Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current RF circuits face challenges in providing low loss transmission lines with suitable interconnection between signal traces and integrated circuits, particularly at high frequencies, where existing waveguides do not effectively manage impedance matching and signal loss across different circuit components.

Innovation Solution

A multi-width waveguide system is introduced, featuring signal traces with varying widths and ground planes separated by substrates of different thicknesses, which includes a wide waveguide region for low signal loss and a narrow waveguide region for impedance matching with integrated circuits, using a grounded coplanar waveguide configuration to minimize electromagnetic energy dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a uniform width waveguide is used, then the structure is simple, but impedance matching to integrated circuits is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaveguide structureVSAvoidimpedance matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple regions with different signal trace widths (first waveguide region with first width, second waveguide region with second width). This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function: one region for low loss transmission and another for impedance matching to the integrated circuit, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and impedance matching performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the waveguide are assigned different local properties (different trace widths) to fulfill different functional requirements. The first waveguide region has a first width optimized for low loss transmission, while the second waveguide region has a second width optimized for impedance matching with the integrated circuit. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each part to be optimized for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a narrow signal trace is used for impedance matching, then impedance matching improves, but signal loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpedance matchingVSAvoidsignal loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is segmented into regions with different widths. The first waveguide region uses a first width that minimizes signal loss during transmission, while the second waveguide region uses a second width that provides optimal impedance matching to the integrated circuit. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both low loss and good impedance matching by assigning different width characteristics to different functional regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The waveguide structure implements local quality by having different trace widths in different regions. The first region has a width optimized for low loss transmission characteristics, while the second region has a width optimized for impedance matching with the integrated circuit. This local optimization resolves the contradiction between impedance matching and signal loss by allowing each region to have the appropriate width for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If a wide signal trace is used for low loss transmission, then signal loss reduces, but impedance matching to integrated circuits deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal lossVSAvoidimpedance matching

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The waveguide is divided into multiple regions with different signal trace widths. The first waveguide region employs a first width that minimizes signal loss for low loss transmission, while the second waveguide region employs a second width that provides optimal impedance matching to the integrated circuit. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring a uniform width throughout.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the waveguide are assigned different local properties (different trace widths) to fulfill different functional requirements. The first waveguide region has a first width optimized for low loss transmission characteristics, while the second waveguide region has a second width optimized for impedance matching with the integrated circuit. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between low loss transmission and impedance matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS10622695B2Multi-width waveguide including first and second waveguide regions of differing widths and heights for providing impedance matching to an integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2020.04.14 CIENA CORP

AI summary

A waveguide. The waveguide may include a first waveguide region that includes a signal trace with a first width. The waveguide may further include a second waveguide region that includes the signal trace with a second width. The first width may be different from the second width. The signal trace may be configured to transmit an electrical signal. The signal trace with the second width may be configured to couple with an integrated circuit.