Multilayer Transformer Overlapping Coils for Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to design a transformer and communication terminal device that can effectively match the impedance of smaller antennas with lower impedance, while maintaining a wide frequency band and reducing size, as existing solutions face limitations in coupling coefficient and Q value due to wiring and coil conductor size constraints.
Innovation Solution
A multilayer transformer configuration with overlapping coil elements and interlayer connection conductors, allowing for a high coupling coefficient and impedance conversion ratio without unnecessary wiring, and enabling flexible terminal placement to achieve a compact size with desired inductance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the area where coil conductors are formed is reduced to accommodate wiring and insulation, then size is reduced, but the inductance obtained per layer becomes smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension (laminated direction) more effectively by stacking multiple substrate layers with coil conductors. This allows the transformer to achieve the required inductance through multiple layers rather than requiring large planar areas, thereby reducing overall size while maintaining inductance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple coil conductors across different substrate layers to achieve the desired inductance. By forming first and second coil conductors on different substrate layers and connecting them in series or parallel, the design achieves required inductance values without requiring large areas on individual layers.
2Device complexity
If side surface electrodes are used to dispense with internal wiring, then wiring is eliminated, but the degree of freedom in changing terminal positions is very low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the coil conductors universal by having them serve dual functions: forming the inductive elements and providing connection paths to external terminals. This eliminates the need for separate connection conductors and side surface electrodes, while allowing terminals to be positioned flexibly according to design requirements.
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 a small transformer with a certain inductance value, reducing overall size and insertion loss, and allows for a high degree of freedom in terminal placement, enhancing impedance matching across various frequency bands.
Implementation Method 1
a first coil element and a second coil element that are provided in the multilayer body, that overlap each other when seen in a planar view from the lamination direction of the plurality of substrate layers, and that are coupled to each other
Data Source
AI summary
In a transformer, first and second coils are provided on different substrate layers of a multilayer body. The first and second coil conductors are interlayer-connected to each other by interlayer connection conductors. A coil aperture defined by the first coil conductor and a coil aperture defined by the second coil conductor overlap each other when seen in a plan view from a laminating direction of the multilayer body. The first and second coil conductors are connected to each other at at least two places with the interlayer connection conductors interposed therebetween. A parallel connection portion including a first portion of the first coil conductor and a first portion of the second coil conductor is provided, and a series connection portion including a second portion of the first coil conductor and a second portion of the second coil conductor is provided.