On-Chip Balun TR Switch for Transceiver Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transceivers face signal loss and malfunction due to impedance mismatch and large signal swings, and the use of off-chip transformer baluns increases costs and PCB area in differential communications systems.
Innovation Solution
A transceiver with an on-chip Balun and on-chip TR switch, incorporating a power amplifying circuit, switchable matching circuit, and low-noise amplifying circuit configured as a single chip, which converts differential signals to single-ended signals and matches impedance for efficient transmission and reception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an off-chip transformer balun is used to convert signals between single ended and differential, then signal conversion is achieved, but the overall cost increases and PCB area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the balun function with the TR switch by integrating both components into a single on-chip structure. The balun is implemented as part of the TR switch circuitry, eliminating the need for a separate off-chip transformer balun. This integration reduces the number of components, lowers cost, and decreases PCB area while maintaining the signal conversion function between single-ended and differential modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The on-chip TR switch structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the transmit/receive switch and the balun transformer. The same circuit structure performs both switching and signal mode conversion, making the device more versatile and eliminating the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Loss of energy
If a conventional TR switch is used, then switching between transmitter and receiver is achieved, but signal loss occurs due to impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different impedance characteristics to different parts of the circuit. The balun section is designed with specific impedance ratios to match the differential to single-ended conversion requirements, while the TR switch section is designed with optimized impedance for minimal loss. This localized optimization of impedance characteristics reduces overall signal loss while maintaining reliable switching operation.
3Reliability
If a conventional TR switch is used, then switching function is provided, but malfunction occurs due to large signal swing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the TR switch into two distinct functional sections: a balun section for signal mode conversion and a switch section for signal routing. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized independently - the balun section handles the large signal swing from the power amplifier with appropriate impedance transformation, while the switch section is designed to handle the converted signal with reduced swing amplitude, preventing malfunction.
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 solution reduces signal loss, minimizes chip size, and lowers costs by integrating key components on a single chip, ensuring efficient and low-loss signal transmission and reception in differential communications systems.
Implementation Method 1
The first Balun is arranged to convert the differential output signals into a single-ended output signal
Implementation Method 2
The switchable matching circuit is arranged to receive the single-ended output signal on a signal port of the transceiver during the transmitting mode, and to convert a single-ended receiving signal on the signal port into a single-ended input signal during a receiving mode of the transceiver
Data Source
AI summary
A transceiver includes a power amplifying circuit, a first balance-unbalance circuit, a switchable matching circuit, and a low-noise amplifying circuit. The power amplifying circuit generates differential output signals during a transmitting mode of the transceiver. The first balance-unbalance circuit converts the differential output signals into a single-ended output signal. The switchable matching circuit receives the single-ended output signal on a signal port of the transceiver during the transmitting mode, and converts a single-ended receiving signal on the signal port into a single-ended input signal during a receiving mode of the transceiver. The low-noise amplifying circuit converts the single-ended input signal into a low-noise input signal during the receiving mode.