Overlapping Inductor Impedance Matching for TX/RX Signal Gain
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impedance-matching circuitries for wireless communication devices face challenges in signal gain reduction due to the use of a shared inductor for both transmission and reception modes, leading to signal loss.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a semiconductor device with a first and second inductor in the impedance-matching circuitry, where the inductors have a partial overlapping portion, enhancing mutual inductance to reduce signal loss and circuitry area while maintaining signal gain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If one inductor is shared between transmitter and receiver to reduce circuitry area, then circuitry area is reduced, but signal gain decreases due to signal loss in both operation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single shared inductor into two separate inductors (first inductor L1 for receiver path and second inductor L2 for transmitter path). This segmentation allows each inductor to be optimized for its specific function, eliminating the signal loss that occurred when a single inductor was shared between both paths. The circuitry area is still reduced through overlapping placement of the two inductors in plan view.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the spatial dimension by arranging the first and second inductors to have at least a partial overlapping portion in plan view. This overlapping arrangement in the planar dimension reduces the overall circuitry area occupied by the inductors while maintaining their electrical independence, thus resolving the contradiction between area reduction and signal loss prevention.
2Area of stationary object
If one inductor is shared between transmitter and receiver, then circuitry area is reduced, but device complexity increases due to switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the shared inductor into separate inductors L1 and L2 dedicated to receiver and transmitter paths respectively, the patent eliminates the need for switching mechanisms. Each inductor remains permanently connected to its designated path, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining area efficiency through overlapping layout.
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 reduces circuitry area by approximately 37% and improves signal gain by 1.0 dB in reception mode and 0.2 dB in transmission mode, particularly at frequencies like 2.5 GHz, while maintaining efficient impedance matching.
Implementation Method 1
The first inductor and the second inductor are formed so as to have at least a partial overlapping portion in plan view
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes: a first terminal connected to an antenna; a second terminal connected to an input terminal of a receiving circuitry; a third terminal connected to an output terminal of a transmitting circuitry; a first inductor arranged in a signal path extending from the first terminal to the second terminal; and a second inductor arranged in a signal path extending from the first terminal to the third terminal, and the first inductor and the second inductor are formed so as to have at least a partial overlapping portion in plan view.