Parallel Planar Inductors for Low-Noise LC Oscillators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuit techniques find it difficult to achieve low-noise, high-Q LC oscillators, and inductors in these circuits are susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
The use of multiple conductive loops in parallel, sharing conductive portions, forms a planar inductor structure that increases mutual inductance and reduces area, achieving low inductance and high quality factor while minimizing interference from external noise sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional integrated circuit techniques are used to create inductors, then the inductors are susceptible to electromagnetic interference, but achieving low-noise high-Q oscillators requires resistance to such interference
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor is divided into multiple separate conductive loops (first conductive loop, second conductive loop) coupled in parallel rather than using a single conventional inductor structure. Each loop is positioned and configured to provide magnetic field cancellation effects that reduce susceptibility to external electromagnetic interference while maintaining the required inductance value for low-noise oscillation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple conductive loops are used in parallel to reduce electromagnetic interference, then the device area increases, but compact integrated circuit design requires minimal area
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple conductive loops are merged into a compact planar configuration where they share common substrate area and are positioned in close proximity. The loops are coupled in parallel with optimized spacing and orientation to achieve electromagnetic interference cancellation while minimizing the total area occupied by the inductor structure in the integrated circuit.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inductors are made larger to reduce electromagnetic interference susceptibility, then the quality factor decreases due to increased parasitic effects, but high-Q oscillators require compact inductors
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive loops are designed with specific local geometric properties including optimized loop shapes, varying segment widths, and strategic positioning of connection points. These local quality adjustments allow each loop to contribute optimally to both electromagnetic interference resistance and quality factor, with the parallel combination achieving both goals simultaneously rather than requiring a larger overall structure.
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 approach results in a low-noise, high-Q LC oscillator with reduced phase noise and increased resistance, effectively mitigating the effects of electromagnetic interference, thus enhancing the performance and efficiency of integrated circuit oscillators.
Implementation Method 1
the mutual inductance is determined by the conductive portion
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a first conductive loop coupled to conduct a first current and a second conductive loop coupled in parallel with the first conductive loop and further coupled to conduct a second current. A first conductive portion forms a part of the first conductive loop and the second conductive loop. The first conductive portion is coupled to conduct the first current and the second current. In at least one embodiment of the apparatus, the first conductive loop and the second conductive loop are planar inductors formed in a conductive layer on a substrate of an integrated circuit.