RF Transceiver Distributed Inductors Reduce PCB Cost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF circuits using discrete inductors are costly and affect the consistency of printed circuit board (PCB) performance due to high product costs and inductance value errors.
Innovation Solution
A radio-frequency transceiver circuit employing distributed inductors with microstrip line lengths calculated using specific formulas, integrated with capacitors in matching and band pass filter circuits to process and filter differential signals, reducing manufacturing costs and improving performance consistency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If discrete inductors are used in RF circuits, then the circuit functionality is achieved, but the product cost increases and performance consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the discrete inductor component with the PCB trace structure by implementing distributed inductors using microstrip lines directly on the PCB. This integration eliminates the need for separate inductor components, reducing product cost while improving performance consistency through unified manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/discrete inductor component with an electromagnetic field-based distributed inductor implemented through PCB microstrip transmission lines. This substitution eliminates physical component assembly and relies on electromagnetic field distribution along the trace to achieve inductive functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If discrete inductors are used in RF circuits, then the circuit functionality is achieved, but the inductance value accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the inductor function with the PCB trace structure, eliminating separate components and their associated assembly complexities. The distributed inductor is formed by the microstrip line geometry itself, making inductance value determination a function of trace dimensions rather than discrete component specifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB microstrip trace serves multiple functions: it provides signal transmission, grounding reference, and inductive reactance. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated inductor components and simplifies the overall circuit structure while maintaining precise control over electrical characteristics.
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
The use of distributed inductors on PCBs lowers manufacturing costs and reduces inductance value errors, enhancing the consistency and efficiency of RF signal transmission in RF transceiver circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a radio-frequency matching circuit, communicatively coupled to the first port and the second port, and configured to process the pair of differential signals to obtain a radio-frequency signal and increase transmission power for the radio-frequency signal, wherein the radio-frequency matching circuit includes at least one capacitor and at least one distributed inductor
Implementation Method 2
a band pass filter circuit, communicatively coupled to the radio-frequency matching circuit and configured to filter the radio-frequency signal, wherein the band pass filter circuit includes at least one capacitor and at least one distributed inductor
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency transceiver circuit, comprising: a first port and a second port, configured to receive, together, a pair of differential signals; a radio-frequency matching circuit communicatively coupled to the first port and the second port, and configured to process the pair of differential signals to obtain a radio-frequency signal and configured to increase transmission power for the radio-frequency signal, wherein the radio-frequency matching circuit includes at least one capacitor, at least one distributed inductor; a band pass filter circuit, communicatively coupled to the radio-frequency matching circuit and configured to filter the radio-frequency signal, wherein the band pass filter circuit includes at least one capacitor and at least one distributed inductor; and a third port, communicatively coupled to the band pass filter circuit and configured to output the filtered radio-frequency signal, wherein both of the at least one distributed inductors have a length of microstrip line.