RF Transformer Coil Layout for High Coupling and Inductance Ratio
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio frequency transformers face challenges in achieving high performance, particularly in meeting requirements for large inductance ratios and high coupling coefficients, which are essential for efficient impedance conversion in radio frequency chips.
Innovation Solution
The transformer design incorporates a first inductor with parallel-connected induction coils and a second inductor with serial-connected induction coils, allowing for adjustable electromagnetic coupling to achieve a large inductance ratio and high coupling coefficient, while maintaining high quality factors and minimizing losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional transformer designs are used, then the structure is simple, but the inductance ratio is small and coupling coefficient is low
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer is divided into a first inductor with multiple parallel-connected induction coils and a second inductor with multiple serial-connected induction coils. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each coil group to achieve both large inductance ratio and high coupling coefficient
Solution Approach 2:
The induction coils of the first inductor and second inductor are adjacently disposed in a nested manner at the same layer, with each coil group positioned within the spatial envelope of the other. This nesting arrangement maximizes electromagnetic coupling while maintaining the required inductance values
2Manufacturing precision
If parallel-connected induction coils are used for the first inductor, then small inductance value is obtained, but the coupling with second inductor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the transformer are assigned different coil connection configurations: the first inductor uses parallel connection to achieve small inductance, while the second inductor uses serial connection to achieve large inductance. The adjacent disposal of these differently-configured coils creates localized high-coupling zones
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from considering only electrical connection topology to incorporating spatial arrangement as an additional dimension. By disposing coils adjacently at the same layer, the patent adds a spatial coupling dimension that compensates for the reduced electromagnetic interaction from parallel connection
3Manufacturing precision
If serial-connected induction coils are used for the second inductor, then large inductance value is obtained, but the overall transformer size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The serial-connected induction coils of the second inductor are nested within the same spatial region as the parallel-connected coils of the first inductor. This nesting allows the transformer to achieve large inductance ratio without proportional increase in physical area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the spatial footprints of both inductors by disposing their coils adjacently at the same layer, effectively combining their areas to achieve a compact overall transformer structure despite the serial connection requiring multiple coils
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 design effectively meets the performance requirements for radio frequency chips by achieving a large inductance ratio and high coupling coefficient, ensuring efficient impedance conversion with reduced losses.
Implementation Method 1
the induction coil of the first inductor and the induction coil of the second inductor may be electromagnetically coupled
Data Source
AI summary
A transformer includes a first inductor and a second inductor that are coupled to each other. The first inductor includes a plurality of parallel-connected induction coils. The second inductor includes a plurality of serial-connected induction coils. At least one of the plurality of parallel-connected induction coils and at least one of the plurality of serial-connected induction coils are adjacently disposed in a coupling manner.