Switchable Multiple-Coil Transformer for Reconfigurable IC Amplifiers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integrated circuit (IC) amplifiers are limited by their inability to adapt to different output power levels, impedance levels, and linearity requirements across various applications, necessitating separate IC chips for each application, which increases fabrication costs and time.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable amplifier system with a switchable multiple-coil transformer that can alternate between internal and external power amplifiers using embedded switches, allowing a single IC to support multiple applications by adjusting power levels and impedance through a three-coil transformer configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate IC chips are used for each application, then application-specific performance requirements are met, but fabrication costs and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication-specific performanceVSAvoidfabrication cost and time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single IC chip that can function as multiple different power amplifiers by reconfiguring the transformer connections. The transformer has multiple coils that can be connected in different configurations (series, parallel, individual) to provide different output power levels and impedance values, allowing one chip to replace multiple application-specific chips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses switches to dynamically reconfigure the transformer connections based on the required application. The switches can connect or disconnect different coils in the transformer, changing the amplifier's output power and impedance characteristics in real-time, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a single IC supports multiple applications, then fabrication costs and time are reduced, but the ability to meet specific output power levels and impedance requirements becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefabrication cost and timeVSAvoidoutput power and impedance adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transformer is divided into multiple separate coils instead of a single winding. This segmentation allows each coil to be independently connected or disconnected via switches, enabling flexible combination to achieve different output power levels and impedance values. The segmented structure provides the versatility needed to meet specific application requirements while maintaining a single IC design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Switches are used to dynamically reconfigure which coils are connected in the transformer circuit. By controlling the switches, the system can change the effective transformer ratio and impedance matching characteristics to match specific application requirements, providing adaptability within a single IC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If fixed transformer configuration is used, then circuit simplicity is maintained, but reconfiguration for different power levels and impedance is impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransformer configurationVSAvoidreconfiguration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces switches that can change the transformer configuration from fixed to dynamic. The switches allow the transformer to be reconfigured between different connection modes (series, parallel, individual coils) based on the required output power and impedance, adding adaptability while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Switches act as intermediary elements between the fixed transformer coils and the variable requirements. These switches mediate the connection state of each coil, enabling smooth transition between different configuration modes without requiring complex reconfiguration mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables a single IC to efficiently handle diverse applications by reducing fabrication costs and time, supporting high data rates with stringent linearity and wide frequency ranges, and optimizing power efficiency and cooling through reconfiguration.

Implementation Method 1

a second coil inductively coupled to the first coil and configured to be electrically coupled to a first power amplifier, a third coil inductively coupled to the first coil and electrically coupled to a second power amplifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250350251A1Reconfigurable amplifier system with a switchable multiple-coil transformer

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 NXP USA INC

AI summary

Embodiments of a method and apparatus for reconfiguring an amplifier system with a switchable multiple-coil transformer are disclosed. In an example, a transformer with multiple switches is described. The transformer includes a first coil electrically coupled to a pre-power amplifier that is configured to receive an input signal, a second coil inductively coupled to the first coil and configured to be electrically coupled to a first power amplifier, a third coil inductively coupled to the first coil and electrically coupled to a second power amplifier, and a switch to alternately connect and disconnect the third coil from a ground.