Symmetric Multi-Port Inductor for Differential RF Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inductors require significant space and fail to provide high performance across a wide range of frequency bands, limiting their integration density and efficiency in semiconductor devices like System on Chip (SoC) technologies.
Innovation Solution
A symmetric multi-port inductor structure with varying width and spacing in multiple spiral sections, allowing for reduced area occupation and enhanced performance across different frequency bands, achieved through the use of metal wiring segments in series and parallel configurations, enabling flexible frequency band selection and high inductance density.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional inductor structures are used, then inductance function is provided, but area occupation is large
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor is divided into multiple sections (first section, second section, third section) with different conductor configurations. Each section contributes differently to the overall inductance and Q-factor across various frequency bands, allowing the device to maintain high performance while reducing total area occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes multi-layer conductor structures (first layer and second layer) stacked vertically to increase inductance density. By transitioning from planar to three-dimensional conductor arrangements, the inductor achieves higher performance across frequency bands without proportionally increasing footprint area.
2Productivity
If inductor density is increased, then integration density improves, but performance across frequency bands deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the inductor have locally optimized conductor configurations. The first section has specific width and spacing characteristics, the second section has different characteristics, and the third section has yet another configuration. This local variation allows each section to contribute optimally to different frequency bands, maintaining high performance despite increased integration density.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor employs composite conductor structures with varying geometries (different widths, spacings, and stacking configurations) across multiple sections. This composite approach enables the single inductor device to deliver high Q-factors across wide frequency bands while achieving high integration density on the chip.
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-band inductors are used, then simple structure is maintained, but frequency band coverage is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-section inductor structure is designed to provide high Q-factors across multiple frequency bands (including GSM and CDMA bands) simultaneously. By incorporating conductors with different geometries and stacking configurations in various sections, a single inductor device performs the function of multiple single-band inductors, enabling multi-band RF circuits without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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 symmetric multi-port inductor structure significantly reduces area requirements, achieves higher Q factors across various frequency bands, and provides excellent electrical characteristics, enabling efficient integration in differential applications and flexible performance optimization.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor suppresses a rapid change of a current by inducing the current in proportion to an amount of a current change. Herein, a ratio of counter electromotive force generated due to electromagnetic induction according to the change of the current flowing in a circuit is called an inductance (L).
Data Source
AI summary
Structures and methods for implementing high performance symmetric multi-port inductors are provided. The multiport inductor structure includes a plurality of conductors which are structured and arranged in turns to obtain symmetry between a plurality of selected input terminals connecting to respective ones of the plurality of conductors.