Transformer Circuitry With Secondary-Driven Tunable Inductance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inductive-load amplifiers suffer from a band-pass frequency response with narrow bandwidth and limited tunability of the center frequency.

Innovation Solution

Transformer circuitry with a primary and secondary coil, where the secondary coil driver controls the inductance value by establishing a target relationship with the primary voltage signal, allowing for continuous or discrete tuning of the inductance through a secondary voltage signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If an inductive-load amplifier is used to increase the maximum operating frequency, then the frequency response is improved, but the bandwidth becomes narrow and the frequency tuning range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum operating frequencyVSAvoidfrequency tuning range
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the inductance value adjustable and tunable through a control voltage signal. The inductor includes tuning circuitry that allows the inductance to be dynamically changed, transforming a static component into a dynamically adjustable one. This enables the amplifier to operate across a wide frequency range while maintaining optimal performance at different frequencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the inductance value of the inductor through a control voltage signal. The inductance parameter can be continuously adjusted, allowing the amplifier's frequency response to be tuned. This parameter adjustment mechanism directly addresses the limitation of fixed frequency operation in conventional inductive-load amplifiers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a fixed inductance value is used in the inductive-load amplifier, then the circuit design is simplified, but the frequency response becomes limited to a narrow band-pass

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit design complexityVSAvoidfrequency response bandwidth
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static inductance into a dynamic parameter that can be adjusted via a control voltage signal. The inductor incorporates tuning circuitry that allows real-time modification of the inductance value, enabling the circuit to adapt to different frequency requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the inductor multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a fixed inductance element for basic circuit operation and as a tunable element for frequency adjustment. This dual functionality allows the same component to provide both structural simplicity and frequency adaptability, resolving the contradiction between circuit simplicity and frequency response bandwidth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional tuning components are added to expand the frequency range, then the frequency tuning range is improved, but the noise performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency tuning rangeVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the tuning functionality directly into the inductor structure itself, rather than adding separate external tuning components. The control voltage signal modifies the inductance through integrated circuitry within the inductor, eliminating the need for additional discrete components that would generate noise. This integration approach maintains a wide frequency tuning range while preserving low noise performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a control voltage signal as an intermediary to adjust the inductance value without requiring direct mechanical or electrical connection to additional tuning components. This voltage-mediated approach allows precise frequency tuning while avoiding the noise generation associated with physical switching or mechanical adjustment 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 wide frequency tuning range and maintains high Q-factor without additional noise, improving the frequency response of amplifiers and oscillators.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3829068B1Transformer circuitry
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SOCIONEXT INC
  • EP3829068B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3829068B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3829068B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Transformer circuitry comprising: a transformer having a primary coil and a secondary coil, the primary coil having first and second primary terminals and the secondary coil having first and second secondary terminals, and a secondary coil driver configured to drive a secondary voltage signal V2 across the secondary terminals which has a target relationship with a primary voltage signal V1 driven across the primary terminals by a primary coil driver so that an inductance value measured between the primary terminals is governed by the target relationship.