Voltage Reduction Circuit Using Series Capacitor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing variable capacitors in matching networks face issues with high voltages, leading to potential damage and the need for increased component sizes or peripheral components, which increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a third capacitor in series with the second variable capacitor to reduce voltage, allowing for effective impedance matching while minimizing the need for larger components or additional peripherals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distance between electrodes is increased to overcome voltage breakdown, then the breakdown voltage is improved, but the capacitance is reduced and the size of the part is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single capacitor structure into multiple capacitors connected in series. By segmenting the voltage handling across multiple smaller capacitor units, each capacitor experiences reduced voltage stress, allowing the use of smaller electrode distances while maintaining high overall breakdown voltage capability. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high voltage tolerance without increasing the size of individual capacitor components.
2Reliability
If more windings are added to increase area per distance, then the capacitance is maintained, but the size of the part is increased and the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the capacitor into multiple series-connected units, where each unit can use fewer windings and smaller area. The total capacitance is maintained through the series configuration while reducing the size requirements of individual components, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining capacitance and reducing part size.
3Reliability
If more switches are added in series to increase breakdown voltage, then the breakdown voltage is improved, but the device complexity is increased and the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple switches and capacitors into a single integrated variable capacitor structure. Instead of using separate switches in series to achieve high breakdown voltage, the invention combines multiple capacitor elements into one unified component that provides both the voltage handling capability and the variable capacitance function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
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 configuration effectively handles high voltages within matching networks, enhancing the usable range without increasing component size or cost, and maintaining impedance matching capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a third capacitor in series with the second variable capacitor and reducing a voltage on the second variable capacitor
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the invention can be an impedance matching network including an input configured to operably couple to a radio frequency (RF) source; an output configured to operably couple to a load; a first variable capacitor; a second variable capacitor; and a third capacitor in series with the second variable capacitor and reducing a voltage on the second variable capacitor.