Having Transformer Patents (Class 330/276)
  • Patent number: 11909363
    Abstract: A radiofrequency power amplifier includes a balun transformer and a plurality of power transistor pairs arranged in a push-pull configuration. The balun transformer has an unbalanced coil extending between a first single-ended signal terminal and a first reference, and a balanced coil extending between a first balanced signal terminal and a second balanced signal terminal. The balun transformer also includes an auxiliary coil electrically isolated from the unbalanced coil and the balanced coil. The auxiliary coil is inductively coupled to the unbalanced coil and extends between a third balanced signal terminal and a fourth balanced signal terminal forming a balanced combiner-divider. An output of a first one of the power transistor pairs is coupled to the first and second balanced signal terminals and an output of a second one of the power transistor pairs is coupled to the third and fourth balanced signal terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: PRODRIVE TECHNOLOGIES INNOVATION SERVICES B.V.
    Inventor: Bart Gerardus Maria Van Ark
  • Patent number: 11742130
    Abstract: An integrated circuit transformer (150) is formed with a primary winding (91) located in at least a first winding layer having a first thickness, a secondary winding (92) located in at least the first winding layer and having a first center point at the first side of the transformer and two secondary terminals at a second, opposite side of the transformer, and a first center tap feed line (81) located along a symmetry axis of the transformer in an upper metal layer having a second thickness that is at least equivalent to the first thickness of the first winding layer, wherein the first center tap feed line has a direct electrical connection to the first center point in the secondary winding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Lukas Frederik Tiemeijer, Bartholomeus Wilhelmus Christiaan Hovens, Maarten Lont
  • Patent number: 11699954
    Abstract: A multi-phase switching regulator and a switching regulating method using the multi-phase switching regulator employ an interleaving circuit. The multi-phase switching regulator includes: a first regulating circuit configured to receive an input voltage and generate a first sub-output voltage with a first phase by transforming the input voltage in response to a first set signal; a second regulating circuit configured to receive the input voltage and generate a second sub-output voltage with a second phase by transforming the input voltage in response to a second set signal; and the interleaving circuit configured to repeatedly and sequentially generate the first set signal and the second set signal by comparing a reference voltage with an output voltage generated based on the first sub-output voltage and the second sub-output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun-Kyu Lee, Nguyen Huyhieu, Dong-Jin Keum, Je-Hyung Yoon, Hee-Seok Han
  • Patent number: 11671061
    Abstract: An amplifier system including a push-pull power amplifier having an input to receive a radio frequency (RF) input signal and an output, the push-pull power amplifier being configured to amplify the RF input signal and provide at the output an RF output signal that is an amplified version of the RF input signal, a switchable shunt capacitance switchably connected between a load-line connected to the output of the push-pull power amplifier and a reference potential, and a switch configured to selectively connect the switchable shunt capacitance to the reference potential and disconnect the switchable shunt capacitance from the reference potential to vary an impedance of load-line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Netsanet Gebeyehu, Tianzuo Xi, Sukchan Kang, Nan Ni
  • Patent number: 11637498
    Abstract: A multi-phase switching regulator and a switching regulating method using the multi-phase switching regulator employ an interleaving circuit. The multi-phase switching regulator includes: a first regulating circuit configured to receive an input voltage and generate a first sub-output voltage with a first phase by transforming the input voltage in response to a first set signal; a second regulating circuit configured to receive the input voltage and generate a second sub-output voltage with a second phase by transforming the input voltage in response to a second set signal; and the interleaving circuit configured to repeatedly and sequentially generate the first set signal and the second set signal by comparing a reference voltage with an output voltage generated based on the first sub-output voltage and the second sub-output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun-Kyu Lee, Nguyen Huyhieu, Dong-Jin Keum, Je-Hyung Yoon, Hee-Seok Han
  • Patent number: 11264953
    Abstract: Bias arrangements for amplifiers are disclosed. An example bias arrangement for an amplifier includes a bias circuit, configured to produce a bias signal for the amplifier; a linearization circuit, configured to improve linearity of the amplifier by modifying the bias signal produced by the bias circuit to produce a modified bias signal to be provided to the amplifier; and a coupling circuit, configured to couple the bias circuit and the linearization circuit. Providing separate bias and linearization circuits coupled to one another by a coupling circuit allows separating a linearization operation from a biasing loop to overcome some drawbacks of prior art bias arrangements that utilize a single biasing loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: ANALOG DEVICES INTERNATIONAL UNLIMITED COMPANY
    Inventors: Mohamed Mobarak, Mohamed Weheiba, Mohamed Moussa Ramadan Esmael
  • Patent number: 11206000
    Abstract: A filterless high-efficiency class D power amplifier (HEPA) exploits the phase relationships of even and odd harmonics at transistor drains of a push-pull topology to eliminate output filtering, enabling an ultra-high-efficiency, low harmonic signal. The filterless HEPA relieves the amplifier of a requirement for a power consuming filter by implementing a high-quality operational harmonic block on an output stage without output buffering. The operational harmonic block senses the voltage source radio frequency to the amplifier prior to waveform squaring and employs a harmonic canceling balun to block even harmonics (in-phase) but pass odd harmonics (180° out of phase). The sensed ideal voltage source shunts the odd-harmonic currents to ground, leaving only the fundamental current on its primary to pass to the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy L. Kean
  • Patent number: 11181592
    Abstract: A radio-frequency power converter and a radio-frequency transmission system for magnetic resonance imaging are provided in embodiments of the present invention. The radio-frequency power converter comprises a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board comprises a first circuit layer, a ground layer, and one or a plurality of intermediate layers located between the first circuit layer and the ground layer. A plurality of planar spiral inductors connected in parallel are formed on the first circuit layer. One ends of the plurality of inductors are connected to each other and respectively connected to one end of a first capacitor, the other ends of the plurality of inductors are respectively connected to one ends of a plurality of second capacitors, and the other ends of the plurality of second capacitors are all grounded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: GE Precision Healthcare LLC
    Inventors: Yu Liu, Kai Wang, Haoyang Xing, Xianchao Wu, Xin Xie, Dongliang Yang
  • Patent number: 11095254
    Abstract: A device to reduce distortion in an amplifier includes an input transistor configured to generate a voltage based on an input signal. The device further includes a diode connected transistor that is configured to sink the current. The diode connected transistor includes an output terminal, and a control terminal, where the output terminal is coupled to a control terminal. The device further includes a current source circuit that coupled to the control terminal. The device additionally includes an impedance element that coupled to the output terminal at a first node and to the control terminal and the current source circuit at a second node.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Analog Devices International Unlimited Company
    Inventor: Joseph L. Sousa
  • Patent number: 10825605
    Abstract: A transformer includes: a core having a shaft; primary windings; and secondary windings around the shaft alternately with the primary windings. A first number of turns of a first secondary winding, closest to a first end of the shaft, is less than a second number of turns of a second secondary winding, second closest to the first end. A third number of turns of a third secondary winding, closest to a second end of the shaft, is less than a fourth number of turns of a fourth secondary winding, second closest to the second end. The first and second windings are connected in series. The third and fourth windings are connected in series. The first and second windings are connected in parallel to the third and fourth windings. A total of the first and second numbers is equal to that of the third and fourth numbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qichen Wang, Satoru Fujita
  • Patent number: 10547278
    Abstract: Embodiments of radio frequency (RF) systems include a plurality of power amplifiers having a primary winding and a secondary winding. Each of the power amplifiers may be configured to process signals of different frequency bands. The primary winding for one power amplifier can be detuned while another power amplifier is being used in a transmit mode. By detuning the power amplifier, power coupling from the transmitting power amplifier can be reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2020
    Inventors: Setu Mohta, Kyu Hwan An
  • Patent number: 10411660
    Abstract: A differential power amplifier is disclosed. The differential power amplifier includes an output transformer having a primary winding with a first primary terminal, a center-tap terminal, and a second primary terminal. The differential power amplifier further includes a positive amplifier having a first signal output terminal coupled to the first primary terminal and a negative amplifier having a second signal output terminal coupled to the second primary terminal. A harmonic tuning network is made up of a common-mode inductor coupled between the center-tap terminal and a tuning node and a first electronically tunable capacitor coupled between the tuning node and a fixed voltage node. A controller is configured to tune the electronically tunable capacitor to resonate with the common-mode inductor at a second harmonic frequency of a signal being amplified by the positive amplifier and the negative amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery Peter Ortiz, Yan Li
  • Patent number: 10230338
    Abstract: A semiconductor substrate includes emitter electrodes for multiple high-frequency amplifying transistors. An insulating substrate includes multiple land electrodes, ground electrodes, and multiple inductor electrodes. The land electrodes are formed on the front surface or near the front surface of the insulating substrate, and are joined to the respective emitter electrodes. The ground electrodes are formed inside the insulating substrate. Each of the inductor electrodes couples a corresponding one of the land electrodes to any of the ground electrodes in such a manner that the lengths of the coupling to the ground electrodes are individually determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Reiji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10218317
    Abstract: A high-frequency amplifier module includes a semiconductor substrate and an insulating substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes multiple emitter electrodes, each of which is coupled to the emitter of a corresponding one of high-frequency amplifying transistors. The insulating substrate includes a common ground electrode, ground terminal electrodes, and thickness-direction coupling electrodes. The common ground electrode is formed on or near the front surface of the insulating substrate, and is joined to the emitter electrodes. The ground terminal electrodes are formed on the back surface of the insulating substrate. The thickness-direction coupling electrodes couple the common ground electrode to the ground terminal electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Reiji Nakajima
  • Patent number: 10044335
    Abstract: A multi-mode multi-band power amplifier includes a controller, a wide-band amplifier channel and a fundamental impedance transformer. The controller receives an external signal and outputs a control signal according to the external signal. The wide-band amplifier channel receives single-band or multi-band RF signals through the input terminal, performs power amplification on the RF signals and outputs the RF signals through the output terminal. The fundamental impedance transformer includes a first segment shared by RF signals in all bands, second segments respectively special for RF signals in all bands, and a switching circuit controlled by the controller to separate RF signals subject to power amplification to the second segment in a switchable manner for multiplexed outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: LANSUS TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Hua Long, Liyang Zhang, Zhenjuan Cheng, Dongjie Tang, Qian Zhao
  • Patent number: 10020779
    Abstract: Improvement in linearity is achieved at low costs in a power amplifier module employing an envelope tracking system. The power amplifier module includes a first power amplifier circuit that amplifies a radio frequency signal and that outputs a first amplified signal, a second power amplifier circuit that amplifies the first amplified signal on the basis of a source voltage varying depending on amplitude of the radio frequency signal and that outputs a second amplified signal, and a matching circuit that includes first and second capacitors connected in series between the first and second power amplifier circuit and an inductor connected between a node between the first and second capacitors and a ground and that decreases a gain of the first power amplifier circuit as the source voltage of the second power amplifier circuit increases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kiichiro Takenaka, Masahiro Ito, Masakazu Hori, Mitsuo Ariie, Hayato Nakamura, Satoshi Arayashiki, Hidetoshi Matsumoto, Tsuyoshi Sato, Satoshi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 9985670
    Abstract: The present invention provides a wireless communication device that can receive a high frequency signal with a high sensitivity by reducing the noise received from a DC-DC converter, as well as a power measurement device equipped with such a wireless communication device. According to an embodiment, a wireless communication device includes: a switching-type DC-DC converter; a balun configured with a coil to output a differential signal based on a wirelessly received high frequency signal; a low noise amplifier driven by an output voltage of the DC-DC converter to process the differential signal output from the balun; and a ground voltage line that couples the low noise amplifier to a ground voltage source. The ground voltage line includes partial ground voltage lines that are arranged to face each other with the balun interposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ningyi Wang
  • Patent number: 9948253
    Abstract: A push-pull amplifier includes a pair of active devices driving the primary side of a double distributed active transformer (DDAT). The primary side of the DDAT includes a cascaded arrangement of primary windings of a first set of transformers with the active devices coupled ends of cascaded arrangement of primary windings. The secondary side of the DDAT includes a cascaded arrangement of secondary windings of a second set of transformers coupled to a load. Secondary windings of the first set of transformers drive inputs of respective active stages. Outputs of the active stages drive respective primary windings of the second set of transformers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Andrea Pallotta
  • Patent number: 9936449
    Abstract: The described apparatus and methods may include a receiver configured to receive a control signal, and a controller configured to regulate power consumption of the receiver during intervals of less than one radio frame based on the control signals. The controller may also be configured to regulate power consumption of a transmitter during intervals of less than one radio frame based on the control signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Chengzhi Pan, Joseph Patrick Burke, Christian Holenstein
  • Patent number: 9712069
    Abstract: A transformer of distributed-constant type is provided between an AC power supply with a frequency f and a load with a resistance value R, and includes: a first converter connected to the AC power supply and having a length of ?/4; and a second converter provided between an end of the first converter and the load, and having a length of ?/4, where a wavelength at the frequency f is ?. Such a transformer has a small size and a light weight, and does not need a coil, an iron core, and the like as used in a conventional transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignees: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd., National University Corporation Toyohashi University of Technology
    Inventors: Hideaki Nakahata, Nobuo Shiga, Kenichi Hirotsu, Takashi Ohira, Kyohei Yamada
  • Patent number: 9629093
    Abstract: A programmable transmitter circuit may be coupled to a controller circuit. The controller circuit may be configured to generate control signals based at least on a signal. The transmitter circuit may include a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell may include a respective first current source and a respective second current source. Each unit cell may be configured to be set in an activated state or a deactivated state based at least on the control signals. For a unit cell of the plurality of unit cells, when the unit cell is set in the activated state, the respective first current source or the respective second current source may be configured to generate a current to be applied to a load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Alex Ahmad Mirzaei, Hooman Darabi, Masoud Kahrizi, Behnam Mohammadi
  • Patent number: 9564832
    Abstract: A circuit includes first and second electronic switches, first and second excitation circuits, and first and second inductors. The first and second electronic switches are electrically coupled in series. The first and second excitation circuits are used for respectively controlling the first and second electronic switches to be turned on and turned off and are configured to synchronously switch the first and second electronic switches. The first inductor is electrically coupled between the first excitation circuit and the first electronic switch, for transmitting the switch control signal of the first excitation circuit to the first electronic switch. The second inductor is electrically coupled between the second excitation circuit and the second electronic switch, for transmitting the switch control signal of the second excitation circuit to the second electronic switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Tao Wu, Yingqi Zhang, Fan Zhang, Kunlun Chen, Xin Hao
  • Patent number: 9531334
    Abstract: A circuit includes a de-Qing network coupled in parallel between a first and a second series-coupled reactive network. The de-Qing network is sized to lower the quality factor of the second reactive network. The first reactive network is a low valued inductor, which is sized for modifying high frequency signals. The second reactive network is a high valued inductor, which is sized for modifying low frequency signals. The de-Qing network can be a resistor or combination of resistors, inductors, and capacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventor: Russell D. Wyse
  • Patent number: 9178473
    Abstract: A device includes a main low noise amplifier (LNA) stage configured to amplify a single-ended communication signal, an auxiliary LNA stage coupled to the main LNA stage, the auxiliary LNA stage configured to cancel non-linear second order products generated by the main LNA stage, and a load circuit configured to receive an output of the main LNA stage and an output of the auxiliary LNA stage, the load circuit configured to convert the single-ended communication signal to a differential signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
    Inventor: Janakiram Ganesh Sankaranarayanan
  • Patent number: 9042844
    Abstract: A transceiver includes: a power amplifying circuit arranged to generate differential output signals during a transmitting mode of the transceiver; a balance-unbalance circuit arranged to convert the differential output signals into a single-ended output signal; a switchable matching circuit arranged to receive the single-ended output signal on a signal port of the transceiver during the transmitting mode, and to convert a single-ended receiving signal on the signal port into a single-ended input signal during a receiving mode of the transceiver; and a low-noise amplifying circuit arranged to convert the single-ended input signal into a low-noise input signal during the receiving mode. The power amplifying circuit, the Balun, the switchable matching circuit, and the low-noise amplifying circuit are configured as a single chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Ti-Ku Yu, Sang Won Son, Chia-Hsin Wu, Tsung-Ming Chen, Wei-Chia Chan
  • Patent number: 8884698
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transformer including: a primary coil formed of a first conductor having a predetermined length and including a first end and second end for receiving a signal, wherein the first conductor is formed as a first loop; and a secondary coil that is coupled to the primary coil in an electromagnetic coupling, and is formed of a second conductor having a predetermined length and including a first end and a second end for outputting a signal, wherein the second conductor is formed as a second loop, wherein the primary coil and the secondary coil are stacked while crossing each other. Accordingly, power transformer efficiency may be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Youn Suk Kim, Ki Joong Kim, Jun Goo Won
  • Publication number: 20140240046
    Abstract: A power amplifier configured to receive an AC input signal and output, based on the AC input signal, an output voltage via a first output voltage terminal and a second output voltage terminal. The power amplifier includes a first transistor and a second transistor connected in a push-pull configuration, a first inductor, a second inductor, and a first capacitor. The first output voltage terminal is located between the first inductor and the first transistor. The second output voltage terminal is located between the second transistor and ground. The first capacitor is configured to provide a first circuit path between the first output voltage terminal and the second output voltage terminal. The first circuit path functions as a short circuit for even harmonics of a fundamental frequency of the AC input signal but does not function as a short circuit for the fundamental frequency of the AC input signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Poh Boon Leong, Ping Song, Sehat Sutardja
  • Patent number: 8779855
    Abstract: In order to realize a wider bandwidth of a frequency characteristic of a power amplification circuit, outputs of differential push-pull amplifiers which are matched at respectively different frequencies are combined together by secondary inductors, and the combined signal is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsuya Iida, Akihiko Furukawa, Satoshi Yamakawa, Tsuyoshi Kawakami, Masao Kondo, Yutaka Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8766723
    Abstract: Methods and devices provide for power amplification in a push pull power amplifier. A circuit comprises an input stage, a power amplifier stage and an output stage. The input stage provides a plurality of control voltages based on a control current. The input stage may include a transformer with a primary side and two secondary sides. A power amplifier stage comprises an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor arranged in a push-pull configuration to generate a plurality of amplified signals. The transistors may be in a common gate arrangement. The output stage combines the amplified signals and generates an output voltage. The output stage may include a transformer with two primary sides and a secondary side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventors: Wayne A. Loeb, David M. Signoff
  • Patent number: 8723601
    Abstract: A differential electronic amplifier including: a first switch connected between a first reference voltage and a first node; a second switch connected between a second reference voltage and a second node; a resonant differential load connected between the first and second nodes and having a centre point connected to a third reference voltage; an output stage constituted by a first side of a transformer; a load impedance connected to a second side of the transformer; a first capacitive element connected between the first side of the transformer and the first node; and a second capacitive element connected between the first side of the transformer and the second node; wherein all inductive elements connected in series between the first and second capacitive elements are inductively coupled to the second side of the transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Cambridge Silicon Radio Limited
    Inventor: Sever Cercelaru
  • Patent number: 8698562
    Abstract: A reduction is achieved in the primary-side input impedance of a transformer (voltage transformer) as an output matching circuit without involving a reduction in Q-factor. An RF power amplifier includes transistors, and a transformer as the output matching circuit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled to each other. To the input terminals of the transistors, respective input signals are supplied. The primary coil is coupled to each of the output terminals of the transistors. From the secondary coil, an output signal is generated. The primary coil includes a first coil and a second coil which are coupled in parallel between the respective output terminals of the transistors, and each magnetically coupled to the secondary coil. By the parallel coupling of the first and second coils of the primary coil, the input impedance of the primary coil is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kondo, Yoshikuni Matsunaga, Kenta Seki, Satoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8680924
    Abstract: A differential power amplifier is provided and includes a first pair of transistors. A first transistor is inductively coupled to a voltage source and is connected to a node at a ground reference potential. A second transistor is inductively coupled to the node and is connected to the voltage source. Gates of the transistors are configured to receive an AC signal with a fundamental frequency. Drain of the first and second transistors are respectively first and second output nodes. The output nodes provide a first differential output. A capacitor is connected between the output nodes and provides a pathway for cancellation of even harmonic signals of the fundamental frequency. A second pair of transistors provides a second differential output. A first inductor is connected between the output nodes. A second inductor is connected between output nodes of the second pair of transistors. A combiner is inductively coupled to the inductors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Marvell World Trade Ltd.
    Inventors: Sehat Sutardja, Poh Boon Leong, Ping Song, Nuntha Kumar Krishnasamy Maniam
  • Publication number: 20140028398
    Abstract: A radio frequency system includes a first power splitter, a first push-pull power amplifier and a second push-pull power amplifier. The first power splitter is configured to receive a first radio frequency signal and generate a first output signal and a second output signal. The first push-pull power amplifier is configured to amplify the first output signal. The first push-pull power amplifier comprises a first set of transistors including at least two radio frequency power transistors and a first output transformer. The second push-pull power amplifier is configured to amplify the second output signal. The second push-pull power amplifier includes a second set of transistors including at least two radio frequency power transistors and a second output transformer. An output of the first transformer is galvanically and directly connected to an output of the second output transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: MKS INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher Michael OWEN
  • Patent number: 8536948
    Abstract: A power amplifier according to the present invention includes: an input-side transformer which has an annular primary coil which is a first metal line and a plurality of linear secondary coils which are second metal lines, and matches input impedance and divides the input signal into a plurality of split signals; push-pull amplifiers each including a pair of transistors for amplifying one of the split signals; and an output-side transformer which has an annular secondary coil which is a third metal line and a plurality of linear primary coils which are fourth metal lines, and combines the amplified split signals and matches output impedance, two input terminals of the pair of transistors being connected to each other via each of the second metal lines and two output terminal of the pair of transistors being connected to each other via each of the fourth metal lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Yasufumi Kawai, Hiroyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 8514022
    Abstract: A reduction is achieved in the primary-side input impedance of a transformer (voltage transformer) as an output matching circuit without involving a reduction in Q-factor. An RF power amplifier includes transistors, and a transformer as the output matching circuit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled to each other. To the input terminals of the transistors, respective input signals are supplied. The primary coil is coupled to each of the output terminals of the transistors. From the secondary coil, an output signal is generated. The primary coil includes a first coil and a second coil which are coupled in parallel between the respective output terminals of the transistors, and each magnetically coupled to the secondary coil. By the parallel coupling of the first and second coils of the primary coil, the input impedance of the primary coil is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kondo, Yoshikuni Matsunaga, Kenta Seki, Satoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8466742
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a large time constant steering circuit for slowly changing a voltage on a node between at least two discrete voltage levels. The present invention further relates to a slow steering current DAC comprising said large time constant steering circuit. The present invention further relates to an instrumentation amplifier device comprising a current balancing instrumentation amplifier for amplifying an input signal to an amplified output signal and a DC servo-loop for removing a DC-component from the input signal. The present invention further relates to an EEG acquisition ASIC comprising said instrumentation amplifier device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignees: IMEC, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, K.U. Leuven R&D
    Inventors: Refet Firat Yazicioglu, Patrick Merken
  • Patent number: 8461927
    Abstract: In order to realize a wider bandwidth of a frequency characteristic of a power amplification circuit, outputs of differential push-pull amplifiers which are matched at respectively different frequencies are combined together by secondary inductors, and the combined signal is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kawakami, Akihiko Furukawa, Satoshi Yamakawa, Tetsuya Iida, Masao Kondo, Yutaka Hoshino
  • Publication number: 20130099864
    Abstract: A power amplifier according to the present invention includes: an input-side transformer which has an annular primary coil which is a first metal line and a plurality of linear secondary coils which are second metal lines, and matches input impedance and divides the input signal into a plurality of split signals; push-pull amplifiers each including a pair of transistors for amplifying one of the split signals; and an output-side transformer which has an annular secondary coil which is a third metal line and a plurality of linear primary coils which are fourth metal lines, and combines the amplified split signals and matches output impedance, two input terminals of the pair of transistors being connected to each other via each of the second metal lines and two output terminal of the pair of transistors being connected to each other via each of the fourth metal lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventor: PANASONIC CORPORATION
  • Publication number: 20130069725
    Abstract: A reduction is achieved in the primary-side input impedance of a transformer (voltage transformer) as an output matching circuit without involving a reduction in Q-factor. An RF power amplifier includes transistors, and a transformer as the output matching circuit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled to each other. To the input terminals of the transistors, respective input signals are supplied. The primary coil is coupled to each of the output terminals of the transistors. From the secondary coil, an output signal is generated. The primary coil includes a first coil and a second coil which are coupled in parallel between the respective output terminals of the transistors, and each magnetically coupled to the secondary coil. By the parallel coupling of the first and second coils of the primary coil, the input impedance of the primary coil is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masao Kondo, Yoshikuni Matsunaga, Kenta Seki, Satoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8374196
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a switchable balun for combined BLUETOOTH® and WLAN operation. A switchable balun is provided that includes an input circuit for receiving an amplified signal, the input circuit comprising first and second coils connected at a center tap, an output circuit comprising a third coil that is inductively coupled to the first and second coils, the output circuit for outputting an adjusted version of the amplified signal for transmission in a selected transmission mode, and a switch coupled to the center tap, wherein the switch is configured to couple a first voltage to the center tap to select operation in a first transmission mode and to couple a second voltage to the center tap to select operation in a second transmission mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM, Incorporated
    Inventor: Troy Stockstad
  • Patent number: 8350625
    Abstract: A power amplifier circuit comprising a scalable power amplifier including an input and an output, and a plurality of activated amplifier elements operative to produce an output signal at the output, and operative to dynamically vary a power output level of the output signal. A variable impedance circuit operatively responsive to dynamically load the output of the scalable power amplifier. Wherein the scalable power amplifier further includes an amplifier configuration circuit operatively responsive to selectively activate the selectively activated amplifier elements by at least reducing power to at least one of the selectively activated amplifier elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Abbas Komijani, Seyed-Ali Hajimiri, Scott D. Kee, Ichiri Aoki
  • Patent number: 8330544
    Abstract: In order to realize a wider bandwidth of a frequency characteristic of a power amplification circuit, outputs of differential push-pull amplifiers which are matched at respectively different frequencies are combined together by secondary inductors, and the combined signal is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kawakami, Akihiko Furukawa, Satoshi Yamakawa, Tetsuya Iida, Masao Kondo, Yutaka Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8330545
    Abstract: A reduction is achieved in the primary-side input impedance of a transformer (voltage transformer) as an output matching circuit without involving a reduction in Q-factor. An RF power amplifier includes transistors, and a transformer as the output matching circuit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled to each other. To the input terminals of the transistors, respective input signals are supplied. The primary coil is coupled to each of the output terminals of the transistors. From the secondary coil, an output signal is generated. The primary coil includes a first coil and a second coil which are coupled in parallel between the respective output terminals of the transistors, and each magnetically coupled to the secondary coil. By the parallel coupling of the first and second coils of the primary coil, the input impedance of the primary coil is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kondo, Yoshikuni Matsunaga, Kenta Seki, Satoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8319556
    Abstract: An amplifier having an input transmission network with a plurality of input transformers having serially coupled primary windings. Each one of the input transformers has a secondary winding magnetically coupled to a corresponding one of the primary windings. The amplifier includes an output transmission network having a plurality of output transformers having serially coupled secondary windings. Each one of the output transformers has a secondary winding magnetically coupled to a corresponding one of the primary windings. The amplifier includes a plurality of amplifier sections, each one the sections having an input connected to a corresponding one of the secondary windings of the input transformers and an output connected to a corresponding one of the primary windings of the output transformers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Jonathan P. Comeau, Matthew A. Morton, Edward W. Thoenes
  • Patent number: 8237503
    Abstract: An output stage (1) for a digital RF transmitter is provided. The output stage comprises: an input adapted to receive an input signal (RFin, b7-b0) to be transmitted; a plurality N of power amplification sections (S1, S2, S3, S4); and an output (A, B) providing an output voltage signal. Each of the N power amplification sections (S1, S2, S3, S4) is arranged to receive the input signal (RFin, b7-b0) and comprises a transformer (T1, T2, T3, T4) adapted to provide a respective output signal. Each transformer comprises a primary stage and a secondary stage; the secondary stages of the transformers (T1, T2, T3, T4) of the N power amplification sections (S1, S2, S3, S4) are combined such that a combined output voltage signal of the output stage is provided. The N power amplification sections (S1, S2, S3, S4) are adapted such that the input signal (RFin, b7-b0) is latched by clock signals (clock1, clock2, clock3, clock4) comprising different phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Xin He, Manel Collados Asensio, Nenad Pavlovic, Jan Van Sinderen
  • Publication number: 20120176197
    Abstract: A reduction is achieved in the primary-side input impedance of a transformer (voltage transformer) as an output matching circuit without involving a reduction in Q-factor. An RF power amplifier includes transistors, and a transformer as the output matching circuit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled to each other. To the input terminals of the transistors, respective input signals are supplied. The primary coil is coupled to each of the output terminals of the transistors. From the secondary coil, an output signal is generated. The primary coil includes a first coil and a second coil which are coupled in parallel between the respective output terminals of the transistors, and each magnetically coupled to the secondary coil. By the parallel coupling of the first and second coils of the primary coil, the input impedance of the primary coil is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: RENESAS ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masao Kondo, Yoshikuni Matsunaga, Kenta Seki, Satoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8164387
    Abstract: Embodiments of circuits and systems for a harmonic tuning network coupled with a radio frequency (RF) push-pull power amplifier to terminate both second- and third-harmonic energies are disclosed. Other embodiments may also be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: TriQuint Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas R. Apel, Jun Zhao
  • Patent number: 8154344
    Abstract: A reduction is achieved in the primary-side input impedance of a transformer (voltage transformer) as an output matching circuit without involving a reduction in Q-factor. An RF power amplifier includes transistors, and a transformer as the output matching circuit. The transformer has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled to each other. To the input terminals of the transistors, respective input signals are supplied. The primary coil is coupled to each of the output terminals of the transistors. From the secondary coil, an output signal is generated. The primary coil includes a first coil and a second coil which are coupled in parallel between the respective output terminals of the transistors, and each magnetically coupled to the secondary coil. By the parallel coupling of the first and second coils of the primary coil, the input impedance of the primary coil is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Masao Kondo, Yoshikuni Matsunaga, Kenta Seki, Satoshi Sakurai
  • Patent number: 8134408
    Abstract: In order to realize a wider bandwidth of a frequency characteristic of a power amplification circuit, outputs of differential push-pull amplifiers which are matched at respectively different frequencies are combined together by secondary inductors, and the combined signal is outputted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kawakami, Akihiko Furukawa, Satoshi Yamakawa, Tetsuya Iida, Masao Kondo, Yutaka Hoshino
  • Patent number: 8130039
    Abstract: An RF power amplifier includes a first amplifier module comprising a first push-pull amplifier including a first plurality of field effect transistors and a first output transformer. An output impedance of the first amplifier module is 25 ohms. A second amplifier module includes a second push-pull amplifier including a second plurality of field effect transistors and a second output transformer. An output impedance of the second amplifier module is 25 ohms. A combiner is connected to the first amplifier module and the second amplifier module. The combiner combines an output from the first amplifier module and an output from the second amplifier module into a combined signal. An output impedance of the combiner is 50 ohms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Inventor: Steven M. Dishop