Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, determining at a port of a matching network reflection information from a signal sampled across at least one predetermined fixed-value reactance component, generating at least one control signal according to the reflection information, and tuning the matching network with the at least one control signal, where the matching network comprises one or more controllable variable reactive elements each with an independent control voltage. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method manage impedance values in a radio in a wireless network. The apparatus includes a tunable matching network (TMN) positioned on a path between a transceiver and an antenna. The TMN includes a plurality of immittance elements. A voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) detector is configured to detect a ratio of a signal passing the VSWR detector and a signal reflected from the TMN. A control circuit is configured to identify an operating setting for the radio, set a number of the immittance elements based on the operating setting, monitor the ratio detected by the VSWR detector, and modify a setting of at least one of the immittance elements based on the ratio detected.

Abstract: A multiband matching circuit of the present invention includes an inductive element having one end connected to an input terminal, a first switch having one end connected to the other end of the inductive element and the other end grounded, a capacitive element having one end connected to the input terminal, a second switch having one end connected to the other end of the capacitive element and the other end grounded, a first-band matching circuit that is connected between the other end of the inductive element and a first output terminal and performs impedance matching in a first frequency band, and a second-band matching circuit that is connected between the other end of the capacitive element and a second output terminal and performs impedance matching in a second frequency band higher than the first frequency band.

Abstract: A CMOS monolithic transmit/receive switch comprises a single pole double throw switch (SPDT) module operable to selectively connect an antenna port to either a transmit port or to a receive port. A transmit matching network comprising a first transmission line matches the impedance of the transmit port of the SPDT module to a transmit impedance, and a first shunt transistor is operable to selectively ground a transmitter end of the first transmission line. A receive matching network comprising a second transmission line matches the impedance of the receive port of the SPDT module to a receive impedance, and a second shunt transistor is operable to selectively ground a receiver end of the second transmission line.

Abstract: A method of matching a receive-only antenna (60) for use in receiving video signals in which measurements made on a transceiver's antenna (14) when in an transmitting mode are used in matching the receive-only antenna. The ratio of the amplitude of the reflected signal to the strength of the transmitted signal strength is used not only in selecting components for matching the transceiver's antenna (14) but also in selecting components for matching the receive-only antenna (60). The ratio may be applied to respective look-up tables (54, 64) for selecting the components to be used in matching the respective antennas.

Abstract: An impedance matching apparatus is provided. The impedance matching apparatus includes a signal separation unit, an impedance detection unit, and an impedance matching unit. The signal separation unit separates a transmission and reception signal, and selectively passes a desired frequency corresponding to the transmission and reception signal. The impedance detection unit receives a signal outputted from the signal separation unit to detect first and second electric potentials between a plurality of impedances. The impedance matching unit compares the first and second electric potentials detected by the impedance detection unit to match the impedances.

Abstract: A multi-core/multi-package bus termination apparatus includes a configuration array and a plurality of drivers. The configuration array generates location/protocol signals that each direct one of the plurality of drivers on the bus to employ location-based bus termination or protocol-based bus termination. The plurality of drivers is coupled to the plurality of location/protocol signals, a plurality of location signals, a bus ownership signal, and a multi-package signal. Each of the plurality of drivers controls how one of a plurality of nodes is driven responsive to a first state of one of the plurality of location/protocol signals.

Abstract: A beamformer includes an integrated-circuit power divider/combiner including a common port. A first transmission line extends from the common port to an individual port on the integrated circuit substrate. A first portion of a second transmission line extends on the substrate from the individual port to an integrated-circuit port. A second portion of the second transmission line extends from the integrated-circuit port vertically through plural layers of an underlying printed-circuit board stack. The characteristic impedances of the first and second portions of the second transmission line, and their combined length, are selected to match the impedance at the individual port to a standard impedance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a power matching apparatus for use with a processing chamber. In one aspect of the invention, a power matching apparatus is provided including a first RF power input coupled to a first adjustable capacitor, a second RF power input coupled to a second adjustable capacitor, a power junction coupled to the first adjustable capacitor and the second adjustable capacitor, a receiver circuit coupled to the power junction, a high voltage filter coupled to the power junction and the high voltage filter has a high voltage output, a voltage/current detector coupled to the power junction and a RF power output connected to the voltage/current detector.

Abstract: When dynamically varying a number of active paths in a system, a desired return loss is maintained. Certain embodiments enable dynamic varying of the impedance of parallel signal paths in a system responsive to the number of active ones of the parallel paths dynamically changing, in order to maintain a relatively constant impedance match between a source and the combination of parallel paths, thereby retaining a desired return loss.

Abstract: A splitter circuit for use in a CATV network. A signal input communicates with a first balun to supply two signal outputs, wherein the first balun is impedance matched to the impedance of the input using two or more additional baluns in parallel with each other. The additional baluns are transmission line baluns in parallel or series with resistive and/or capacitive and/or inductive components.

Abstract: An electrical signal combiner includes at least one first element and a second element respectively connected to a first input port and to a second input port, and a third element connected to an output port, the electrical signals being propagated between the input and output ports. The combiner includes a medium; and the first, second and third elements are acoustic wave transducers, the electrical signals being carried by acoustic waves propagated between the input and output ports within the medium.

Abstract: A power divider includes first and second amplifiers (AMP1, AMP2), and an isolation circuit. AMP1 includes a first capacitor (C1) with one end connected to input, a first FET (FET1) having a gate connected to the other end of C1, a first feedback circuit connecting the FET1 drain and the one end of C1, a first source circuit connecting the FET1 source and ground, and a second capacitor connecting the FET1 drain and a first output. AMP2 includes a third capacitor with one end connected to input, a second FET (FET2) having a gate connected to the other end of the third capacitor, a second feedback circuit connecting the FET2 drain and the one end of the third capacitor, a second source circuit connecting the FET2 source and ground, and a fourth capacitor connecting the FET2 drain and a second output. The isolation circuit connects the FET1 and FET2 sources.

Abstract: A circuit includes a signal path having a node between a signal path input and a signal path output. A first inductive element is connected between the signal path input and the node and a first capacitive element whose capacitance is variably adjustable is connected between the node and the signal path output. A second variable-capacitance capacitive element is connected between the signal path input and ground. A second inductive element is connected between the node and ground, and a third inductive element is connected between the signal path output and ground.

Abstract: In power line communications using carrier waves of high frequencies in the MHz range such as 2 to 30 MHz, when a coaxial cable for performing transmission of signals and a power line are signal-coupled using a capacitive signal coupling unit, even if an impedance matching circuit is installed in the capacitive signal coupling unit, we have found that leakage current of levels that cannot be neglected from leakage noise considerations flows through the outer sheath of the coaxial cable that transmits the signals, and, accordingly, leaking electromagnetic waves induced by the leakage current flowing through the coaxial cable due to impedance mismatch between the power line and the capacitive signal coupling unit are reduced by an impedance member showing high impedances at high frequencies in the MHz range.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, a three-way splitter includes a printed element and a resistive network comprising discrete resistors. A first printed branch, second printed branch, and third printed branch distribute a received communication signal to respective outputs having substantially the same phase, frequency, and impedance. Each printed branch includes a number of substantially ninety-degree angles. In one embodiment, the printed branches are quarter wavelength transmission lines in a frequency range of 1.5 GHz. In one embodiment, the three-way splitter consumes less than one square inch of surface area on a printed circuit board, and can be used in a satellite receiving system, for example. In this embodiment, the three-way splitter is utilized for frequencies in the range of approximately 900 MHz to 2.2 GHz.

Abstract: A signal transmitting/receiving circuit includes a transmitter, a receiver, a balun and an impedance matching circuit. The transmitter is utilized for transmitting an output signal. The receiver is utilized for receiving an input signal. The balun includes a first input terminal, a second input terminal and an output terminal. The impedance matching circuit, which is coupled between the transmitter, the receiver, and the balun, provides transmitting impedance when the transmitter transmits the output signal such that an output signal may be output at an output terminal of the balun via a transmitting path. Also, the impedance matching circuit provides transmitting impedance when the receiver receives the input signal such that the input signal may be transmitted from the output terminal of the balun to the receiver via a receiving path.

Abstract: A radio frequency transmission system for a magnetic resonance system includes a radio frequency power amplifier (40) generating an input radio frequency signal that excites magnetic resonance in target nuclei and is designed for feeding an impedance Zo, a multi-channel radio frequency coil (18) having N radio frequency channels where N>1, and a power splitter (44) including (i) a parallel radio frequency connection point (50) at which the N channels of the radio frequency coil are connected in parallel to define an output impedance at the parallel radio frequency connection point, and (ii) an impedance matching circuit (54) connecting the radio frequency power amplifier with the radio frequency connection point and configured to provide impedance matching between the radio frequency power amplifier and the output impedance at the connection point.

Abstract: A signal splitter comprising an input and a plurality of outputs is provided, wherein alternate outputs are connected to phase shifting devices. The phase shifting devices preferably comprise phase shifting transformers and introduce a phase shift of 180°, so that noise components of alternate outputs are antiphase and cancel one another out almost entirely when the signals are summed. Also provided is a cable television network comprising a plurality of such signal splitters to ensure that noise ingress in upstream signals passing into the network is substantially reduced.

Abstract: Systems for an expander circuit are disclosed. An expander circuit comprising a transmit amplifier for amplifying electrical signals received from a microphone. A rectifier circuit is responsive to the electrical signals and generates a D.C. voltage. A dynamic resistor circuit is coupled to the transmit amplifier for regulating the gain of the transmit amplifier. The dynamic resistor circuit includes a bipolar junction transistor for receiving the D.C. voltage. The bipolar junction transistor is operated such that the collector current is zero and the bipolar junction transistor has a variable impedance seen by the transmit amplifier dependent upon the D.C. voltage.

Abstract: A multi-drop bus system and a method for operating such a system. The system includes a multi-drop bus having at least one bus line, each bus line being made up of a multiple of line segments. Each of the line segments terminates at a drop point and each drop point is coupled to a load impedance. The characteristic impedance of a line segment is matched to the equivalent impedance presented by the load impedance in combination with the characteristic impedance of a following segment, or is matched to the load impedance if there is no following segment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an asymmetric power divider. The asymmetric power divider includes a power dividing unit, a first matching network, and a second matching network. The power dividing unit supplies different amounts of power to a carrier amplifier and a peaking amplifier, which are connected in parallel. The first matching network is connected between the power dividing unit and the carrier amplifier so as to perform impedance matching between the power dividing unit and the carrier amplifier. The second matching network is connected between the power dividing unit and the peaking amplifier so as to perform impedance matching between the power dividing unit and the peaking amplifier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for combining digital sidebands with an FM analog signal for IBOC transmission by a single antenna. Specifically, a high power filter combiner for combining an FM analog and a digital signal of the same channel, or frequency, is disclosed. The combiner has two inputs that respectively receive an FM analog and a digital signal to be transmitted in the same FM channel. The combiner has mild tuned filters interposed between the inputs and the output which are tuned to pass the FM analog signal while reflecting the digital signal such that the passed FM analog signal and the reflected digital signal combine as IBOC, i.e., an FM analog signal with digital sideband signals. The combined IBOC signal is provided at an output of the combiner, capable for transmission through a single antenna.

Abstract: To provide a branching filter enabling sharing of the same mounting substrate between the normal arrangement and the mirror arrangement that is symmetric to the normal arrangement of an electrode group formed on a main surface of a piezoelectric substrate and a method for manufacturing the same. The branching filter 1 has the piezoelectric substrate 20 having the main surface on which there are formed a transmission filter 26, which includes an input electrode 22 and an antenna electrode 23, and a reception filter 27, which includes an output electrodes 24, 25 and the antenna electrode 23.

Abstract: A method and system for protecting a LNA by acquiring a radio frequency control channel signal at a tower top low noise amplifier (TTLNA) system. In response to acquiring the radio frequency control channel signal, LNA mode information is determined from the acquired radio frequency control channel signal. Based at least in part on the determination, the TTLNA is configured to either receive mode when the LNA mode information indicates receive mode or transmit mode when the LNA mode information indicates transmits mode. In an exemplary embodiment, the TTLNA is configured to receive mode only after a determination is made that there is no transmit energy present on the feedline connecting the BTS and the antenna. In another exemplary embodiment, the TTLNA is initialized in transmit mode.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an antenna, a radio frequency circuit, and an impedance matching circuit that is connected between the antenna and the radio frequency circuit. The impedance matching circuit includes a plurality of impedance matching networks that are respectively associated with frequency bands used by the radio frequency circuit.

Abstract: The signal integrity of a high speed heavily loaded multidrop memory bus is often degraded due the numerous impedance mismatches. The impedance mismatches causes the bus to exhibit a nonlinear frequency response, which diminishes signal integrity and limits the bandwidth of the bus. A compensating element, such as a capacitor which ties the bus to a reference plane (e.g., a ground potential), or an inductor wired in series with the bus, is located approximately midway between the memory controller and the memory slots. The use of the compensating element equalizes signal amplitudes and minimizes phase errors of signals in an interested frequency range and diminishes the amplitudes of high frequency signals which exhibit high degrees of phase error. The resulting bus structure has increased desirable harmonic content with low phase error, thereby permitting the bus to exhibit better rise time performance and permitting a higher data transfer rate.

Abstract: A power splitter and/or combiner is described. The power splitter may be provided as a broadband, passive, divide by N power splitter that may be advantageously employed in providing power to multiple electrodes within a plasma source. The power splitter comprises a transmission line and a plurality of N secondary windings arranged about the transmission lines.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a circuit device for coupling to an antenna includes a first impedance matching circuit configured to couple to the antenna and a second impedance matching circuit configured to couple to the antenna. The circuit device further includes a power amplifier coupled to the first impedance matching circuit and includes a low-noise amplifier coupled to the second impedance matching circuit. Additionally, the circuit device includes a selectable impedance adjustment circuit coupled between the low-noise amplifier and the second impedance matching circuit, which selectable impedance adjustment circuit is configured to selectively adjust an impedance associated with the low-noise amplifier when the power amplifier is transmitting a signal through the antenna.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing stray magnetic fields include a decoupling circuit includes a balun that comprises a transmission line. The transmission line includes a first spiral positioned substantially parallel to a first plane, the first spiral emanating from a inner portion of the first spiral in a first spiral direction. The transmission line also includes a second spiral positioned substantially parallel to the first plane, the second spiral emanating from a inner portion of the second spiral in the first spiral direction, wherein the inner portion of the first spiral is electrically coupled to the inner portion of the second spiral, and wherein the transmission line comprises a signal line and a ground line. The balun further comprises a first capacitor electrically coupled to the transmission line.

Abstract: Improved power distribution architectures for the uniform delivery of single frequency RF power to plasma chambers are disclosed. The architectures include feeding into multiple points across a single large-area electrode, multiple electrodes driving a common plasma discharge as well as multiple coils driving a common plasma discharge. The time-averaged electromagnetic field distribution may be controlled using an array of generator and match (delivery) systems, one of which may be capable of absorbing net power and presenting controlled impedance to the plasma load. In variations, an M+N port network (with M the number of generators and N the number of feed points on the electrode) may be implemented to level the power required from each generator while maintaining a desired field strength distribution.

Abstract: Controlling a tower-top low noise amplifier (TTLNA) without transmit mode or receive mode timing control signals from a base station. The TTLNA system and associated components autonomously determine the proper mode of operation (transmit/receive), and automatically control the operation of a low noise amplifier (LNA) to prevent signal distortion and/or damage to the wireless system hardware. A preferred method comprises: at a TTLNA, measuring a transmit time period based on detecting radio frequency (RF) transmit signal energy; determining a receive time duration based on the measured time period and a predetermined frame time; and, configuring the TTLNA to a receive mode by placing a low noise amplifier into a receive signal path during the determined receive time duration.

Abstract: According to one exemplary embodiment, an active termination circuit includes at least one active termination branch, where the at least one active termination branch includes at least one transistor for providing an active termination output. The at least one active termination branch further includes an amplifier driving the at least one transistor, where the amplifier has a non-inverting input coupled to the active termination output via a feedback network. The amplifier controls a current flowing through the at least one transistor so as to provide the active termination output. The active termination output can be provided at a drain of the at least one transistor, where a source of the at least one transistor is coupled to ground through a degeneration transistor and a tail current sink.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power splitter circuit is disclosed. The circuit has a predefined operating frequency, and includes a first split port, a second split port, and a common port. A first inductor is connected to the first split port and the common port, and a second inductor is connected to the second split port and the common port. Additionally, there is a resonant capacitor and a compensation resistor connected in parallel across the first split port and the second split port. A parallel resonant circuit is thus defined at the predefined operating frequency.

Abstract: A testing apparatus includes one or more trace banks. Each trace bank includes (1) an input switch operable to couple an input port to one of multiple output ports, (2) an output switch operable to couple one of multiple input ports to one output port, and (3) transmission lines of different lengths coupled between the output ports of the input switch and the input ports of the output switch. The trace banks can be cascaded using cables to connect their output and input ports. The input and output switches in the trace banks are controlled to provide a transmission path of the desired length.

Abstract: A data transmission system forming a network including transmission line sections comprising traditional infrastructure such as AC power line (mains), twisted-pair (e.g. CAT-5) and coaxial cable wiring interconnected with a novel adapter to form a data system also providing data transfer over an extended length and diversity of connected equipment. Further combined with a data bridge connected to conventional format data (e.g. Ethernet) and to the traditional data infrastructure wiring, the novel adapter permits connection to any 2 of twisted pair/multi-pair, coaxial and power mains for data flow therebetween.

Abstract: The communication system includes a trunk line constituted of first and second signal lines for transmitting differential signals, a plurality of branch lines each branching from the trunk line and connected with a node, and at least one reflection prevention circuit connected between the first and second signal lines. The reflection prevention circuit includes a rectifier circuit configured to inhibit a current from flowing between the first and second signal lines when a voltage between the differential signals is smaller than or equal to a predetermined voltage, and allow a current to flow between the first and second signal lines when the voltage between the differential signals is larger than the predetermined voltage, and a resistive element connected in series to the rectifier circuit between the first and second signal lines.

Abstract: A multiband matching circuit includes a first matching unit, a second matching unit, and a third matching unit, with all units being connected in series in a signal path. Matching with target impedance is established at a first frequency by appropriately designing the first matching unit and at a second frequency by appropriately designing the second and third matching units. The second matching unit and the third matching unit are designed to make the conversion ratio of the impedance viewed from the connection point between the second matching unit and the third matching unit to a circuit element to the target impedance smaller than the conversion ratio of the impedance viewed from the connection point between the first matching unit and the second matching unit to the circuit element to the target impedance, at the second frequency.

Abstract: A multi-drop bus system and a method for operating such a system. The system includes a multi-drop bus having at least one bus line, each bus line being made up of a multiple of line segments. Each of the line segments terminates at a drop point and each drop point is coupled to a load impedance. The characteristic impedance of a line segment is matched to the equivalent impedance presented by the load impedance in combination with the characteristic impedance of a following segment, or is matched to the load impedance if there is no following segment.

Abstract: A small antenna duplexer that includes antenna terminal, first filter electrically connected to this antenna terminal and passing a first frequency band, second filter electrically connected to antenna terminal and passing a second frequency band, and third filter electrically connected to antenna terminal and passing a third frequency band. First filter and third filter are used for one band, and second filter and third filter are used for another band.

Abstract: A printed circuit board (PCB) including an impedance-matched strip transmission line includes a strip transmission line including a main line and at least one pair of branch lines branching off from the main line. An upper ground layer is disposed over the strip transmission line and has upper opening parts corresponding in position to the branch lines. A lower ground layer is disposed under the strip transmission line and has lower opening parts corresponding in position to the branch lines. The upper and lower opening parts are symmetric about the branch lines of the strip transmission line.

Abstract: A signal splitter comprising an input and a plurality of outputs is provided, wherein alternate outputs are connected to phase shifting devices. The phase shifting devices preferably comprise phase shifting transformers and introduce a phase shift of 180°, so that noise components of alternate outputs are antiphase and cancel one another out almost entirely when the signals are summed. Also provided is a cable television network comprising a plurality of such signal splitters to ensure that noise ingress in upstream signals passing into the network is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A method of selecting an optimum impedance for a loop start trunk line, comprising successively applying respective ones of a plurality of impedance settings to the loop start trunk line, for each impedance setting measuring the impulse response of the trans-hybrid echo path by applying audio test signals to obtain a time-domain trans-hybrid transfer function and deriving a frequency-domain spectrum representative of trans-hybrid loss, and then calculating figure of merit of the transfer function based on the power spectrum. Once all impedance settings have been tested, the optimum impedance is selected as the impedance setting associated with the highest calculated figure of merit.

Abstract: An RF front-end architecture is operated in either a transmitting or a receiving mode. The RF front-end architecture comprises an antenna, an impedance match network, a balun and a transceiver chip. The transceiver chip comprises first and second transmit/receive (TR) switches, a transmitter, and a receiver. Because two TR switches are integrated into the chip, the printed circuit board area, BOM cost and pin count of the transceiver chip can be greatly reduced.

Abstract: A (radio frequency) RF reception system includes an off-chip antenna interface and an integrated circuit. The an off-chip antenna interface includes at least one first off-chip impedance matching component, a filter, and at least one second off-chip impedance matching component. The integrated circuit includes an on-chip antenna interface that forms a first programmable impedance matching network with the at least one first off-chip impedance matching component, and forms a second programmable impedance matching network with the at least one second off-chip impedance matching component. The first programmable impedance matching network and the second programmable impedance matching network are programmable based on a frequency selection signal.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) transmit/receive switch. The transmit/receive switch comprises an impedance matching circuit and a voltage scaling circuit. The impedance matching circuit matches an incoming RF signal to a low noise amplifier and an outgoing RF signal from a power amplifier. The voltage scaling circuit, coupled to the impedance matching circuit, the power amplifier, and the low noise amplifier, attenuates the outgoing RF signal to a scaled signal within a breakdown voltage of a transistor device in the low noise amplifier during transmission of the outgoing RF signal.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved memory system that addresses signal degradation due to transmission line effects. The improved memory system includes a first buffer, at least one first memory device coupled to the first buffer, and a plurality of signal traces. The first buffer and memory device are mounted on a motherboard. Likewise, the plurality of signal traces is routed on the motherboard. Doing so eliminates stub loads that cause signal reflection that, in turn, result in signal degradation.

Abstract: A signal splitter for reducing noise ingress and a cable television network incorporating such splitters. A signal splitter has an input and a plurality of outputs, where alternate outputs are connected to phase shifting devices. Prevention circuitry is provided for at least preventing the generation of intermodulation products in the phase shifting devices. The prevention circuitry is provided with a pre-connected filter in the form of a high-pass filter for stopping voltage peaks through reflection of the energy contained in the voltage peaks.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method, apparatus, and system for dividing power. An N-way power divider comprises a power input, a switched transformer, a switched power divider, and plurality of power outputs. The switched power divider is configurable to take input power and provide the power to any of the power outputs (matching the impedance utilizing the switched transformer). An antenna system comprises an input, a reconfigurable switched network operably coupled to the input, and a plurality of antenna elements. The reconfigurable switched network is configurable to provide power from input to any of the plurality of antenna elements. Each element can be provided power, or not provided power with the reconfigurable switch. The reconfigurable switched network is configurable to take in power and transform the impedance of the power to match the impedance of the active antenna elements.

Abstract: A transmit and receive circuit for use in power line communication devices is provided. One embodiment of the circuit includes a receive channel with a first delay circuit coupled to a first switch having an open configuration and a closed configuration a first switch. The circuit also may include a transmit channel coupled to the receive channel at a node and including a second delay circuit coupled to a second switch having an open configuration and a closed configuration. When the switch of either channel is closed, the switch of the other channel is open. Data signals traversing either channel when that channel's switch is closed, are phase shifted approximately three hundred and sixty degrees and conducted back to the node.