Abstract: A matching circuit includes first and second ports, an autotransformer, and first and second capacitors. The autotransformer includes a first terminal coupled to a first port, a second terminal coupled to a second port, and a common terminal coupled to a reference potential, and includes a series parasitic inductor and a parallel parasitic inductor. The first capacitor is coupled in shunt to the second terminal, and defines a low pass filter together with the series parasitic inductor. The second capacitor is coupled in series between the first port and the first terminal, and defines a high pass filter together with the parallel parasitic inductor.

Abstract: A plug-in device is provided for adapting a building's electrical wiring system as an antenna for receiving radio or over-the air television signals. The device has a plug for insertion into an electrical receptacle in the building, a coaxial connector for providing the communication signal captured by the antenna to a signal receiver, and a plurality of conducting wires extending from the plug to the coaxial connector. The conducting wires comprise first and second wires, and a third wire in electrical contact with the coaxial connector. The first and second wires are electrically insulated from each other and from the third wire to prevent passage of alternating current (AC) power to the signal receiver. The wires are wound to inductively transfer the communication signal captured by the antenna to the third wire for output to the signal receiver via the coaxial connector.

Abstract: A wireless communication device can include an antenna array configured to receive a plurality of radio frequency (RF) signals, RF circuitry, and digital baseband receive circuitry. The RF circuitry is configured to process the plurality of RF signals received via the antenna array to generate a single RF signal. The digital baseband receive circuitry is coupled to the RF circuitry and is configured to generate a downconverted signal based on the single RF signal, amplify the downconverted signal to generate an amplified downconverted signal, and convert the amplified downconverted signal to generate a digital output signal for processing by a wireless modem. The digital baseband receive circuitry further includes at least a first filtering system configured to filter the downconverted signal prior to amplification.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) signal transceiver is provided. The RF signal transceiver includes a first transformer, a signal transceiving processor, a signal receiving amplifier, and a signal transmitting amplifier. The first transformer is coupled to an antenna through a first end of a primary side, and two endpoints of a secondary side of the first transformer receive and transmit a pair of differential signals. The signal transceiving processor receives a pair of input differential signals from the secondary side of the first transformer and generates a pair of processed differential signals. The signal receiving amplifier is coupled to the signal transceiving processor and is configured to receive and amplify the pair of processed differential signals. The signal transmitting amplifier is coupled to the secondary side of the first transformer and provides a pair of transmission differential signals to the secondary side.

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.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes an integrated transformer of the balanced-to-unbalanced type with N channels, wherein N is greater than 2. The integrated transformer includes, on a substrate, N inductive circuits that are mutually inductively coupled, and respectively associated with N channels.

Abstract: Embodiments of a four-port isolation module are presented herein. In an embodiment, the isolation module includes a step-up autotransformer comprising a first and second winding that are electrically coupled in series at a center node. The first port of the isolation module is configured to couple an antenna to a first end node of the series coupled windings. The second port of the isolation module is configured to couple a balancing network to a second end node of the series coupled windings. The third port is configured to couple a transmit path to the center node. The fourth port is configured to couple a differential receive path across the first end node and the second end node. The isolation module effectively isolates the third port from the fourth port to prevent strong outbound signals received at the third port from saturating an LNA coupled to the fourth port.

Abstract: Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current source circuit that enables determination of a bias current level for a PA circuit within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input modulation signal. The PA circuit may enable generation of an output signal based on a differential input signal and the input modulation signal to the current source circuit. A generated bias voltage may be applied to a transformer external to the IC die, but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit wherein the amplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated bias voltage level and/or the determined bias current level.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a dynamically configurable transformer configured to provide a gain to a target signal. The gain is dynamically configurable. The dynamically configurable transformer includes at least one parallel resistive element configured to be dynamically activated in parallel with a load.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a transformer in an integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, signals may be transmitted and/or received via an antenna communicatively coupled to a transformer embedded in multi-layer integrated circuit package. The windings ratio of the transformer may be configured based on an impedance of the antenna, an impedance of a transmitter coupled to the transformer, an impedance of an LNA coupled to the transformer, and/or a power level of the received and/or transmitted signals. The windings ratio may be configured via one or more switching elements which may be MEMS switches embedded in the multi-layer IC package. The transformer may comprise a plurality of loops fabricated on a corresponding plurality of metal layers in the multi-layer IC package, and the loops may be communicatively coupled with one or more vias. The multi-layer IC package may comprise ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: An integrated RF front-end circuit comprising a balun, a receiver amplifier, a power amplifier, and a selector circuit is provided. The balun comprises a center-tapped inductor having a first node, a center-tap switchlessly coupled to a fixed voltage, and a second node. The balun receives a single-ended signal through the first node to produce a differential signal at the first and second nodes. The differential signal is provided to balanced input lines of the receiver amplifier. Balanced output lines of the power amplifier provide a differential signal to the first and second nodes. The balun converts the differential signal to a single-ended signal. The single-ended signal is available at the first node of the center-tapped inductor. The selector circuit activates the receiver amplifier and deactivates the power amplifier, and vice versa. The power amplifier may comprise only a single-ended output line connected to either the first or the second node.

Abstract: A contactless receiver is provided with a receiving section and a rectification section. The receiving section has a resonant circuit including a resonant capacitor having a variable capacitance element formed with a ferroelectric material, a capacitance of the variable capacitance element changing according to a received voltage at a predetermined frequency, and a resonance coil connected to the resonant capacitor. The rectification section converts an alternating current voltage output from the receiving section into a direct current voltage.

Abstract: Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current source circuit that enables determination of a bias current level for a PA circuit within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input modulation signal. The PA circuit may enable generation of an output signal based on a differential input signal and the input modulation signal to the current source circuit. A generated bias voltage may be applied to a transformer external to the IC die, but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit wherein the amplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated bias voltage level and/or the determined bias current level.

Abstract: Passive RF devices are disclosed that communicate using a wireless network protocol. The device includes an antenna operable to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal from a RF source that transmits the RF signal based on a wireless network protocol. The device further includes circuitry operable to derive power from the RF signal. With the power derived from the RF signal, the circuitry is further operable to read data from a memory, to encode the data based on the wireless network protocol, and to modulate the RF signal to include the encoded data. The antenna is further operable to transmit the modulated RF signal based on the wireless network protocol for reception by the RF source or another passive RF device.

Abstract: A front-end module (FEM) includes first and second frequency band power amplifiers (PA), first and second frequency band receiver-transmitter (RX-TX) isolation modules, and an antenna interface unit. The PAs are operable to amplify first and second frequency band outbound RF signals, respectively. The RX-TX isolation modules are operable to isolate first and second frequency band inbound RF signals from first and second frequency band outbound RF signals in accordance with first and second frequency band isolation tuning signal, respectively. The antenna interface unit is operably tuned in accordance with an antenna interface tuning signal to output at least one of the first frequency band outbound RF signal and the second frequency band outbound RF signal and to receive at least one of the first frequency band inbound RF signal and the second frequency band inbound RF signal.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a circuit is configured to receive a differential signal from a transmitter that is isolated from the receiver circuit and that includes a common-mode suppression circuit and signal combining circuit coupled to the corresponding lines carrying the differential signals. The common-mode suppression and signal combining circuits are configured to suppress common-mode signals of differential signals communicated on the set of differential signal lines and combine to form of differential-mode components of the differential signals.

Abstract: A SAW-less receiver includes an FEM interface module, an RF to IF receiver section, and a receiver IF to baseband section. The RF to IF receiver section includes a frequency translated bandpass filter (FTBPF), an LNA, and a mixing section. The FTBPF includes a switching network and a plurality of baseband impedances. The switching network is operable to couple the plurality of baseband impedances to the FEM interface in accordance with a plurality of phase-offset RF clock signals to RF bandpass filter the inbound RF signal. The LNA amplifies the filtered inbound RF signal and the mixing section mixes the amplified inbound RF signal with a local oscillation to produce an inbound IF signal. The receiver IF to baseband section converts the inbound IF signal into one or more inbound symbol streams.

Abstract: A high-frequency device includes a wireless IC chip and a board which is coupled to the wireless IC chip and electrically connected to radiator plates, and an inductor and/or a capacitance are provided as a static electricity countermeasure element in the board. The inductor is connected in parallel between the wireless IC chip and the radiator plates, and its impedance at the frequency of static electricity is less than an impedance of the wireless IC chip.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of manufacture for a wideband RF mixer are provided. The RF mixer includes an input, an LO input, and an output. A variable impedance tuner is disposed in an input signal path between the input port and the RF mixer, and a variable impedance tuner is disposed in an output signal path between the output and the RF mixer. The impedances of the variable impedance tuners are controllable for a particular frequency of operation with one or more digital or analog control signals.

Abstract: Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a semiconductor package comprising a first die; a second die; and an inductor arrangement configured to inductively couple the first die and the second die while maintaining electrical isolation between active circuit components of the first die and active circuit components of the second die. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A SAW-less receiver includes an FEM interface module, an RF to IF receiver section, and a receiver IF to baseband section. The RF to IF receiver section includes a mixing module, a mixed buffer section, and a frequency translated BPF (FTBPF) circuit module. The mixing module converts an inbound RF signal into an in-phase (I) mixed signal and a quadrature (Q) mixed signal. The mixed buffer section filters and buffers the I mixed signal and filter and buffer the Q mixed signal. The FTBPF circuit module frequency translates a baseband filter response to an IF filter response such that the FTBPF circuit module filters undesired signal components of the IF I signal and the IF Q signal to produce an inbound IF signal. The receiver IF to baseband section converts the inbound IF signal into one or more inbound symbol streams.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal demodulation circuit, a load modulation circuit and associated method, and an associated power transfer system, all suitable for use in wireless power transfer. A power receiver with signal strength detection is also provided. Modulation of the impedance of the demodulation circuit is determinable by detecting the amplitudes of a first and a second electrical parameter, thereby demodulating data communicated by modulation of the impedance of the demodulation circuit. The modulation circuit has a communication modulator to modulate the impedance of the modulation circuit, to a predetermined minimum modulation depth, thereby to communicate data.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a baseband filter configured to produce a baseband signal utilizing an input signal; a mixer unit configured to produce an intermediate signal utilizing the baseband signal and a local oscillator signal; and a dynamically configurable transformer configured to provide a gain to the intermediate signal, wherein the gain is dynamically configurable.

Abstract: A SAW-less receiver includes a front end module (FEM) interface module, an RF to IF section, and an IF to baseband section. The RF to IF section includes a frequency translated bandpass filter (FTBPF), an LNA, and a mixing section. The FTBPF includes a switching network and a complex baseband filter having an offset baseband filter response. The switching network is operable to frequency translate the offset baseband filter response to an RF frequency response such that the FTBPF filters the inbound RF signal by passing, substantially unattenuated, a desired RF signal component and by attenuating an image signal component and/or an undesired signal component. The LNA amplifies the filtered inbound RF signal and the mixing section mixes the amplified inbound RF signal with a local oscillation to produce an inbound IF signal. The IF to baseband section converts the inbound IF signal into an inbound symbol stream(s).

Abstract: Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current source circuit that enables determination of a bias current level for a PA circuit within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input modulation signal. The PA circuit may enable generation of an output signal based on a differential input signal and the input modulation signal to the current source circuit. A generated bias voltage may be applied to a transformer external to the IC die, but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit wherein the amplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated bias voltage level and/or the determined bias current level.

Abstract: Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current source circuit that enables determination of a bias current level for a PA circuit within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input modulation signal. The PA circuit may enable generation of an output signal based on a differential input signal and the input modulation signal to the current source circuit. A generated bias voltage may be applied to a transformer external to the IC die, but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit wherein the amplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated bias voltage level and/or the determined bias current level.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure an attenuating circuit comprises a balun configured to receive a radio frequency (RF) signal at first and second input ports and configured to output the RF signal. The circuit further comprises an attenuator coupled in parallel with the first and second input ports. A power level of the RF signal output by the balun is based at least partially on an impedance of the attenuator. The attenuator comprises a resistor ladder configured to receive at least a portion of the RF signal and a plurality of switches coupled to the resistor ladder. The plurality of switches are configured to open and close such that the impedance of the attenuator is a function of which switches are open and closed. Therefore, the power of the RF signal is controlled based at least on the opening and closing of the switches.

Abstract: An isolator that includes first and second substantially identical circuitry galvanically isolated from each other and each having at least one communications channel thereon for communicating signals across an isolation boundary therebetween and each of said first and second circuitry having configurable functionality associated with the operation thereof. A coupling device is provided for coupling signal across the isolation boundary between the at least one communication channels of the first and second circuitry. First and second configuration memories are provided, each associated with a respective one of the first and second circuitry. First and second configuration control devices are provided, each associated with a respective one of the first and second circuitry and each configuring the functionality of the associated one of the first and second circuitry.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a functional circuitry on a first die. Said function circuitry configured to drive an RF voltage isolation link with an RF signal responsive to receipt of a logic signal at a first logic state. Control circuitry modifies the frequency of the RF signal to spread harmonics to other than a fundamental frequency.

Abstract: A radio front end includes a transformer and an adjustable load. The transformer includes a first winding and a second winding, wherein the first winding is operably coupled to an antenna and the second winding coupled to at least one of a power amplifier and a low noise amplifier. The adjustable load is operably coupled to the second winding, wherein the adjustable load provides a first impedance based on a first impedance selection signal when the radio front end is in a transmit mode and provides a second impedance based on a second impedance selection signal when the radio front end is in a receive module such that impedance at the first winding is substantially similar in the transmit mode and in the receive mode.

Abstract: A bi-directional asymmetric system is provided with a first node and a second node. The first node has a first transmitter that produces a modulated magnetic flux and a first exciter receiver that acts to receive data at the first node. The second node is coupled to the first node with a direct inductive communications downlink and a mutually inductive uplink. The second node includes a receiver that produces a signal induced by the first transmitter at the first node. The second node has a mutually inductive data transmitter that modules an exciter signal produced at the first node by the exciter receiver.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal demodulation circuit, a load modulation circuit and associated method, and an associated power transfer system, all suitable for use in wireless power transfer. A power receiver with signal strength detection is also provided. Modulation of the impedance of the demodulation circuit is determinable by detecting the amplitudes of a first and a second electrical parameter, thereby demodulating data communicated by modulation of the impedance of the demodulation circuit. The modulation circuit has a communication modulator to modulate the impedance of the modulation circuit, to a predetermined minimum modulation depth, thereby to communicate data.

Abstract: A resonant array for the transmission of multiple frequency wireless energy in multiple configurations at a useful distance for grid-coordinate power and information delivery on small aperture and mobile scales where alternatives such as battery, solar, infrared, microwave, or other power-independent means are inappropriate or inaccessible.

Abstract: A radio front end includes a transformer and an adjustable load. The transformer includes a first winding and a second winding, wherein the first winding is operably coupled to an antenna and the second winding coupled to at least one of a power amplifier and a low noise amplifier. The adjustable load is operably coupled to the second winding, wherein the adjustable load provides a first impedance based on a first impedance selection signal when the radio front end is in a transmit mode and provides a second impedance based on a second impedance selection signal when the radio front end is in a receive module such that impedance at the first winding is substantially similar in the transmit mode and in the receive mode.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a transformer in an integrated circuit package are provided. In this regard, signals may be transmitted and/or received via an antenna communicatively coupled to a transformer embedded in multi-layer integrated circuit package. The windings ratio of the transformer may be configured based on an impedance of the antenna, an impedance of a transmitter coupled to the transformer, an impedance of an LNA coupled to the transformer, and/or a power level of the received and/or transmitted signals. The windings ratio may be configured via one or more switching elements which may be MEMS switches embedded in the multi-layer IC package. The transformer may comprise a plurality of loops fabricated on a corresponding plurality of metal layers in the multi-layer IC package, and the loops may be communicatively coupled with one or more vias. The multi-layer IC package may comprise ferromagnetic and/or ferromagnetic materials.

Abstract: A directional coupler with a high coupling per unit area and small variations in characteristic at manufacturing capable of achieving a high directivity easily and an RF circuit module provided with the directional coupler are achieved. A main-line is provided on a front surface of a multi-layer substrate, a ground plane is provided on a back surface of the multi-layer substrate. On an inner layer immediately under the main-line, two lines in parallel with the main-line are provided, and one line is provided on a layer closer to the ground plane than the two lines. By connecting the two lines and the one line with vias, a sub-line with a shape of a winding of a loop is formed. In the sub-line, a main component of a vector vertically penetrating the loop is horizontal with respect to the ground plane.

Abstract: Aspects of a system for improving efficiency over power control for linear and class AB power amplifiers may include a current source circuit that enables determination of a bias current level for a PA circuit within an IC die based on an amplitude of an input modulation signal. The PA circuit may enable generation of an output signal based on a differential input signal and the input modulation signal to the current source circuit. A generated bias voltage may be applied to a transformer external to the IC die, but internal to an IC package containing the IC die and/or a circuit board containing the IC package. One or more amplifier bias voltage levels may be applied to the PA circuit wherein the amplifier bias voltage levels may be derived from the generated bias voltage level and/or the determined bias current level.

Abstract: Provided are a receiving circuit including a balun circuit and a notch filter, and an operating method thereof. The receiving circuit includes a transformer, a notch filter, and a mixer. The transformer converts a single input signal to a differential input signal using a first tap. The notch filter blocks a specific frequency band of the single input signal by connecting a second tap with the first tap of the transformer using a condenser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for amplifying a transmission signals in multiple modes and multiple bands. The apparatus includes a tunable power amplifying module adapted to receive a plurality of signal types comprising multiple modes and multiple bands. The tunable power amplifying module includes a first and second power amplifier stages and a number of tunable matching networks configured to optimize an impedance value based on the mode and band of the signal to be amplified.

Abstract: A receiving device is provided capable of avoiding reception of unnecessary energy when a signal waveform actually changes on a receiving side. An impedance control circuit includes a sensing unit to sense one or more of a voltage, current, or power of a signal to be received by a receiving circuit. The impedance control unit varies an input impedance according to the change in the sensed one or more quantities so that the received signal will be reflected. Thus the excess energy of the signal is reflected and fed to any other receiving circuit achieving stable communications.

Abstract: A loop directional coupler having a first waveguide, particularly a hollow, planar, or a coaxial conductor in the form of a half loop antenna having first and second antenna branches for the contact-free extraction of an incoming signal “a” on a second waveguide and a returning signal “b” on the second waveguide. The first antenna branch is connected to a first input of a first network and the second antenna branch is connected to a second input of the first network, the first network having a first power splitter at the first input and a second power splitter at the second input for dividing the signal present at each antenna branch, the first network having a first adder adding the signals of the first and second power splitters to each other, and a first subtractor subtracting the signals of the first and second power splitters from each other.

Abstract: Aspects of a method and system for a transformer-based high performance cross-coupled low noise amplifier may include one or more circuits that integrate within a single chip, a balun with a low-noise amplifier. A DC current biasing path for the low-noise amplifier may be provided through the integrated balun. The low-noise amplifier may be configured as a cross-coupled low-noise amplifier, where the balun may be directly coupled to the cross-coupled low-noise amplifier. The balun may comprise two or more inductors, wherein one or more of the inductors may provide an electrical path for allowing a DC bias current to flow to ground. Integrating a balun on a single chip with a low-noise amplifier may allow the use of a single received signal input terminal. The biasing voltage may be selected to optimize performance of the low-noise amplifier.

Abstract: A power-receiving-side control circuit of a power reception device performs intermittent load modulation by causing an NMOS transistor to be turned ON/OFF during normal power transmission. A power-transmission-side control circuit included in a power transmission control device of a power transmission device monitors, an intermittent change in the load of the power reception device during normal power transmission. The power-transmission-side control circuit determines that a foreign object has been inserted between a primary coil and a secondary coil and stops power transmission when an intermittent change in load cannot be detected. The amount of power supplied to the load may be compulsorily reduced when the load state of the load is heavy.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having voltage isolation capabilities includes a first area of the integrated circuit containing functional circuitry that is located in the substrate of the integrated circuit. A second area of the integrated circuit contains an integrated RF isolation circuitry for voltage isolating the functional circuitry. The RF isolation circuitry is located in the metal layers of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes an RFID reader and an RFID tag. The RFID reader is coupled to transmit first electromagnetic signal via an off-chip winding section of a hybrid on-chip-off-chip transformer. The RFID tag is coupled to receive the first electromagnetic signal via an on-chip winding section of the hybrid on-chip-off-chip transformer, wherein the on-chip winding section derives a second electromagnetic signal from the first electromagnetic signal when the on-chip winding section is within a proximal coupling distance of the off-chip winding section.

Abstract: A programmable antenna interface for coupling an antenna to a transceiver having a receiver section and a transmitter section, includes a transformer that is adjustable in accordance with a control signal. A transmit/receive module couples the transformer to the receiver section in a receive mode and to the transmitter section in a transmit mode. The control signal controls the transformer to a first impedance in the transmit mode and controls the transformer to a second impedance in the receive mode.

Abstract: The radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) electrostatic discharge (ESD) circuit includes an integrated circuit pad and a radio frequency (RF) ESD circuit. The integrated circuit pad provides coupling to an antenna. The RF ESD circuit is coupled to the integrated circuit pad, wherein the RF ESD circuit provides ESD protection at the integrated circuit pad, provides coupling of inbound RF signals from the antenna to low noise amplifier, and provides coupling of outbound RF signals from a power amplifier to the antenna.

Abstract: A circuit package providing voltage isolation includes at least one output and first circuitry located in a substrate of the circuit package for performing an operation. A transformer located in the metal layers of the circuit package provides voltage isolation between the first circuitry and the at least one output.

Abstract: There is provided a transceiver comprising a first node for receiving a received signal and transmitting a transmitted signal; a receiver, connected between a first voltage and the first node, for processing the received signal; a transmitter, connected between a second voltage and the first node, for generating the transmitted signal; and a DC voltage controller for selecting a DC component of a voltage of the first node to at least one of: selectively activate at least one of the transmitter and the receiver; and selectively substantially deactivate at least one of the transmitter and receiver.

Abstract: A hybrid on-chip-off-chip transformer includes an off-chip winding section and an on-chip winding section. The off-chip winding section is coupled to produce a first electromagnetic signal from a reference source. The on-chip winding section is coupled to derive a second electromagnetic signal from the first electromagnetic signal when the on-chip winding section is with in a proximal coupling distance of the off-chip winding section.