Abstract: A self-tuning variable impedance circuit provides improved performance. A variation in the power applied to the variable impedance circuit causes a corresponding change in the impedance of the circuit, resulting in improved performance. For example, the variable impedance circuit may be a matching circuit that “follows” the output power of a power amplifier, thereby increasing the power efficiency of the power amplifier.

Abstract: Ferroelectric thin film devices including a passivation structure to reduce or control a leakage path between two electrodes and along an interface between a ferroelectric thin film layer and a passivation layer are described. Methods for fabricating such devices are also disclosed. The passivation structure includes a first passivation layer that includes an opening exposing a portion of the ferroelectric thin film layer allowing a second passivation layer to contact the thin film layer through the opening. In an exemplary embodiment, the opening is a rectangular ring surrounding an active region of a capacitor. In another exemplary embodiment, the second passivation layer also contacts the second electrode, a portion of which is also exposed through the opening. In another exemplary embodiment, current flows along the interface between the thin film layer and the passivation layer in an integrated resistor.

Abstract: A tuning circuit for use in an electrical circuit network is disclosed. The tuning circuit includes a bridge circuit. The bridge circuit comprises a first adjustable capacitance grouping, a second adjustable capacitance grouping and a third adjustable capacitance grouping. Each adjustable capacitance grouping includes at least one tunable capacitor and a bias port. In one embodiment, the tunable capacitor is comprised of a tunable thin-film barium strontium titanate (“BST”) capacitor. A first lead and a second lead couple to, or extend from, the bridge circuit. The leads are configured to couple with a coupling element and a shunt element of the electrical circuit network so that when the leads are grounded, one adjustable capacitance group is grounded and the remaining adjustable capacitance group couple with a bias voltage to appropriately tune the electrical circuit to achieve desired electrical characteristics.