Abstract: An impedance synthesis method for fundamental and harmonic frequencies using multi section tuners, because of the huge amount of possible tuning permutations, employs a search strategy based on the minimization of an ERROR FUNCTION (EF), in two steps: in a first step a coarse calibration grid is generated and the raw area is found which allows an approximate solution to the tuning task at the fundamental frequency; then a fine impedance grid is generated around the first solution using calibrated and interpolated points at all harmonic frequencies; a second search step, using the same EF, then allows fine tuning. Among the several, numerically found solutions, the most reliable one is selected based on a sensitivity criterion, which calculates the impedance change for a possible small error in repeatability of each tuning element and selects the one with the lowest sensitivity to element setting errors.

Abstract: An impedance tuner system that uses at least one passive tuner and at least one active tuner to control one or more impedances at a reference plane or planes. Each of the at least one active tuners operates at a target frequency at which the impedance is to be controlled. The passive tuner is set to a passive tuner target impedance before active tuners are set to their target impedances.

Abstract: A nonreciprocal transmission line apparatus is provided with a cascade connection of unit cells between ports. Each unit cell includes a transmission line part for a microwave signal, and shunt branch circuits equivalently including inductive elements. Each unit cells has spontaneous magnetization or is magnetized by an external magnetic field so as to have gyrotropy by being magnetized in a magnetization direction different from a propagation direction of the transmission line part. In each of the unit cells, the shunt branch circuits includes a first stub conductor formed on one side with respect to a plane composed of the propagation direction and the magnetization direction, and a second stub conductor formed on the other side with respect to the plane, and the stub conductors have different electric length from each other.

Abstract: Electrical networks are formed to produce an approximation of at least one desired performance characteristic, based on the recognition that fabrication variations introduce slight differences in electronic sub-networks which were intended to be identical. These fabrication differences are turned to an advantage by providing a pool of sub-networks, and then selectively connecting particular combinations of these sub-networks to implement networks that approximate the desired performance characteristics. The sub-networks are of like kind (e.g., resistors) and have a like measure.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a tuning system for a communication device having an antenna, where the tuning system includes at least one first tunable element connected with at least one radiating element of the antenna for tuning the antenna where the adjusting of the at least one first tunable element is based on at least one of a use case associated with the communication device and location information associated with the communication device, and a matching network having at least one second tunable element coupled at a feed point of the antenna, wherein the matching network receives control signals for adjusting the at least one second tunable element to tune the matching network. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for directional coupler termination impedance control are provided. In one embodiment, a method for termination impedance selection of a directional coupler in a power amplifier module is provided. The method includes determining at least one of a power mode or a frequency band of operation of the power amplifier module. The method further includes selecting a termination impedance of the directional coupler based on the determination using at least one switch.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining the amplitude and the phase of an impedance connected on a transmission line, including a bidirectional coupler having a first line interposed on the transmission line and having a second line providing at its respective ends two measurement signals, and a balun having its respective differential-mode inputs receiving data representative of the measurement signals.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an adaptive impedance matching network having an RF matching network coupled to at least one RF input port and at least one RF output port and comprising one or more controllable variable reactive elements. The RF matching network can be adapted to reduce a level of reflected power transferred from said at least one input port by varying signals applied to said controllable variable reactive elements. The one or more controllable variable reactive elements can be coupled to a circuit adapted to map one or more control signals that are output from a controller to a signal range that is compatible with said one or more controllable variable reactive elements. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device includes a matching stage coupled between a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal. A signal path extends between the first signal terminal and the second terminal. An adjustable impedance element is connected to the signal path. A detection circuit is coupled to the signal path and configured to derive matching information. A control circuit is coupled between the detection circuit and the adjustable impedance element. The control circuit is configured to control the adjustable impedance element.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, an apparatus having an RF matching network including one or more variable reactive elements, where the RF matching network has a first port coupled to a transceiver and second port coupled to an antenna. The RF matching network can modify signal power transferred between the first port and the second port according to one or more bias signals applied to the one or more variable reactive elements to vary a variable impedance of the RF matching network. The one or more variable reactive elements are coupled to a circuit that maps one or more control signals to the one or more bias signals, and wherein the one or more control signals are generated by a controller according to a mode of operation of a communication device. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure can include, for example, an apparatus having a matching network adapted to reduce a magnitude of a signal reflection at a port of the matching network. The matching network can have one or more controllable variable reactive elements. A controller can be adapted to determine reflection coefficient information from incident and reflected waves sampled at the port of the matching network, and follow at least one cycle of a coarse tune process for generating one or more control signals to tune one or more reactances of the one or more controllable variable reactive elements. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

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: Disclosed are a method and a circuit for impedance matching. The method comprises: a peripheral impedance detection module detecting an impedance of a subscriber telephone and outputting information about the impedance of the subscriber telephone; an analog switch switching module providing an impedance matching path between the impedance of the subscriber telephone and an impedance matching module according to the information about the impedance of the subscriber telephone output by the peripheral impedance detection module; the impedance matching module providing a corresponding impedance through the impedance matching path provided by the analog switch switching module to match to said impedance of the subscriber telephone. By the present invention, the impedance matching is achieved when a wireless access box communicates with telephones with various impedance modes.

Abstract: A resistance measuring method includes: measuring a resistance value of a first path which is formed from an interface pad through a resistor unit to a ground node; measuring a resistance value of a second path which is formed from the interface pad to the ground node but does not pass through the resistor unit; and calculating a resistance value of the resistor unit by subtracting the resistance value of the second path from the resistance value of the first path.

Abstract: Electrical networks are formed to produce an approximation of at least one desired performance characteristic, based on the recognition that fabrication variations introduce slight differences in electronic sub-networks which were intended to be identical. These fabrication differences are turned to an advantage by providing a pool of sub-networks, and then selectively connecting particular combinations of these sub-networks to implement networks that approximate the desired performance characteristics. The sub-networks are of like kind (e.g., resistors) and have a like measure.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical VHF harmonic load pull tuner is made as a cascade of three independent tuning sections, each including three adjustable shunt air capacitors inter-connected using coaxial cables of appropriate length, or one section of nine shunt capacitors inter-connected using coaxial cables; each capacitor is adjustable to at least 20 values (states); the tuner creates independently controllable impedances at three (harmonic) frequencies in the frequency range between 10 and 150 MHz. An Error Function-based optimization algorithm allows impedance tuning at three frequencies independently, by optimized searching among the more than 209?512,000,000,000 possible combined tuner states. This allows matching the output of VHF transistors and amplifiers at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies. Stepper motors, drivers and control software are used to automate, calibrate and use the harmonic tuner in an automated harmonic load pull measuring setup.

Abstract: Methods for generating a look-up table relating a plurality of complex reflection coefficients to a plurality of matched states for a tunable matching network. Typical steps include measuring a plurality of complex reflection coefficients resulting from a plurality of impedance loads while the tunable matching network is in a predetermined state, determining a plurality of matched states for the plurality of impedance loads, with a matched state determined for each of the plurality of impedance loads and providing the determined matched states as a look-up table. A further step is interpolating the measured complex reflection coefficients and the determined matching states into a set of complex reflection coefficients with predetermined step sizes.

Abstract: A communication system is provided, including an antenna, a matching network coupled to the antenna, a controller configured to control the matching network, and a look-up table coupled to the controller. The look-up table includes characterization data according to frequency bands and conditions. The controller is configured to refer to the look-up table to determine optimum impedance for a frequency band selected under a condition detected during a time interval, and adjust the matching network to provide the optimum impedance.

Abstract: A low profile antenna using a cavity-backed central radiating surface surrounded by one or more ground plane surfaces. Passively reconfigurable structure provide frequency dependent coupling between the surfaces. The frequency dependent couplings may be implemented using meander line structures, Variable Impedance Transmission Lines (VITLs), or tunable VITLs that used interspersed electroactive sections.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for limiting tuning of a matching network having variable reactive elements coupled to a variable load impedance to at least reduce an undesirable effect caused by an RF signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a variable impedance circuit including an antenna having a tunable component. The tunable component can be operable to receive a variable signal to cause the tunable component to change an impedance of the antenna. The tunable component can include a first conductor coupled to the antenna, a second conductor, and a tunable material positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor, where at least one of the first conductor or the second conductor, or both are adapted to receive the variable signal to cause the change in the impedance of the antenna. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A device includes a matching stage coupled between a first signal terminal and a second signal terminal. A signal path extends between the first signal terminal and the second terminal. An adjustable impedance element is connected to the signal path. A detection circuit is coupled to the signal path and configured to derive matching information. A control circuit is coupled between the detection circuit and the adjustable impedance element. The control circuit is configured to control the adjustable impedance element.

Abstract: Provided are an impedance matching method and a matching system performing the same. The method includes: measuring an electrical characteristic of the power transmission line including the matching system and the load; extracting a control parameter for impedance matching from the electrical characteristic of the power transmission line; and controlling the matching system by using the control parameter. The extracting of the control parameter comprises utilizing an analytic coordinate system that quantitatively relates the electrical characteristic of the matching system to the electrical characteristic of the power transmission line.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for matching the antenna of a radio device in transmitting condition. The antenna impedance in the output of the power amplifier of a transmitter is adjusted by means of a ?-shaped reactive matching circuit, the component values of which can be selected from a relatively wide array of the alternatives. The component values are selected using multiple-way switches, which only are located in the transverse branches of the matching circuit. The switches are set by the control unit, input variables of which being the SWR value provided by the directional coupler, the operating band used each time and a value of the transmitting power. The matching is based on an adjusting process to be executed at regular intervals, in which process the control unit tries different combinations of the switch states and finally selects the combination, which brings the lowest SWR value.

Abstract: Single and multi-probe slide screw impedance tuners incorporate DC bias networks. The bias networks can be inserted at the test port, between DUT and first tuner probe/slug, or at the idle port, between tuner probe/slug and load or source. The bias networks are designed and optimized for different frequency and DC power (current, voltage) ranges and are insertable and exchangeable, depending on the application. The effects are short-circuit protection, higher compactness and shorter supply lines leading to: a) better control of spurious oscillations and IF impedance and b) improved sideband up-mixing behavior of the DUT in modulated-signal nonlinear applications.

Abstract: Wideband and multi-section probes (slugs) for slide-screw impedance tuners use means for mechanical limitation of vertical movement towards the center conductor of the slablines, in form of cross bar structures and/or adjustable screws or dowel pins, in order to prevent the probes from having mechanical/galvanic contact with the center conductor of the slabline. The limiting screws or dowel pins can be mounted on the probes themselves or on the vertical tuner axis. Fine adjustment allows optimizing the maximum reflection factor at various frequency ranges and probe sizes.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present disclosure provides an impedance matching circuit including a matching network. The matching network includes a first port and a second port, and one or more variable reactance components. The one or more variable reactance components are operable to receive one or more variable voltage signals to cause the one or more variable reactance components to change an impedance of the matching network. At least one of the one or more variable reactance components includes a first conductor coupled to one of the first port or the second port of the matching network, a second conductor, and a tunable material positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor. Additionally, at least one of the first conductor and the second conductor are adapted to receive the one or more variable voltage signals to cause the change in the impedance of the matching network. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved variable matching network for use in a multi-band, multi-mode communications device provides dynamic, fine-tune impedance matching based on current operational conditions associated with a given signal. In one embodiment, gross parameters are selected based on one or more of the operational conditions. Delta parameters are provided using an optimization algorithm based on one or more of the operational conditions. And the gross and delta parameters are combined to obtain overall matching parameters that dynamically fine-tune discrete matching circuitry.

Abstract: According to the general concept disclosed herein, a circuit for adaptive matching of a load impedance to a predetermined load-line impedance of a load-line connected to a power amplifier output includes a fixed matching network between the power transistor and an adaptive matching network, whereby the fixed matching network acts as an impedance inverter which results in a relatively low insertion loss at high power. Results indicate that the impedance-inverting network can be used over more than a factor of 10 in impedance variation. Further, the usage of the fixed matching network, close to the power transistor, allows for the implementation of transmission zeros and/or for a well defined load impedance at a predetermined harmonic frequency, independent of the (variable) load impedance at the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: An electronic device for processing radio frequency signals includes an antenna, an RF circuit, and a matching circuit. The matching circuit provides variable impedance between the antenna and the RF circuit. The antenna is capable of operating in a first frequency band or a second frequency band according to the variable impedance The matching circuit includes a first element; a second element; a first tuning cell connected to the first element and the second element, and comprising a first tuning element, a second tuning element and a first control element, the first control element determining whether to make a first node connected between the first and second tuning elements couple to a voltage level according to a first control signal; and a selecting circuit coupled to the first control element and configured to generate the first control signal so as to adjust the variable impedance.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a matching network for a communication device having first and second antennas, where the matching network includes a first variable component connectable and a detector. The first variable component can be connectable along a first path between the first antenna and a front end module of the communication device, where the first antenna is configured for transmit and receive operation. The detector can be connectable along a second path between the second antenna and the front end module of the communication device, where the detector obtains an RF voltage associated with the second path, where the second antenna is configured for a diversity receive operation, and where the first variable component is adjusted based on the detected RF voltage to tune the matching network. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic slide screw impedance tuner uses one or more adjustable RF probes, either independently movable or linked together, in order to generate high VSWR; precise alignment of two RF probes inside the same slabline is critical, since they must glide seamlessly inside the slabline slot, very closely to the center conductor over large horizontal displacements; a self-aligning link between the tuner axis and the probes is made using a flexible steel blade and allows one or both of them to be mounted on the tuner's vertical axis in a manner that allows lateral and tilting self-alignment of the probe with hysteresis-free movement in vertical and horizontal directions, as required for exact re-positioning of the probe in the slabline during measurement. In case of multiple probes mounted on the same tuner axis the steel blade link provides also for variable spacing for optimum frequency operation of the tuner.

Abstract: In a ferrite phase shifter, a temperature rise at ferrites can be suppressed to maintain the characteristics of the frites even when used at high power. Thus, the phase shifter can stably demonstrate high performance. The ferrite phase shifter includes a rectangular waveguide, substantially sheet-like ferrites disposed to face each other with respective mounting surfaces kept in tight contact with inner walls of wide surfaces of the rectangular waveguide facing each other, and a coil which is wound around the periphery of the rectangular waveguide in a position substantially corresponding to the position of the ferrites and through which a current is passed.

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: Methods for generating a look-up table relating a plurality of complex reflection coefficients to a plurality of matched states for a tunable matching network. Typical steps include measuring a plurality of complex reflection coefficients resulting from a plurality of impedance loads while the tunable matching network is in a predetermined state, determining a plurality of matched states for the plurality of impedance loads, with a matched state determined for each of the plurality of impedance loads and providing the determined matched states as a look-up table. A further step is interpolating the measured complex reflection coefficients and the determined matching states into a set of complex reflection coefficients with predetermined step sizes.

Abstract: An impedance tuner may include a shunt stub located at a fixed location along the transmission media, and a phase shifter to control the reflection phase. Another embodiment includes an adjustable length shunt stub connected on the transmission media, a variable phase shifter connected between the DUT port and the adjustable length shunt stub, a probe arranged for movement in a direction transverse to the direction of signal propagation. Another embodiment includes a reflection magnitude control system mounted in a fixed position relative to a direction of signal propagation along the transmission media, and a phase shifter to control a reflection phase.

Abstract: An automatic multi frequency-range electro-mechanical impedance tuner covers frequencies from a low megahertz to a high gigahertz range, by combining a high frequency with one or two a low frequency tuner modules; the low frequency module is made using either variable phase shifter-capacitor or multi-capacitor-transmission line tuner structures. The high frequency module is a single, double or triple probe slide screw tuner covering up to 1.5 decades in frequency; the low frequency tuner is using cascades of three or more capacitor-coax cable tuning sections or a low frequency phase shifter combined with a variable shunt capacitor; the low frequency tuner can operate as low as a few megahertz whereas the high frequency tuner can operate up to several gigahertz. Depending on the application, low frequency parallel-blade capacitors or high frequency coaxial trimmers are used.

Abstract: Compact electro-mechanical impedance tuners for frequencies as low as 1 MHz use the concept of a cylindrical transmission line with the signal conductor being a spiral wire wound around a metallic cylinder and separated from it by a layer of dielectric material. A conductive wheel is running over the spiral wire and, as the cylinder rotates, the transmission phase between one terminal of the spiral wire and the wheel changes. By connecting a rotating parallel plate variable capacitor to the wheel creates an impedance tuner, capable of generating high reflection factors at very low frequencies at any area of the Smith chart. By cascading two or more such tuners allows tuning at harmonic frequencies at the rate of one frequency per tuner section. The reduction in size comparing with traditional transmission line tuners is of the order of 150:1.

Abstract: A method for calibrating multi carriage-multi probe impedance tuners for synthesizing distinct, user defined impedances at a number of harmonic frequencies, employs two-port s-parameter characterization of the tuning sections on a pre-calibrated vector network analyzer at a pre-selected number of probe positions. All tuner probes are wideband and capable of creating high reflection factor at all harmonic frequencies considered. The data are saved in memory and all permutations of the s-parameters at all harmonic frequencies are generated. Subsequently the data are organized blocks based on reflection factor values fitting in a number of segments of the Smith chart; this allows accelerated numeric search through a pre-selection of data block depending on the target reflection factor chosen. The method can be used for two three and four probe tuners.

Abstract: An apparatus for matching impedance within a Radio Frequency (RF) integrated circuit is presented. The apparatus includes a first impedance element placed in an RF signal path, an first inductor fabricated on the integrated circuit and connected to the first impedance element, and an adjustable capacitance circuit connected in series with the first inductor and placed between the first inductor and a ground node, where the adjustable capacitance circuit is adjusted to tune the inductance of the first inductor. A method for tuning an inductor is presented. The method includes ascertaining a target inductance value for an inductor in a RF integrated circuit, and determining a capacitance value of an adjustable capacitance circuit so that, when coupled to the inductor, the combined impedance of the adjustable capacitance circuit and the inductor is tuned to the ascertained target inductance value.

Abstract: A load impedance decision device, a wireless power transmission device, and a wireless power transmission method are provided. At least one of a distance and an angle between two resonators may be measured. A load impedance may be determined based on at least one of the measured distance and the measured angle. When the distance between the two resonators changes, a high power transfer efficiency may be maintained without using a separate matching circuit. Where the load impedance is determined, a test power may be transmitted. Depending on a power transfer efficiency of the test power, the load impedance may be controlled and power may be wirelessly transmitted from the source resonator to the target resonator.

Abstract: An impedance matching, harmonic electromagnetic tuner has an airline with multiple slots to reduce the overall length of the tuner. At least one RF probe is disposed within each slot so that it can be moved parallel to, towards and/or away from a center conductor. Each of the probes may be put in user selectable positions to create a user selectable impedance.

Abstract: Methods for generating a look-up table relating a plurality of complex reflection coefficients to a plurality of matched states for a tunable matching network. Typical steps include measuring a plurality of complex reflection coefficients resulting from a plurality of impedance loads while the tunable matching network is in a predetermined state, determining a plurality of matched states for the plurality of impedance loads, with a matched state determined for each of the plurality of impedance loads and providing the determined matched states as a look-up table. A further step is interpolating the measured complex reflection coefficients and the determined matching states into a set of complex reflection coefficients with predetermined step sizes.

Abstract: Slide screw impedance tuners use resonant probes in order to avoid uncontrollable reflection factors at harmonic frequencies in high power load pull transistor testing. The tuners use either coaxial slotted airlines or slablines. The probes are coupled capacitively with the central conductor of the airline and are either slotted with associated spring loaded effect for better galvanic ground contact, or solid dielectrically coated or anodized and carefully machined for slide fitting into the slabline opening or the coaxial line slot, for capacitive contact with the ground plane. The probes allow for selective reflection behavior over a given frequency range, which does not include unwanted frequencies, such as harmonic or sub-harmonic frequencies.

Abstract: An automatic tuning circuit for matching an antenna to a radio receiver. The automatic tuning circuit includes a tunable non-Foster circuit for coupling the receiver and the antenna; and sensing and feedback circuits for sensing the combined capacitance of the tunable non-Foster circuit and the antenna and for tuning the tunable non-Foster circuit to automatically minimize the combined capacitance of the tunable non-Foster circuit and the antenna.

Abstract: An impedance matching, harmonic electromagnetic tuner has an airline with multiple slots to reduce the overall length of the tuner. At least one RF probe is disposed within each slot so that it can be moved parallel to, towards and/or away from a center conductor. Each of the probes may be put in user selectable positions to create a user selectable impedance.

Abstract: An automatic tuning circuit for matching an antenna to a radio receiver. The automatic tuning circuit includes a tunable non-Foster circuit for coupling the receiver and the antenna; and sensing and feedback circuits for sensing the combined capacitance of the tunable non-Foster circuit and the antenna and for tuning the tunable non-Foster circuit to automatically minimize the combined capacitance of the tunable non-Foster circuit and the antenna.

Abstract: Compact electro-mechanical impedance tuners for frequencies as low as 1 MHz use the concept of a cylindrical transmission line with the signal conductor being a spiral wire wound around a metallic cylinder and separated from it by a layer of dielectric material. A conductive wheel is running over the spiral wire and, as the cylinder rotates, the transmission phase between one terminal of the spiral wire and the wheel changes. By connecting a rotating parallel plate variable capacitor to the wheel creates an impedance tuner, capable of generating high reflection factors at very low frequencies at any area of the Smith chart. By cascading two or more such tuners allows tuning at harmonic frequencies at the rate of one frequency per tuner section. The reduction in size comparing with traditional transmission line tuners is of the order of 150:1.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing the user of a power generator coupled to a time-varying load, to define an alternative reference impedance to enable on or more metrics to be provided relative to the alternative reference impedance. The metrics, for example, may provide indicia of performance of the power generator system. One illustrative embodiment provides a power delivery system that applies power to a plasma chamber to create a plasma therein; determines a reference impedance of the plasma at an operating condition; and controls the power delivery system based on the determined reference impedance.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a radio transmitter may be provided. The radio transmitter may include a radio transmitter control loop; and a controller configured in such a way that it operates the radio transmitter control loop as a closed control loop in a first operating mode, and that it operates the radio transmitter control loop as an open control loop in a second operating mode.