Patent ID: 7202768
Filing Date: 2007-04-10
Classification: H01F

Abstract:
1. A tunable inductor comprising: an inductor that induces a magnetic field in response to current flowing through the inductor; a first eddy current coil in proximity to the inductor; a first switch to couple the first eddy current coil to ground to prevent eddy current from flowing within the first eddy current coil in response to the magnetic field, and to decouple the first eddy current coil from ground to permit the eddy current to flow within the first eddy current coil in response to the magnetic field, wherein the first eddy current reduces an effective inductance of the inductor a second eddy current coil in proximity to the inductor, wherein the first eddy current coil and the second eddy current coil are on opposite sides of the inductor; a second switch to couple the second eddy current coil to ground to prevent eddy current from flowing within the second eddy current coil in response to the magnetic field, and to decouple the second eddy current coil from ground to permit the eddy current to flow within the second eddy current coil in response to the magnetic field, wherein the eddy current flowing in the second eddy current coil reduces an effective inductance of the inductor.