Patent ID: 10134518

Abstract:
Radio frequency (RF) transmission line transformers are disclosed. Unlike conventional transformers that employ magnetic cores that transmit energy from input to output through magnetic flux linkages, the embodiments of the RF transmission line transformer disclosed herein transfer energy by configuring transformer coils as balanced transmission lines. More specifically, the RF transmission line transformers have a primary transformer coil that forms at least one primary winding and a secondary transformer coil that forms at least a pair of secondary windings. The primary winding of the primary transformer coil is disposed between the pair of secondary windings so that the primary winding forms a different balanced transmission line with each one of the pair of secondary windings. This results in greater bandwidth and higher transformer power efficiency (TPE) at RF frequencies. Furthermore, the arrangement allows for reduced parasitic inductances and capacitances and thus is particularly advantageous when utilized in laminated substrates.