Patent ID: 7107026

Claim:
A matching and tuning network for connecting a source of RF power to a complex load, the network comprising: a primary circuit comprising an adjustable tuning capacitor connected in series with a primary winding of a pair of mutually coupled coils adapted to connect to a source of RF power; a secondary circuit comprising a series connection of a secondary winding of said pair of mutually coupled coils and a fixed capacitor connected to an input of a transformer; and a tertiary circuit comprising a connection of an output of the transformer and an input of a tapped loading coil connected to said load; the matching and tuning network further comprises: input voltage sensing means; input current sensing means; impedance detector means connected to both said input voltage sensing means and said input current sensing means; a phase detector means; and antenna current sensing means; wherein the impedance detector means controls means for varying the coupling between said primary winding and said secondary winding of said pair of mutually coupled coils, said phase detector means controls means for varying the inductance of the tapped loading coil so as to maintain a constant input impedance and a zero phase angle at the input to the network and said antenna current sensing means controls means for varying the output power level of the source of RF power.