CN116648854A - Amplifier with Switchable Transformer - Google Patents
Amplifier with Switchable Transformer Download PDFInfo
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- CN116648854A CN116648854A CN202280008334.6A CN202280008334A CN116648854A CN 116648854 A CN116648854 A CN 116648854A CN 202280008334 A CN202280008334 A CN 202280008334A CN 116648854 A CN116648854 A CN 116648854A
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Abstract
In certain aspects, an apparatus comprises: a first amplifier having a first output and a second output, and a transformer. The transformer includes: a first switchable inductor coupled between the first output terminal and the second output terminal; a first capacitor coupled in parallel with the first switchable inductor; a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the second switchable inductor; a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; and a third capacitor coupled in parallel with the third switchable inductor.
Description
Cross Reference to Related Applications
The present application claims priority and benefit from non-provisional patent application Ser. No. 17/647,534 filed by the United states patent office at 1 month 10 of 2022 and provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/139,259 filed by the United states patent office at 1 month 19 of 2021, which are incorporated herein in their entireties as if fully set forth below in their entireties and for all purposes.
Technical Field
Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to wireless communications, and more particularly, to amplifiers with switchable transformers.
Background
A wireless device includes a transmitter for transmitting signals via one or more antennas. The transmitter may include a plurality of amplifiers to amplify the signal before the signal is transmitted. The amplifiers may include Variable Gain Amplifiers (VGAs), driver amplifiers, and Power Amplifiers (PAs). The transformer may act as a load for the amplifier to implement a bandpass filter for amplifying signals within the desired frequency band. Transformers may also be used in transmitters to convert differential signals to single-ended signals, to convert single-ended signals to differential signals, and/or to provide impedance matching.
Disclosure of Invention
The following presents a simplified summary of one or more implementations in order to provide a basic understanding of such implementations. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated implementations, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all implementations nor delineate the scope of any or all implementations. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more implementations in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The first aspect relates to an apparatus. The apparatus includes an input amplifier having a first output and a second output, and a transformer. The transformer includes: a first switchable inductor coupled between the first output terminal and the second output terminal; a first capacitor coupled in parallel with the first switchable inductor; a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the second switchable inductor; a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; and a third capacitor coupled in parallel with the third switchable inductor.
A second aspect relates to a method for operating a device. The apparatus includes a first amplifier and a transformer, the transformer including: a first switchable inductor coupled to the first amplifier; a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; and a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor. The method includes, in a first mode, switching a first switchable inductor to a first inductance, enabling a second switchable inductor, and disabling a third switchable inductor. The method further includes, in a second mode, switching the first switchable inductor to a second inductor, disabling the second switchable inductor, and enabling a third switchable inductor.
A third aspect relates to an apparatus. The apparatus includes a first amplifier having a first output and a second output, and a transformer. The transformer includes at least one first inductor, at least one second inductor, wherein the at least one first inductor and the at least one second inductor are coupled between a first output and a second output of the first amplifier, and at least one first switch coupled in parallel with the at least one second inductor. The transformer further includes at least one third inductor magnetically coupled to the at least one first inductor and the at least one second inductor, at least one second switch coupled in series with the at least one third inductor, and a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the at least one second inductor and the at least one second switch. The transformer further includes at least one fourth inductor magnetically coupled to the at least one first inductor, at least one third switch coupled in series with the at least one fourth inductor, and a third capacitor coupled in parallel with the at least one fourth inductor and the at least one third switch.
Drawings
Fig. 1 illustrates an example of an amplifier with a transformer in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary implementation of an amplifier according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a transformer providing a wideband frequency response covering multiple frequency bands in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4A illustrates an example of an amplifier with a switchable transformer in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4B illustrates an example of an amplifier coupled to a switchable transformer via a coupling capacitor in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 4C illustrates another example of an amplifier with a switchable transformer in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 5A illustrates an exemplary frequency response in a first mode in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 5B illustrates an exemplary frequency response in a second mode in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of a switching circuit according to certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 7A illustrates an exemplary inductor in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 7B illustrates an example of the inductor in fig. 7A, wherein one portion of the inductor intersects another portion of the inductor, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 8A illustrates another example inductor in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 8B illustrates an example of the inductor in fig. 8A, wherein one portion of the inductor spans another portion of the inductor, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 9 illustrates yet another example inductor in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 10 illustrates an example in which the example inductors shown in fig. 7A, 8A, and 9 overlap to form a switchable transformer, in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a system including a switchable transformer and a plurality of amplifiers in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 12 illustrates an example of a transmitter including a power amplifier and an antenna in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 13 illustrates an example of a transmitter including an antenna array in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 14 illustrates another example of a transmitter including a power amplifier and an antenna in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 15 illustrates another example of a transmitter including an antenna array in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 16 is a diagram of an environment including an electronic device including a transceiver in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for operating a device in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.
Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a system 110 in a transmitter in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The system 110 is configured to amplify the signal before the signal is transmitted via one or more antennas (not shown) coupled to the transmitter. In one example, system 110 receives an Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal from a previous stage (not shown) that converts a baseband signal from a baseband processor to an IF signal. In this example, system 110 amplifies the IF signal and outputs the amplified IF signal to a subsequent stage (not shown) that up-converts the amplified IF signal to a Radio Frequency (RF) signal for transmission. The IF signal may have a frequency in the gigahertz range. In other implementations, the system 110 may amplify the RF signal.
In certain aspects, the system 110 is configured to amplify signals (e.g., IF signals) in multiple frequency bands. The multiple frequency bands may be used for different wireless communication technologies supported by the transmitter or may be used for the same wireless communication technology. In one example, the system 110 is configured to amplify signals in a first frequency band and signals in a second frequency band. The first frequency band and the second frequency band may be continuous or discontinuous.
In the example of fig. 1, the system 110 includes a first amplifier 120, a transformer 130, a second amplifier 150, and a third amplifier 160. In one example, the first amplifier 120 is used to amplify signals in both the first frequency band and the second frequency band, the second amplifier 150 is used to amplify signals in the first frequency band, and the third amplifier 160 is used to amplify signals in the second frequency band. As discussed further below, the transformer 130 acts as a load for the first amplifier 120 to implement a bandpass filter having a wide passband covering both the first frequency band and the second frequency band.
In this example, the first amplifier 120 is a differential amplifier having differential inputs and differential outputs, wherein the differential inputs include a first input 122 and a second input 124, and the differential outputs include a first output 126 and a second output 128. The outputs 126 and 128 of the first amplifier 120 are coupled to the primary side of a transformer 130, wherein the transformer 130 provides a load for the first amplifier 120. In this example, the first amplifier 120 is configured to receive a differential signal (e.g., a differential IF signal) in both the first frequency band and the second frequency band from a previous stage (not shown), and drive the primary side of the transformer 130 based on the received differential signal. An exemplary implementation of the first amplifier 120 is discussed below with reference to fig. 2.
The second amplifier 150 has a differential input comprising a first input 152 and a second input 154. In the example shown in fig. 1, system 110 includes: a first switch 172 coupled between the first input 152 of the second amplifier 150 and the secondary side of the transformer 130; and a second switch 174 coupled between the second input 154 of the second amplifier 150 and the secondary side of the transformer 130. As discussed further below, the second amplifier 150 is configured to amplify signals in the first frequency band in the first mode and output the amplified signals in the first frequency band to a subsequent stage (e.g., a first mixer for up-conversion to RF).
The third amplifier 160 has a differential input comprising a first input 162 and a second input 164. The system 110 includes: a third switch 176 coupled between the first input 162 of the third amplifier 160 and the secondary side of the transformer 130; and a fourth switch 178 coupled between the second input 164 of the third amplifier 160 and the secondary side of the transformer 130. As discussed further below, the third amplifier 160 is configured to amplify signals in the second frequency band in the second mode and output the amplified signals in the second frequency band to a subsequent stage (e.g., a second mixer for up-conversion to RF). Thus, in this example, the first amplifier 120 amplifies signals in two frequency bands, the second amplifier 150 further amplifies signals in the first frequency band, and the third amplifier 160 further amplifies signals in the second frequency band.
In the first mode, the controller 180 turns on (i.e., closes) the first switch 172 and the second switch 174, and turns off (i.e., opens) the third switch 176 and the fourth switch 178. Thus, in the first mode, the differential input of the second amplifier 150 is coupled to the secondary side of the transformer 130 to amplify signals in the first frequency band. In the second mode, the controller 180 turns on (i.e., closes) the third switch 176 and the fourth switch 178, and turns off (i.e., opens) the first switch 172 and the second switch 174. Thus, in the second mode, the differential input of the third amplifier 160 is coupled to the secondary side of the transformer 130 to amplify signals in the second frequency band. It should be noted that for ease of illustration, the various connections between the controller 180 and the switches 172, 174, 176 and 178 are not shown in fig. 1.
In the example of fig. 1, the primary side of the transformer 130 includes a first inductor 144 and a first capacitor 142 coupled in parallel between the first terminal 132 and the second terminal 134 of the transformer 130. The secondary side of the transformer 130 includes a second inductor 146 and a second capacitor 148 coupled in parallel between the third terminal 136 and the fourth terminal 138 of the transformer 130. The first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146 are magnetically coupled (i.e., inductively coupled). The magnetic coupling transfers signal power from the primary side to the secondary side of the transformer 130.
In this example, the differential output of the first amplifier 120 is coupled to the primary side of the transformer 130. More particularly, the first output 126 of the first amplifier 120 is coupled to a first terminal 132 of the transformer 130, and the second output 128 of the first amplifier 120 is coupled to a second terminal 134 of the transformer 130.
In this example, a first switch 172 is coupled between the first input 152 of the second amplifier 150 and the third terminal 136 of the transformer 130, and a second switch 174 is coupled between the second input 154 of the second amplifier 150 and the fourth terminal 138 of the transformer 130.
In this example, a third switch 176 is coupled between the first input 162 of the third amplifier 160 and the third terminal 136 of the transformer 130, and a fourth switch 178 is coupled between the second input 164 of the third amplifier 160 and the fourth terminal 138 of the transformer 130.
As discussed above, the first amplifier 120 drives the primary side of the transformer 130 based on a differential signal (e.g., a differential IF signal) received at a differential input of the first amplifier 120 at a previous stage (not shown). In this regard, fig. 2 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the first amplifier 120 in accordance with certain aspects. In this example, the first amplifier 120 is a variable gain amplifier.
In the example of fig. 2, the first amplifier 120 includes: a first set of branches 230-1 to 230-n coupled between the first output 126 and ground; and a second set of branches 240-1 to 240-n coupled between the second output 128 and ground. Each of the first set of branches 230-1 through 230-n includes a respective input transistor 210-1 through 210-n and a respective switch 215-1 through 215-n. In each of the first set of branches 230-1 to 230-n, the gate of the respective input transistor 210-1 to 210-n (e.g., NFET) is coupled to the first input 122 and the respective switch 215-1 to 215-n is coupled between the respective input transistor 210-1 to 210-n and the first output 126. Each of the second set of branches 240-1 to 240-n includes a respective input transistor 220-1 to 220-n and a respective switch 225-1 to 225-n. In each of the second set of branches 240-1 to 240-n, the gate of the respective input transistor 220-1 to 220-n (e.g., NFET) is coupled to the second input 124, and the respective switch 225-1 to 225-n is coupled between the respective input transistor 220-1 to 220-n and the second output 128.
In this example, a gain controller (not shown) uses the control signal C by control 1 To C n The number of enabled branches 230-1 to 230-n and 240-1 to 240-n controls the gain of the first amplifier 120. The greater the number of branches enabled, the higher the gain. The gain controller enables the branch by closing a respective switch (e.g., a respective one of switches 215-1 through 215-n and 225-1 through 225-n) and disables the branch by opening the respective switch. In operation, the input transistors in each of the enabled branches in the first set of branches 230-1 through 230-n drive the first output 126 based on the voltage at the first input 122. The input transistors in each of the enabled branches in the second set of branches 240-1 through 240-n drive the second output 128 based on the voltage at the second input 124. Each of the switches 215-1 through 215-n and 225-1 through 225-n may be implemented with NFETs, PFETs, transmission gates, or another type of switch.
It should be appreciated that the first amplifier 120 is not limited to the exemplary implementation shown in fig. 2.
Returning to fig. 1, the transformer 130 implements a bandpass filter that causes the first amplifier 120 to amplify signals within a desired passband. The passband is a function of the primary resonant frequency of the transformer 130, the secondary resonant frequency of the transformer 130, and the coupling factor K between the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146. The coupling factor K is a measure of the magnetic coupling between the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146, as discussed further below.
The primary resonant frequency is given by:
wherein fr 1 Is the primary resonant frequency, C 1 Is the capacitance of the first capacitor 142 and L 1 Is the inductance of the first inductor 144. C (C) 1 Parasitic capacitances at the outputs 126 and 128 of the first amplifier 120 may also be included. As shown in equation (1), the primary resonance frequency can be set to a desired frequency by selecting the capacitance of the first capacitor 142 and the inductance of the first inductor 144 accordingly. The secondary resonant frequency is given by:
wherein fr 2 Is the secondary resonant frequency, C 2 Is the capacitance of the second capacitor 148 and L2 is the inductance of the second inductor 146. C (C) 2 Parasitic capacitances at the inputs 152 and 154 of the second amplifier 150 and/or the inputs 162 and 164 of the third amplifier 160 may also be included. As shown in equation (2), the secondary resonant frequency may be set to a desired frequency by selecting the capacitance of the second capacitor 148 and the inductance of the second inductor 146 accordingly.
The coupling factor K depends on the overlap between the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146. For example, the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146 may be integrated on-chip, wherein the first inductor 144 is implemented with a first planar toroidal inductor on-chip and the second inductor 146 is implemented with a second planar toroidal inductor on-chip. In this example, the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146 are formed in different layers of the chip, wherein the first inductor 144 overlaps the second inductor 146 to magnetically couple the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146. In this example, the coupling factor K is a function of the overlap between the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146, where the coupling factor K is greater for greater overlaps. Accordingly, the coupling factor K may be set to a desired value by arranging the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146 on the chip such that the overlap between the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146 corresponds to the desired coupling factor K.
As discussed above, the passband of the transformer 130 is a function of the primary resonant frequency, the secondary resonant frequency, and the coupling factor K. In one example, the center frequency of the passband is a function of the primary resonant frequency and the secondary resonant frequency of the transformer 130. In this example, the primary resonant frequency and the secondary resonant frequency may each be set to a frequency approximately equal to the desired center frequency of the passband. As discussed above, the primary resonant frequency is set by the capacitance of the first capacitor 142 and the inductance of the first inductor 144, and the secondary resonant frequency is set by the capacitance of the second capacitor 148 and the inductance of the second inductor 146.
In the above example, the bandwidth of the passband (i.e., the frequency width of the passband) is a function of the coupling factor K. Thus, the passband can be set to a desired bandwidth by setting the coupling factor K accordingly. As discussed above, the coupling factor K may be set by the overlap between the first inductor 144 and the second inductor 146.
As discussed above, the first amplifier 120 is used to amplify both signals in the first frequency band and the second frequency band. In this aspect, the primary resonant frequency, the secondary resonant frequency, and the coupling factor K are selected to provide the transformer 130 with a wide passband covering both the first frequency band and the second frequency band. An example of this is illustrated in fig. 3, which shows an exemplary passband 310 of the transformer 130. In this example, the passband 310 has a wide bandwidth covering both the first frequency band (labeled "FB 1") and the second frequency band (labeled "FB 2"). This allows the first amplifier 120 to provide high gain for both frequency bands.
In the example shown in fig. 3, the first frequency band spans approximately 7.2GHz to 8.7GHz and the second frequency band spans approximately 10.8GHz to 13.8GHz. Thus, in this example, the passband 310 spans 7.2GHz to 13.8GHz to cover both frequency bands. However, it should be understood that the first frequency band and the second frequency band are not limited to the above frequencies.
In some applications, the system 110 is used to amplify signals in one of the first frequency band and the second frequency band at a time. For example, in a first mode, the system 110 is used to amplify signals in a first frequency band, and in a second mode, the system 110 is used to amplify signals in a second frequency band. In these applications, maintaining a wide passband covering both frequency bands reduces the power efficiency of the first amplifier 120. This is because only a portion of the wide passband is required at a time, since the first amplifier 120 amplifies signals in one band at a time. Thus, the wide passband causes the first amplifier 120 to consume power, thereby maintaining a high gain for the frequency band that is not being used at a given time. As shown in the example in fig. 3, for the case where the first frequency band and the second frequency band are not adjacent, the power efficiency is further reduced. This is because the wide passband covers frequencies in the frequency gap between the first and second frequency bands, which causes the first amplifier 120 to consume power to provide high gain within the frequency gap.
Aspects of the present disclosure increase the power efficiency of the first amplifier 120 by providing a switchable transformer configured to switch between a first passband and a second passband. In one example, the first passband covers the first frequency band and the second passband covers the second frequency band. In this example, each of the first passband and the second passband has a narrower bandwidth than the wide passband discussed above. In operation, the controller switches the switchable transformer to the first passband when the first frequency band is used and to the second passband when the second frequency band is used. Thus, the controller switches the switchable transformer to one of the first passband and the second passband at a time depending on which of the first and second frequency bands is being used. Since one of the first passband and the second passband is used at a time and each of the first passband and the second passband has a narrower bandwidth than the wide passband discussed above, the power consumption of the first amplifier 120 is reduced, thereby improving power efficiency.
Fig. 4A illustrates an example of a system 405 in a transmitter in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The system 405 is configured to amplify the signal before the signal is transmitted via one or more antennas (not shown) coupled to the transmitter. In one example, system 405 receives an Intermediate Frequency (IF) signal from a previous stage (not shown) that converts a baseband signal from a baseband processor to an IF signal. In this example, system 405 amplifies the IF signal and outputs the amplified IF signal to a subsequent stage (not shown) that up-converts the amplified IF signal to a Radio Frequency (RF) signal for transmission. In other implementations, the system 405 may amplify the RF signal.
In certain aspects, the system 405 is configured to amplify signals (e.g., IF signals) in multiple frequency bands. The plurality of frequency bands may include the first frequency band and the second frequency band discussed above.
In the example of fig. 4A, the system 405 includes the first amplifier 120, the second amplifier 150, and the third amplifier 160 discussed above. The system 405 also includes a switchable transformer 410, the switchable transformer 410 being configured to switch between the first passband and the second passband under the control of the controller 480. In one example, the first passband covers the first frequency band and the second passband covers the second frequency band. As discussed further below, the controller 480 switches the switchable transformer 410 to a first passband in a first mode when using a first frequency band and switches the switchable transformer 410 to a second passband in a second mode when using a second frequency band.
The switchable transformer 410 has a primary side, a first secondary side and a second secondary side. As discussed further below, the first secondary side is for a first pass band and the second secondary side is for a second pass band. In this example, the primary side includes a first switchable inductor 440 and a first capacitor 430 coupled in parallel with the first switchable inductor 440. The first switchable inductor 440 is coupled between a first terminal 412 of the switchable transformer 410 and a second terminal 414 of the switchable transformer 410. The first terminal 412 is coupled to the first output 126 of the first amplifier 120 and the second terminal 414 is coupled to the second output 128 of the first amplifier 120.
The first switchable inductor 440 is configured to switch between a first primary inductance and a second primary inductance, wherein the first primary inductance is for the first passband and the second primary inductance is for the second passband. In the example of fig. 4A, the first switchable inductor 440 includes a first inductor 442, a second inductor 444, a third inductor 446, a fourth inductor 448, and a switching circuit 455. The first inductor 442 and the second inductor 444 are coupled in series between the first terminal 412 and the switching circuit 455, and the third inductor 446 and the fourth inductor 448 are coupled in series between the second terminal 414 and the switching circuit 455. The switching circuit 455 is also coupled between the first inductor 442 and the second inductor 444 and between the third inductor 446 and the fourth inductor 448. The switching circuit 455 is also coupled to a bias node 438 biased by a DC voltage.
In operation, under the control of the controller 480, the switching circuit 455 switches the switchable inductor 440 between a first primary inductance in a first mode and a second primary inductance in a second mode. In the first mode, the switching circuit 455 couples the first inductor 442, the second inductor 444, the third inductor 446, and the fourth inductor 448 in series between the first terminal 412 and the second terminal 414 (and thus between the first output 126 and the second output 128 of the first amplifier 120). In the first mode, the first primary inductance of the first switchable inductor 440 has an inductance equal to the sum of the inductances of the first inductor 442, the second inductor 444, the third inductor 446, and the fourth inductor 448. The switching circuit 455 may also couple a bias node 438 between the second inductor 444 and the third inductor 446, where the bias node provides a common mode voltage to the differential signals at the differential outputs of the first amplifier 120.
In the second mode, the switching circuit 455 couples the first inductor 442 and the fourth inductor 448 in series between the first terminal 412 and the second terminal 414 (and thus between the first output 126 and the second output 128 of the first amplifier 120). In the second mode, the switching circuit 455 bypasses the second inductor 444 and the third inductor 446. Thus, in the second mode, the second inductor 444 and the third inductor 446 do not contribute to the inductance of the first switchable inductor 440. In the second mode, the second primary inductance of the first switchable inductor 440 has an inductance equal to the sum of the inductances of the first inductor 442 and the fourth inductor 448. The switching circuit 455 may also couple the bias node 438 between the first inductor 442 and the fourth inductor 448.
In the first mode, the first switchable inductor 440 has a first primary resonance given by:
wherein fr p1 Is the first primary resonant frequency, C 1 Is the capacitance of the first capacitor 430, and L p1 Is the first primary inductance. C (C) 1 Parasitic capacitances at the outputs 126 and 128 of the first amplifier 120 may also be included. In the second mode, the first switchable inductor 440 has a second primary resonant frequency given by:
Wherein fr p2 Is the second primary resonant frequency and L p2 Is the second primary inductance. Thus, the first switchable inductor 440 allows the primary side of the switchable transformer 410 to switch between a first primary resonant frequency in the first mode and a second primary resonant frequency in the second mode.
The first secondary side of the switchable transformer 410 comprises a second switchable inductor 460 and a second capacitor 432 coupled in parallel with the second switchable inductor 460. The second switchable inductor 460 is coupled between the third terminal 416 of the switchable transformer 410 and the fourth terminal 418 of the switchable transformer 410. The third terminal 416 is coupled to a first input 152 of the second amplifier 150 (e.g., via one or more wires, transmission lines, or a combination thereof) and the fourth terminal 418 is coupled to a second input 154 of the second amplifier 150 (e.g., via one or more wires, transmission lines, or a combination thereof). The second switchable inductor 460 passes the coupling factor K 1 Magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor 440, the coupling factor K 1 May depend on the overlap between the second switchable inductor 460 and the first switchable inductor 440.
The second switchable inductor 460 includes a switch 466 between the fifth inductor 462, the sixth inductor 464, and the fifth inductor 462 and the sixth inductor 464. In the first mode, the controller 480 closes the switch 466. Thus, in the first mode, the second switchable inductor 460 has an inductance given by the sum of the inductances of the fifth inductor 462 and the sixth inductor 464. In the second mode, the controller 480 opens the switch 466, which decouples the fifth inductor 462 and the sixth inductor 464. This effectively disables the second switchable inductor 460.
In the example shown in fig. 4A, a switch 466 is located in the center of the second switchable inductor 460, which acts as a virtual ground for the differential signal at the second switchable inductor 460. In this example, positioning switch 466 at virtual ground significantly reduces the effect of parasitic capacitance of switch 466 on the differential signal. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this example. In other implementations, the switch 466 may be placed in another location in the second switchable inductor 460, as discussed further below.
In the first mode, the second switchable inductor 460 has a first secondary resonant frequency given by:
wherein fr s1 Is the first secondary resonant frequency, C 2 Is the capacitance of the second capacitor 432 and L 2 Is the inductance of the second switchable inductor 460. C (C) 2 Parasitic capacitances at the inputs 152 and 154 of the second amplifier 150 may also be included.
The second secondary side of the switchable transformer 410 includes a third switchable inductor 470 and a third capacitor 434 coupled in parallel with the third switchable inductor 470. The third switchable inductor 470 is coupled between the fifth terminal 420 of the switchable transformer 410 and the sixth terminal 422 of the switchable transformer 410. The fifth terminal 420 is coupled to a first input 162 of the third amplifier 160 (e.g., via one or more wires, transmission lines, or a combination thereof) and the sixth terminal 422 is coupled to a second input 164 of the third amplifier 160 (e.g., via one or more wires, transmission lines, or a combination thereof). The third switchable inductor 470 passes the coupling factor K 2 Magnetically coupled to the first partSwitching inductor 440, coupling factor K 2 May depend on the overlap between the third switchable inductor 470 and the first switchable inductor 440.
The third switchable inductor 470 includes a switch 476 between the seventh inductor 472, the eighth inductor 474, and the coupling between the seventh inductor 472 and the eighth inductor 474. In the first mode, the controller 480 turns off the switch 476, which decouples the seventh inductor 472 and the eighth inductor 474. This effectively disables the third switchable inductor 470. In the second mode, the controller 480 closes the switch 476. Thus, in the second mode, the third switchable inductor 470 has an inductance given by the sum of the inductances of the seventh inductor 472 and the eighth inductor 474.
In the example shown in fig. 4A, a switch 476 is located in the center of the third switchable inductor 470 that acts as a virtual ground for the differential signal at the third switchable inductor 470. In this example, positioning switch 476 at virtual ground significantly reduces the effect of parasitic capacitance of switch 476 on the differential signal. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this example. In other implementations, switch 476 may be placed in another location in third switchable inductor 470 as discussed further below.
In the second mode, the third switchable inductor 470 has a second secondary resonant frequency given by:
wherein fr s2 Is the second secondary resonance frequency, C 3 Is the capacitance of the third capacitor 434, L 3 Is the inductance of the third switchable inductor 470. C (C) 3 Parasitic capacitances at the inputs 162 and 164 of the third amplifier 160 may also be included.
As discussed above, the controller 480 switches the switchable transformer 410 to the first mode when the first frequency band is used. In the first mode, the switchable transformer 410 has a first passband, the first passband in question being the first primary resonance fr given in equation (3) p1 The first secondary resonance frequency fr given in equation (5) s1 The first coupling factor K discussed above 1 Is a function of (2). In some aspects, the first passband is configured to pass through a corresponding setting of the first primary resonance fr p1 First secondary resonance frequency fr s1 And a first coupling factor K 1 To cover the first frequency band. An example of the first passband 510 is shown in fig. 5A. In this example, the first passband 510 covers the first frequency band (labeled "FB 1") and thus provides a high gain for the first frequency band. Further, the first passband 510 has a narrower bandwidth than the wide passband 310 shown in fig. 3, and thus reduces the power consumption of the first amplifier 120.
In the second mode, the switchable transformer 410 has a second passband, which is the second primary resonance fr given in equation (4) p2 The second secondary resonance frequency fr given in equation (6) s2 The second coupling factor K discussed above 2 Is a function of (2). In some aspects, the second passband is configured to pass through the corresponding setting of the second primary resonance fr p2 Secondary resonance frequency fr s2 And a second coupling factor K 2 To cover the second frequency band. Fig. 5B shows an example of the second pass band 520. In this example, the second pass band 520 covers the second frequency band (labeled "FB 2") and thus provides high gain for the second frequency band. In addition, the second passband 520 has a narrower bandwidth than the wide passband 310 shown in fig. 3, and thus reduces the power consumption of the first amplifier 120.
Each of the capacitors 430, 432, and 434 may be implemented with a variable capacitor (shown in the example of fig. 4A) or a fixed capacitor. For example, the first capacitor 430 may be implemented with a variable capacitor to fine tune the resonant frequency of the primary side of the switchable transformer 410 (e.g., to compensate for process-voltage-temperature (PVT) variations). Similarly, the second capacitor 432 may be implemented with a variable capacitor to fine tune the resonant frequency of the first secondary side of the switchable transformer 410 (e.g., to compensate for PVT variations), and the third capacitor 434 may be implemented with a variable capacitor to fine tune the resonant frequency of the second secondary side of the switchable transformer 410 (e.g., to compensate for PVT variations).
In some implementations, the inputs 152 and 154 of the second amplifier 150 may be DC biased through a center tap of the second switchable inductor 460. In other implementations, the inputs 152 and 154 of the second amplifier 150 may be DC biased by a separate DC bias voltage source (not shown) (e.g., for the case where the inputs 152 and 154 of the second amplifier 150 are coupled to the switchable transformer 410 via long transmission lines). In this example, the system 405 may include coupling capacitors between the inputs 152 and 154 of the second amplifier 150 and the switchable transformer 410 to isolate the DC bias voltage at the inputs 152 and 154 of the second amplifier 150 from the switchable transformer 410. In this regard, fig. 4B shows an example of a first coupling capacitor 482 coupled between the first input 152 of the second amplifier 150 and the third terminal 416 of the switchable transformer 410, and a second coupling capacitor 484 coupled between the second input 154 of the second amplifier 150 and the fourth terminal 418 of the switchable transformer 410.
In some implementations, the inputs 162 and 164 of the third amplifier 160 may be DC biased through a center tap of the third switchable inductor 470. In other implementations, the inputs 162 and 164 of the third amplifier 160 may be DC biased by a separate DC bias voltage source (not shown) (e.g., for the case where the inputs 162 and 164 of the third amplifier 160 are coupled to the switchable transformer 410 via a long transmission line). In this example, the system 405 may include coupling capacitors between the inputs 162 and 164 of the third amplifier 160 and the switchable transformer 410 to isolate the DC bias voltage at the inputs 162 and 164 of the third amplifier 160 from the switchable transformer 410. In this regard, fig. 4B shows an example of a third coupling capacitor 486 coupled between the first input 162 of the third amplifier 160 and the fifth terminal 420 of the switchable transformer 410, and a fourth coupling capacitor 488 coupled between the second input 164 of the third amplifier 160 and the sixth terminal 422 of the switchable transformer 410.
Fig. 4C shows another exemplary implementation of the second switchable inductor 460 and the third switchable inductor 470. In this example, the second switchable inductor 460 includes an inductor 492, a first switch 466-1 coupled between the inductor 492 and the third terminal 416, and a second switch 466-2 coupled between the inductor 492 and the fourth terminal 418. In the first mode, the controller 480 closes the switches 466-1 and 466-2, and in the second mode, the controller 480 opens the switches 466-1 and 466-2. However, it should be understood that the second switchable inductor 460 is not limited to the exemplary implementations shown in fig. 4A and 4C. In general, the second switchable inductor 460 comprises at least one inductor and at least one switch coupled in series with the at least one inductor, wherein the second switchable inductor 460 is enabled when the at least one switch is closed and the third switchable inductor 470 is disabled when the at least one switch is open. In the example of fig. 4A and 4C, the second capacitor 432 is coupled in parallel with at least one inductor and at least one switch.
In this example, the third switchable inductor 470 includes an inductor 494, a first switch 476-1 coupled between the inductor 494 and the fifth terminal 420, and a second switch 476-2 coupled between the inductor 494 and the sixth terminal 422. In the first mode, the controller 480 opens the switches 476-1 and 476-2, and in the second mode, the controller 480 closes the switches 476-1 and 476-2. However, it should be appreciated that the third switchable inductor 470 is not limited to the exemplary implementations shown in fig. 4A and 4C. In general, the third switchable inductor 470 includes at least one inductor and at least one switch coupled in series with the at least one inductor, wherein the third switchable inductor 470 is enabled when the at least one switch is closed and the third switchable inductor 470 is disabled when the at least one switch is open. In the example of fig. 4A and 4C, a third capacitor 434 is coupled in parallel with the at least one inductor and the at least one switch.
Fig. 6 illustrates an exemplary implementation of the switching circuit 455. In this example, the switching circuit 455 includes: a first switch 610 coupled between the second inductor 444 and the bias node 438; and a second switch 615 coupled between the third inductor 446 and the bias node 438. The switching circuit 455 further includes: a third switch 620 coupled between the first inductor 442 and the bias node; and a fourth switch 625 coupled between the fourth inductor 448 and the bias node 438.
In the first mode, the controller 480 closes the first switch 610 and the second switch 615, and opens the third switch 620 and the fourth switch 625. Thus, the first inductor 442, the second inductor 444, the third inductor 446, and the fourth inductor 448 are coupled in series between the first terminal 412 and the second terminal 414. In this mode, the primary side has a first primary inductance equal to the sum of the inductances of the first inductor 442, the second inductor 444, the third inductor 446, and the fourth inductor 448 discussed above.
In the second mode, the controller 480 opens the first switch 610 and the second switch 615 and closes the third switch 620 and the fourth switch 625. Thus, the first inductor 442 and the fourth inductor 448 are coupled in series between the first terminal 412 and the second terminal 414. In this mode, the primary side has a second primary inductance equal to the sum of the inductances of the first inductor 442 and the fourth inductor 448 discussed above.
In the example shown in fig. 6, switches 610, 615, 620, and 625 are located adjacent to a center of first switchable inductor 440, which serves as a virtual ground for the differential signal at first switchable inductor 440. In this example, positioning switches 610, 615, 620, and 625 adjacent to virtual ground significantly reduces the effect of parasitic capacitance of switches 610, 615, 620, and 625 on the differential signals.
It should be appreciated that the switching circuit 455 is not limited to the exemplary implementation shown in fig. 6. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions of the switching circuit 455 discussed above may be implemented using other arrangements of switches.
It should also be appreciated that the first switchable inductor 440 is not limited to the exemplary implementation shown in fig. 6. In this regard, it should be appreciated that the first switchable inductor 440 may be implemented with other arrangements of two or more inductors and one or more switches configured to switch the first switchable inductor 440 between the first primary inductance and the second primary inductance. In general, first switchable inductor 440 may include at least one first inductor (e.g., inductors 442 and 448), at least one second inductor (e.g., inductors 444 and 446) coupled in series with the at least one first inductor, and at least one switch (e.g., switches 620 and 625) coupled in parallel with the at least one second inductor. In general, the first switchable inductor 440 may be switched to a first primary inductance by opening at least one switch, wherein the first primary inductance is equal to the sum of the inductances of the at least one first inductor and the at least one second inductor. The first switchable inductor 440 may be switched to a second primary inductance by closing the at least one switch, wherein the second primary inductance is equal to the inductance of the at least one first inductor. In this case, the at least one second inductor is bypassed. Generally, the first capacitor 430 is coupled in parallel with at least one first inductor and at least one second inductor.
Fig. 7A shows a top view of an example of an inductor 710 that may be used to implement the first inductor 442, the second inductor 444, the third inductor 446, and the fourth inductor 448. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and that the first inductor 442, the second inductor 444, the third inductor 446, and the fourth inductor 448 may be implemented with another inductor.
In this example, inductor 710 is a planar spiral inductor integrated on a chip. Inductor 710 may be formed from a first metal layer on a chip using photolithography and/or another fabrication technique. According to certain aspects, different portions of inductor 710 corresponding to first inductor 442, second inductor 444, third inductor 446, and fourth inductor 448 are labeled in fig. 7A. In the example of fig. 7A, ends 722 and 728 of inductor 710 are coupled by a bridge 760 (as shown in fig. 7B) that bridges portion 726 of inductor 710. Bridge 760 is formed from a different metal layer than the first metal layer discussed above, and for the example of inductor 710 being a spiral inductor, allows one portion of inductor 710 to bridge another portion of inductor 710. Each end 722 and 728 of inductor 710 may be coupled to bridge 760 through a respective via (not shown). It should be appreciated that in some implementations, bridge 760 may span under portion 726 of inductor 710. Similarly, ends 740 and 742 of inductor 710 are coupled by a bridge 765 (as shown in fig. 7B) that bridges portion 746 of inductor 710.
In this example, switching circuit 455 (not shown in fig. 7A) is coupled between locations 724 and 722 of inductor 710 and between locations 732 and 734 of inductor 710. Position 724 corresponds to a terminal of the first inductor 442 coupled to the second inductor 444 and position 722 corresponds to a terminal of the fourth inductor 448 coupled to the third inductor 446. In the second mode, switching circuit 455 couples inductor 710 to bias node 438 (not shown in fig. 7A) at locations 724 and 722. In this case, the inductance of the first switchable inductor 440 is approximately equal to the sum of the inductances of the first inductor 442 and the fourth inductor 448.
Position 732 corresponds to a terminal of the second inductor 444 coupled to the switching circuit 455 and position 734 corresponds to a terminal of the third inductor 446 coupled to the switching circuit 455. In this example, the locations 732 and 734 of the inductor 710 correspond to the two ends of the inductor 710 separated by the gap. In the first mode, switching circuit 455 couples inductor 710 to bias node 438 at locations 732 and 734. In this case, the inductance of the first switchable inductor 440 is approximately equal to the sum of the inductances of the first inductor 442, the second inductor 444, the third inductor 446, and the fourth inductor 448.
Fig. 8A shows a top view of an example of an inductor 810 that may be used to implement the fifth inductor 462 and the sixth inductor 464. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and that the fifth inductor 462 and the sixth inductor 464 may be implemented with another inductor.
In this example, inductor 810 is a planar spiral inductor integrated on a chip. The inductor 810 may be formed from a second metal layer on the chip using photolithography and/or another fabrication technique. According to certain aspects, different portions of inductor 810 corresponding to fifth inductor 462 and sixth inductor 464 are labeled in fig. 8A. In the example of fig. 8A, ends 820 and 822 of inductor 810 are coupled by a bridge 850 (as shown in fig. 8B) that bridges a portion 824 of inductor 810. Bridge 850 is formed from a metal layer that is different from the second metal layer discussed above, and for the example of inductor 810 being a spiral inductor, allows one portion of inductor 810 to bridge another portion of inductor 810. Each end 820 and 822 of inductor 810 may be coupled to bridge 850 via a respective via (not shown). It should be appreciated that in some implementations, bridge 850 may span under portion 824 of inductor 810.
In this example, switch 466 (not shown in fig. 8A) is coupled between locations 812 and 814 of inductor 810. Position 812 corresponds to a terminal of a sixth inductor 464 coupled to switch 466 and position 814 corresponds to a terminal of a fifth inductor 462 coupled to switch 466. The controller 480 (not shown in fig. 8A) turns on the switch 466 in the first mode and turns off the switch 466 in the second mode.
Fig. 9 shows a top view of an example of an inductor 910 that may be used to implement the seventh inductor 472 and the eighth inductor 474. However, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to this example, and that the seventh inductor 472 and the eighth inductor 474 may be implemented with another inductor.
In this example, inductor 910 is a planar toroidal inductor. Inductor 910 may be formed from a third metal layer on the chip using photolithography and/or another fabrication technique. According to certain aspects, different portions of inductor 910 corresponding to seventh inductor 472 and eighth inductor 474 are labeled in fig. 9.
In this example, switch 476 (not shown in fig. 9) is coupled between locations 912 and 914 of inductor 910. Position 912 corresponds to the terminal of seventh inductor 472 coupled to switch 476 and position 914 corresponds to the terminal of eighth inductor 474 coupled to switch 476. The controller 480 (not shown in fig. 9) turns off the switch 476 in a first mode and turns on the switch 476 in a second mode.
Fig. 10 illustrates a top view of inductors 710, 810, and 910 according to certain aspects. In this example, inductor 810 overlaps inductor 710 to provide magnetic coupling of inductors 710 and 810, and inductor 910 overlaps inductor 710 to provide magnetic coupling of inductors 710 and 910. The overlapping of inductors 710, 810, and 910 is possible because inductors 710, 810, and 910 are formed from different metal layers on the chip. More particularly, inductor 710 is formed from a first metal layer of the chip, inductor 810 is formed from a second metal layer of the chip, and inductor 910 is formed from a third metal layer of the chip. In the example of fig. 10, inductor 810 is located below inductor 710 and inductor 910 is located above inductor 710. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to this example. In another implementation, inductor 810 may be located above inductor 710 and inductor 910 may be located below inductor 710.
The degree of overlap between inductor 710 and inductor 810 determines the coupling factor K between the primary side and the first secondary side of switchable transformer 410 1 . Thus, in this example, the desired coupling factor K between the primary side and the first secondary side 1 It may be achieved by arranging the inductors 710 and 810 such that the overlap between the inductors 710 and 810 corresponds to the desired coupling factor K 1 。
Similarly, the degree of overlap between inductor 710 and inductor 910 determines the coupling factor K between the primary side and the second secondary side of switchable transformer 410 2 . Thus, in this example, the desired coupling factor K between the primary side and the second secondary side 2 It may be achieved by arranging the inductors 710 and 910 such that the overlap between the inductors 710 and 910 corresponds to the desired coupling factor K 2 。
It should be appreciated that the terms "first metal layer", "second metal layer" and "third metal layer" are used herein as a convenient way to distinguish the different metal layers used to form inductors 810, 710 and 910. In certain aspects, the first, second, and third metal layers may include the top three metal layers of the chip to minimize parasitic capacitance. However, it should be understood that the first metal layer, the second metal layer, and the third metal layer are not limited to this example.
Fig. 11 illustrates an example of a system 1105 in a transmitter in accordance with certain aspects. The system 1105 includes the exemplary system 405 shown in any of fig. 4A-4C. The system 1105 further includes a first transformer 1110, a second transformer 1135, a first mixer 1155, a third transformer 1160, and a second mixer 1180.
In the example of fig. 11, the primary side of the first transformer 1110 includes a first inductor 1115 and a capacitor 1125 coupled in parallel between ground and a first terminal 1112 of the first transformer 1110. The secondary side of the first transformer 1110 includes a second inductor 1120 and a resistor 1130 coupled in parallel between the second terminal 1124 and the third terminal 1126 of the first transformer 1110. The first inductor 1115 and the second inductor 1120 are magnetically coupled (i.e., inductively coupled).
In this example, the first terminal 1112 of the first transformer 1110 is coupled to a previous stage (not shown) of the transmitter. The previous stage may receive the baseband signal (e.g., from a baseband processor), convert the baseband signal to an IF signal, and input the IF signal to a first terminal 1112 of a first transformer 1110. The differential inputs of the first amplifier 120 are coupled to the secondary side of the first transformer 1110. More particularly, the second terminal 1124 of the first transformer 1110 is coupled to the first input 122 of the first amplifier 120 and the third terminal 1126 of the first transformer 1110 is coupled to the second input 124 of the first amplifier 120. The first amplifier 120 may have parasitic capacitances at the inputs 122 and 124, where the resonant frequency of the secondary side of the first transformer 1110 is determined by the inductance and parasitic capacitance of the second inductor 1120.
In this example, the first transformer 1110 is configured to have a passband that covers the first frequency band and the second frequency band such that signals in both frequency bands are passed to the first amplifier 120. In this aspect, the inductances of the first inductor 1115 and the second inductor 1120, the capacitance of the capacitor 1125, and the coupling factor K between the first inductor 1115 and the second inductor 1120 are selected to achieve a passband that covers the first frequency band and the second frequency band. Resistor 1130 may be used to drop Q (de-Qing) at the differential input of first amplifier 120. In this example, the first transformer 1110 may also be configured to convert the single-ended IF signal received at the first terminal 1112 to a differential IF signal at the second terminal 1124 and the third terminal 1126.
In the example of fig. 11, the primary side of the second transformer 1135 includes a first inductor 1140 and a first capacitor 1144 coupled in parallel between a first terminal 1136 of the second transformer 1135 and a second terminal 1138 of the second transformer 1135. The secondary side of the second transformer 1135 includes a second inductor 1142 and a second capacitor 1146 coupled in parallel between the third terminal 1150 and the fourth terminal 1152 of the second transformer 1135. The first inductor 1140 and the second inductor 1142 are magnetically coupled (i.e., inductively coupled).
In this example, the second amplifier 150 has a differential output that includes: a first output 1132 coupled to a first terminal 1136 of a second transformer 1135; and a second output 1134 coupled to a second terminal 1138 of the second transformer 1135. The third terminal 1150 and the fourth terminal 1152 of the second transformer 1135 are coupled to the first mixer 1155.
In this example, the second transformer 1135 is configured to have a passband that covers the first frequency band such that the second amplifier 150 amplifies signals in the first frequency band. In this aspect, the inductances of the first and second inductors 1140 and 1142, the capacitances of the first and second capacitors 1144 and 1146, and the coupling factor K between the first and second inductors 1140 and 1142 are selected to achieve a passband that covers the first frequency band.
The first mixer 1155 is configured to receive the amplified signal in the first frequency band from the second transformer 1135 and up-convert the signal to an RF signal for transmission. The first mixer 1155 may up-convert the signal by mixing the signal with the first local oscillator signal.
In the example of fig. 11, the primary side of third transformer 1160 includes a first inductor 1165 and a first capacitor 1170 coupled in parallel between a first terminal 1162 of third transformer 1160 and a second terminal 1164 of third transformer 1160. The secondary side of the third transformer 1160 includes a second inductor 1168 and a second capacitor 1172 coupled in parallel between the third terminal 1176 and the fourth terminal 1178 of the third transformer 1160. The first inductor 1165 and the second inductor 1168 are magnetically coupled (i.e., inductively coupled).
In this example, the third amplifier 160 has a differential output that includes: a first output 1156 coupled to a first terminal 1162 of the third transformer 1160; and a second output 1158 coupled to a second terminal 1164 of the third transformer 1160. The third terminal 1176 and the fourth terminal 1178 of the third transformer 1160 are coupled to a second mixer 1180.
In this example, the third transformer 1160 is configured to have a passband that covers the second frequency band such that the third amplifier 160 amplifies signals in the second frequency band. In this aspect, the inductance of the first and second inductors 1165, 1168, the capacitance of the first and second capacitors 1170, 1172, and the coupling factor K between the first and second inductors 1165, 1168 are selected to achieve a passband that covers the second frequency band.
The second mixer 1180 is configured to receive the amplified signal in the second frequency band from the third transformer 1160 and upconvert the signal into an RF signal for transmission. The second mixer 1180 may up-convert the signal by mixing the signal with a second local oscillator signal.
Each of the capacitors 1125, 1144, 1146, 1170, and 1172 may be implemented with a variable capacitor (shown in the example of fig. 11) or a fixed capacitor.
Fig. 12 shows an example in which the transmitter includes a power amplifier 1210 and an antenna 1225. An input of the power amplifier 1210 is coupled to an output of the first mixer 155 and an output of the power amplifier 1210 is coupled to an antenna 1225. An input of the first mixer 1155 is coupled to a second transformer 1135 shown in fig. 11. In operation, the power amplifier 1210 is configured to receive the RF signal output by the first mixer 1155, amplify the RF signal, and output the amplified RF signal to the antenna 1225 for transmission. It should be appreciated that the transmitter may include one or more additional components (not shown in fig. 12) between the first mixer 1155 and the antenna 1225.
Fig. 13 illustrates an example in which a transmitter includes a splitter 1310, an antenna array 1340 including a plurality of antennas 1325-1 through 1325-n, and a plurality of transmit chains 1312-1 through 1312-n, in accordance with certain aspects. Splitter 1310 has an input coupled to an output of first mixer 1155 and a plurality of outputs. Each transmit chain 1312-1 through 1312-n is coupled between a respective one of the outputs of splitter 1310 and a respective one of antennas 1325-1 through 1325-n.
In this example, each of the transmit chains 1312-1 through 1312-n includes a respective phase shifter 1315-1 through 1315-n and a respective power amplifier 1320-1 through 1320-n. In each transmit chain 1312-1 through 1312-n, an input of a respective phase shifter 1315-1 through 1315-n is coupled to a respective output of splitter 1310, an input of a respective power amplifier 1320-1 through 1320-n is coupled to an output of a respective phase shifter 1315-1 through 1315-n, and an output of a respective power amplifier 1320-1 through 1320-n is coupled to a respective antenna 1325-1 through 1325-n. Each phase shifter 1315-1 through 1315-n is configured to shift the phase of a respective RF signal by a respective phase. Each power amplifier 1320-1 to 1320-n is configured to amplify a signal from a respective phase shifter 1315-1 to 1315-n and output the amplified signal to a respective antenna 1325-1 to 1325-n for transmission. In operation, a beamformer (not shown) controls the phases of phase shifters 1315-1 through 1315-n to achieve a desired transmit beam direction of antenna array 1340 using beamforming.
Fig. 14 shows an example in which the transmitter includes a power amplifier 1410 and an antenna 1425. An input of the power amplifier 1410 is coupled to an output of the second mixer 1180 and an output of the power amplifier 1410 is coupled to an antenna 1425. The input of the second mixer 1180 is coupled to the third converter 1160 shown in fig. 11. In operation, the power amplifier 1410 is configured to receive the RF signal output by the second mixer 1180, amplify the RF signal, and output the amplified RF signal to the antenna 1425 for transmission. It should be appreciated that the transmitter may include one or more additional components (not shown in fig. 14) between the second mixer 1180 and the antenna 1425.
Fig. 15 illustrates an example in which a transmitter includes a splitter 1510, an antenna array 1540 including a plurality of antennas 1525-1 through 1525-n, and a plurality of transmit chains 1512-1 through 1512-n, in accordance with certain aspects. Splitter 1510 has an input coupled to the output of second mixer 1180 and a plurality of outputs. Each transmit chain 1512-1 through 1512-n is coupled between a respective one of the outputs of splitter 1510 and a respective one of antennas 1525-1 through 1525-n.
In this example, each of the transmit chains 1512-1 to 1512-n includes a respective phase shifter 1515-1 to 1515-n and a respective power amplifier 1520-1 to 1520-n. In each transmit chain 1512-1 to 1512-n, an input of a respective phase shifter 1515-1 to 1515-n is coupled to a respective output of splitter 1510, an input of a respective power amplifier 1520-1 to 1520-n is coupled to an output of a respective phase shifter 1515-1 to 1515-n, and an output of a respective power amplifier 1520-1 to 1520-n is coupled to a respective antenna 1525-1 to 1525-n. Each phase shifter 1515-1 through 1515-n is configured to shift the phase of a respective RF signal by a respective phase. Each power amplifier 1520-1 to 1520-n is configured to amplify a signal from a respective phase shifter 1515-1 to 1515-n and output the amplified signal to a respective antenna 1525-1 to 1525-n for transmission. In operation, a beamformer (not shown) controls the phases of phase shifters 1515-1 through 1515-n to achieve a desired transmit beam direction for antenna array 1540 using beamforming.
Fig. 16 is a diagram of an environment 1600 that includes an electronic device 1602 that includes a wireless transceiver 1696. The wireless transceiver 1696 may include any one or more of the systems shown in fig. 4A, 4B, 4C, 6, and 11-15. In environment 1600, electronic device 1602 communicates with base station 1604 over wireless link 1606. As shown in the figures, the electronic device 1602 is depicted as a smart phone. However, the electronic device 1602 may be implemented as any suitable computing or other electronic device, such as a cellular base station, broadband router, access point, cellular or mobile phone, gaming device, navigation device, media device, laptop computer, desktop computer, tablet computer, server computer, network Attached Storage (NAS) device, smart appliance, vehicle-based communication system, internet of things (IoT) device, sensor or security device, asset tracker, and so forth.
Base station 1604 communicates with electronic device 1602 via a wireless link 1606, which can be implemented as any suitable type of wireless link. Although depicted as a base station tower of a cellular radio network, the base station 1604 may be represented by or implemented as another device, such as a satellite, Terrestrial broadcast towers, access points, peer-to-peer devices, mesh network nodes, fiber optic lines, another electronic device generally as depicted above, and so forth. Thus, the electronic device 1602 can communicate with the base station 1604 or another device via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination thereof. The wireless link 1606 may include a downlink of data or control information communicated from the base station 1604 to the electronic device 1602, as well as an uplink of other data or control information communicated from the electronic device 1602 to the base station 1604. The wireless link 1606 may be implemented using any suitable communication protocol or standard, such as third generation partnership project long term evolution (3 GPP LTE, 3GPP NR 5G), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, bluetooth TM Etc.
The electronic device 1602 includes a processor 1680 and a memory 1682. The memory 1682 may be or form part of a computer-readable storage medium. The processor 1680 may include any type of processor, such as an application processor or a multi-core processor, configured to execute processor-executable instructions (e.g., code) stored by the memory 1682. Memory 1682 may include any suitable type of data storage medium such as volatile memory (e.g., random Access Memory (RAM)), non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory), optical media, magnetic media (e.g., disk or tape), and so forth. In the context of the present disclosure, memory 1682 is implemented to store instructions 1684, data 1686, and other information of electronic device 1602, and thus, when configured as a computer-readable storage medium or a portion thereof, memory 1682 does not include transitory propagating signals or carrier waves.
The electronic device 1602 may also include an input/output (I/O) port 1690. The I/O ports 1690 enable data exchange or interaction with other devices, networks, or users, or between components of the devices.
The electronic device 1602 may also include a Signal Processor (SP) 1692 (e.g., such as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP)). The signal processor 1692 may operate similar to a processor and may be capable of executing instructions and/or processing information in conjunction with the memory 1682.
For communication purposes, the electronic device 1602 also includes a modem 1694, a wireless transceiver 1696, and one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 1225, antenna 1425, antenna array 1340, and/or antenna array 1540). The wireless transceiver 1696 provides connectivity to the corresponding network and other electronic devices connected thereto using RF wireless signals. The wireless transceiver 1696 may facilitate communication over any suitable type of wireless network, such as a wireless Local Area Network (LAN) (WLAN), peer-to-peer (P2P) network, mesh network, cellular network, wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN), navigation network (e.g., global Positioning System (GPS) or another Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in north america), and/or Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN).
The controller 480 may be implemented with a general purpose processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete hardware components (e.g., logic gates), or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The processor may perform the functions described herein by executing software that includes code for performing the functions. The software may be stored on a computer readable storage medium such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, an optical disk and/or a magnetic disk.
Fig. 17 illustrates a method 1700 for operating a device in accordance with certain aspects. The apparatus includes a first amplifier (e.g., first amplifier 120) and a transformer (e.g., switchable transformer 410) comprising: a first switchable inductor (e.g., first switchable inductor 440) coupled to the first amplifier; a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor (e.g., second switchable inductor 460); and a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor (e.g., third switchable inductor 470).
In block 1710, in a first mode, the first switchable inductor is switched to the first inductance. For example, the first switchable inductor may be switched to the first inductance by the switching circuit 455.
At block 1720, in the first mode, the second switchable inductor is enabled. For example, the second switchable inductor may be enabled by closing switch 466. In this example, switch 466 may be closed by controller 480.
In block 1730, in the first mode, the third switchable inductor is disabled. For example, the third switchable inductor may be disabled by opening switch 476. In this example, switch 476 may be opened by controller 480.
In block 1740, in the second mode, the first switchable inductor is switched to the second inductance. For example, the first switchable inductor may be switched to the second inductance by the switching circuit 455.
In block 1750, in a second mode, the second switchable inductor is disabled. For example, the second switchable inductor may be disabled by opening switch 466. In this example, switch 466 may be open by controller 480.
In block 1760, in the second mode, a third switchable inductor is enabled. For example, the third switchable inductor may be enabled by closing switch 476. In this example, switch 476 may be closed by a controller 480.
An example of an implementation is described in the following numbered clauses:
1. an apparatus, comprising:
a first amplifier having a first output and a second output;
a transformer, comprising:
a first switchable inductor coupled between the first output terminal and the second output terminal;
a first capacitor coupled in parallel with the first switchable inductor;
a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor;
a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the second switchable inductor;
a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; and
A third capacitor is coupled in parallel with the third switchable inductor.
2. The apparatus of clause 1, further comprising:
a second amplifier coupled to the second switchable inductor; and
and a third amplifier coupled to the third switchable inductor.
3. The apparatus of clause 2, wherein the second amplifier has a first input and a second input, and the second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier.
4. The apparatus of clause 2 or 3, further comprising a mixer coupled to the output of the second amplifier.
5. The apparatus of clause 4, further comprising a power amplifier coupled to the mixer.
6. The apparatus of any of clauses 2-5, wherein the third amplifier has a first input and a second input, and the third switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the third amplifier and the second input of the third amplifier.
7. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the first switchable inductor is switchable between a first inductance and a second inductance.
8. The apparatus of clause 7, wherein the second switchable inductor comprises:
At least one inductor; and
at least one switch is coupled in series with the at least one inductor.
9. The apparatus of clause 8, further comprising a controller configured to:
in a first mode, switching a first switchable inductor to a first inductance and closing at least one switch; and
in the second mode, the first switchable inductor is switched to the second inductance and the at least one switch is opened.
10. The apparatus of clause 8 or 9, further comprising a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier.
11. The apparatus of clause 7, wherein:
the second switchable inductor comprises:
at least one first inductor; and
at least one first switch coupled in series with the at least one first inductor; and is also provided with
The third switchable inductor comprises:
at least one second inductor; and
at least one second switch is coupled in series with the at least one second inductor.
12. The apparatus of clause 11, further comprising a controller configured to:
In a first mode, switching the first switchable inductor to the first inductance, closing the at least one first switch, and opening the at least one second switch; and
in a second mode, the first switchable inductor is switched to the second inductance, the at least one first switch is opened, and the at least one second switch is closed.
13. The apparatus of clause 11 or 12, further comprising:
a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein a second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier; and
a third amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein a third switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the third amplifier and the second input of the third amplifier.
14. The apparatus of any one of clauses 1-6, wherein the first switchable inductor comprises:
a first inductor;
a second inductor;
a third inductor;
a fourth inductor; and
a switching circuit, wherein the switching circuit is configured to:
coupling the first inductor, the second inductor, the third inductor, and the fourth inductor in series between a first output of the first amplifier and a second output of the first amplifier; and
The first inductor and the fourth inductor are coupled in series between a first output of the first amplifier and a second output of the first amplifier.
15. The apparatus of clause 14, wherein the second switchable inductor comprises:
a fifth inductor;
a sixth inductor; and
a first switch coupled between the fifth inductor and the sixth inductor.
16. The apparatus of clause 15, further comprising a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier.
17. The apparatus of clause 15 or 16, wherein the third switchable inductor comprises:
a seventh inductor;
an eighth inductor; and
and a second switch coupled between the seventh inductor and the eighth inductor.
18. The apparatus of clause 15 or 17, further comprising:
a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein a second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier; and
a third amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein a third switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the third amplifier and the second input of the third amplifier.
19. A method for operating a device, wherein the device comprises a first amplifier and a transformer, the transformer comprising: a first switchable inductor coupled to the first amplifier; a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; and a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor, the method comprising:
in the first mode of operation, the first mode,
switching the first switchable inductor to a first inductance;
enabling a second switchable inductor; and
disabling the third switchable inductor;
in the second mode of operation, the first mode,
switching the first switchable inductor to a second inductor;
disabling the second switchable inductor; and
a third switchable inductor is enabled.
20. The method of clause 19, wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a second amplifier coupled to the second switchable inductor; and
and a third amplifier coupled to the third switchable inductor.
21. The method of clause 20, further comprising:
amplifying a first signal in a frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band using a first amplifier;
amplifying the first signal in the first frequency band using a second amplifier; and
the second signal in the second frequency band is amplified using a third amplifier.
22. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 21, wherein:
the second switchable inductor comprises:
at least one first inductor; and
at least one first switch coupled in series with the at least one first inductor;
enabling the second switchable inductor includes closing at least one first switch; and
disabling the second switchable inductor includes opening the at least one first switch.
23. The method of clause 22, wherein:
the third switchable inductor comprises:
at least one second inductor; and
at least one second switch coupled in series with the at least one second inductor;
enabling the third switchable inductor includes closing at least one second switch; and
disabling the third switchable inductor includes opening the at least one second switch.
24. The method of any one of clauses 19 to 21, wherein:
the first switchable inductor comprises:
at least one first inductor;
at least one second inductor; and
at least one switch coupled in parallel with the at least one second inductor;
switching the first switchable inductor to the first inductance includes opening at least one switch; and
switching the second switchable inductor to the second inductance includes closing at least one switch.
25. The method of any of clauses 19-24, wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a first capacitor coupled in parallel with the first switchable inductor;
a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the second switchable inductor; and
a third capacitor is coupled in parallel with the third switchable inductor.
26. An apparatus, comprising:
a first amplifier having a first output and a second output;
a transformer, comprising:
at least one first inductor;
at least one second inductor, wherein the at least one first inductor and the at least one second inductor are coupled between the first output and the second output of the first amplifier;
at least one first switch coupled in parallel with the at least one second inductor;
at least one third inductor magnetically coupled to the at least one first inductor and the at least one second inductor;
at least one second switch coupled in series with the at least one third inductor;
a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the at least one third inductor and the at least one second switch;
at least one fourth inductor magnetically coupled to the at least one first inductor;
at least one third switch coupled in series with the at least one fourth inductor; and
A third capacitor is coupled in parallel with the at least one fourth inductor and the at least one third switch.
27. The apparatus of clause 26, further comprising a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the at least one third inductor and the at least one second switch are coupled in series between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier.
28. The apparatus of clause 27, further comprising a third amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the at least one fourth inductor and the at least one third switch are coupled in series between the first input of the third amplifier and the second input of the third amplifier.
29. The method of clause 23, wherein:
the first switchable inductor comprises:
at least one third inductor;
at least one fourth inductor; and
at least one third switch coupled in parallel with the at least one fourth inductor;
switching the first switchable inductor to the first inductance includes opening at least one third switch; and
switching the second switchable inductor to the second inductance includes closing at least one third switch.
It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the above exemplary terms used to describe aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the inductor of a transformer may also be referred to as a winding or another term. Further, it should be appreciated that an inductor may be referred to as a coil even where the inductor is not physically implemented with a coil. It should also be appreciated that magnetic coupling may also be referred to as inductive coupling or another term.
It should be appreciated that any of the switches discussed above may be implemented with one or more n-type field effect transistors (NFETs), one or more p-type field effect transistors (PFETs), a transmission gate, or another type of switch. For the example of a switch implemented with an NFET, the switch is turned on by applying a high voltage (e.g., a supply voltage) to the gate of the NFET and turned off by applying a low voltage (e.g., ground) to the gate of the NFET. For the example of a switch implemented with a PFET, the switch is turned off by applying a high voltage (e.g., a supply voltage) to the gate of the PFET and turned on by applying a low voltage (e.g., ground) to the gate of the PFET.
In this disclosure, the word "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any implementation or aspect described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects of the disclosure. Likewise, the term "aspect" does not require that all aspects of the disclosure include the discussed feature, advantage or mode of operation. The term "coupled," as used herein, refers to a direct or indirect electrical coupling between two structures. It is also understood that the term "ground" may refer to either DC ground or AC ground, and thus the term "ground" encompasses both possibilities. It should also be understood that an "inductor" may include multiple inductors coupled in series. It should also be understood that the "input" may be a single-ended input, a differential input, or one of two inputs to a differential input, and the "output" may be a single-ended output, a differential output, or one of two outputs to a differential output.
The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims (28)
1. An apparatus, comprising:
a first amplifier having a first output and a second output;
a transformer, comprising:
a first switchable inductor coupled between the first output terminal and the second output terminal;
a first capacitor coupled in parallel with the first switchable inductor;
a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor;
a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the second switchable inductor;
a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; and
a third capacitor is coupled in parallel with the third switchable inductor.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
A second amplifier coupled to the second switchable inductor; and
a third amplifier is coupled to the third switchable inductor.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second amplifier has a first input and a second input, and the second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising a mixer coupled to an output of the second amplifier.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a power amplifier coupled to the mixer.
6. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the third amplifier has a first input and a second input, and the third switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the third amplifier and the second input of the third amplifier.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first switchable inductor is switchable between a first inductance and a second inductance.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the second switchable inductor comprises:
At least one inductor; and
at least one switch is coupled in series with the at least one inductor.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to:
in a first mode, switching the first switchable inductor to the first inductance and closing the at least one switch; and
in a second mode, the first switchable inductor is switched to the second inductance and the at least one switch is opened.
10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier.
11. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein:
the second switchable inductor comprises:
at least one first inductor; and
at least one first switch coupled in series with the at least one first inductor; and is also provided with
The third switchable inductor comprises:
at least one second inductor; and
at least one second switch is coupled in series with the at least one second inductor.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a controller configured to:
in a first mode, switching the first switchable inductor to the first inductance, closing the at least one first switch, and opening the at least one second switch; and
in a second mode, the first switchable inductor is switched to the second inductance, the at least one first switch is opened, and the at least one second switch is closed.
13. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:
a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier; and
a third amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the third switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the third amplifier and the second input of the third amplifier.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first switchable inductor comprises:
a first inductor;
a second inductor;
A third inductor;
a fourth inductor; and
a switching circuit, wherein the switching circuit is configured to:
coupling the first inductor, the second inductor, the third inductor, and the fourth inductor in series between the first output of the first amplifier and the second output of the first amplifier; and
the first inductor and the fourth inductor are coupled in series between the first output of the first amplifier and the second output of the first amplifier.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the second switchable inductor comprises:
a fifth inductor;
a sixth inductor; and
a first switch is coupled between the fifth inductor and the sixth inductor.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier.
17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the third switchable inductor comprises:
A seventh inductor;
an eighth inductor; and
a second switch is coupled between the seventh inductor and the eighth inductor.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising:
a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the second switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier; and
a third amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the third switchable inductor is coupled between the first input of the third amplifier and the second input of the third amplifier.
19. A method for operating a device, wherein the device comprises a first amplifier and a transformer, the transformer comprising: a first switchable inductor coupled to the first amplifier; a second switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor; and a third switchable inductor magnetically coupled to the first switchable inductor, the method comprising:
in the first mode of operation, the first mode,
switching the first switchable inductor to a first inductance;
Enabling the second switchable inductor; and
disabling the third switchable inductor;
in the second mode of operation, the first mode,
switching the first switchable inductor to a second inductance;
disabling the second switchable inductor; and
the third switchable inductor is enabled.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a second amplifier coupled to the second switchable inductor; and
a third amplifier is coupled to the third switchable inductor.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:
amplifying a first signal in a first frequency band and a second signal in a second frequency band using the first amplifier;
amplifying the first signal in the first frequency band using the second amplifier; and
amplifying the second signal in the second frequency band using the third amplifier.
22. The method according to claim 19, wherein:
the second switchable inductor comprises:
at least one first inductor; and
at least one first switch coupled in series with the at least one first inductor; enabling the second switchable inductor includes closing the at least one first switch; and
Disabling the second switchable inductor includes opening the at least one first switch.
23. The method according to claim 22, wherein:
the third switchable inductor comprises:
at least one second inductor; and
at least one second switch coupled in series with the at least one second inductor; enabling the third switchable inductor includes closing the at least one second switch; and
disabling the third switchable inductor includes opening the at least one second switch.
24. The method according to claim 19, wherein:
the first switchable inductor comprises:
at least one first inductor;
at least one second inductor; and
at least one switch coupled in parallel with the at least one second inductor;
switching the first switchable inductor to the first inductance includes opening the at least one switch; and
switching the second switchable inductor to the second inductance includes closing the at least one switch.
25. The method of claim 19, wherein the apparatus further comprises:
a first capacitor coupled in parallel with the first switchable inductor;
A second capacitor coupled in parallel with the second switchable inductor; and
a third capacitor is coupled in parallel with the third switchable inductor.
26. An apparatus, comprising:
a first amplifier having a first output and a second output;
a transformer, comprising:
at least one first inductor;
at least one second inductor, wherein the at least one first inductor and the at least one second inductor are coupled between the first output and the second output of the first amplifier;
at least one first switch coupled in parallel with the at least one second inductor;
at least one third inductor magnetically coupled to the at least one first inductor and the at least one second inductor;
at least one second switch coupled in series with the at least one third inductor;
a second capacitor coupled in parallel with the at least one third inductor and the at least one second switch;
at least one fourth inductor magnetically coupled to the at least one first inductor;
at least one third switch coupled in series with the at least one fourth inductor; and
a third capacitor is coupled in parallel with the at least one fourth inductor and the at least one third switch.
27. The apparatus of claim 26, further comprising a second amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the at least one third inductor and the at least one second switch are coupled in series between the first input of the second amplifier and the second input of the second amplifier.
28. The apparatus of claim 27, further comprising a third amplifier having a first input and a second input, wherein the at least one fourth inductor and the at least one third switch are coupled in series between the first input of the third amplifier and the second input of the third amplifier.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US63/139,259 | 2021-01-19 | ||
| US17/647,534 | 2022-01-10 | ||
| US17/647,534 US20220231642A1 (en) | 2021-01-19 | 2022-01-10 | Amplifier with switchable transformer |
| PCT/US2022/012010 WO2022159305A1 (en) | 2021-01-19 | 2022-01-11 | Amplifier with switchable transformer |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN116648854A true CN116648854A (en) | 2023-08-25 |
Family
ID=87615713
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202280008334.6A Pending CN116648854A (en) | 2021-01-19 | 2022-01-11 | Amplifier with Switchable Transformer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CN (1) | CN116648854A (en) |
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2022
- 2022-01-11 CN CN202280008334.6A patent/CN116648854A/en active Pending
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