PASSIVE RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNAL HANDLER

摘要

A multi-stage signal handling circuit. Operating as a combiner or splitter, first stage transformers match low input impedance at a first set of differential terminals, and second stage transformers match expected higher impedance at second terminal(s). Transformer windings are mirror image, vertically aligned, meandering conductive tracks disposed on opposite sides of a PCB. Air columns above or below the conductive tracks reduce ground plane effects. A capacitor provided across the differential input terminals of each transformer is chosen to further match the power amplifier output, including consideration of inherent inductance presented by the circuit tracks and vias between transformer sections.

主权项

1. A signal handling apparatus comprising:
a first stage including one or more impedance transformers of a first type, for receiving one or more differential input signals from a signal source, matching an input impedance of the apparatus to an output impedance of the signal source, and combining the one or more differential input signals as first stage differential outputs; a second stage including one or more impedance transformers of a second type, for receiving the first stage differential outputs, combining the first stage differential outputs as a second stage output, and matching an impedance of the second stage output to an output device; and wherein the impedance transformers of the first and second stage are each implemented using meandering line conductive traces disposed on a substrate.