Integrated broadside coupled transmission line element

摘要

A novel broadside-coupled transmission line element is disclosed. The element includes a first metallization layer that has a first spiral-shaped transmission line and at least one bridge segment formed therein. The element also includes a second metallization layer that has a second spiral-shaped transmission line and connector segments formed therein. The connector segments provide respective electrical conduction paths between the inner area of the first and second transmission lines and the outer area of the first and second transmission lines. A first one of the connector segments is electrically connected to the inner terminus of the second transmission line. The second transmission line has a gap at each intersection with the connector segments. A dielectric layer lies between the first and second metallization layers. The dielectric layer has a plurality of apertures formed therein for providing electrical connections between the second transmission line and the bridge segment(s) of the first metallization layer, and for providing an electrical connection between the inner terminus of the first transmission line and a second one of the connector segments. The element is realized in an integrated circuit environment, and may be used to create various circuit elements such as baluns, balanced and unbalanced transformers and current and voltage inverters for operation at high frequencies.