SWITCHED TRANSFORMER ARRAYS AND SWITCHED INDUCTOR ARRAYS CAPABLE OF USE IN BEAMFORMER INTEGRATED CIRCUITS

Smart overview of the Invention

A switched transformer array is designed for use in beamformer integrated circuits (BFICs) and other circuits to handle the full spectrum of 5G and 6G frequencies, including specific bands like FR2 and FR3. This innovation enables a single array to cover the entire FR2 range, significantly reducing the size and complexity of the BFICs by about one-third compared to current split architecture designs. This reduction facilitates ultra-broadband operations, enhances performance, and improves security through agile and fast frequency hopping.

Field and Background

The technology pertains to electronics, focusing on switched transformer and inductor arrays for BFICs. As wireless communication systems increasingly operate at millimeter-wave frequencies, traditional BFICs use separate circuits for different frequency bands, complicating the design and enlarging the chip size. These complexities make current BFICs unsuitable for compact devices and costly to produce. The need for high power efficiency and rejection in broadband amplifiers further complicates compliance with regulatory requirements.

Technical Summary

The system includes multiple embodiments featuring a BFIC with a switched transformer array. This includes a primary and secondary transformer side, inductor strands, and switches to interconnect these components. The design allows for selective activation, altering electromagnetic characteristics and operating frequencies. Another embodiment involves a switched inductor array with N strands and N−1 switches, enabling changes in inductive properties and frequency response when activated.

Benefits and Applications

Key advantages of the switched transformer array in BFICs include broadband frequency response and reconfigurability for diverse applications such as 5G/6G networks and radar systems. The design offers high rejection performance, low latency, and robust communication security against narrowband jammers. The reduced size of the BFIC and its components, such as amplifiers and oscillators, further enhances its integration into various systems, including silicon transceiver SoCs and RF front-ends.

Additional Features

The described system provides inherent emission filtering and improved in-band image rejection. The BFIC's ability to perform broadband spread spectrum frequency hopping enhances communication reliability and security. The implementation of switched transformer arrays across multiple circuit blocks in BFICs contributes to overall performance improvements and device miniaturization, supporting advanced communication technologies.