Abstract:
A diplexer includes a substrate having a set of through substrate vias. The diplexer also includes a first set of traces on a first surface of the substrate. The first traces are coupled to the through substrate vias. The diplexer further includes a second set of traces on a second surface of the substrate that is opposite the first surface. The second traces are coupled to opposite ends of the set of through substrate vias. The through substrate vias and the traces also operate as a 3D inductor. The diplexer also includes a capacitor supported by the substrate.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for waveform-tailored average power tracking. In an example aspect, the apparatus includes an amplifier, a power converter, and an average power tracking module. The amplifier is configured to amplify radio-frequency signals using a supply voltage. The radio-frequency signals have different waveforms. The power converter is coupled to the amplifier and configured to provide the supply voltage. The average power tracking module is coupled to the power converter and configured to adjust the supply voltage according to the different waveforms to cause the supply voltage to vary across at least two waveforms of the different waveforms for related average output powers.
Abstract:
A step attenuator with constant input capacitance and having good performance is disclosed. In an exemplary design, an apparatus includes a step attenuator having a constant input capacitance for different amounts of attenuation. The step attenuator receives an input signal, provides a variable amount of attenuation for the input signal, and provides an output signal. The step attenuator may include a plurality of attenuator sections coupled in series. Each attenuator section may include a plurality of capacitors and may have the constant input capacitance. At least one of the plurality of attenuator sections may be selected or unselected to obtain a selected amount of attenuation for the step attenuator. An attenuator section may provide a predetermined amount of attenuation or a variable amount of attenuation when selected. The apparatus may further include a power detector that receives and determines the power of the output signal from the step attenuator.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frequency multiplexer circuit coupled to an input node and configured to receive an input signal via the input node. The frequency multiplexer circuit comprises a first filter circuit, a second filter circuit, and a third filter circuit. The apparatus also includes a switching circuit that is configurable to couple at least two of a first output of the first filter circuit, a second output of the second filter circuit, or a third output of the third filter circuit to a single output port.
Abstract:
Tunable diplexers in three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuits (IC) (3DIC) are disclosed. In one embodiment, the tunable diplexer may be formed by providing one of either a varactor or a variable inductor in the diplexer. The variable nature of the varactor or the variable inductor allows a notch in the diplexer to be tuned so as to select a band stop to eliminate harmonics at a desired frequency as well as control the cutoff frequency of the pass band. By stacking the elements of the diplexer into three dimensions, space is conserved and a variety of varactors and inductors are able to be used.
Abstract:
A method includes forming a first conductive spiral and a second conductive spiral of a spiral inductor coupled to a substrate. The second conductive spiral overlays the first conductive spiral. A first portion of an innermost turn of the spiral inductor has a first thickness in a direction perpendicular to the substrate. The first portion of the innermost turn includes a first portion of the first conductive spiral and does not include the second conductive spiral. A second portion of the innermost turn includes a first portion of the second conductive spiral. A portion of an outermost turn of the spiral inductor has a second thickness in the direction perpendicular to the substrate. The second thickness is greater than the first thickness. The portion of the outermost turn includes a second portion of the first conductive spiral and a second portion of the second conductive spiral.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frequency multiplexer circuit coupled to an input node and configured to receive an input signal via the input node. The frequency multiplexer circuit comprises a first filter circuit, a second filter circuit, and a third filter circuit. The apparatus also includes a switching circuit that is configurable to couple at least two of a first output of the first filter circuit, a second output of the second filter circuit, or a third output of the third filter circuit to a single output port.
Abstract:
Techniques for improving the linearity of radio-frequency (RF) front-end switches. In an aspect, open-loop techniques are disclosed for superimposing the output voltage of one or more negative rectifiers on a negative substrate bias voltage to reduce the non-linearities associated with voltage-dependent substrate leakage current. In another aspect, closed-loop techniques are further disclosed for maintaining the substrate bias voltage close to a reference voltage. Exemplary embodiments of the circuit blocks are further described.
Abstract:
A device includes a first circuit path coupled to a first node and a second node, the first circuit path having at least one first varactor circuit configured to receive a first tuning voltage, the first circuit path having a resistor with a selectable value, and a second circuit path coupled to the first node and the second node, the second circuit path having at least one second varactor circuit configured to receive a second tuning voltage, the second circuit path having a capacitor with a selectable value.
Abstract:
Techniques for improving the linearity of radio-frequency (RF) front-end switches. In an aspect, open-loop techniques are disclosed for superimposing the output voltage of one or more negative rectifiers on a negative substrate bias voltage to reduce the non-linearities associated with voltage-dependent substrate leakage current. In another aspect, closed-loop techniques are further disclosed for maintaining the substrate bias voltage close to a reference voltage. Exemplary embodiments of the circuit blocks are further described.