US6380608B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multiple level spiral inductors used to form a filter in a printed circuit board
Assignee: Alcatel USA Sourcing Inc
•
Filing: 1999-06-01
•
Granted: 2002-04-30
•
Expires: 2019-06-01
Abstract
Abstract Spiral inductors are provided on multiple internal layers of a printed circuit (PC) board and configured to form a filter. An external end of each of the spiral inductors can be coupled by a via to opening in ground planes provided on external surfaces of the PC board. Using such vias, the external end of each of the spiral inductors can be coupled by lumped elements, such as a capacitor, an inductor, or combination of capacitors and inductors to the ground planes to enable tuning of the filter after the PC board has been manufactured. Such lumped element components can further interconnect the external ends of two spiral inductors to provide alternate filter configurations which are easily tunable. Internal ends of the spiral inductors can also be connected together by a via to the ground planes to provide superb grounding due to limited line lengths between filter components and ground.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald L. Bentley
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:23
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03H; H03H7/00; H03H7/01; H03H7/17; H03H7/1741; H03H7/1775; H01; H01F; H01F17/00; H01F17/0006; H01F17/0013; H03H7/09; H03H7/1716; H03H7/1725; H05; H05K; H05K1/00; H05K1/16; H05K1/165; H01F2017/0026; H03H1/00; H03H2001/0021; H03H2001/0085; H05K1/02; H05K1/0213; H05K1/0216; H05K1/023; H05K1/0231; H05K1/0296; H05K1/0298; H05K2201/00; H05K2201/07; H05K2201/0707; H05K2201/0715; H05K2201/10; H05K2201/10007; H05K2201/1003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 59
Claim 1
Independent Claim
74 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; and at least three spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; ground plane regions formed on external surfaces of the dielectric layers; and a first via electrically connecting the internal ends of the spiral inductors to the ground plane regions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
74 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; and at least three spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; ground plane regions formed on external surfaces of the dielectric layers; and a first via electrically connecting the internal ends of the spiral inductors to the ground plane regions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
53 words
The filter of claim 1 , further comprising: second vias electrically connecting external ends of the spiral inductors to an external surface of the dielectric layers; and first lumped elements provided on an external surface of the dielectric layers, wherein the first lumped elements electrically connect the second vias to the first via.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
30 words
The filter of claim 2 , further comprising: second lumped elements provided on an external surface of the dielectric layers, wherein the second lumped elements electrically connect the second vias.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 3 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise capacitors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 3 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise inductors.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 3 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise a combination of capacitors and inductors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 2 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise capacitors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 2 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise inductors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 2 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise a combination of capacitors and inductors.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
52 words
The filter of claim 1 further comprising: a first transmission line electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors to provide an input terminal for the filter; and a second transmission line electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors to provide an output terminal for the filter.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
144 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; at least three spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; a ground plane region formed on an external surface of the dielectric layers; a transmission line provided on one of the dielectric layers between two of the spiral inductors; a first via electrically connecting internal ends of the spiral inductors to the transmission line; a second via connecting the transmission line to the ground plane region; and a structure formed on a dielectric layer with the ground plane region, the structure comprising: a second transmission line having one end connected to the second via; and a plurality of conductive lines connecting the second transmission line to the ground plane region.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
144 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; at least three spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; a ground plane region formed on an external surface of the dielectric layers; a transmission line provided on one of the dielectric layers between two of the spiral inductors; a first via electrically connecting internal ends of the spiral inductors to the transmission line; a second via connecting the transmission line to the ground plane region; and a structure formed on a dielectric layer with the ground plane region, the structure comprising: a second transmission line having one end connected to the second via; and a plurality of conductive lines connecting the second transmission line to the ground plane region.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
90 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; and at least three spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; wherein the at least three spiral inductors comprise: a first pair of spiral inductors which substantially overlap; and a second pair of spiral inductors which substantially overlap, wherein the second pair of spiral inductors substantially do not overlap with the first pair of spiral inductors.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
90 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; and at least three spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; wherein the at least three spiral inductors comprise: a first pair of spiral inductors which substantially overlap; and a second pair of spiral inductors which substantially overlap, wherein the second pair of spiral inductors substantially do not overlap with the first pair of spiral inductors.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
150 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; at least three spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; a via electrically connecting the internal ends of the spiral inductors; a first pair of transmission lines forming input terminals for the filter, one of the first pair being connected to the via, and another one of the first pair being electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors at a point separate from the via; and a second pair of transmission lines forming output terminals for the filter, one of the second pair being connected to the via, and another one of the second pair being electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors at a point separate from the via.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
150 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; at least three spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; a via electrically connecting the internal ends of the spiral inductors; a first pair of transmission lines forming input terminals for the filter, one of the first pair being connected to the via, and another one of the first pair being electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors at a point separate from the via; and a second pair of transmission lines forming output terminals for the filter, one of the second pair being connected to the via, and another one of the second pair being electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors at a point separate from the via.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
66 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; ground plane regions formed on external surfaces of the dielectric layers; and a first via electrically connecting the spiral inductors to the ground plane regions.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
66 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; ground plane regions formed on external surfaces of the dielectric layers; and a first via electrically connecting the spiral inductors to the ground plane regions.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter of claim 14 , wherein the first vias are connected to internal ends of the spiral inductors.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
49 words
The filter of claim 14 , further comprising: second vias electrically connecting the spiral inductors to an external surface of the dielectric layers; and first lumped elements provided on an external surface of the dielectric layers, wherein the first lumped elements connect the second vias to the first via.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
32 words
The filter of claim 16 , wherein the first vias are connected to internal ends of the spiral inductors and the second vias are connected to external ends of the spiral inductors.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
30 words
The filter of claim 16 , further comprising: second lumped elements provided on an external surface of the dielectric layers, wherein the second lumped elements electrically connect the second vias.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 18 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise capacitors.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 18 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise inductors.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 18 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise a combination of capacitors and inductors.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 16 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise capacitors.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 16 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise inductors.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 16 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise a combination of capacitors and inductors.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
52 words
The filter of claim 14 further comprising: a first transmission line electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors to provide an input terminal for the filter; and a second transmission line electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors to provide an output terminal for the filter.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
83 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; vias electrically connecting the spiral inductors to at least one external surface of the dielectric layers; and first lumped elements provided on at least one of the external surfaces of the dielectric layers, wherein the first lumped elements electrically connect the vias.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
83 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; vias electrically connecting the spiral inductors to at least one external surface of the dielectric layers; and first lumped elements provided on at least one of the external surfaces of the dielectric layers, wherein the first lumped elements electrically connect the vias.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 26 , wherein the vias connect to the external end of the spiral inductors.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
35 words
The filter of claim 26 further comprising: ground plane regions formed on external surfaces of the dielectric layers; and second lumped elements electrically connecting the vias to at least one of the ground plane regions.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 28 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise capacitors.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 28 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise inductors.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 28 , wherein the second lumped elements comprise a combination of capacitors and inductors.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 26 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise capacitors.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
13 words
The filter of claim 26 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise inductors.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 26 , wherein the first lumped elements comprise a combination of capacitors and inductors.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
52 words
The filter of claim 26 further comprising: a first transmission line electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors to provide an input terminal for the filter; and a second transmission line electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors to provide an output terminal for the filter.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
118 words
The filter of claim 26 further comprising: a central via electrically connecting the internal ends of the spiral inductors; a first pair of transmission lines forming input terminals for the filter, one of the first pair being connected to the central via, and another one of the first pair being electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors at a point separate from the central via; and a second pair of transmission lines forming output terminals for the filter, one of the second pair being connected to the central via, and another one of the second pair being electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors at a point separate from the central via.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
96 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; ground plane regions formed on external surfaces of the dielectric layers; vias electrically connecting the spiral inductors to an external surface of the dielectric layers; and lumped elements provided on at least one external surface of the dielectric layers, the lumped elements electrically connecting the vias to at least one of the ground plane regions.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
96 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from each one of the spiral inductors to at least one of the other spiral inductors; ground plane regions formed on external surfaces of the dielectric layers; vias electrically connecting the spiral inductors to an external surface of the dielectric layers; and lumped elements provided on at least one external surface of the dielectric layers, the lumped elements electrically connecting the vias to at least one of the ground plane regions.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 37 , wherein the vias connect to the external ends of the spiral inductors.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
12 words
The filter of claim 37 , wherein the lumped elements comprise capacitors.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
12 words
The filter of claim 37 , wherein the lumped elements comprise inductors.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
17 words
The filter of claim 37 , wherein the lumped elements comprise a combination of capacitors and inductors.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
52 words
The filter of claim 37 further comprising: a first transmission line electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors to provide an input terminal for the filter; and a second transmission line electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors to provide an output terminal for the filter.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
118 words
The filter of claim 37 further comprising: a central via electrically connecting the internal ends of the spiral inductors; a first pair of transmission lines forming input terminals for the filter, one of the first pair being connected to the central via, and another one of the first pair being electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors at a point separate from the central via; and a second pair of transmission lines forming output terminals for the filter, one of the second pair being connected to the central via, and another one of the second pair being electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors at a point separate from the central via.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
87 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from one of the spiral inductors to another; a ground plane region formed on an external surface of the dielectric layers; a transmission line provided on one of the dielectric layers between two of the spiral inductors; a first via electrically connecting the spiral inductors to the transmission line; and a second via coupling the transmission line to the ground plane region.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
87 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; spiral inductors formed between different ones of the dielectric layers, wherein the spiral inductors are located to establish mutual inductance from one of the spiral inductors to another; a ground plane region formed on an external surface of the dielectric layers; a transmission line provided on one of the dielectric layers between two of the spiral inductors; a first via electrically connecting the spiral inductors to the transmission line; and a second via coupling the transmission line to the ground plane region.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
19 words
The filter of claim 44 , wherein the first via is connected to internal ends of the spiral inductors.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
18 words
The filter of claim 44 , wherein the first via is further connected to a ground plane region.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
50 words
The filter of claim 44 further comprising a structure formed on a dielectric layer with the ground plane region, the structure comprising: a second transmission line having one end connected to the second via; and a plurality of conductive lines connecting the second transmission line to the ground plane region.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
52 words
The filter of claim 44 further comprising: a first transmission line electrically connected to a first one of the spiral inductors to provide an input terminal for the filter; and a second transmission line electrically connected to a second one of the spiral inductors to provide an output terminal for the filter.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
66 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; a first pair of spiral inductors formed on different ones of the dielectric layers and substantially overlapping to establish mutual inductance; and a second pair of spiral inductors formed on different ones of the dielectric layers and substantially overlapping to establish mutual inductance, wherein the second pair of spiral inductors substantially do not overlap with the first pair of spiral inductors.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
66 words
A filter comprising: dielectric layers; a first pair of spiral inductors formed on different ones of the dielectric layers and substantially overlapping to establish mutual inductance; and a second pair of spiral inductors formed on different ones of the dielectric layers and substantially overlapping to establish mutual inductance, wherein the second pair of spiral inductors substantially do not overlap with the first pair of spiral inductors.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
133 words
The filter of claim 49 further comprising: a ground plane region formed on an external surface of the dielectric layers, wherein internal ends of the first and second pair of spiral inductors are connected by vias to the ground plane regions; and a pair of transmission lines forming terminals for the filter, one of the pair of transmission lines being connected to an external end of a first one of the first pair of spiral inductors, another one of the pair of transmission lines being connected to an external end of a first one of the second pair of spiral inductors, wherein an external end of a second one of the first pair of spiral inductors is connected to an external end of a second one of the second pair of spiral inductors.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-04-29 | 2005-10-29 | 2006-04-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-04-29 | 2009-10-29 | 2010-04-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-04-29 | 2013-10-29 | 2014-04-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |