Patent US6476704B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6476704B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
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MMIC airbridge balun transformer
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 2001-07-09
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Granted: 2002-11-05
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Expires: 2021-07-09
Abstract
Abstract A balun transformer and inductor are proposed having geometries that provide several windings of conductors in small areas. In one embodiment, the windings of the balun transformer and inductor have octagonal shapes with a lower and upper layer of wound conductors. The upper layer lies on supporting posts that stand on pedestals. The lower layer of conductors shadow the upper layer while curving to avoid the pedestals.
Inventors
- 👤 Miles E. Goff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:40
CPC Classifications
H; H10; H10W; H10W20/00; H10W20/40; H10W20/497; H01; H01F; H01F17/00; H01F17/0006; H10W44/00; H10W44/501; H01F2017/0046; H10W44/20; H10W44/241; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T29/00; Y10T29/49; Y10T29/49002; Y10T29/4902; Y10T29/49073
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
153 words
A balun transformer, comprising: a primary conductor, wherein said primary conductor comprises at least one primary winding having at least one planar portion and at least one primary crossover portion, and wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one primary winding lies within a first plane; a secondary conductor, wherein said secondary conductor comprises at least one secondary winding having at least one planar portion and at least one secondary crossover portion, and wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding lies within a second plane located above said first plane, and further wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding is concentrical; at least one supporting post to support said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding; and a dielectric comprising air disposed between said first plane and said second plane.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
153 words
A balun transformer, comprising: a primary conductor, wherein said primary conductor comprises at least one primary winding having at least one planar portion and at least one primary crossover portion, and wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one primary winding lies within a first plane; a secondary conductor, wherein said secondary conductor comprises at least one secondary winding having at least one planar portion and at least one secondary crossover portion, and wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding lies within a second plane located above said first plane, and further wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding is concentrical; at least one supporting post to support said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding; and a dielectric comprising air disposed between said first plane and said second plane.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
48 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding winds along a polygonal path and wherein said at least one secondary crossover portion crosses from an outward secondary winding to an inward secondary winding.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 2 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding completes a one-half turn.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 3 , wherein said polygonal path is an octagonal path.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
41 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding lies approximately one micron above said at least one planar portion of said at least one primary winding.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said primary conductor is wider than said secondary conductor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
29 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said primary conductor curves around said at least one supporting post to avoid said at least one supporting post.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 1 , further comprising: at least one pedestal, wherein said at least one pedestal supports said at least one supporting post.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 8 , wherein said primary conductor curves around said at least one pedestal to avoid said at least one pedestal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
41 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said primary conductor and said secondary conductor are comprised of gold, and further wherein said primary conductor is approximately one micron thick and said secondary conductor is approximately three microns thick.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 10 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding lies approximately one micron above said at least one planar portion of said at least one primary winding.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said dielectric further comprises one of the following: silicone nitride and polyimide.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
48 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 1 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding winds along a circular path and wherein said at least one secondary crossover portion crosses from an outward secondary winding to an inward secondary winding.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
27 words
A balun transformer in accordance with claim 13 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding completes a one-half turn.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
173 words
An inductor, comprising: a primary conductor comprising at least one planar portion and at least one primary crossover portion, wherein said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor lies within a first plane; a secondary conductor electrically connected to said primary conductor wherein said secondary conductor comprises at least one planar portion and at least one secondary crossover portion, and wherein said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor lies within a second plane located above said first plane, and further wherein said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor is concentrical; a dielectric comprising air disposed between said first plane and said second plane; and at least one supporting post to support said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor, wherein said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor curves around said at least one supporting post to avoid said at least one supporting post, and wherein said primary conductor and said secondary conductor comprise more than one winding of a conductor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
173 words
An inductor, comprising: a primary conductor comprising at least one planar portion and at least one primary crossover portion, wherein said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor lies within a first plane; a secondary conductor electrically connected to said primary conductor wherein said secondary conductor comprises at least one planar portion and at least one secondary crossover portion, and wherein said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor lies within a second plane located above said first plane, and further wherein said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor is concentrical; a dielectric comprising air disposed between said first plane and said second plane; and at least one supporting post to support said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor, wherein said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor curves around said at least one supporting post to avoid said at least one supporting post, and wherein said primary conductor and said secondary conductor comprise more than one winding of a conductor.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
52 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 15 , wherein said at least one secondary crossover portion crosses from an outward planar portion of said secondary conductor to an inward planar portion of said secondary conductor and wherein said out ward and inward planar portions of said secondary conductor wind along polygonal paths.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 16 , wherein said outward planar portion of said secondary conductor and said inward planar portion of said secondary conductor complete one-half turns.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 16 , wherein said polygonal paths are octagonal.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
18 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 15 , wherein said secondary conductor is wider than said primary conductor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 15 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor lies approximately one micron above said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
40 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 15 , wherein said primary conductor and said secondary conductor are comprised of gold, and further wherein said primary conductor is approximately one micron thick and said secondary conductor is approximately three microns thick.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
34 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 21 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor lies approximately one micron above said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
21 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 15 , wherein said dielectric further comprises one of the following: silicone nitride and polyimide.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
51 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 15 , wherein said at least one secondary crossover portion crosses from an outward planar portion of said secondary conductor to an inward planar portion of said secondary conductor and wherein said outward and inward planar portions of said secondary conductor wind along circular paths.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
An inductor in accordance with claim 24 , wherein said outward planar portion of said secondary conductor and said inward planar portion of said secondary conductor complete one-half turns.
Claim 28
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for making balun transformers, comprising: forming a primary conductor comprising at least one primary winding having at least one planar portion and at least one primary crossover portion; locating said at least one planar portion of said at least one primary winding within a first plane; forming a secondary conductor comprising at least one secondary winding having at least one concentrical planar portion and at least one secondary crossover portion; locating at least one supporting post to support said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding; locating said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding within a second plane located above said first plane; and providing a dielectric comprising air to reside between said first plane and said second plane.
Claim 29
Independent Claim
132 words
A method for making balun transformers, comprising: forming a primary conductor comprising at least one primary winding having at least one planar portion and at least one primary crossover portion; locating said at least one planar portion of said at least one primary winding within a first plane; forming a secondary conductor comprising at least one secondary winding having at least one concentrical planar portion and at least one secondary crossover portion; locating at least one supporting post to support said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding; locating said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding within a second plane located above said first plane; and providing a dielectric comprising air to reside between said first plane and said second plane.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method in accordance with claim 26 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding is formed along a polygonal path, and wherein said at least one secondary crossover portion connects an outward secondary winding to an inward secondary winding.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method in accordance with claim 27 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding completes a one-half turn.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method in accordance with claim 27 , wherein said polygonal path is an octagonal path.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
41 words
A method in accordance with claim 26 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding is located approximately one micron above said at least one planar portion of said at least one primary winding.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method in accordance with claim 26 , wherein said primary conductor is formed to curve around said at least one supporting post to avoid said at least one supporting post.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
23 words
A method in accordance with claim 26 , further comprising: providing at least one pedestal to support said at least one supporting post.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method in accordance with claim 32 , wherein said primary conductor is formed to curve around said at least one pedestal to avoid said at least one pedestal.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 26 , wherein said dielectric further comprises one of the following: silicone nitride and polyimide.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
47 words
A method in accordance with claim 26 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding is formed along a circular path, and wherein said at least one secondary crossover portion connects an outward secondary winding to an inward secondary winding.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method in accordance with claim 35 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said at least one secondary winding completes a one-half turn.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
166 words
A method for making an inductor, comprising: forming a primary conductor comprising at least one planar portion and at least one primary crossover portion; locating said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor within a first plane; forming a secondary conductor comprises at least one concentrical planar portion and at least one secondary crossover portion; providing at least one supporting post to support said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor, wherein said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor is formed to curve around said at least one supporting post to avoid said at least one supporting post; locating said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor within a second plane located above said first plane; electrically connecting said primary conductor to said secondary conductor, wherein said primary conductor and said secondary conductor comprise more than one winding of a conductor; and providing a dielectric comprising air to reside between said first plane and said second plane.
Claim 41
Independent Claim
166 words
A method for making an inductor, comprising: forming a primary conductor comprising at least one planar portion and at least one primary crossover portion; locating said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor within a first plane; forming a secondary conductor comprises at least one concentrical planar portion and at least one secondary crossover portion; providing at least one supporting post to support said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor, wherein said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor is formed to curve around said at least one supporting post to avoid said at least one supporting post; locating said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor within a second plane located above said first plane; electrically connecting said primary conductor to said secondary conductor, wherein said primary conductor and said secondary conductor comprise more than one winding of a conductor; and providing a dielectric comprising air to reside between said first plane and said second plane.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method in accordance with claim 37 , wherein an outward and inward planar portions of said secondary conductor are formed along polygonal paths, and wherein said at least one secondary crossover portion connects said outward planar portion of said secondary conductor to said inward planar portion of said secondary conductor.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method in accordance with claim 38 , wherein said outward planar portion of said secondary conductor and said inward planar portion of said secondary conductor complete one-half turns.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
15 words
A method in accordance with claim 38 , wherein said polygonal paths are octagonal paths.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method in accordance with claim 37 , wherein said at least one planar portion of said secondary conductor is located approximately one micron above said at least one planar portion of said primary conductor.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method in accordance with claim 37 , wherein said dielectric further comprises one of the following: silicone nitride and polyimide.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
51 words
A method in accordance with claim 37 , wherein an outward and inward planar portions of said secondary conductor are formed along circular paths, and wherein said at least one secondary crossover portion connects said outward planar portion of said secondary conductor to said inward planar portion of said secondary conductor.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method in accordance with claim 43 , wherein said outward planar portion of said secondary conductor and said inward planar portion of said secondary conductor complete one-half turns.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2005-11-04 | 2006-05-06 | 2006-11-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2009-11-04 | 2010-05-06 | 2010-11-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2013-11-04 | 2014-05-06 | 2014-11-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |