Lumped element balun with inherent complex impedance transformation

Paper in proceeding, 2017

A novel lumped design approach for complex impedance transforming baluns is presented in this paper. It is shown that a relaxation of symmetry in the T-networks of the out-of-phase-compensated-power-splitter enables complex impedance transformation. Design equations are analytically derived for a total of 4 component values, of which 2 values depend upon the 2 other, which are free variables. The two free component values are used independently for adjustment of input reflection loss, further keeping the balance parameter maximally flat and independent of the load impedance. For Q-values of source and load, not being excessively high, the balun can be realized with only 8 components. A demonstrator is fabricated, transforming 26.9 + j11.1 Ω to 73.8 + j38.6 Ω. An amplitude balance of ±0.7 dB and phase balance better than ±5° is achieved over a 20 % bandwidth. The return loss is higher than 20 dB.