The Hybrid Compatible Transformer

In the past, hybrids containing transformers were hard and costly to produce because of difficulties with size, uneven mounting surfaces, and substrate to magnet wire interconnections. A new but simple toroid transformer assembly implemented on a hybrid substrate using standard printed conductors and gold wires is described. This innovation, called the hybrid compatible transformer [1], has recently progressed from the prototype stage to full scale production. It opens up numerous possibilities for improving the performance of hybrid circuits and for producing low-cost hybrid versions of products previously available only in discrete form. The biggest benefit in the form of lower cost and smaller size is anticipated for low power (1-25 W) dc/dc converters [2]. However, other products easily hybridized using this technique are isolation amplifier, RF-receivers, high-speed sample and hold circuits, 4/20 mA loop isolators, ac/dc converters, and EMI filters.