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Apple patents circuit design that splits wireless signals using stacked wires

Apple describes a small electronic component called a quadrature hybrid coupler that splits a wireless signal into two parts: one that stays in sync with the original and another that is shifted by 90 degrees. The design uses two metal lines stacked in different layers of a chip, which interact magnetically to create this split without needing extra physical space.

Why it mattersThis is a routine improvement to how radio frequency signals are managed inside devices, potentially allowing for more efficient wireless chips in future phones or laptops.

In the filing’s own words

Wireless communications circuitry that includes a quadrature hybrid coupler is provided. The hybrid coupler can include a first port configured to receive an input signal, a second port configured to output a signal that is in phase with the input signal, a third port configured to output a signal that is 90 degrees out of phase with the input signal, a fourth port that is isolated from at least the first port, a first conductive line coupled between the first port and the second port, and a second conductive line magnetically coupled to the first conductive line and coupled between the third port and the fourth port. The first and second conductive lines can include winding segments disposed in three consecutive conductive routing layers in an interconnect stack. The first conductive line can be magnetically coupled to the second conductive line via a coupling coefficient greater than 0.707.

What exactly they claim (claim 1)

1. A quadrature hybrid coupling circuit comprising: a first port configured to receive an input signal; a second port configured to output a corresponding signal that is in phase with the input signal; a third port configured to output a corresponding signal that is 90 degrees out of phase with the input signal; a fourth port that is isolated from at least the first port; a first segment of a first conductive line, wherein the first segment of the first conductive line has a first distal end coupled to the first port; and a first segment of a second conductive line magnetically coupled to the first conductive line, wherein the first segment of the second conductive line has a first distal end coupled to the third port, and wherein the first segment of the first conductive line and the first segment of the second conductive line are disposed in a first conductive routing layer of an interconnect stack.

Facts

Company
Apple (Apple Inc.)
Official title
Wireless Communications Circuitry having a Hybrid Coupler with Increased Coupling
Publication number
US20260269448A1
Application number
19071539
Filed
Mar 5, 2025
Published
Sep 10, 2026
Inventors
4
Claims
20

Classified under

H01P 5/227 Electricity & electronics
Read the full filing (official PDF) ↗ Open in the Patent Tracker

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Summaries are simplified from the filing’s own abstract and first claim. A patent filing is not a product announcement.
Patent data and drawings: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by the USPTO.