INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY ROORKEE

ECN-631
Topic: Balun

Prepared By :- Dev Raj Jain

Dishant Meena
Ishika Singla
Mayurdeep Sonowal
Presentation Outline

• Introduction of Balun
• Types of Baluns
• Functions of Baluns
• Impedance matching
• Example of Impedance matching
• Conversion between balanced and unbalanced
signals
• Balanced to unbalanced conversion
• Unbalanced to balanced conversion
• Applications

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Introduction of Balun
● A Balun is a device that converts between balanced and
unbalanced signals.
● Typically used in RF systems to match impedance and reduce
common mode noise.

https://www.everythingrf.com/search/microwave-rf-baluns

● Balun ensures efficient signal transmission by matching the

impedance of different components and converting between
balanced and unbalanced signal formats
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Types of Baluns

BALUN

Transmission Line
Transformer Balun
Balun

These are suitable for

It utilizes transmission high frequency
It consists of magnetic Commonly used in RF
lines to achieve signal applications and are
core with primary and circuits, Antennas and
transformation and often used in RF
secondary wings Transmission Lines
impedance matching transceiver and Antenna
systems

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Use of Balun

If a coaxial cable is used to feed a balanced line then…

A balun prevents this current to flow back through coax cable

which helps in avoiding the interference.

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Functions of Balun

Impedance matching

Conversion between Balanced and Unbalanced Signals

Common Mode Noise Suppression

Signal Isolation

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Impedance matching

● Balun helps in matching the impedance of different

components within an RF system, ensuring maximum
power transfer.

● Impedance matching would be done by the balun by

selecting appropriate turns ratio or by selecting ratio of
primary and secondary coil inductances.

● Proper impedance matching ensures that the transmitter's

power is efficiently transferred to the load, improving the
overall performance of the RF system

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Example of Impedance matching

200 Ohm balanced (dipole) antenna system is matched to a 50 Ohm

unbalanced (coaxial) cable using balun by stepping down the high antenna
impedance.

https://www.coilcraft.com/getmedia/ebe04fb9-dede-42c0-bcd2-ddfa3f66994a/doc1077_baluns_and_i
mpedance_matching.pdf
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Conversion between Balanced and Unbalanced
signals

https://blog.minicircuits.com/demystifying-transformers-baluns-and-ununs/
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Balanced to Unbalanced conversion

• The balanced signal, typically represented by two

conductors carrying equal but opposite voltages, is applied
to the input terminals of the balun.

• Inside the balun, transformer action takes place. The balun

is designed with a specific turns ratio that facilitates
impedance transformation.

• In the case of converting balanced to unbalanced signals,

the balun acts as a step-down transformer.

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Unbalanced to Balanced conversion

• The unbalanced signal, which typically consists of a single

conductor is applied to the input terminals of the balun.

• Inside the balun, transformer action occurs again, but this

time the balun acts as a step-up transformer. The turns ratio
is designed to increase the voltage and impedance from the
unbalanced input to the balanced output.

• In the case of converting unbalanced to balanced signals,

the balun acts as a step-up transformer.

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Contd…

Common mode noise suppression: Common mode noise occurs when

unwanted signals appear in-phase on both conductors of a
transmission line, causing interference and degradation of signal
quality. By providing balanced signalling, baluns cancel out common
mode noise

Signal Isolation: Because baluns transfer power through electrical or

magnetic coupling, they provide some natural isolation between
balanced and unbalanced signals.

noise suppression

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Applications

1. Antenna Systems -
a. Impedance Matching - efficient power transfer between antennas and feed
lines
b. Balanced-to-Unbalanced Conversion

2. RF Circuits -
a. Signal Conversion - conversion between balanced and unbalanced signals
b. Noise Reduction - Cancel out common mode noise
c. Isolation and Grounding - isolation between RF components and ground

3. High Speed Digital Communication -

a. Impedance Matching
b. Signal Conversion - enable transmission of balanced (differential) signals
over unbalanced transmission lines
c. Common-Mode Noise Rejection

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References

• Using Baluns and RF Components for Impedance

Matching:-https://www.coilcraft.com/getmedia/ebe04fb9-dede-42c0-bcd
2-ddfa3f66994a/doc1077_baluns_and_impedance_matching.pdf
• What is a Balun in RF PCB and Do You Need
One?:-https://resources.altium.com/p/what-balun-and-does-your-rf-pcb-
need-one
• Demystifying Transformers: Baluns and Ununs:-
https://blog.minicircuits.com/demystifying-transformers-baluns-and-unun
s/
• RF Baluns:-https://www.everythingrf.com/search/microwave-rf-baluns

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Thank You !

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QnA time!

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