Mks Instruments, Inc.

Eni Technology, Inc.

Yogendra K Chawla

David J Coumou

Aaron T Radomski

Daniel J Lincoln

Jonathan W Smyka

Vadim Lubomirsky

Mariusz Oldziej

Dennis M Brown

Christopher Michael Owen

Todd Heckleman

Craig A Covert

David Freese

Jon Smyka

An eVC including coarse and fine tuning networks. The coarse tuning network includes a circuit: receiving a RF input signal from a RF generator; outputting a RF output signal to a reference terminal or load; and receiving a DC bias voltage. The circuit is switched between first and second states. A capacitance of the circuit is based on the DC bias voltage while in the first state and is not based on the DC bias voltage while in the second state. The fine tuning network is connected in parallel with the coarse tuning network and includes a varactor. The varactor includes: a first diode receiving the RF input signal; and a second diode connected in a back-to-back configuration with the first diode and outputting a RF output signal to the reference terminal or load. A capacitance of the varactor is based on a second received DC bias voltage.

Solid-state impedance matching systems including a hybrid tuning network with a switchable coarse tuning network and a varactor fine tuning network

A scalable radio frequency (RF) generator system including at least one power supply, at least one power amplifier receiving input from the power supply, and a power supply control module, and a system controller. Output from the at least one power supply can be combined and applied to each of the power amplifiers. Output form each of the at least one power amplifiers can be combined to generate a single RF signal. A compensator module controls operation of the at least one power supply. The compensator module, system control module, and power supply controller communicate in a daisy chain configuration.

High reliability RF generator architecture

A power amplifier (PA) adjustably operable between two classes of operation. The range of operation lies in a range of operation between a conventional, linear, conjugately matched Class AB characteristic amplifier and a higher efficiency switching Class E characteristic amplifier. A circuit topology having a push-pull configuration that allows a Class E characteristic of operation.

Variable class characteristic amplifier

A radio frequency (RF) sensor that measures RF current includes a substrate that has an inner perimeter that defines an aperture. A conductor extends through the aperture. Sensor pads are arranged on the aperture and are connected to form two sensor loops. The loops generate an electrical signal that represents RF current flow through the center conductor. Additionally, a plurality of circular conductive rings may be included in the RF sensor to generate a signal representing the voltage of the conductor.

Orthogonal radio frequency voltage/current sensor with high dynamic range

A high efficiency stable RF power amplifier with frequency tuning capability is disclosed. The present invention includes a novel circuit configuration which allows the drain or collector terminal of the power transistor to be at ground potential eliminating the need for an electrical insulator between the transistor and the heatsink. In an alternative embodiment, the source or emitter terminal of the power transistor is allowed to be at ground potential. In either case, the amplifier is operated in a switched mode to provide high efficiency amplification at a predetermined frequency band. Additionally, despite the switched mode operation, the amplifier is stable because properly controlled impedances are provided for baseband, sub-harmonic and harmonic frequencies.

RF power amplifier stability

An apparatus is disclosed wherein a dual directional harmonics dissipation filter includes an input terminal coupled to a RF power amplifier providing a radio frequency signal in a predetermined frequency range, an output terminal for providing the radio frequency signal to a load at the predetermined frequency range, a low pass filter connected between the input terminal and the output terminal, and a plurality of high pass filters coupled to the low pass filter wherein the plurality of high pass filters receive and dissipate signals in excess of the predetermined frequency range and wherein the plurality of high pass filter's effect on the impedance is offset at the input and output of the low pass filter. Energy dissipation in an RF generator system is accomplished by supplying an RF signal from a RF power amplifier, diverting signals from the RF power amplifier having frequencies in excess of a predetermined frequency range to a first high pass filter, dissipating the signal in excess of the predetermined frequency range, and receiving harmonic energy from a plasma chamber to a second high pass filter, and dissipating the harmonic energy.

Growing community of inventors

Fairport, NY, United States of America

Yogendra K Chawla