Transmission line impedance transformer and related methods

A transmission line impedance transformer comprising:

• a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising at least one dielectric layer and at least one electrically conductive layer thereon defining a medial interconnection portion, and first and second lateral loop portions extending laterally outwardly from opposing first and second sides of the medial interconnection portion, the medial interconnection portion defining an input and an output having different impedances, said PCB also having a first plurality of ferrite body receiving openings therein adjacent the first lateral loop portion and a second plurality of ferrite body receiving openings therein adjacent the second lateral loop portion;
• a plurality of first ferromagnetic bodies extending through the first plurality of ferrite body receiving openings to surround the first lateral loop portion;
• and
• a plurality of second ferromagnetic bodies extending through the second plurality of ferrite body receiving openings to surround the second lateral loop portion.

A method of making a transmission line impedance transformer comprising:

• providing a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising at least one dielectric layer;
• forming at least one electrically conductive layer on the PCB defining a medial interconnection portion, and first and second lateral loop portions extending laterally outwardly from opposing first and second sides of the medial interconnection portion;
• forming a first plurality of ferrite body receiving openings in the PCB adjacent the first lateral loop portion and forming a second plurality of ferrite body receiving openings in the PCB adjacent the second lateral loop portion;
• positioning at least one first ferromagnetic body to extend through the first plurality of ferrite body receiving openings and to surround the first lateral loop portion;
• and
• positioning at least one second ferromagnetic body to extend through the second plurality of ferrite body receiving openings and to surround the second lateral loop portion.