Zero-footprint Ethernet transformers using circuit-board embedded ferrites.

Ethernet transformers are mass produced broadband signal coupling transformers, used for interfacing copper twisted-pair networking cable to Ethernet devices. In this paper, we present a process for fabricating Ethernet transformers by embedding ferrite core materials within printed circuit board, and then fabricating the windings around the embedded core. Sample transformers were fabricated with different winding configurations and core materials. It is then possible to clad the board with copper and fabricate routes or mount components to the board faces, making the transformer a zerofootprint component. The sample transformer's performance is experimentally evaluated, and the results are presented in this paper. All transformers were found to successfully couple up to 1000Base-T Ethernet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]