Balun
Baluns, short for "balanced to unbalanced transformers," are essential components in RF/IF and RFID systems. They serve the primary function of converting between balanced and unbalanced signals, which is crucial for maintaining signal integrity and minimizing interference. A balanced signal has equal and opposite voltages on two lines, while an unbalanced signal has a single line with a ground reference. Baluns work by using a combination of inductors and capacitors to transform impedance and phase, ensuring that signals are efficiently transmitted between different types of circuits. This transformation helps in reducing noise and improving the performance of communication systems.