Need of Baluns in Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit?

Question

Can anyone help on this topic about balun used in in Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC). I just wanted to know some basics about why baluns are used in RFICs. And also if there is any useful books regarding this topic.

Answer 1

Here is the introductory paragraph from the wikipedia article on baluns, which covers the basics. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balun

A balun ( /ˈbælʌn/) is an electrical device that converts between a balanced signal (two signals working against each other where ground is irrelevant) and an unbalanced signal (a single signal working against ground or pseudo-ground). A balun can take many forms and may include devices that also transform impedances but need not do so. Transformer baluns can also be used to connect lines of differing impedance. The origin of the word balun is bal(ance) + un(balance).