Tunable filter and electronic device

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a tunable filter and an electronic device. The filter comprises: first ports, provided with first switches, the first switches being connected to different resonators; and a controller configured to detect a received signal, and when the signal quality is higher than or equal to a preset threshold, control the first switches to be connected to the different resonators, so as to filter a target frequency. The present invention solves the problem in the related art that signals outside a bandwidth cannot be conveniently filtered out.

Description

Adjustable filters and electronic devices

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] The present disclosure is based on Chinese patent application CN202410304441.4 filed on March 18, 2024, entitled “Adjustable filter and electronic device”, and claims the priority of the patent application, and all the contents disclosed therein are incorporated into the present disclosure by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of communications, and in particular, to an adjustable filter and an electronic device. Background Art

[0004] At present, electronic products (such as home electronic products in FTTR technology) all use WiFi wireless communication parts, and wireless communication is most susceptible to interference. The current measures used in circuits to reduce interference mainly involve adding filters to each frequency band to make full use of useful frequency bands.

[0005] However, in the related art, there are many types of filters. Filters used in home routers primarily utilize ceramic filters, which are compact, narrow, and have low loss. These filters are widely used due to their compact size. However, signals outside the bandwidth cannot be filtered out, and related technologies may be unable to address this problem. Alternatively, the filter components may need to be replaced or a different filter model may be used, which is very inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The embodiments of the present disclosure provide an adjustable filter and an electronic device, which at least solve the problem in the related art that signals that are not within the bandwidth cannot be conveniently filtered out.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an adjustable filter is provided, comprising: a first port, provided with a first switch, and connected to different resonators based on the first switch; a controller, configured to detect a received signal and, when the signal quality is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, control the first switch to connect to different resonators to filter a target frequency.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising any one of the filters described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of an adjustable filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first port ctrl_1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Explanation of the accompanying reference numerals: 1. Control switch 1; 2. Control switch 2; 3. First microstrip line; 4. Second microstrip line; 5. Third microstrip line; 6. Fourth microstrip line; 7. Bus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and in conjunction with the embodiments.

[0013] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present disclosure and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0014] In this embodiment, an adjustable filter is provided, comprising: a first port and a controller.

[0015] The first port is provided with a first switch, and different resonators are connected based on the first switch;

[0016] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of an adjustable filter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a first port ctrl_1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG1 and FIG2, two groups of first ports can be provided, for example, ctrl_1 and ctrl_2. Four groups of first switches are provided, and two groups of first switches are provided within each group of first ports. For example, the first switches can include control switch 1, control switch 2, control switch 3, and control switch 4, wherein control switch 1 and control switch 2 are located within ctrl_1, and control switch 3 and control switch 4 are located within ctrl_2. One end of control switch 1 is connected to a first LC resonant filter (such as the resonant filter composed of L1 and C1 in FIG1), and one end of control switch 2 is connected to a second LC resonant filter (such as the resonant filter composed of L2 and C2 in FIG1), wherein the first LC resonant filter and the second LC resonant filter are different filters. One end of control switch three is connected to a third LC resonant filter (such as the resonant filter composed of L3 and C3 in Figure 1), and one end of control switch four is connected to a fourth LC resonant filter (such as the resonant filter composed of L4 and C4 in Figure 1). The third LC resonant filter and the fourth LC resonant filter are different filters. Of course, the above-mentioned resonators can be not only LC resonant filters but also ceramic filters, etc., which is not limited in the present disclosure.

[0017] The controller is configured to detect a received signal and, when the signal quality is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, control the first switch to connect to different resonators to filter the target frequency.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, taking the example of evaluating signal quality using signal quality indicators such as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) or bit error rate (BER), the controller may calculate these indicators by collecting and processing received signals and compare them with preset thresholds.

[0019] For example, suppose the controller uses the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as an indicator of signal quality. It can calculate the SNR by quantifying the ratio between the power of the received signal and the noise power. The controller can use a specific algorithm to sample the received signal and calculate the value of the SNR. The controller then compares the calculated SNR value with a preset threshold. If the SNR is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, it means that the signal quality is good enough, and the controller will turn on the first switch to connect the corresponding resonator to filter the target frequency. Specifically, control switch 1 and control switch 4 are connected to the controller, and the corresponding switches are turned on or off according to the instructions of the controller, thereby selecting to connect the first LC resonant filter or the fourth LC resonant filter.

[0020] For example, assuming the controller detects that the SNR of the received signal is 12 dB and the preset threshold is 10 dB, since the SNR is greater than or equal to the preset threshold, the controller instructs the opening of control switch 1 and / or control switch 4, thereby connecting the first LC resonant filter and / or the fourth LC resonant filter to filter the target frequency.

[0021] The present disclosure demonstrates the flexibility of the reconfigurable filter, allowing filter parameters to be dynamically adjusted based on actual conditions. When signal quality fluctuates, the controller can select and connect the appropriate resonator based on the detected signal quality to achieve effective filtering. This eliminates the need to replace components or swap out filters of different models, reducing maintenance and replacement efforts. Furthermore, the filter's broadband characteristics enable it to handle a wide range of frequencies, providing improved signal filtering.

[0022] In summary, the present disclosure, by providing a first port and a first switch, can dynamically select different resonators for connection based on the quality of the received signal to filter the target frequency. This allows convenient filtering of signals outside the bandwidth without having to replace filter components or switch to a different filter model, thereby resolving the problem in related arts of filters being unable to filter out signals outside the bandwidth and improving filtering efficiency and flexibility.

[0023] In one embodiment, the adjustable filter further comprises: a second port, wherein

[0024] The second port is provided with a second switch, and different microstrip lines are connected based on the second switch;

[0025] The controller is further configured to obtain a frequency switching instruction and control the second switch to connect different microstrip lines based on the frequency switching instruction to adjust the bandwidth.

[0026] In one embodiment, two groups of second ports and second switches are provided, one group is configured to adjust the starting bandwidth, and the other group is configured to adjust the cutoff bandwidth, and the widths or lengths of the multiple groups of microstrip lines are different.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the second ports may be ctrl_3 and ctrl_4, one set of second switches may be control switch 5 and control switch 6, and another set of second switches may be control switch 7 and control switch 8. Control switches 5 and 6 are located within ctrl_3, while control switches 7 and 8 are located within ctrl_4. One end of control switch 5 is connected to the first microstrip line 3, and one end of control switch 6 is connected to the second microstrip line 4. The first and second microstrip lines 3 and 4 have different widths or lengths. One end of control switch 7 is connected to the third microstrip line 5, and one end of control switch 8 is connected to the fourth microstrip line 6. The third and fourth microstrip lines 5 and 6 have different widths or lengths.

[0028] ctrl_3, control switch 5, control switch 6, first microstrip line 3, and second microstrip line 4 are configured to adjust the starting bandwidth, while ctrl_4, control switch 7, control switch 8, third microstrip line 5, and fourth microstrip line 6 are configured to adjust the cutoff bandwidth. Specifically, when the starting bandwidth needs to be adjusted, the controller sends a command to control switch 5 or control switch 6 to switch their states, thereby determining which set of microstrip lines to connect. For example, if the starting bandwidth needs to be increased, the controller can connect control switch 5 to the wider first microstrip line 3 or control switch 6 to the narrower second microstrip line 4. This will adjust the filter's starting frequency accordingly. When the cutoff bandwidth needs to be adjusted, the controller sends a command to control switch 7 or control switch 8 to switch their states, thereby determining which set of microstrip lines to connect. For example, if the cutoff bandwidth needs to be increased, the controller can connect control switch 7 to the shorter third microstrip line 5 or control switch 8 to the longer fourth microstrip line 6. This will adjust the filter's cutoff frequency accordingly.

[0029] For example, a tunable filter needs to function as a bandpass filter, allowing adjustment within different frequency ranges. The microstrip line connected to the second switch determines the filter's passband range. Therefore, two sets of microstrip lines are set: one set to adjust the starting bandwidth and the other set to adjust the cutoff bandwidth. The following method can be used:

[0030] Get the frequency switching command:

[0031] The controller receives an external frequency switching instruction, indicating that the operating frequency range of the filter needs to be adjusted.

[0032] Control the second switch according to the frequency switching instruction:

[0033] Based on the received frequency switching instructions, the controller determines which set of microstrip lines to connect to achieve the desired bandwidth adjustment. For example, if the passband range needs to be increased, the controller will send an instruction to the second switch to connect the microstrip line associated with the adjustment starting bandwidth.

[0034] Adjust bandwidth:

[0035] Different combinations of microstrip lines connected by the second switch cause the filter's passband to vary. By switching between different microstrip lines, the filter's passband can be adjusted. For example, connecting microstrip lines of varying lengths or widths can change the filter's cutoff frequency or passband width.

[0036] Specifically, for example, the first group of microstrip lines has a smaller length or width and is suitable for higher frequency signal transmission, while the second group of microstrip lines has a larger length or width and is suitable for lower frequency signal transmission.

[0037] If the frequency switching instruction indicates that the frequency range needs to be adjusted to a higher frequency, the controller will connect the second switch to the first set of microstrip lines, so that the passband range of the filter will be biased towards high frequency.

[0038] If the frequency switching instruction indicates that the frequency range needs to be adjusted to a lower frequency range, the controller will connect the second switch to the second set of microstrip lines, so that the passband range of the filter will be biased towards low frequency.

[0039] In this way, the controller controls the second switch to connect different microstrip lines according to the frequency switching instruction, thereby adjusting the filter bandwidth to adapt to different operating frequency ranges.

[0040] In one embodiment, the adjustable filter further comprises: a third port, wherein

[0041] The third port is provided with a third switch, and different couplers and loads are connected based on the third switch;

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, the third port may be ctrl_5 and ctrl_6, and the third switch may be in two groups: one group of third switches may be control switch 9 and control switch 10, and the other group of third switches may be control switch 11 and control switch 12. Control switches 9 and 10 are located within ctrl_5, while switches 11 and 12 are located within ctrl_6. One end of control switch 9 is connected to a first coupler and a first load, with the first coupler being located between control switch 9 and the first load. One end of control switch 10 is connected to a second coupler, with the first coupler being different from the second coupler. One end of control switch 11 is connected to a third coupler and a third load, while one end of control switch 12 is connected to a fourth coupler and a fourth load, with the third coupler and the fourth coupler being different, and the third and fourth loads being different. Of course, the above is merely an example, and specific combinations can be freely selected based on actual circumstances. The load may be a chip such as an FEM.

[0043] The controller is further configured to obtain a model of the load and connect different couplers and the load based on the model of the load to adjust the coupling coefficient.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the process of the controller implementing the above solution may include the following steps:

[0045] Load Identification: Each load is attached with a unique identification tag or sensor that transmits the load model information to the controller. This tag can be an RFID tag, QR code, barcode, or other form of identification code.

[0046] Information reading: The controller is equipped with a corresponding sensor or reading device to scan or identify the model information on the load. When the load is connected to the filter structure, the controller will read this information.

[0047] Model Matching: The controller matches the preset coupler and load configuration based on the load model information it reads. Each load model corresponds to a specific coupler and load combination.

[0048] Connection Adjustment: Based on the matching solution, the controller adjusts the third switch connected to the third port to connect the appropriate coupler and load. This allows the coupling coefficient to be adjusted to meet specific filtering requirements.

[0049] For example, consider a filter structure used for audio processing that includes different loads, such as speakers and headphones. Each load has a QR code containing its model number. A controller equipped with a camera reader can scan these QR codes and identify the load model. Once the load model is read, the controller connects the appropriate coupler and load based on a pre-set configuration to adjust the audio coupling for a better sound quality experience.

[0050] In one embodiment, the coupler is a microstrip coupler.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, using a microstrip coupler has the following advantages:

[0052] Miniaturization: Microstrip couplers are manufactured using printed circuit board technology, resulting in a compact structure, small size, and light weight, making them suitable for integration into complex circuit boards. This reduces the size requirements for the tunable filter.

[0053] Low Cost: Microstrip couplers are relatively inexpensive to manufacture because they can be produced using standard printed circuit board manufacturing processes, which reduces manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0054] Good performance: Microstrip couplers are flexible in design and can be well adapted to different application requirements by adjusting parameters such as size, shape and distance, and have good performance and stability.

[0055] Easy to integrate: Microstrip couplers can be easily integrated with other microwave components, such as microstrip impedance transformers and filters, making the entire system design more concise and efficient.

[0056] Wide frequency range: Microstrip couplers have good performance over a wide frequency range and are suitable for a variety of applications, including RF and microwave bands.

[0057] In summary, microstrip couplers have the advantages of simple structure, reliable performance, easy manufacturing and integration, and are suitable for various wireless communication and radio frequency applications.

[0058] In one embodiment, the adjustable filter further includes: a bus 7 configured to be electrically connected to the first port, the second port, the third port, and the controller.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment, bus 7 is electrically connected to control switch 1, control switch 2, control switch 3, control switch 4, control switch 5, control switch 6, control switch 7, control switch 8, control switch 9, control switch 10, control switch 11, control switch 12, and the controller.

[0060] In one embodiment, the coupling coefficient is adjusted by changing the length of the flow path of the signal flowing from the bus 7 to the load through the third port.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG1 , since the paths of the third coupler and the fourth coupler are different, the path of the signal flowing from the bus 7 through the control switch 11 and the third coupler to the third load is different from the path of the signal flowing from the bus 7 through the control switch 12 and the fourth coupler to the fourth load, thereby achieving adjustment of the coupling coefficient.

[0062] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to obtain board parameters of the PCB, so as to control the second switch to connect different microstrip lines based on the board parameters, so as to adjust the bandwidth.

[0063] In an exemplary embodiment, the following technical solution may be adopted:

[0064] Acquiring board parameters: The controller uses appropriate sensors or measuring devices, such as an impedance analyzer or spectrum analyzer, to acquire the board parameters of the PCB. These parameters may include the board's dielectric constant, thickness, material loss, etc.

[0065] Parameter interpretation and storage: The controller interprets the acquired panel parameters and stores them in an internal storage device or cache. This can be achieved through algorithms or lookup tables for subsequent use.

[0066] Bandwidth Adjustment: Based on the board parameters, the controller can control the second switch to connect the appropriate microstrip line according to pre-set rules or algorithms. This can be achieved by controlling the state of the second switch (open or closed) or connecting different microstrip lines. For example, under certain parameters, the controller may choose to connect a wider microstrip line to obtain a wider bandwidth, while under other parameters, it may choose to connect a narrower microstrip line to obtain a narrower bandwidth.

[0067] Real-time Adjustment: The controller can dynamically adjust the connection state of the second switch based on real-time demand and different frequency conditions. This can be accomplished through real-time feedback from other systems or sensors to ensure that the filter provides optimal bandwidth adjustment under different frequency conditions.

[0068] Through this implementation, the controller can obtain the PCB material parameters and use them to control the second switch to connect different microstrip lines to adjust the bandwidth. This allows the filter to achieve precise bandwidth adjustment based on different material parameters and operating frequencies to meet specific signal processing requirements.

[0069] In one embodiment, the controller is further configured to obtain medium parameters to control the second switch to connect different microstrip lines based on the medium parameters to adjust the bandwidth.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the following technical solution may be adopted:

[0071] Sensors measure medium parameters: Sensors installed around the filter can monitor the medium's temperature, humidity, and other relevant parameters in real time. These parameters directly affect the medium's electrical properties, which in turn affects the filter's performance.

[0072] Input interface receives user parameters: On the other hand, the filter can also be designed to have an input interface, and the user can provide dielectric parameters such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, etc. through the interface or other input devices.

[0073] The controller processes the parameters and controls the second switch: The controller processes the acquired dielectric parameters and determines a strategy for adjusting the filter bandwidth based on a pre-set algorithm or user-defined rules. For example, if the dielectric constant of the dielectric increases, the controller may determine that the filter bandwidth needs to be increased to accommodate the higher dielectric constant. The controller then adjusts the microstrip line connected to the second switch accordingly, increasing or decreasing the filter bandwidth.

[0074] Adjusting Microstrip Lines to Adjust Bandwidth: The controller controls the second switch to select a different microstrip line based on changes in dielectric parameters. If the dielectric parameters indicate a need for increased bandwidth, a wider microstrip line is selected, and vice versa. This allows the filter's bandwidth to be adjusted in real time based on changes in dielectric parameters, ensuring optimal filter performance under varying dielectric conditions.

[0075] This implementation allows the filter to adjust its bandwidth in real time based on the characteristics of the surrounding medium to adapt to different operating environments and application requirements. This adaptive adjustment improves the filter's performance and stability, enabling it to perform better in complex and changing media environments.

[0076] The following examples illustrate the above content:

[0077] Due to the influence of environmental noise and motherboard noise, a filter needs to be added to the path. Traditional microstrip filters have a fixed bandwidth, and their performance is easily affected by the PCB board and dielectric parameters. The present disclosure uses adjustable filters (for example, adjustable bandwidth, adjustable LC resonant filter, and adjustable coupling coefficient) to complete the path design, avoiding the impact of different manufacturers and different board parameters on the filter. The specific work is carried out according to the following steps:

[0078] Step S101: First, ctrl_3 and ctrl_4 are in a high-impedance non-conducting state by default, and the two branches of the microstrip filter are in their original state by default. When the starting bandwidth needs to be adjusted, ctrl_3 needs to be turned on for adjustment. When the cutoff bandwidth needs to be adjusted, ctrl_4 needs to be turned on for adjustment. When the PCB or board changes, the filter bandwidth can be affected by the switch combination.

[0079] Step S102: When the harmonics or out-of-band spurious signals of the passing RF signal are out of band, a specific LC resonant filter is required to filter them out. The four groups of ctrl_1 and ctrl_2 are switched in combination to achieve out-of-band suppression and harmonic filtering. The effect of this combination is that it can make random adjustments based on the out-of-band spurious signals and harmonics of different signals, and can be switched dynamically.

[0080] Step S103: After continuous adaptive adjustment, the filter will gradually adjust the bandwidth as the plate parameters are affected, and adjust to the appropriate bandwidth. Out-of-band spurious and harmonic suppression can be achieved by switching the LC resonant filter;

[0081] Step S104: The filter is compatible with a variable coupling coefficient coupler in real time. The main function of the coupler is to couple a portion of the energy through the main signal and feed it back to the control system to achieve power control. The coupling coefficients required by different platforms may be different. The adjustable coupler has a dynamic tuning function and is dynamically switched according to three tuning coefficients. Use ctrl_5 and ctrl_6 to complete the switching of the three different coupling coefficients.

[0082] It should be noted that the above steps S101, S102, S103 and S104 are not limited in execution order, and one or more corresponding steps can be adopted according to the needs of adjustment.

[0083] An embodiment of the present disclosure further provides an electronic device including the above-mentioned filter.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the electronic device may be a Wi-Fi communication device such as an optical modem or an optical router in wireless communication technology. In particular, the wireless communication technology may be FTTR networking technology. In FTTR networking technology, the electronic device may be a Wi-Fi communication device such as a master optical modem, a slave optical modem, or an optical router.

[0085] Traditional networking solutions typically use a single optical modem or router, with network cables extending only to the power distribution box or living room. This results in limited Wi-Fi signal coverage and limited transmission speeds, making it difficult to meet users' demands for high-quality Wi-Fi. Furthermore, network signals experience significant degradation in signal quality and speed after passing through walls, making it difficult to achieve high-speed Wi-Fi coverage throughout the home. Consequently, demand is growing for FTTR networking technology, which utilizes a 1-to-N 10G optical modem. FTTR networking technology allows network signals to be routed entirely through optical fiber from building entrance to room, increasing transmission capacity. It can support 10G speeds, offers enhanced wall penetration, and reduces signal attenuation. Laying optical fiber to every room ensures Gigabit or higher speeds in every room, achieving comprehensive coverage without blind spots. However, the wireless communication portion of electronic devices is most susceptible to interference. Electronic devices containing these filters can autonomously adjust and filter out interference, effectively utilizing the desired frequency band. Therefore, the electronic device (including the above-mentioned tunable filter) is applied to FTTR networking technology to further meet users' demand for high-quality networks.

[0086] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and variations. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the principles of the present disclosure shall be within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An adjustable filter, comprising: The first port is provided with a first switch, and different resonators are connected based on the first switch; The controller is configured to detect a received signal and, when the signal quality is greater than or equal to a preset threshold, control the first switch to connect to different resonators to filter a target frequency.

2. The filter according to claim 1, wherein Also includes: The second port is provided with a second switch, and different microstrip lines are connected based on the second switch; The controller is further configured to obtain a frequency switching instruction, and control the second switch to connect to different microstrip lines based on the frequency switching instruction to adjust the bandwidth.

3. The filter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Also includes: The third port is provided with a third switch, and different couplers and loads are connected based on the third switch; The controller is further configured to obtain the model of the load, so as to connect different couplers and loads based on the model of the load, so as to adjust the coupling coefficient.

4. The filter according to claim 3, wherein The coupler is a microstrip coupler.

5. The filter according to claim 2, wherein There are two groups of the second port and the second switch, one group is configured to adjust the starting bandwidth, and the other group is configured to adjust the cutoff bandwidth. The widths or lengths of the microstrip lines in the multiple groups are different.

6. The filter according to claim 3, wherein Also includes: A bus is configured to be electrically connected to the first port, the second port, the third port, and the controller.

7. The filter according to claim 2, wherein The controller is further configured to obtain board parameters of the PCB, so as to control the second switch to connect different microstrip lines based on the board parameters, so as to adjust the bandwidth.

8. The filter according to claim 2, wherein The controller is further configured to obtain medium parameters, so as to control the second switch to connect to different microstrip lines based on the medium parameters, so as to adjust the bandwidth.

9. The filter according to claim 6, wherein The coupling coefficient is adjusted by changing the length of a flow path for a signal to flow from the bus to the load via the third port.

10. An electronic device comprising the filter according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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