Acoustic Impedance Transformation Circuit for Signal Reflection Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Acoustic resonators and filters in wireless devices face challenges with impedance mismatch between circuits, leading to signal reflection and compromised performance, especially in high-frequency communication applications.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic impedance transformation circuit is introduced, comprising electrodes and piezo layers that transform input impedance into an output impedance higher than the input impedance, enabling impedance matching between electrical circuits and reducing signal reflection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If acoustic resonators and filters are used in high-frequency communication applications, then filtering performance is improved, but impedance mismatch between circuits occurs leading to signal reflection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering performanceVSAvoidsignal reflection
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an acoustic impedance transformation circuit as an intermediary component between the acoustic resonator/filter and the electrical circuit. This circuit includes piezoelectric layers with different acoustic impedances arranged in a specific configuration to gradually transform the impedance, acting as a mediator that bridges the impedance gap and eliminates signal reflection while preserving filtering performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the acoustic impedance parameter by using multiple piezoelectric layers with different material properties and thicknesses. The impedance transformation is achieved by carefully selecting the acoustic impedance values of each layer to create a gradual transition from the source impedance to the load impedance, thereby matching the impedance and reducing signal reflection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If impedance matching is not achieved between circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but signal reflection increases compromising performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoidsignal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic impedance transformation circuit serves as a specialized intermediary component that handles the impedance matching function. By dedicating a specific circuit block to this function, the overall device complexity is managed systematically while ensuring reliable signal transmission through proper impedance matching, rather than attempting to achieve matching through complex adjustments in the main circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If acoustic impedance transformation circuit is added, then signal reflection is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal reflectionVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements the impedance transformation function through a dedicated intermediary circuit with a specific piezoelectric layer configuration. This structured approach consolidates the impedance matching functionality into a defined component, reducing signal reflection effectively while managing device complexity through systematic design rather than scattered modifications throughout the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The impedance transformation circuit is segmented into multiple piezoelectric layers with different acoustic impedance values. Each layer contributes to the gradual impedance transformation, allowing the complex function of impedance matching to be broken down into simpler, manageable stages with each layer performing a portion of the transformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively reduces signal reflection and improves the performance of acoustic resonators and filters by matching impedance, enhancing their ability to handle complex filtering demands in wireless devices.

Implementation Method 1

The acoustic impedance transformation circuit includes a first piezo layer provided between the first electrode and the third electrode. The acoustic impedance transformation circuit also includes a second piezo layer provided between the second electrode and the third electrode.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10666225B2Acoustic impedance transformation circuit and related apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.05.26 QORVO US INC
  • US10666225B2 patent drawing
  • US10666225B2 patent drawing
  • US10666225B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An acoustic impedance transformation circuit and related apparatus are provided. In aspects discussed herein, the acoustic impedance transformation circuit can be configured to transform an input impedance into an output impedance higher than the input impedance. In this regard, the acoustic impedance transformation circuit can be provided in an apparatus to enable impedance matching between two electrical circuits. As a result, it may be possible to reduce signal reflection resulting from impedance mismatch between the two circuits, thus helping to improve performance of the apparatus.