Adjustable Bandwidth Microwave Filter Using Tuned Coupling Resonators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave filters used in communications satellites cannot be adjusted to change the width of processed frequency bands, limiting their flexibility in distributing output signals across various channels, as existing adjustable bandpass filters principles cannot be applied to cavity resonators.
Innovation Solution
A microwave filter design featuring adjustable coupling resonators connected via irises, allowing the resonance frequency of coupling resonators to be adjusted by changing their volume, thereby adjusting the bandwidth of the filter, and incorporating additional frequency resonators to increase the rate of change of the transmission frequency band.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional waveguide filters with fixed coupling irises are used, then the filter structure is simple and reliable, but the bandwidth cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the coupling resonators adjustable in resonance frequency. The coupling resonators can be tuned to different frequencies dynamically, which enables the bandwidth of the microwave filter to be adjusted without changing the physical structure of the filter. This resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability through frequency tuning rather than structural modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the resonance frequency of the coupling resonators. By changing the resonance frequency parameter of the coupling resonators (through mechanical adjustment or other means), the bandwidth of the filter can be modified. This allows the filter to adapt to different bandwidth requirements while maintaining a relatively simple fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling iris size is changed to adjust bandwidth, then bandwidth adjustment is possible, but the structure becomes complex and adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coupling resonators as intermediary elements between the input/output and the frequency-selective resonators. These coupling resonators act as mediators that control the energy coupling between different parts of the filter. By adjusting the resonance frequency of these intermediary coupling resonators, the bandwidth can be controlled without directly modifying the coupling irises, thus avoiding structural complexity while achieving wide adjustment range.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic component-based adjustable filters are used, then bandwidth adjustment is achieved, but they cannot be applied to cavity resonator systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the copying principle by creating a microwave filter design that replicates the functionality of electronic adjustable filters but using cavity resonator technology. Instead of using electronic components, the invention copies the adjustable bandwidth capability using mechanical or physical adjustment of coupling resonator frequencies, making it compatible with cavity resonator systems while achieving similar functional outcomes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more coupling resonators are added to increase bandwidth adjustability, then bandwidth control improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the filter into distinct functional modules: coupling resonators and frequency-selective resonators. The coupling resonators are segmented and placed at specific positions (input coupling, inter-stage coupling, output coupling) to provide bandwidth control. This modular segmentation allows for precise bandwidth control through localized adjustments rather than requiring numerous resonators throughout the entire structure.
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
Enables flexible adjustment of bandwidth and transmission frequency with minimal signal loss, supporting high output signals in the microwave range, and compensating for frequency shifts, while maintaining filter adaptation.
Implementation Method 1
a first adjustable coupling resonator (40a) connected to an input (26) of the microwave filter (22) via a first coupling iris (32a); a frequency resonator (24a) designed to determine a transmission frequency of the microwave filter (22) and connected to the first adjustable coupling resonator (40a) via a second coupling iris (32b)
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave filter includes a first adjustable coupling resonator connected via a first coupling iris to an input of the microwave filter, a frequency resonator configured to establish a transmission frequency of the microwave filter and connected to the first adjustable coupling resonator via a second coupling iris, and a second adjustable coupling resonator connected to the frequency resonator via a third coupling iris.