Active Bandpass Filter Tuning for Stable Frequency Band Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bandpass filters in electronic devices face challenges with large, expensive, and power-consuming components that can lead to instability and ineffective frequency band adjustment, often causing oscillations during operation.

Innovation Solution

An active bandpass filter circuit utilizing adjustable resistance and capacitance devices, where the center frequency and bandwidth can be independently adjusted using control signals and bias voltages, allowing for precise frequency band selection while minimizing component complexity and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional adjustable bandpass filter components are used, then frequency band adjustment capability is achieved, but component size, cost, and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band adjustment capabilityVSAvoidcomponent size and number
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements frequency band adjustment by changing the electrical parameters (resistance and capacitance values) of existing filter components through digital control. Adjustable resistance devices and adjustable capacitance devices modify their impedance characteristics based on control signals, enabling frequency selection without physically changing component sizes or adding numerous discrete components. This parameter-based adjustment resolves the contradiction by achieving adaptability through electronic control rather than mechanical or structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional adjustable bandpass filter components are used, then frequency band adjustment capability is achieved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band adjustment capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves frequency band adjustment through parameter changes in resistance and capacitance values controlled by digital signals. The adjustable resistance device and adjustable capacitance device respond to control voltages by modifying their electrical characteristics, enabling frequency selection with minimal power consumption compared to traditional analog switching or mechanical adjustment methods. This approach reduces power usage while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple circuit loops are added for frequency adjustment, then frequency band adjustability is improved, but circuit stability deteriorates due to oscillations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency band adjustabilityVSAvoidcircuit stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the output of the active bandpass filter is fed back to control the adjustable resistance and capacitance devices. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust its parameters based on the actual filter response, maintaining stability while achieving frequency band adjustability. The feedback prevents uncontrolled oscillations by continuously monitoring and correcting circuit behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses dynamically adjustable resistance and capacitance devices that can change their characteristics in real-time based on control signals. Rather than using fixed components with multiple switching loops, the dynamic nature of these adjustable devices allows smooth parameter transitions that maintain circuit stability while providing frequency band adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3285397B1Active bandpass filter circuit with adjustable resistance device and adjustable capacitance device
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3285397B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3285397B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3285397B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In an illustrative example, a device includes an operational amplifier (106, 136) of an active bandpass filter circuit (100). The device further includes an adjustable resistance device (118, 122, 128, 130, 200, 404) configured to adjust a center frequency associated with the active bandpass filter circuit (100). The device further includes an adjustable capacitance device (112, 114, 132, 138, 300) configured to adjust the center frequency and a bandwidth associated with the active bandpass filter circuit (100). The adjustable resistance device may have a stabilisation capacitor (406) in parallel.