BAW Resonators With Patterned Mass Loading for Multi-Frequency Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturing bulk acoustic wave resonators with multiple resonant frequencies is complex and costly due to the need for multiple processing steps, which increases the complexity and expense as more resonators with different frequencies are produced on a common die.

Innovation Solution

The use of patterned mass loading layers with different densities, formed during a common processing step, allows for the adjustment of resonant frequencies by varying the density and duty factor of the mass loading layers, enabling multiple resonant frequencies to be achieved with reduced processing complexity and cost.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple processing steps are used to manufacture BAW resonators with different resonant frequencies, then resonant frequency precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency precisionVSAvoidprocessing steps complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by varying the density of the mass loading layer to adjust resonant frequency. Instead of using multiple processing steps to create different resonators, the invention changes the density parameter of a single mass loading layer to achieve different resonant frequencies, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining frequency precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The mass loading layer serves multiple functions: it provides mass loading to the piezoelectric layer and simultaneously enables frequency tuning through density variation. This universal approach allows a single structure to achieve multiple resonant frequencies without requiring separate processing steps for each frequency, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple processing steps are used to manufacture BAW resonators with different resonant frequencies, then resonant frequency precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the density parameter of the mass loading layer, the patent enables frequency adjustment without additional processing steps. This parameter-based approach reduces manufacturing complexity and associated costs while maintaining the ability to precisely control resonant frequencies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the frequency-tuning function into the mass loading layer itself, combining what would traditionally require separate processing steps into a single integrated structure. This consolidation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the desired frequency precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If patterned mass loading layers with different densities are used, then resonant frequency tuning flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresonant frequency tuning flexibilityVSAvoiddensity control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes density as a tunable parameter to achieve flexible resonant frequency control. By varying the density of the mass loading layer, the invention provides adaptability for different frequency requirements while managing manufacturing precision through a single controllable parameter rather than multiple processing steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach simplifies the manufacturing process by allowing multiple resonant frequencies to be tuned within a single parameter, reducing the number of processing steps and enhancing flexibility in producing resonators with varying frequencies for use in filters and multiplexers.

Implementation Method 1

In BAW resonators, acoustic waves propagate in a bulk of a piezoelectric layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

acoustic waves propagate in a bulk of a piezoelectric layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12021506B2Bulk acoustic wave resonators with patterned mass loading layers
Publication Date: 2024.06.25 SKYWORKS GLOBAL PTE LTD
  • US12021506B2 patent drawing
  • US12021506B2 patent drawing
  • US12021506B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Aspects of this disclosure relate to bulk acoustic wave resonators with patterned mass loading layers. Two different bulk acoustic wave resonators of an acoustic wave filter and/or an acoustic wave die have respective patterned mass loading layers with different densities. The patterned mass loading layers contribute to the two different bulk acoustic wave resonators having different respective resonant frequencies. Related bulk acoustic wave devices, filters, acoustic wave dies, radio frequency modules, wireless communication devices, and methods are disclosed.