Cascaded Phase Shift Coupler for RF Selectivity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing combiner apparatus for wireless communication networks face challenges in achieving radio frequency selectivity with reduced costs and size, particularly when sharing infrastructure between different operators or technologies using the same frequency band, due to the need for high-performance filters that are large and expensive, and the difficulty in achieving sufficient isolation between radio frequency sub-bands.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus employs cascading 90 degree phase shift coupling means with resonating elements of different Q values and technologies, allowing for the creation of transmission zeros without cross-coupling between resonators, enabling the use of smaller and less expensive components while maintaining effective frequency selectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high-performance filters are used to achieve radio frequency selectivity, then frequency selectivity is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency selectivityVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple cascaded stages, each contributing to the overall frequency selectivity. This segmentation allows achieving high selectivity through cumulative effect of multiple simpler stages rather than requiring a single large high-performance filter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses resonators with different Q values (quality factors) in different stages of the filter. By varying the Q parameter across stages, the filter achieves improved frequency selectivity while using smaller, less expensive components rather than requiring all high-performance high-Q resonators

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If high-performance filters are used to achieve radio frequency selectivity, then frequency selectivity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency selectivityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By using resonators with different Q values in different filter stages, the invention reduces the need for expensive high-Q resonators throughout. Lower Q resonators are cheaper to manufacture, and their cumulative effect in cascaded stages still achieves the required frequency selectivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive high-performance filters with a combination of simpler, less expensive resonators and coupling means. The use of lower Q resonators that are cheaper to manufacture while achieving the same overall performance through clever architectural design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If infrastructure is shared between different operators or technologies, then cost is reduced, but radio frequency isolation becomes more difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecostVSAvoidradio frequency isolation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is segmented into multiple stages with different resonator Q values, allowing each stage to handle specific frequency separation requirements. This segmentation makes it easier to achieve the necessary isolation between different operators' or technologies' signals while sharing the infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By varying the Q parameter of resonators across different stages, the filter provides different levels of frequency selectivity where needed. This parameter variation enables effective isolation between multiple frequency bands or operators using the same infrastructure without requiring uniform high-performance components throughout

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 results in a more compact and cost-effective combiner apparatus that achieves improved radio frequency selectivity with a greater number of transmission zeros, allowing for efficient sharing of infrastructure between different operators or technologies without the need for high-performance filters.

Implementation Method 1

cascading 90 degree phase shift coupling means with resonating elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shift:

Implementation Method 2

resonating elements of different Q values and technologies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2929629B1Apparatus for allowing radio frequency selectivity and method of use thereof
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 RADIO DESIGN LTD
  • EP2929629B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2929629B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2929629B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Apparatus is provided for allowing radio frequency selectivity for use in a wireless communication system for the passage of one or more receiving and/or transmission frequency signals therethrough. The apparatus includes at least a first set of first and second 90 degree phase shift coupling means, and at least one pair of resonating means coupled between the at least first and second 90 degree phase shift coupling means. The apparatus includes at least one further set of first and second 90 degree phase shift coupling means are cascaded, either directly or indirectly, with said at least first set of first and second 90 degree phase shift coupling means, with or without at least one pair of resonating means located between the first and second 90 degree phase shift coupling means of the at least one further set.