Combined Via Structure for Compact Multilayer Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multilayer board technologies face challenges in achieving compact, cost-effective filtering components with improved passband and stopband sharpness, particularly due to parasitic coupling and large dimensions in distributed-element devices.

Innovation Solution

A combined via structure is introduced, comprising two working parts with signal and ground vias connected to ground planes, where the first part uses clearance holes for low-loss signal transmission and the second part employs corrugated plates with isolating slits to control characteristic impedance and propagation constant, reducing transverse dimensions and enhancing resonant frequencies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If distributed-element filters are designed using planar transmission line segments, then the filters can be implemented in multilayer boards, but parasitic coupling and unwanted radiation occur leading to large dimensions and reduced performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturability in multilayer boardsVSAvoidparasitic coupling and unwanted radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar transmission line segments to three-dimensional via structures with conductive plates extending in the vertical dimension. This dimensional change enables better control over electromagnetic fields, reducing parasitic coupling and radiation while maintaining multilayer board manufacturability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the characteristic impedance and propagation constant by changing the geometry parameters of the via structures, including the dimensions of conductive plates, spacing between vias, and plate thickness. These parameter changes optimize performance while reducing the harmful effects of parasitic coupling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the dimensions of filtering structures in multilayer boards are reduced, then compactness is improved, but control over characteristic impedance and propagation constant becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter dimensionsVSAvoidcontrol over characteristic impedance and propagation constant
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different geometric configurations to different parts of the via structure. Conductive plates with specific dimensions and patterns are placed at strategic locations within the via structure, allowing localized control over electromagnetic properties while maintaining overall compact dimensions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple functional elements (signal vias, ground vias, conductive plates, and dielectric materials) into a composite via structure. This composite approach enables simultaneous control over characteristic impedance, propagation constant, and physical dimensions through the synergistic interaction of different components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Measurement precision

If sharpness of passband and stopband is improved to satisfy system requirements, then filtering performance is enhanced, but device complexity and dimensions increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepassband and stopband sharpnessVSAvoidfilter structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses three-dimensional via structures with vertically extending conductive plates to achieve sharp filtering characteristics. The vertical dimension provides additional degrees of freedom for controlling resonance frequencies and Q-factor, enabling sharp passband and stopband without increasing planar footprint or overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 proposed solution enables the creation of compact filters with improved passband and stopband sharpness, reducing overall filter dimensions and enhancing performance, as demonstrated by simulated return and insertion losses.

Implementation Method 1

This working part is applied to obtain short-circuited or open-circuited resonance stub in a multilayer board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

parasitic coupling, unwanted radiation and large enough dimensions can be those issues, which can arise at development of distributed-element devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic coupling: Parasitic Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS8970327B2Filter based on a combined via structure
Publication Date: 2015.03.03 NEC CORP
  • US8970327B2 patent drawing
  • US8970327B2 patent drawing
  • US8970327B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A filter is provided with a planar transmission line and a combined via structure connected to (both) one ends of the planar transmission line. The planar transmission line and the combined via structure are disposed in a same multilayer board. The combined via structure comprises two working parts. The first working part comprises a segment of signal via and a plurality of segments of ground vias surrounding the signal via. The second working part comprises a segment of the same signal via, a plurality of segments of the same ground vias, smooth conductive plate and corrugated conductive plate. The smooth conductive plate and the corrugated conductive plate are connected to the signal via. The second working part comprises a segment of the same signal via, a plurality of segments of the same ground vias and corrugated conductive plate. The corrugated conductive plate is connected to the signal via.