Coupled Resonator Filter Gain Control for Tunable Passbands

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing networks of coupled resonators lack the ability to dynamically adjust their central resonant frequency and bandwidth, making it difficult to correct dispersions in resonance frequencies and effectively filter signals in applications requiring precise frequency control.

Innovation Solution

A network of coupled resonators with variable gain amplification means for each resonator, allowing for differential electrical excitation and dynamic adjustment of the central resonant frequency and bandwidth by controlling the amplification gains, enabling selective activation of specific resonance modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a network of coupled resonators is used to form filters, then the bandwidth is widened and signal processing performance is improved, but the ability to dynamically adjust central frequency and bandwidth is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing performanceVSAvoiddynamic adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the excitation of each resonator可调 (adjustable) through variable gain amplification means. Each resonator in the coupled network can be independently excited with a controllable amplitude, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its response characteristics. This enables the filter to adapt its central frequency and bandwidth by changing the excitation levels of individual resonators, resolving the contradiction between maintaining stable performance and enabling dynamic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the excitation parameter (amplitude/gain) of each resonator individually through variable gain amplification means. By adjusting these excitation parameters, the system can shift the central frequency and modify the bandwidth of the filter response. This parameter change approach allows the network to maintain its enhanced signal processing performance while gaining dynamic adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If resonators are coupled together to form a network, then better power and performance are achieved, but the complexity of the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the excitation control by providing separate variable gain amplification means for each resonator in the coupled network. This segmentation allows independent control of each resonator's excitation level, enabling precise adjustment of the overall system response. While this adds control elements, it maintains power efficiency by allowing selective excitation of only the necessary resonators for the desired frequency range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupled resonator network serves multiple functions: filtering, frequency selection, and adaptive bandwidth control. The variable gain amplification means provide universal control capability across all resonators, allowing the same network structure to perform different functions by simply adjusting the gain parameters. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering enhanced power efficiency and performance.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed configuration resonators are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to correct frequency dispersions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfrequency accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the output signal is fed back to the excitation inputs through variable gain amplification means. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for frequency dispersions and manufacturing variations by adjusting the excitation levels of individual resonators. The fixed physical configuration of resonators maintains manufacturing simplicity, while the feedback control with variable gains corrects frequency inaccuracies, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and frequency precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution allows for efficient filtering with adjustable bandwidth and oscillation frequency, improving signal processing performance by enabling precise control over the resonant frequency and passband.

Implementation Method 1

The electrical excitation means comprise: for each of these N coupled resonators: actuation means connected to the means for supplying the electrical input signal for an actuation of this coupled resonator as a function of the electrical input signal, and means for amplifying variable gain input for the actuation of this coupled resonator specific to this coupled resonator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVariable gain amplification:

Implementation Method 2

A network of coupled resonators is formed by several resonators coupled together mechanically (in the case of electromechanical resonators) or electrically (in the case of electrical resonators) so that the excitation of one of them causes the mechanical vibration or the electrical oscillation of all the coupled resonators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical coupling:

Implementation Method 3

the electrical coupling between two electrical resonators R, L, C can be achieved using mutual capacitance or inductance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical coupling:

Implementation Method 4

A resonator excitable by an electrical signal is in fact an electrical or electromechanical device defined mainly by its resonance frequency f0 and its quality factor Q linked to the energy losses of the resonator. Such a resonator can therefore be used in open loop to carry out band-pass filtering around its resonant frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP2197106B1Array of coupled resonators, bandpass filter and oscillator
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
  • EP2197106B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2197106B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b
  • EP2197106B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An electrical excitation unit (14) for electrically exciting the coupled resonators (16i), comprises actuation units (18i) that are connected to an electrical signal supply unit (12) so as to actuate the resonators based on the input electrical signal. The variable gain input amplification units (20i) amplify the actuation of the coupled resonators. A control unit (22) controls a specific setting of variable gain of each amplification unit.