Dielectric Tuning Element for Resonator Miniaturization and PIM Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cavity resonators used in filters and multiplexers for mobile and wireless communication systems are too large and sensitive to passive intermodulation (PIM), making them unsuitable for compact applications like small cell and antenna dipole multiplexers, and require grounding contacts that affect PIM performance.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric tuning element is integrated within the resonator design, comprising a hollow rod with a threaded chamber and a bottom flanged portion that increases capacitance between the rod and the resonator's inner wall, allowing for miniaturization and improved PIM performance by eliminating the need for grounding contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional cavity resonators are used in filters and multiplexers, then the resonators can provide stable resonant frequency, but the resonators become too large and sensitive to passive intermodulation (PIM) for compact applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from metallic to dielectric for the tuning element. This parameter change increases capacitance between the tuning element and resonator wall, allowing frequency tuning while reducing PIM sensitivity and enabling compact resonator design for small cell applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the grounding contact requirement from the traditional resonator design. By using a dielectric tuning element instead of metallic, the design eliminates the need for grounding contacts that cause PIM issues, while maintaining frequency tuning capability through capacitance adjustment.
2Reliability
If traditional metallic tuning elements are used, then the resonant frequency can be adjusted, but the grounding contacts affect PIM performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the grounding contact component from the tuning mechanism. The dielectric tuning element achieves frequency adjustment through capacitance variation without requiring electrical grounding, thereby eliminating PIM sources associated with grounding contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the metallic mechanical tuning system with a dielectric-based system. Instead of using metallic elements that require grounding, the design uses dielectric material properties (permittivity) to achieve frequency tuning through capacitance adjustment without mechanical grounding contacts.
3Volume of moving object
If resonator size is reduced for compact applications, then the resonators become suitable for small cell and antenna dipole multiplexers, but the PIM sensitivity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the tuning element material parameter from metallic to dielectric, which fundamentally alters the interaction with electromagnetic fields. This parameter change reduces PIM sensitivity by eliminating conductive surfaces that generate intermodulation, while the increased capacitance allows compact resonator design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite structure combining dielectric tuning element with the resonator cavity. The dielectric material with specific permittivity properties enables compact sizing while its non-conductive nature inherently reduces PIM sensitivity, creating a composite solution that addresses both size and PIM concerns.
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 solution reduces resonator and filter/multiplexer size while enhancing PIM performance by increasing capacitance and allowing for adjustable resonant frequency without the need for grounding, thereby improving mass production yield and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the dielectric material of the tuning element is configured to reduce cavity and/or resonator size and improve passive intermodulation performance (e.g., compared to metallic tuning element) by increasing capacitance between the at least one hollow rod and the inner wall of the at least one resonator hole
Implementation Method 2
at least one resonator comprising a resonator hole defined within the at least one resonator and defining an inner wall of the at least one resonator
Implementation Method 3
The tuning element is configured to increase a capacitance between the at least one hollow rod of the tuning cover and the at least one resonator
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, methods of assembling a resonator, and methods of tuning a resonator are provided. An example apparatus may include at least one resonator comprising a resonator hole defined within the resonator and defining an inner wall of the at least one resonator, a tuning cover comprising at least one hollow rod, and a tuning element comprising a bottom flanged portion. The tuning element may be configured to be inserted into the at least one hollow rod and the bottom flanged portion is configured to cover at least a bottom portion of the hollow rod. The bottom flanged portion of the tuning element is configured to be positioned between the at least one hollow rod and the inner wall of the at least one resonator.