Duplexer Layout With Crossing Lines for Stop-Band Suppression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional antenna duplexers using surface acoustic wave filters or dielectric materials are large in size, making it difficult to produce small-sized or thin portable terminals, and achieving high suppression in the stop band while reducing mutual inductance between signal lines is challenging.

Innovation Solution

A duplexer design with a first filter connected to a common terminal and a first terminal, including a series-arm resonator and a parallel inductor, mounted on a unit with inductor and terminal lines that cross each other, reducing mutual inductance and achieving high suppression in the stop band, even when the size is minimized.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the duplexer size is reduced to make portable terminals smaller, then the device compactness is improved, but the suppression characteristics in the stop band deteriorate due to increased mutual inductance between signal lines

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveduplexer sizeVSAvoidsuppression characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a planar layout to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The inductor is placed on a different layer than the series-arm resonator, with connection lines extending vertically through the substrate. This spatial separation in the vertical dimension reduces mutual inductance between the inductor and resonator, enabling high suppression characteristics even in a compact footprint.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary structure in the form of connection lines that route signals through the substrate between layers. These intermediary pathways allow the inductor and resonator to be electrically connected while maintaining physical separation in three-dimensional space, thereby reducing parasitic coupling while preserving electrical functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If an inductor is connected in parallel to a series-arm resonator to improve suppression characteristics, then the stop band suppression is improved, but the mutual inductance between signal lines increases when the device size is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuppression characteristicsVSAvoidmutual inductance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves the mutual inductance issue by separating the inductor and series-arm resonator into different vertical layers. The inductor resides on one layer while the resonator is on another layer, with their connection achieved through vertical vias and substrate traces. This dimensional separation minimizes magnetic coupling between the parallel-connected components, reducing harmful mutual inductance effects.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing the connection path between the inductor and resonator. The connection lines are routed through the substrate with specific geometric configurations that minimize loop area and proximity to other signal lines. This localized optimization of the connection structure reduces mutual inductance while maintaining the parallel connection topology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 design allows for a smaller-sized duplexer with enhanced suppression in the stop band, effectively addressing the size and suppression challenges of conventional duplexers.

Implementation Method 1

a first filter that is connected to a common terminal and a first terminal, and includes a first series-arm resonator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

a first inductor that is connected in parallel to the first series-arm resonator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Data Source

PatentUS7629863B2Filter and duplexer
Publication Date: 2009.12.08 TAIYO YUDEN KK
  • US7629863B2 patent drawing
  • US7629863B2 patent drawing
  • US7629863B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A duplexer includes: a first filter that is connected to a common terminal and a first terminal, and includes a first series-arm resonator; a second filter that is connected to the common terminal and a second terminal; a first inductor that is connected in parallel to the first series-arm resonator; a mounting unit that has the first filter and the second filter mounted thereon; a first inductor line that is provided on the mounting unit, and connects the first inductor and the first series-arm resonator; and a first terminal line that is provided on the mounting unit, and connects the first filter and the first terminal. In this duplexer, the directions of currents flowing through the first inductor line and the first terminal line cross each other.