Embedded-Electrode Acoustic Wave Structure for High Q and Capacitance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic wave devices face challenges in achieving size reduction while maintaining high Q-value and capacitance, particularly when reducing the number of electrode fingers in piezoelectric substrates like LiNbO3 or LiTaO3.

Innovation Solution

The acoustic wave device incorporates a piezoelectric layer made of lithium niobate or lithium tantalate, with electrodes embedded within the layer, and utilizes a bulk wave in a thickness-shear primary mode, featuring an acoustic reflection layer to enhance wave confinement and increase Q-value and capacitance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the number of first electrode fingers and second electrode fingers is decreased to achieve size reduction, then the device size is reduced, but the Q-value is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidQ-value
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar surface electrodes to three-dimensional embedded electrodes within the piezoelectric layer. By embedding electrodes in the thickness direction of the piezoelectric layer, the device achieves size reduction in the planar dimensions while maintaining effective electrode interaction with the acoustic wave, thereby preserving Q-value despite reduced device footprint.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The electrodes are nested within the piezoelectric layer rather than being placed on the surface. This nesting approach allows the electrodes to be integrated into the bulk of the piezoelectric material, reducing the overall device size while maintaining the necessary electrode-piezoelectric interaction for high Q-value operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the number of first electrode fingers and second electrode fingers is decreased to achieve size reduction, then the device size is reduced, but the capacitance is decreased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidcapacitance
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By moving electrodes from surface mounting to embedded positioning within the piezoelectric layer thickness, the patent increases the effective capacitance-generating interface area without increasing planar device dimensions. This dimensional transition allows capacitance to be maintained or increased while achieving size reduction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameter of electrode positioning from surface-level to embedded depth within the piezoelectric layer. This parameter change increases the effective interaction volume between electrodes and piezoelectric material, thereby increasing capacitance while reducing overall device size.

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 configuration allows for increased Q-value and capacitance while achieving size reduction, improving acoustic wave device performance.

Implementation Method 1

a bulk wave in a thickness-shear primary mode is utilized. A material of the piezoelectric layer is lithium niobate or lithium tantalate.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The acoustic wave device further includes an acoustic reflection layer. The piezoelectric layer is on the acoustic reflection layer.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12463614B2Acoustic wave device
Publication Date: 2025.11.04 MURATA MFG CO LTD
  • US12463614B2 patent drawing
  • US12463614B2 patent drawing
  • US12463614B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric layer and first and second electrodes facing each other in a direction intersecting a thickness direction of the piezoelectric layer. The acoustic wave device utilizes a bulk wave in a thickness-shear primary mode. A material of the piezoelectric layer is lithium niobate or lithium tantalate. At least a portion of each of the first and second electrodes is embedded in the piezoelectric layer.