Filter Element Resonant Line Width Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filter elements with strip-line resonators face challenges in adjusting resonant characteristics after the circuit pattern is printed on the dielectric substrate, leading to defective elements with resonant characteristics different from the design value, which decreases manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
Adjusting the line width of resonant lines on the side and front main surface of the dielectric substrate to different values, with the side portion's line width being either larger or smaller than the main-surface portion's, and optimizing the spacing between adjacent resonators to control coupling strength, allowing for post-pattern formation adjustment of resonant frequencies and coupling degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the circuit pattern is printed on the main surface of the dielectric substrate, then the resonant characteristics are determined by the shape of the line, but it becomes difficult to adjust the resonant characteristics after printing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the resonant line from the front main surface to the side surface of the dielectric substrate, utilizing a third dimension (depth/height) for adjustment. By making the resonant line protrude from the side surface, the effective electrical length and resonant characteristics can be modified without changing the printed circuit pattern on the main surface, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and post-printing adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of resonant characteristics by changing physical parameters of the resonant line structure, specifically the protrusion length from the side surface and the line width. These parameter changes allow tuning of the resonant frequency and characteristics after the circuit pattern has been printed, addressing the need for both precision and adjustability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the resonant characteristics vary from design value during printing or dividing steps, then defective elements are produced, but this decreases manufacturability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary formation of the resonant line on the front main surface through printing, then adds the side surface protrusion structure in a subsequent step. This preliminary action allows the base pattern to be established first, with fine-tuning of resonant characteristics achieved later by adjusting the protrusion dimensions, thereby reducing defects from printing variations and improving overall manufacturability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant line structure is segmented into two distinct parts: the printed circuit pattern on the front main surface and the protruding structure on the side surface. This segmentation allows independent optimization and adjustment of each part, enabling correction of resonant characteristic variations without requiring rework of the entire structure, thus improving productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the line width of resonant lines is adjusted to different values on side and front main surface, then resonant characteristics can be adjusted, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different line widths at different locations of the resonant line: a first line width on the front main surface and a second line width for the protruding portion on the side surface. This local quality differentiation allows precise control of resonant characteristics by varying the line width only where needed (at the protrusion), rather than changing the entire line structure, thus achieving adaptability with minimal added complexity.
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
Enables the production of filter elements with desired resonant characteristics and enhanced manufacturability by allowing precise adjustment of resonant frequencies and coupling strengths, achieving wide-band characteristics and reduced insertion loss.
Implementation Method 1
resonant lines each having a shorting end in the vicinity of a border between a side and the back main surface of the dielectric substrate and extending from the side to a front main surface of the dielectric substrate, the ground electrode and the resonant lines constituting a plurality of strip-line resonators
Data Source
AI summary
A filter element includes a flat dielectric substrate, a ground electrode on a back main surface of the dielectric substrate, resonant lines each having a shorting end in the vicinity of a border between a side of the dielectric substrate and the ground electrode and extending from the side to a front main surface of the dielectric substrate. The resonant lines and the ground electrode constitute strip-line resonators. In any of the strip-line resonators, the line width of the resonant-line side portion is different from the line width of the resonant-line main-surface portion.