Integral RF Notch Filter Structure for Base Station Signal Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless base station RF notch filters are prone to tuning time errors, insertion losses, and distortion due to passive intermodulation, degrading their performance.
Innovation Solution
An integral, conductive RF notch filter structure comprising circular notch filter elements operable over 100 MHz to 5 GHz, formed using printed, stamped, or machined circuits from copper or brass materials, with optional cavity resonators and connectors for improved coupling and performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If individual cavity coupling wires are used to form RF notch filter, then the filter can be constructed with separate components, but tuning time errors and passive intermodulation distortion occur degrading performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cavity coupling wire and the notch filter element into a single integral conductive structure. This eliminates the separate component assembly approach while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through processes like printed circuit, stamped circuit, or machined circuit fabrication. The integration removes the interfaces between separate components that cause passive intermodulation distortion and tuning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
While the overall structure is integral, the filter can be designed with multiple notch filter elements (e.g., first, second, third elements) that can be independently configured for different frequency notches. This allows the integral structure to provide multiple filtering functions without requiring separate assembled components for each notch.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate cavity coupling wires are used, then frequency selectivity can be achieved, but insertion losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the coupling and filtering functions into a single integral conductive structure, the patent eliminates multiple interfaces and connection points that cause insertion losses. The unified structure reduces resistive losses and improves energy efficiency while maintaining the ability to achieve frequency selectivity through the geometric configuration of the integral structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate cavity coupling wires are used, then the filter can be assembled from standard components, but passive intermodulation distortion degrades performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the multiple metal-to-metal interfaces inherent in separate cavity coupling wires by using a single integral conductive structure. This merger removes the sources of passive intermodulation distortion that occur at connection points between separate components, while the structure can still be manufactured using standardized processes like printed circuit or stamped circuit fabrication.
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 tuning errors and distortion, enhancing the performance of RF notch filters by optimizing frequency range coverage and coupling strength, thereby improving the overall efficiency of wireless base stations.
Implementation Method 1
each element operable to be coupled to a cavity resonator
Implementation Method 2
operable to output or filter (i.e., pass or block) (collectively referred to as 'operate over') a frequency in the range of 100 MHz to 5 GHz
Data Source
AI summary
A radio-frequency (RF), base station notch filter includes an integral, conductive RF notch filter structure having one or more notch filter elements, where the notch filter elements may be circular in shape. The integral notch filter reduces insertion losses and passive intermodulation distortion.