Multi-Output RF Filter Arrangement for Signal Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiofrequency (RF) switch-based solutions can only connect one signal at a time to the output, limiting the ability to combine multiple RF filters efficiently, and conventional diplexers, triplexers, and quadplexers require joint optimization of all filters due to shared output ports, leading to increased complexity and insertion loss.
Innovation Solution
A filtering arrangement comprising multiple filters with independent frequency responses, where each filter interfaces a pole terminal to a throw terminal, allowing for simultaneous operation and isolation of signals, reducing the need for joint optimization and minimizing insertion loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If diplexers, triplexers, or quadplexers are used to combine multiple RF filters, then multiple signals can be multiplexed onto a common output, but all filters must be designed with joint optimization, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the filter combination function into independent single-throw filters, each handling a specific frequency band. Instead of designing one complex multiplexer with joint optimization, multiple simpler single-throw filters are used in parallel, each independently optimized for its own frequency response. This segmentation eliminates the need for joint optimization while achieving the same multiplexing capability.
2Device complexity
If switch-based solutions are used to combine RF filters, then a single input or output can be used, but only one signal can be connected to the output at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple single-throw filter outputs onto a common output node, allowing multiple signals to coexist simultaneously. Each filter operates independently on its frequency band, and their outputs are combined at the common node without requiring switches. This merging approach maintains the simple single-input structure while enabling multi-signal capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional multiplexers are used to combine multiple filters, then frequency domain multiplexing is achieved, but insertion loss increases due to power division
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power division function from the multiplexing operation. Instead of using a passive multiplexer that divides power among multiple outputs, each single-throw filter is directly connected to the common output node, eliminating the power division loss. The frequency domain multiplexing capability is retained through frequency-selective filtering, while the energy loss is removed by eliminating the passive power-splitting stage.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a filtering arrangement in which a first filter is configured to exhibit a first frequency response FR and has a first node and a second node; a second filter is configured to exhibit a second FR and has a first node and a second node; and a third filter is configured to exhibit a third FR and has a first node and a second node. A first common node interfaces the second node of the first filter with the second node of the second filter; and a second common node interfaces the first node of the second filter with the first node of the third filter. The second FR exhibited by the second filter isolates a first signal on a first signal path between the first node of the first filter and the first common node from a second signal on a second signal path between the second common node and the second node of the third filter.