Multilayer SAW Piezoelectric Structure for Multi-Band k2 and TCF Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multilayer piezoelectric substrate (MPS) surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices face challenges in achieving optimal electrical properties such as coupling factor k2 and temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) across multiple frequency bands, due to the limitations of single piezoelectric layer configurations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a multilayer piezoelectric substrate with multiple piezoelectric layers of varying thicknesses and cut angles, including a sloped region between regions of different thicknesses, enhances the electrical properties by optimizing the coupling factor k2 and TCF, and reduces unwanted acoustic reflections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single piezoelectric layer configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the electrical properties (coupling factor k2 and TCF) cannot be optimized across multiple frequency bands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical properties optimization across multiple frequency bandsVSAvoidpiezoelectric layer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric layer is segmented into multiple distinct layers (first piezoelectric layer and second piezoelectric layer) with different thicknesses and/or materials. Each layer can be independently optimized for specific frequency bands, enabling multi-band operation while maintaining manageable structural complexity through systematic layering

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the piezoelectric structure have different local properties - the first piezoelectric layer and second piezoelectric layer have different thicknesses and/or material compositions tailored for different frequency ranges. This local differentiation allows each layer to contribute optimally to specific frequency bands, achieving versatile electrical properties across multiple bands

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the piezoelectric layer thickness is increased to improve coupling factor, then the coupling factor k2 improves, but acoustic reflections increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling factorVSAvoidacoustic reflections
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric layer is divided into multiple segments (first piezoelectric layer and second piezoelectric layer) with different thicknesses. This segmentation allows the total piezoelectric thickness to be distributed across layers, maintaining high coupling factor while reducing unwanted acoustic reflections that would occur with a single thick layer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The thickness parameter of the piezoelectric layer is changed and differentiated across multiple layers. By having the first piezoelectric layer with a first thickness and the second piezoelectric layer with a second thickness, the structure optimizes coupling factor while controlling acoustic reflections through parameter variation rather than uniform thickness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple piezoelectric layers with varying thicknesses are implemented, then electrical properties are optimized and acoustic reflections are reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical properties and acoustic reflection controlVSAvoidmultilayer piezoelectric structure fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The piezoelectric structure is segmented into multiple manufacturable layers that can be fabricated using standard semiconductor processing techniques. Each layer can be deposited, patterned, and etched independently, allowing complex multi-layer structures to be manufactured through sequential processing steps that are already established in the industry

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The manufacturing process accommodates local quality variations by enabling different thicknesses and material properties in different layers. Standard fabrication techniques such as selective epitaxial growth, chemical vapor deposition, and controlled etching allow precise local thickness control in each piezoelectric layer, making the complex structure manufacturable with existing technology

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

This approach allows for improved electrical properties and reduced size in multi-band SAW filters, enabling efficient signal separation across multiple frequency bands while minimizing acoustic reflections.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric structure including a first region having a first thickness, a second region having a second thickness different from the first thickness, and a third region sloped between the first region and the second region; a first surface acoustic wave element positioned in the first region; and a second surface acoustic wave element positioned in the second region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20250007489A1Acoustic wave device having different types of piezoelectric layer structures
Publication Date: 2025.01.02 SKYWORKS SOLUTIONS INC
  • US20250007489A1 patent drawing
  • US20250007489A1 patent drawing
  • US20250007489A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A surface acoustic wave device is disclosed. The surface acoustic wave device can include a support substrate structure, a first piezoelectric layer over the support substrate structure, a second piezoelectric layer over the first piezoelectric layer, a first acoustic wave element in electrical communication with the first piezoelectric layer, and a second acoustic wave element in electrical communication with the second piezoelectric layer.