Nested Balun Decoupling DC and HF Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency filter and duplexer designs face challenges in effectively decoupling DC voltage and low-frequency AC voltages while maintaining the integrity of high-frequency signal transmission, often requiring bypass paths that can compromise filter properties.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a double barrier pot arrangement within a conductive housing, where a second barrier pot is positioned oppositely to the first, forming a capacitor with the housing, enhances decoupling by preventing galvanic contact between the inner and outer conductors and allowing for adjustable frequency ranges through the distance and length of the barrier pots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bypass path is used to decouple DC voltage and low-frequency AC voltage from the high-frequency path, then the power supply and control functions are enabled, but the filter properties of the high-frequency path are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply functionVSAvoidfilter property
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass path is segmented into multiple sections with barrier pots at different positions. Each barrier pot creates a localized high-impedance point for high-frequency signals while allowing DC and low-frequency signals to pass through. This segmentation allows the bypass to fulfill its power supply function while minimizing interference with the high-frequency filter properties through distributed decoupling points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Barrier pots are introduced as intermediary components in the bypass path. These barrier pots act as mediators that selectively block high-frequency signals while permitting DC and low-frequency signals to pass. The barrier pots are positioned at strategic locations including the input end, output end, and intermediate positions of the bypass path, creating multiple high-impedance points that prevent high-frequency signal leakage without affecting the power supply function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a single barrier pot is used in the bypass path, then some decoupling is achieved, but residual high-frequency signal transmission remains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency signal transmissionVSAvoiddecoupling performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single barrier pot is divided into multiple barrier pots positioned at different locations along the bypass path. Each barrier pot creates a high-impedance point for high-frequency signals. By distributing multiple barrier pots throughout the bypass path (at input end, output end, and intermediate positions), the high-frequency signal is blocked at multiple points, significantly reducing residual transmission compared to a single barrier pot configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The barrier pots are nested within the bypass path structure, with each barrier pot containing an inner conductor and outer conductor arrangement. The barrier pots are positioned sequentially along the bypass path, creating a nested decoupling structure where each subsequent barrier pot provides additional decoupling for any residual high-frequency signals that passed through previous barrier pots.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If barrier pots are positioned close together to improve decoupling, then high-frequency signal blocking is enhanced, but the risk of galvanic contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehigh-frequency signal blockingVSAvoidgalvanic contact prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inner conductor and outer conductor are extracted as separate elements within each barrier pot, with the inner conductor positioned centrally and the outer conductor forming a cylindrical structure around it. A dielectric material is placed between the inner and outer conductors, extracting the insulation function as a separate element. This extraction ensures that even when barrier pots are positioned close together, the dielectric material prevents galvanic contact between conductors while maintaining compact spacing for effective high-frequency blocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A dielectric material is introduced as an intermediary between the inner conductor and outer conductor of each barrier pot. This dielectric mediator prevents direct galvanic contact while allowing the barrier pot to maintain its compact structure. The dielectric ensures electrical isolation between conductors even when barrier pots are positioned closely together, enabling effective high-frequency blocking without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 significantly improves decoupling performance, reducing residual high-frequency signal transmission and maintaining filter integrity, even when used in conjunction with additional capacitors, thereby enhancing the overall decoupling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

forming a capacitor with the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

decoupling performance, reducing residual high-frequency signal transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical decoupling: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

surrounding the line was provided on the bypass section in the coupling or decoupling area of the λ/4 line, which was covered by a cylindrical sleeve to produce the capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric isolation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3120409B1Balun, in particular DC and/or audio frequency output to an hf path using a balun
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)
  • EP3120409B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3120409B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3120409B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an improved balun arrangement, which is characterized among others by the following features: - a second balun (ST2) is arranged in the interior (ST-19) of the first balun (ST1), - the second balun (ST2) has a balun base (ST-15) at one end face of the second balun and an opening face (ST-27) at the opposite end face, - the second balun (ST2) is arranged in the interior (ST-19) of the first balun such that the second balun base (ST-15) and opening face (ST-27) are rotated by 180° relative to the first balun (ST1), - a lateral spacer (SA) which runs transversely or perpendicularly to the central axis (ST-07) is formed between the second balun outer conductor (ST-25) and the first balun outer conductor (ST-05), wherein the second or inner balun (ST2) is galvanically separated from the first balun (ST1) by means of said lateral spacer, and - the first and the second balun (ST1, ST2) are connected solely via a galvanic connection between the base (ST-29) of the second balun (ST2) and the inner conductor (ST-03) which passes through the base (ST-29) of the second balun (ST2).