Non-reciprocal Component With In-plane Magnetization and Meander Loops
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-reciprocal RF components, such as circulators and isolators, face challenges in miniaturization and cost due to their complex design requiring perpendicular magnetic fields, leading to increased height and demagnetization issues, especially at higher frequencies, making integration and cost reduction difficult.
Innovation Solution
The use of in-plane magnetization of a ferrite substrate with interlaced meander loop metal lines, where the metal lines run from one side of the substrate to the other and back, reducing length and allowing for a 4-port circulator configuration, enabling miniaturization and integration with multilayer technology, and reducing the need for strong permanent magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If perpendicular magnetic field configuration is used, then non-reciprocal effect is achieved, but component height increases and demagnetization effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional perpendicular magnetic field configuration by using in-plane magnetization where the magnetic field is applied parallel to the ferrite substrate surface rather than perpendicular to it. This fundamental reversal resolves the contradiction by achieving the non-reciprocal effect through a different field orientation that reduces component height requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field orientation parameter from perpendicular to in-plane, and modifies the metal line configuration from simple parallel lines to interlaced meander loops. These parameter changes enable the non-reciprocal effect to be achieved with reduced height and improved integration characteristics
2Length of stationary object
If in-plane magnetization is used, then component height is reduced, but metal line length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs meander loop configurations for the metal lines instead of straight parallel lines. The curved, looping paths of the meander structures allow the lines to achieve the necessary electrical length and non-reciprocal coupling while fitting within a compact planar area on the ferrite substrate, thus reducing the overall component footprint without excessive length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional vertical stacking approach to a two-dimensional planar integration approach. By using in-plane magnetization and meander loop metal lines on the substrate surface, the design achieves compact integration by utilizing the planar dimension more effectively rather than extending in the vertical dimension
3Reliability
If complex assembly of multiple parts is used, then non-reciprocal effect is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple previously separate components into a single integrated structure. The ferrite substrate serves as both the magnetic field medium and the mounting platform for the metal lines, eliminating the need for separate pole pieces and complex magnetic field guiding structures. This merging of functions reduces assembly complexity and manufacturing steps
Solution Approach 2:
The ferrite substrate with printed metal lines creates a self-contained non-reciprocal component where the substrate itself provides the magnetic field interaction and the metal lines are directly patterned onto it. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external permanent magnets and complex pole piece assemblies, simplifying both the device structure and manufacturing process
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 reduces the component's dimensions, minimizes demagnetization effects, and lowers production costs, making it suitable for integration in multilayer technologies like LTCC, while maintaining non-reciprocal behavior and improving performance.
Implementation Method 1
a ferrite substrate (11) having a first and an opposing second side located on a ground layer (18), wherein a first metal line (12) and a second metal line (13) are located on the ferrite substrate (11) in parallel to each other
Implementation Method 2
To generate the non-reciprocal effect, ferrite material is essentially needed
Implementation Method 3
the metal lines run from one side of the substrate to the other and back, reducing length
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a non-reciprocal component (10) comprising: a ferrite substrate (11) having a first side (1-″) and an opposing second side (16) located on a ground layer (18), a first metal line (12) and a second metal line (13) are located on the ferrite substrate (11) in parallel to each other. To provide a non-reciprocal component having small dimensions and which could be integrated. The ferrite substrate (11) is magnetized parallel to the metal lines (12, 13) and each of the metal lines (12, 13) is running at least from one side (15) of the ferrite substrate (11) to the other side (16) and back (15) forming thereby at least one meander loop, wherein the loops are interlaced to each other and the metal lines (12, 13) are isolated in an area (14) of the loop.