PCB-Tuned Cavity Filter Assembly for 5G Antenna Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly and performance of cavity filters in antenna modules for 5G communication systems, particularly in IoT environments, are hindered by complexities in manufacturing and tuning, affecting the overall efficiency of these modules.

Innovation Solution

A cavity filter structure is designed with a combination of metal structures and a printed circuit board (PCB) configuration, where the filter characteristics are controlled through adjustable metal structures and RF pins, allowing for precise tuning and assembly optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional cavity filter structures are used, then filtering performance is achieved, but assembly complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering performanceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity filter is divided into multiple independent cavity units, each functioning as a separate filtering element. These segmented cavities can be manufactured and tuned independently, then assembled together, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining filtering performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cavity filter design incorporates universal mounting structures and standardized interfaces that allow the same basic cavity structure to serve multiple filtering functions by adjusting internal elements rather than requiring entirely different structures for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional cavity filter structures are used, then filtering performance is achieved, but manufacturing and tuning complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity filters are pre-tuned and pre-assembled as modular units before final integration into the antenna module. This preliminary preparation allows for controlled manufacturing conditions and simplifies the final assembly process, improving both manufacturing ease and tuning precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for easy adjustment of filtering characteristics by changing physical parameters such as cavity dimensions, wall positions, or internal element configurations without requiring complete redesign, facilitating both manufacturing flexibility and performance optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If cavity filters are assembled in antenna modules, then filtering functionality is provided, but assembly difficulty affects module performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna module performanceVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cavity filters are designed to be nested within the antenna module structure, with each cavity unit fitting into a designated space. This nested arrangement optimizes space utilization and simplifies the assembly process by following a hierarchical integration approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized mounting structures and interface elements act as intermediaries between the cavity filters and the antenna module housing, facilitating easier assembly and ensuring consistent positioning without requiring complex alignment procedures.

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 design enhances the assembly and mass production of cavity filters, enabling easier control of filter characteristics, thereby improving the performance and efficiency of antenna modules in 5G and IoT applications.

Implementation Method 1

a PCB with a plate-shaped metal pattern is attached to an open end of an elongated resonator for capacitive loading

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive loading: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3888177B1Cavity filter and antenna module including the same
Publication Date: 2024.05.15 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3888177B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP3888177B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~4A
  • EP3888177B1 patent drawingFigure 4B~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a communication method and system for converging a 5th-Generation (5G) communication system for supporting higher data rates beyond a 4th-Generation (4G) system with a technology for Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be applied to intelligent services based on the 5G communication technology and the IoT-related technology, such as smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car, connected car, health care, digital education, smart retail, security and safety services. A cavity filter is provided. The cavity filter includes a plate of the cavity filter and including a feeder part for supplying an electrical signal, a housing forming an exterior of the cavity filter and coupled to the plate to form a shielded space inside the cavity filter, and a metal structure having a first end coupled to an inside of the housing and a second end that extends toward the feeder part and resonates to filter frequencies in the shielded space.