Reconfigurable Multi-Band Filter Using Switchable Resonators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional mobile device designs are constrained by the need for separate filters for each wireless communication technique, limiting their ability to support multiple frequency bands and communication standards with a single antenna.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable multi-band filter using switchable resonators and tunable capacitors allows a single filter to tune to different frequency bands and frequencies, enabling support for various wireless communication techniques without the need for multiple filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate filters are used for each wireless communication technique, then each filter can be optimized for its specific frequency band, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter performanceVSAvoidnumber of filters

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single filter structure is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting different frequency bands through reconfiguration. The filter includes resonators that can be selectively activated to operate at different frequency bands, allowing one filter to replace multiple dedicated filters while maintaining optimized performance for each band

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter incorporates switchable resonators and tunable capacitors that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the filter's resonant frequency. This enables the filter to adapt its characteristics in real-time to match different wireless communication techniques and frequency bands, maintaining optimal performance across multiple applications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filters are included to support different frequency bands, then each communication technique can be supported, but the device size and design constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band supportVSAvoiddevice area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple filter functions are merged into a single integrated filter structure. The design combines multiple resonators and capacitive elements that can be selectively activated to provide different frequency band support, consolidating what would traditionally require separate physical filters into one compact unit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single filter is designed with universal capability to support multiple frequency bands and wireless communication techniques through its reconfigurable resonator network, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated filters and reducing the overall device footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single filter is used for multiple frequency bands, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to tune to different frequencies may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter configurationVSAvoidfrequency tuning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter employs switchable resonators and tunable capacitors that enable dynamic adjustment of the filter's resonant frequency. Control logic selectively activates specific resonators and adjusts capacitor values to precisely tune the filter to the required frequency for different wireless communication techniques, maintaining high adaptability within a single filter structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter achieves frequency tuning by changing electrical parameters such as capacitance values and resonator activation states. This allows the single filter to adapt its frequency response characteristics to match different frequency bands without requiring multiple dedicated filters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables mobile devices to efficiently filter wireless signals across multiple frequency bands, reducing design constraints and expanding configuration options for supporting diverse wireless communication standards with a single antenna.

Implementation Method 1

The filter includes switchable resonators to tune to the different frequency bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

tunable capacitors to tune to the frequencies within the different frequency bands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS9438197B2Reconfigurable multi-band filter

Publication Date: 2016.09.06 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Reconfigurable multi-band filter techniques are described. In one or more implementations a device includes a radiating structure and a filter connected to the radiating structure configured to filter wireless signals received by the radiating structure. The filter includes switchable resonators configured to tune to different frequency bands and tunable capacitors configured to tune to different frequencies within the different frequency bands.