Reconfigurable High-Frequency Filter Using MEMS Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing demand for high-frequency filter components in mobile devices leads to larger and more energy-consuming high-frequency front-end modules, as existing technologies require multiple discrete filter devices to achieve various filter characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A high-frequency filter device with multiple filter units and a MEMS switch unit that can be actuated by a switch signal to modify filter characteristics, allowing for flexible reconfiguration and reduction in the number of required filter devices, thereby reducing module size and energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete high-frequency filter devices are used to achieve various filter characteristics, then the filter adaptability is improved, but the module size and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter characteristic configurabilityVSAvoidmodule size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter units (first filter unit and second filter unit) into a single integrated high-frequency filter device. These filter units can be connected in different configurations (series, parallel, or individually) to provide multiple filter characteristics, thereby reducing the need for multiple discrete filter devices and decreasing the overall module size while maintaining filter adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The high-frequency filter device is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating switch units that can dynamically connect different filter units in various configurations. This allows a single device to perform multiple filtering functions and adapt to different network conditions, replacing what would traditionally require multiple specialized filter devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple discrete high-frequency filter devices are used to achieve various filter characteristics, then the filter adaptability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter characteristic configurabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple filter units into a single integrated device with shared control infrastructure, the patent reduces the total energy consumption compared to operating multiple discrete filter devices. The switch units and control logic are consolidated, eliminating redundant energy usage while maintaining the capability to provide various filter characteristics through reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a fixed filter configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to local network conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter device structureVSAvoidnetwork condition adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic reconfiguration capability through switch units that can be controlled to connect different filter units in various configurations. This allows the filter device to adapt its characteristics dynamically based on local network conditions, moving from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic reconfigurable system that maintains relatively simple individual components while achieving overall adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 a configurable high-frequency filter device that can adapt to local network conditions, reducing the overall size and energy usage of high-frequency modules while maintaining high linearity and low signal losses, especially in the mm-wave range.

Implementation Method 1

The MEMS switch unit can be actuated electrostatically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic actuation: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

The MEMS switch unit can be actuated piezoelectrically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric actuation: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

each filter unit can comprise a plurality of firmly interconnected acoustic resonators

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 4

the filter units in each case comprise a surface-acoustic or volume-acoustic resonator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Data Source

PatentUS20240405749A1High-frequency filter device, high-frequency module, and high-frequency filter method

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH

AI summary

A high-frequency filter device. The high-frequency filter device includes a signal input, which is designed to receive a high-frequency signal. The high-frequency filter device also includes a plurality of filter units, which are designed to filter the high-frequency signal received by the signal input. The high-frequency filter device also includes at least one switch unit, which can be actuated by a switch signal in order to modify a filter characteristic of the high-frequency filter device by connecting the filter units. The high-frequency filter device includes a signal output, which is designed to output the filtered high-frequency signal.