Reconfigurable RF Filter Circuits for Steep Band Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF filters face challenges in achieving steep transitions between frequency bands while maintaining size, cost, and performance, especially with the continuous addition of new frequency bands, leading to bulky and expensive solutions with increased loss due to the need for multiple filters and switches.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable RF filtering circuit with a common circuit and branch circuits, where switches can couple one of the branch circuits to the common circuit, allowing for tuning of frequency ranges and loading impedances without sacrificing transition speed or steepness, using fewer components and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a filter bank with RF filters having different roll-offs/bandwidths is used to achieve steep transition, then the transition steepness is improved, but the device size, cost, and loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable RF filter that can dynamically change its characteristics (bandwidth, roll-off, center frequency) by switching between different resonator configurations. This dynamic reconfigurability allows a single filter to replace multiple fixed filters, achieving steep transitions for different frequency bands without increasing device size. The filter transitions from a static structure to a dynamically adaptable one, resolving the contradiction between transition steepness and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The reconfigurable RF filter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as different types of filters (band-pass, band-stop, low-pass, high-pass) and support multiple frequency bands (sub-6 GHz, mmWave) with varying roll-off characteristics. This multi-functionality allows a single universal filter to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized filters, thereby reducing device size while maintaining the ability to achieve steep transitions when needed.
2Manufacturing precision
If a filter bank with RF filters having different roll-offs/bandwidths is used to achieve steep transition, then the transition steepness is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal reconfigurable RF filter that can be manufactured as a single integrated circuit capable of performing multiple filtering functions across different frequency bands. This eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple different filter components, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while still achieving steep transitions through electronic reconfiguration rather than physical component changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter achieves different transition steepness characteristics by changing its electrical parameters (resonator connections, switching states) rather than by manufacturing different physical filters. This parameter-based reconfiguration allows the same manufactured component to adapt its performance characteristics, reducing the cost associated with producing multiple precision-filter variants.
3Manufacturing precision
If a filter bank with RF filters having different roll-offs/bandwidths is used to achieve steep transition, then the transition steepness is improved, but the loss increases due to silicon switches
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable filter uses dynamic switching mechanisms to change its configuration, but the patent specifically addresses reducing the loss associated with such switching. By optimizing the switch design and placement within the resonator network, the filter minimizes insertion loss while maintaining the ability to achieve steep transitions through reconfiguration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF filters are used to support various communication means, then the frequency range coverage is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a single RF filter designed to universally support multiple communication standards and frequency bands (3G, 4G, 5G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, sub-6 GHz, mmWave) through electronic reconfiguration. This universal filter replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate filters for each frequency band and communication standard, dramatically reducing device size while maintaining comprehensive frequency range coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter's ability to dynamically reconfigure its resonator network allows it to adapt its frequency response characteristics to match different communication standards and frequency bands. This dynamic adaptability enables one filter to perform the work of many, reducing the overall device size while maintaining versatility across multiple frequency ranges.
5Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF filters are used to support various communication means, then the frequency range coverage is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal reconfigurable RF filter that can be manufactured as a single integrated circuit capable of supporting multiple communication standards and frequency bands. This eliminates the need to manufacture, test, and assemble multiple different filter components, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining comprehensive frequency range coverage through electronic reconfiguration.
6Adaptability or versatility
If multiple RF filters are used to support various communication means, then the frequency range coverage is improved, but the loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a universal reconfigurable RF filter that maintains consistent low-loss performance across multiple frequency bands and communication standards. By using a single optimized filter design rather than multiple different filters, the system avoids the cumulative losses that would result from switching between multiple filter components, thereby reducing overall signal loss while maintaining broad frequency range coverage.
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
The reconfigurable RF filtering circuit achieves flexible tuning of upper and lower skirt frequencies and loading impedances, resulting in smaller size, lower losses, and lower costs, while maintaining high transition speed and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a RF filter is often employed to provide a flat passband, steep filter skirts, and squared shoulders at the upper and lower ends of the passband
Implementation Method 2
one or more switches that may be electrically connected to one of the first branch circuit or the second branch circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A radio frequency (RF) filtering circuit is provided. The RF filtering circuit includes a common circuit having one or more first series resonators, and one or more first shunt resonators. The RF filtering circuit may also include a first branch circuit electrically connected to the common circuit, the first branch circuit having at least one of a second series resonator or a second shunt resonator. The RF filtering circuit may also include a second branch circuit electrically connected to the common circuit, the second branch circuit having at least one of a third series resonator or a third shunt resonator. The RF filtering circuit may also include one or more switches may be electrically connected to one of the first branch circuit or the second branch circuit. The first branch circuit is different from the second branch circuit.