RF Energy Multiplexer Using Reflective Filters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional RF energy multiplexers face challenges with large, complex waveguide structures and fine-tuning sensitivities, particularly at higher frequencies like Ku-band, making them difficult to integrate with ferrite switching networks and antenna systems.

Innovation Solution

The proposed RF energy multiplexer design uses simpler, smaller filter elements with reflective filter devices and filtered load sub-stages, which are easier to manufacture and package, and employ high pass or low pass filters to separate RF signals by attenuating unwanted frequencies, eliminating the need for bandpass filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional waveguide structures with irises or rectangular/circular waveguide transitions are used to implement RF multiplexers at higher frequencies, then the filter functionality can be achieved, but the device size becomes large and integration with ferrite switching networks and antenna systems becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter functionalityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from conventional waveguide structures to planar circuit implementation, fundamentally changing the physical form factor and integration capability while maintaining filter functionality through equivalent electrical characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical waveguide structures with electromagnetic planar circuit implementations, substituting a mechanically complex system with an electrically equivalent but physically compact system that enables easier integration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If conventional bandpass filters are used in RF multiplexers, then signal separation can be achieved, but the device complexity and manual fine-tuning requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal separationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the multiplexer into multiple stages, with each stage handling a specific frequency range through simplified filter elements, reducing the complexity of individual components while maintaining overall signal separation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex bandpass filters that require precise tuning, the patent inverts the approach by using simple low-pass or high-pass filters whose cutoff frequencies are set above or below the desired passbands, eliminating the need for manual fine-tuning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex waveguide structures with irises are used for RF filtering, then frequency selectivity can be achieved, but the ease of manufacture and packaging deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency selectivityVSAvoidease of manufacture

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical waveguide filtering structures with planar circuit filter implementations that can be manufactured using standard PCB or microwave substrate fabrication processes, dramatically improving ease of manufacture while maintaining frequency selectivity through equivalent electrical design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively separates RF signals with minimal loss, achieving significant attenuation of unwanted frequencies, thus simplifying integration and reducing size and tuning complexities, while maintaining efficient signal processing across multiple frequency bands.

Implementation Method 1

reflects RF energy at at least one of a second frequency F2 outside of the first pass band back into the first three port device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

first reflective filter device is configured with a first pass band that passes RF energy at a first frequency F1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilter (electronic): Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

second reflective filter device passes RF energy at the first frequency F1 to the first absorbing load termination

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10033515B2Systems and methods for radio frequency energy multiplexers

Publication Date: 2018.07.24 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

Systems and Methods for RF Energy Multiplexers are provided. In one embodiment, a multiplexer comprises: a multiplexer stage that includes: a first three port device coupled to a first port of the multiplexer and a first reflective filter, wherein the first reflective filter has a pass band that passes energy at a first frequency, and reflects energy at at least one of a second frequency outside of the pass band back into the first three port device; and a first filtered-load sub-stage coupled to the first three port device, the sub-stage comprising a second three port device coupled to a second reflective filter and a first absorbing load, where the second reflective filter passes energy at the first frequency to the first absorbing load and reflects energy at the at least one of a second frequency outside of the first pass band back into the second three port device.