Substrate Integrated Waveguide Filter with Electric Field Tunable Dielectric

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substrate integrated waveguide filters face challenges in manufacturing adjustable frequency filters, as mechanical adjustment methods, such as screw adjustments, are difficult to implement effectively.

Innovation Solution

A substrate integrated waveguide filter design that includes a dielectric layer between two substrates with conductive support pillars forming a rectangular waveguide, where the permittivity of the dielectric layer is adjusted by controlling the electric field strength to change the frequency, allowing for convenient and rapid frequency adjustment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical adjustment method (e.g., screw adjustment) is used to adjust filter frequency, then frequency adjustment is possible, but the adjustment process is complex and difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency adjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical screw adjustment system with an electric field-based control system. By applying an external electric field to the dielectric layer, the permittivity is modulated, which directly adjusts the resonant frequency of the waveguide cavity. This eliminates mechanical moving parts and complex adjustment mechanisms while achieving precise frequency control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the dielectric layer (permittivity) through external electric field application. By varying the electric field strength, the permittivity of the dielectric material is modified, which in turn changes the resonant frequency of the filter. This parameter-based control approach simplifies the adjustment mechanism while maintaining frequency adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If mechanical adjustment method is used, then frequency can be tuned, but the adjustment speed and efficiency are low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency tunabilityVSAvoidfrequency adjustment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces slow mechanical adjustment with rapid electric field modulation. The electric field can be applied and modified instantaneously through electrical signals, enabling fast frequency switching and tuning without the inertia and mechanical delay inherent in screw-based systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables rapid periodic frequency switching by applying time-varying electric fields. This allows the filter to quickly transition between different frequency states in response to control signals, significantly improving adjustment speed and responsiveness compared to mechanical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables the adjustment of filter frequency by modifying the electric field strength between substrates, facilitating more precise and efficient frequency tuning without mechanical adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

a dielectric layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a permittivity of the dielectric layer is configured to be changed as a strength of an electric field formed between the first substrate and the second substrate is changed to adjust a frequency of the substrate integrated waveguide filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectro-optic effect: Electro-Optic Effects

Data Source

PatentUS11569557B2Substrate integrated waveguide filter comprising an electric field responsive dielectric layer configured to adjust a frequency of the filter

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 BEIJING BOE SENSOR TECH CO LTD

AI summary

There is provided a substrate integrated waveguide filter having a central region and a peripheral region surrounding the central region, and including: a first substrate; a second substrate opposite to the first substrate; a plurality of conductive support pillars between the first substrate and the second substrate, within the peripheral region, and surrounding the central region, wherein a distance between at least one pair of adjacent two of the plurality of conductive support pillars is less than a wavelength of an electromagnetic wave to be transmitted by the substrate integrated waveguide filter; and a dielectric layer between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a permittivity of the dielectric layer is configured to be changed as a strength of an electric field formed between the first substrate and the second substrate is changed to adjust a frequency of the substrate integrated waveguide filter.