Spin Wave RF Filter With Electric-Field Switching and Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiofrequency wave filters are either large, energy-intensive, or not switchable, making them inefficient for applications requiring tunable and compact designs with low energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A filter design utilizing a spin wave guiding unit with a spatially modulated magnetostatic potential, an input element for converting radiofrequency waves to spin waves, and an output element for converting spin waves back to radiofrequency signals, along with an electrical control member to modify transmission rates and efficiencies, allowing for switchable and energy-efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If YIG crystal resonance coupling is used for filtering, then the filter can be tuned by varying electromagnet current, but the filter dimensions become large (centimeter scale) and energy consumption increases (tens to hundreds of milliamps)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromagnet-mechanical field system with an electric field system using electrodes and dielectric layers. The tuning mechanism shifts from mechanical/electromagnetic coupling to electrical field modulation, eliminating the need for high-current electromagnets while maintaining frequency selectivity through electric field interaction with the ferromagnetic material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from high current (tens-hundreds of mA) to low voltage (a few volts), and from electromagnetic induction to direct electric field modulation. This parameter transformation enables frequency tuning through voltage-controlled electric fields rather than current-dependent magnetic fields, dramatically reducing energy consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If YIG crystal resonance coupling is used for filtering, then the filter can be tuned, but the response time becomes slow (milliseconds order)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow electromagnet magnetic field buildup with instantaneous electric field establishment. Electric fields in dielectric structures respond nearly instantaneously to voltage changes, eliminating the millisecond-scale magnetic field saturation and demagnetization delays inherent in YIG crystal systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic modulation of the electric field through alternating voltage application to the electrodes, enabling rapid frequency sweeping and tuning. This periodic electric field action resonates with the ferromagnetic material's natural frequencies, achieving fast frequency modulation without the inertial delays of magnetic field systems.
3Volume of stationary object
If magnetostatic wave devices with periodic ferromagnetic film structuring are used, then the filter achieves small dimensions and robustness, but the filtering properties become fixed and non-switchable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control by placing electrodes that generate time-varying electric fields across the ferromagnetic material. The electric field strength and frequency can be modulated in real-time, enabling the filter's transmission characteristics to be dynamically adjusted and switched between different frequency bands, unlike the static periodic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device where the same ferromagnetic film structure serves both as the filtering medium and as the tunable element. By controlling the electric field parameters through the electrodes, a single device can perform multiple filtering functions across different frequency ranges, eliminating the need for separate fixed-frequency filters.
4Adaptability or versatility
If external radio frequency switches are added to achieve switching function, then the filter becomes switchable, but the device complexity and dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching function directly into the ferromagnetic material response to electric fields. The same material and electrode structure that provides filtering also enables switching by simply changing the electric field parameters. This integration eliminates separate switching components and their associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the electrode system multi-functional: it serves as both the tuning mechanism for frequency selection and as the switching mechanism for enabling/disabling filter operation. By applying different voltage patterns to the same electrodes, the filter can be tuned to different frequencies or completely switched off, consolidating multiple functions into a single control interface.
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 solution enables a compact, energy-efficient, and switchable radiofrequency filter that effectively separates desired frequency components from unwanted ones, improving upon the limitations of existing technologies by reducing size and energy consumption while maintaining tunability.
Implementation Method 1
an input element of the guiding unit, the input element being able to convert with a first efficiency, a radiofrequency electromagnetic wave into a spin wave
Implementation Method 2
a spin wave guiding unit comprising a magnetic material, the guiding unit being arranged spatially to generate a spatially modulated magnetostatic potential, the magnetostatic potential allowing the propagation of spin waves having a frequency belonging to a first set of frequencies and preventing the propagation of spin waves having a frequency belonging to a second set of frequencies
Implementation Method 3
an output element of the guide unit, the element ent output being able to convert with a second efficiency, a spin wave into a radiofrequency output signal
Implementation Method 4
a control member capable of modifying at least one among the first efficiency, the second efficiency and the transmission rate in response to the control signal that the generation unit is able to generate, the control member comprising a layer in contact with the guide unit and two configured electrodes to allow transmission of the electrical control signal through said layer in contact with the guide unit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
The invention relates to a radiofrequency wave filter (10), including: a guide unit (15) including a magnetic material, allowing the propagation of spin waves having a frequency belonging to a first set of frequencies and preventing the propagation of spin waves having a frequency belonging to a second set of frequencies, a transmission rate being defined for the guide unit (15); an input element (20) of the guide unit (15), capable of converting, with a first efficiency, a radiofrequency electromagnetic wave into a spin wave; an output element (25) of the guide unit (15), capable of converting, with a second efficiency, a spin wave into a radiofrequency output signal; and a control member (35) capable of modifying at least one of the first efficiency, the second efficiency and the transmission rate.