Switchable Frequency Diplexer Circuit with Shared Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic circuits for switching between signal pathways of different frequency ranges suffer from high attenuation and non-linear distortions, especially at high frequencies, due to the influence of load impedances and inadequate linearity of series elements.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit design incorporating high-pass and low-pass filters with shared inductive and capacitive components, utilizing a switch element to connect either the high-pass or low-pass points to ground, minimizing signal attenuation and distortion by economizing on components and reducing the impact of parasitic elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional switches are used in signal pathways to combine signals of different frequency ranges, then switching between frequency ranges is achieved, but signal attenuation increases and load impedances of the disabled branch influence signal transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is segmented into two independent filter branches (high-pass and low-pass) that operate in parallel. Each branch is independently designed with its own series and transverse elements, allowing signals of different frequency ranges to be processed separately without mutual interference. This segmentation enables switching between frequency ranges while maintaining signal integrity in each branch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diplexer as an intermediary device that combines the high-pass and low-pass filters. The diplexer acts as a mediator that directs signals to the appropriate frequency range without requiring direct switching in the signal pathway, thereby avoiding the attenuation and impedance issues associated with conventional switches.
2Adaptability or versatility
If series elements are designed to handle both lowest and highest frequencies, then frequency range coverage is achieved, but losses in series elements lead to high attenuation and inadequate linearity
Solution Approach 1:
The frequency range coverage is achieved by segmenting the signal processing into separate high-pass and low-pass branches, each optimized for specific frequency ranges. The high-pass branch handles highest frequencies with capacitive series elements, while the low-pass branch handles lowest frequencies with inductive series elements. This segmentation allows each branch to be optimized for its frequency range, maintaining linearity and reducing attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the series elements based on the frequency range. Capacitive elements are used in the high-pass branch for high-frequency operation, while inductive elements are used in the low-pass branch for low-frequency operation. This parameter optimization ensures that each series element operates in its optimal frequency range, minimizing losses and maintaining signal quality.
3Ease of operation
If multiple switch elements are used to select between high-pass and low-pass, then switching functionality is achieved, but parasitic elements of switch elements impair the qualities of downstream filter elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the signal pathway and places it in the transverse element configuration. Instead of using switches directly in the series signal path, the switching is achieved by selectively connecting transverse elements to ground. This extraction removes the parasitic elements of switches from the critical signal pathway, preserving the performance of downstream filter elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the transverse elements as intermediaries between the switch elements and the downstream filter elements. The transverse elements are selectively connected to ground through switch elements, acting as a buffer that isolates the parasitic effects of the switches from the downstream filter elements. This intermediary approach allows switching functionality while protecting the filter element performance.
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 circuit achieves low attenuation and minimal non-linear distortions, allowing for efficient switching between overlapping frequency ranges with reduced transmission loss and improved signal quality, enabling simple adjustment of filter characteristics without interfering with the signal pathway.
Implementation Method 1
The low-pass series element and the high-pass transverse element are realised in this context by a common, preferably inductive component
Implementation Method 2
The high-pass series element and the low-pass transverse element are realised in this context by a common, preferably capacitive component
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit comprises a high-pass and a low-pass. The low-pass comprises at least one low-pass series element and a low-pass transverse element. The high-pass comprises at least one high-pass series element and a high-pass transverse element. The low-pass series element and the high-pass transverse element are realised in this context by a common component, and/or the high-pass series element and the low-pass transverse element are realised in this context by a common component.