Tunable Multi-Resonator Filter for Compact Multi-Band Duplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cellular communication systems face challenges in supporting multiple frequency bands due to size constraints and inefficiencies in existing filter technologies, which lead to increased hardware requirements, signal interference, and difficulties in accommodating both positive and negative duplex spacing configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of tunable filters using multiple resonators and coupling elements that can be electrically adjusted to block specific frequency ranges with low insertion loss, allowing for flexible frequency tuning and reduced size, while minimizing pass band attenuation and maximizing stop band attenuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed frequency filters are used to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency band support is achieved, but device size and hardware complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a tunable filter with electrically adjustable resonators that can dynamically change their resonance frequencies to support multiple frequency bands. This dynamic tuning capability eliminates the need for multiple fixed filters, thereby reducing device size while maintaining multi-band support.
Solution Approach 2:
The tunable filter is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting various frequency bands (e.g., LTE bands 7, 1, 2, 3, 8, 5, and 13) with a single device. The filter can be electrically reconfigured to operate across different frequency ranges, making it a universal solution for multi-band cellular communication.
2Reliability
If fixed frequency filters are used for each band, then frequency selectivity is maintained, but the number of filters and switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single tunable filter with electrically controllable resonance frequencies instead of multiple fixed filters and switches. The filter's resonance can be dynamically adjusted to match the required frequency band, maintaining frequency selectivity while eliminating the need for complex filter arrays and switching networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines the functions of multiple fixed filters and switches into a single tunable filter device. By merging these components into one reconfigurable unit, the system achieves the same frequency selection capability with significantly reduced hardware complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If tunable single resonance filters are used, then device size is reduced, but pass-band and stop-band attenuation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-resonator filter structure where multiple resonators work together to achieve both compact size and superior attenuation performance. Each resonator contributes to the overall frequency response, with some resonators optimized for pass-band transmission and others for stop-band rejection, thereby maintaining both size efficiency and filtering performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter utilizes a composite resonator structure combining different resonating elements (e.g., capacitive and inductive resonators) to achieve enhanced performance. This composite approach allows the filter to maintain compact dimensions while providing excellent pass-band and stop-band attenuation characteristics through the synergistic interaction of different resonator types.
4Reliability
If tunable multiresonance filters are used, then filtering performance is improved, but device size and integration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes each resonator's local characteristics to fulfill specific functions within the filter. By assigning different quality factors, coupling coefficients, and resonance frequencies to individual resonators, the system achieves high filtering performance in a compact configuration. Each resonator is locally optimized rather than using a uniform design for all resonators.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter employs a planar integration approach where resonators are arranged in a two-dimensional layout on a substrate, utilizing vertical coupling and multi-layer structures to achieve three-dimensional functionality in a compact footprint. This dimensional optimization allows multiple resonators to coexist in a small area while maintaining excellent filtering performance.
5Object-affected harmful factors
If transmitter and receiver antennas are spatially separated, then duplex self-interference is reduced, but device integration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a tunable filter as an intermediary component in the receive signal path that actively suppresses transmitter frequency interference. This filter acts as a mediator between the co-located transmitter and receiver antennas, providing the necessary frequency rejection to prevent duplex self-interference while allowing the antennas to remain in close proximity for compact integration.
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 solution enables cost-effective, compact tunable filter systems that minimize unwanted interference and adapt to various frequency bands, including both positive and negative duplex spacing configurations, enhancing the performance and efficiency of cellular communication devices.
Implementation Method 1
a first resonator and a second resonator configured to block signals within one or more frequency ranges
Implementation Method 2
one or more coupling element connected to both the first resonator and the second resonator, the one or more coupling element being configured to provide low insertion loss within a pass band
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for tunable filters that are configured to support multiple frequency bands, such as within the field of cellular radio communication, can include a first resonator and a second resonator configured to block signals within one or more frequency ranges, and one or more coupling element connected to both the first resonator and the second resonator. The one or more coupling element can be configured to provide low insertion loss within a pass band.