Tunable Resonator With Adjustable Inductance For Multi-Band Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional multi-band front end modules using combline filters face challenges in achieving compactness, cost-effectiveness, and size due to the need for multiple filters and extensive microstrips, which complicates frequency band switching in mobile communication and internet-enabled products.

Innovation Solution

A tunable resonator and filter design featuring a microstrip line unit, a capacitor unit, and an adjustment unit with auxiliary microstrips and switches that allow external control to adjust the length of the microstrips, enabling selective frequency band switching by varying inductance and capacitance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combline filters are used to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but device size and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidnumber of filters and microstrips

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single combline filter structure is designed to perform multiple functions by supporting multiple frequency bands through adjustable inductance. The filter can be tuned to operate at different frequencies by changing the inductance value, eliminating the need for separate filters for each band and achieving multi-band coverage with one universal filter component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter incorporates an adjustable inductance mechanism that allows dynamic tuning of the resonant frequency. By varying the inductance value, the filter can adapt to different frequency bands, transforming a static single-frequency filter into a dynamic multi-frequency filter without requiring multiple fixed filters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combline filters are used to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but area occupied increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidsubstrate area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

One combline filter structure serves multiple frequency bands through adjustable inductance, replacing what would traditionally require multiple separate filters. This consolidation significantly reduces the substrate area occupied, as a single filter occupies less space than multiple individual filters would require.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple filter functions are merged into a single combline filter structure by integrating the adjustable inductance mechanism. This merging combines what would be separate physical filter components into one unified structure, reducing the overall area required on the substrate while maintaining multi-band capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple combline filters are used to support multiple frequency bands, then frequency band coverage is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency band coverageVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single combline filter with adjustable inductance replaces multiple fixed filters, reducing the total component count. This universality means one filter design can serve multiple frequency bands, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs associated with producing, inventorying, and assembling multiple different filter types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple filter functions are combined into one filter structure, reducing the number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers manufacturing complexity and cost, as fewer components are required to achieve the same multi-band functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 allows for compact, cost-effective, and efficient switching between multiple frequency bands, reducing the size and complexity of multi-band front end modules by enabling linear or non-linear control of resonant frequencies and bandwidths.

Implementation Method 1

an adjustment unit for regulating the length of the line unit to adjust an inductance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Implementation Method 2

a capacitor unit connected to a first side of the line unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

tunable resonator including a line unit formed as a microstrip, a capacitor unit connected to a first side of the line unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS8410871B2Tunable resonator and tunable filter

Publication Date: 2013.04.02 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A tunable filter is provided which includes a filter unit comprising a pair of microstrips which are disposed facing each other, a capacitor unit connected to one side of the filter unit, and an adjustment unit for regulating the length of each of the pair of microstrips to adjust inductance of the filter unit, the adjustment unit being connected to the opposite side of the filter unit. The length of the microstrips may thereby be regulated in order to vary the frequency band.