Tunable RF Delay Line Circuit With Ferroelectric Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF delay lines face challenges in integrating multiple delay lines on a circuit and achieving suitable input impedance, often resulting in discrete time intervals that do not provide the desired continuous delay for RF signals.
Innovation Solution
A tunable delay line circuit is developed, featuring a serpentine pattern of conductors and ferro-electric materials on a substrate, with adjustable spacing and configuration to allow for continuous delay variation and improved input impedance, enabling multiple delay lines to be integrated on a single substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If discrete time intervals are used for delay lines, then the delay time is fixed and simple to implement, but it becomes difficult to provide the desired continuous delay time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the delay time continuously variable rather than fixed. The serpentine conductor configuration with adjustable spacing allows the electrical length and thus the delay time to be dynamically adjusted to provide continuous delay values, resolving the contradiction between ease of implementation and continuous delay capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the delay line structure, specifically the spacing between serpentine conductors and the conductor dimensions, to achieve continuous variation in delay time. This parameter adjustment enables the transition from discrete to continuous delay while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple delay lines are integrated on a circuit, then more delay functions are available, but it becomes difficult to combine them on a single circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple delay line functions into a single integrated circuit by implementing multiple serpentine delay line structures on the same substrate. The unified design approach combines what would traditionally be separate components into one cohesive device, enabling multiple delay lines to coexist on a single circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal delay line structure that can perform multiple delay functions simultaneously. The serpentine conductor design with adjustable parameters allows each section to function as an independent delay line while sharing common substrate and interconnect structures, achieving multi-functionality without proportional increase in complexity
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional delay line structures are used, then the structure is simple, but it becomes difficult to achieve suitable input impedance for RF signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing specific regions of the delay line structure, particularly the input and output sections, to achieve suitable input impedance. The serpentine conductor configuration with carefully controlled spacing and dimensions at critical locations provides the necessary impedance matching while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts physical parameters such as conductor width, spacing between serpentine segments, and trace geometry to achieve the desired input impedance for RF signals. These parameter optimizations enable traditional simple structures to provide suitable impedance characteristics without complex additional components
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 allows for the integration of multiple delay lines with continuous delay adjustment, enhancing RF signal processing by providing a flexible and efficient means to manage input impedance, thus overcoming the limitations of discrete time intervals in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a first insulator, on the second conductor and forming a first capacitor with the second conductor, the first insulator having a first dielectric constant and a second insulator, on the third conductor and forming a second capacitor with the third conductor, the second insulator having a second dielectric constant
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a method of forming a delay line circuit may include forming a first ferro-electric material between a first conductor and a second conductor wherein the first conductor and the second conductor have a first resistivity. The first conductor may be configured to receive a d.c. bias signal. An embodiment may include forming a third conductor overlying the second conductor, the third conductor having a second resistivity that is less than the first resistivity, the third conductor connected to the second conductor at least at a plurality of points along a length of the third conductor. The third conductor may be configured to receive an RF signal and conduct the RF signal along the length of the third conductor.