LC-type Dielectric Filter and Duplexer

This application claims the priority benefits of Japanese Patent Application No. 5-197364, filed Aug. 9, 1993, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a band-pass filter. More specifically, it relates to a band-pass filter with a plurality of LC-type resonators and dielectric substrates. Such a filter may be used in, for example, a portable telephone or mobile telephone terminal. And this invention also relates to a duplexer using the LC-type dielectric filter.

2. Description of the Related Art

A dielectric filter may be used as a band-pass filter in mobile or portable telephone subscriber terminals. A typical conventional dielectric filter has a substantially rectangular dielectric block. A plurality of resonators extend from the top surface to the bottom surface of the dielectric block. Such a dielectric filter is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,431,997, "Ceramic Band Pass Filter" or Japanese Koukoku publication No. 62-57122, "Dielectric Filter".

This type of dielectric filter requires forming a plurality of resonant holes, and metalizing the inner surfaces of the resonant holes. Another type of band-pass filter is also known, and has a dielectric substrate, strip line resonators disposed on the substrate, and coupling circuits connected between the resonators. This type of filter is disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent No. 62-164301, or No. 3-173201. To manufacture this type of filter, a process similar to that used to make printed-circuit boards can be employed. Accordingly, compared to the "rectangular type" dielectric filter, it is easier to manufacture this type of filter. Further, this type of filter can be manufactured to have a small size. However, because a plurality of resonators are on the same dielectric substrate, floating or stray capacitance occurs between the resonators, and thus, the stability of the coupling circuit is impaired.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a small-sized LC-type dielectric filter.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an LC-type dielectric filter which can prevent the occurrence of floating or stray capacitance between the resonators.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a small-sized duplexer using the LC-type dielectric filter.

Therefore, briefly described, the present invention is an LC-type dielectric filter comprising a multi-layer substrate formed by a plurality of dielectric layers and at least one grounding layer, each of the dielectric layers having a resonator and the grounding layer being disposed between the plurality of dielectric layers; an input terminal and an output terminal, each disposed on the substrate; and a coupling circuit for coupling between each of the resonators.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an LC-type dielectric filter in accordance with a first embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2 shows every layer of a multi-layer substrate used in the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the layout pattern of the strip line for a resonator.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of the LC-type dielectric filter.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for the equivalent circuit of the dielectric filter shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show other examples of the coupling circuit.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of LC-type dielectric filter.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram for the equivalent circuit of the filter shown in Fig. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a further embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 10 shows yet another embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the LC-type dielectric filter of this invention. A filter 10 has a multi-layer substrate which is substantially rectangular in shape. The bottom surface, three side surfaces and a portion of the upper surface are metalized by metalized layer 14. The remaining portion of the upper surface and side surface 81 are bare dielectric material. Terminals 11, 12, and 13 are disposed on the bare portion of the upper surface. These terminals are formed by metalizing a conductive material on the bare portion. Each terminal has a through-hole. In FIG. 1, three through-holes 91, 92 and 93 are shown. The terminal 11 and the terminal 12 are connected with a capacitor C1. Thus, the terminals 11 and 12 are capacitively coupled. Similarly, the terminal 12 and the terminal 13 are connected with a capacitor C2 and thus the terminal 12 and the terminal 13 are capacitively coupled. The terminal 11 and the terminal 13 are coupled by a coupling pattern 16. On the side surface 81, there are two recesses 82 and 83. The recess 82 is located corresponding to the terminal 11, and the recess 83 is located corresponding to the terminal 13. The inner wall of each recess 82 and 83 is metalized. At the bottom surface of the filter 10, a portion of the metalized layer 14 is omitted so as to avoid a short circuit between the metalized layer 14 and the metalized layers on the recesses 82 and 83. This filter 10 is mounted on a circuit board (not shown). Printed circuit patterns 84 and 85 on the printed circuit board are connected to the terminals 11 and 13, respectively, at the recesses 82 and 83. A mounting pad 84a of the printed pattern 84 is soldered to the recess 82. Similarly, a mounting pad 85a of the printed pattern 85 is soldered to the recess 83.

The layers of the multi-layer substrate of this embodiment are shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the filter 10 has seven layers, namely, from a first layer 1 to a seventh layer 7. Each layer includes a dielectric substrate. As for layers through 1 to 6, all of the substrates have bare dielectric lower surfaces. The lower surface of the seventh layer corresponds to the bottom surface of the filter 10. The lower surface of the seventh layer 7 is substantially covered by the metalized layer 14. However, the metalized layer around the three through-holes is omitted to avoid short-circuiting. The upper surface of the seventh layer is completed bare dielectric material. The following explanation pertains to the upper surfaces of dielectric substrates through 1 to 6. The upper surface of the first layer 1 corresponds to the upper surface of the filter 10. As stated above, the terminals 11, 12 and 13, the metalized layer 14, and the coupling pattern 16 are on the upper surface. A first resonator 21 is on the upper surface of the second layer 2, and is formed by a conductive material on the second layer 2. The first resonator 21 is connected to the terminal 11 by the through-hole 91. The third layer 3 is a ground layer. Almost all of its upper surface, except for an area around the through-hole 91 to avoid short-circuiting, is covered by a ground pattern 31. On the upper surface of the fourth layer, there is a second resonator 41. The second resonator 41 is also formed by metalizing. The second resonator 41 is connected to the terminal 12 by the through-hole 92. The upper surface of the fifth layer 5, similar to the third layer 3, is covered by a ground pattern 51. On the upper surface of the sixth layer 6, there is a third resonator 61. The third resonator 61 is connected to the terminal 13 by the through-hole 93. The filter 10 is made by laminating these seven dielectric substrates. After laminating, the three side surfaces, except side surface 81, are metalized, and thus the filter 10 is obtained. Both of the ground patterns 31 and 51 are connected to the metalized layer 14. As a result, the upper surface, the bottom surface, and the three side surfaces are maintained at ground. Further, the ground patterns 31 and 51 are also maintained at ground.

To connect the metalized layer 14 to the ground patterns 31 and 51, for example, direct connecting or using a through-hole can be adopted. The through-holes 91, 92 and 93 connect the terminals to the resonators. Therefore, it is not necessary for the through-holes to penetrate all the layers, but to connect the resonator to the corresponding terminal.

As explained above, the filter 10 has terminals 11 to 13, and the resonators are connected to the respective terminals. The first resonator 21 is disposed between the metalized layer 14 and the ground pattern 31. The second resonator 41 is disposed between the ground pattern 31 and the ground pattern 51. The third resonator 61 is disposed between the ground pattern 51 and the metalized layer 14. Thus, all resonators are electrically insulated from each other.

The first resonator 21 is capacitively coupled to the metalized layer 14 via the dielectric material of the first layer 1. It is also capacitively coupled to the ground pattern 31 via the dielectric material of the second layer 2. Similar relationships can be seen with respect to the second resonator 41 and the third resonator 61. Therefore, each resonator functions as a kind of tri-plate type strip line filter.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the layout pattern for a resonator. Here, the resonators are represented by the first resonator 21 on the second layer 2. The resonator 21 is formed as a metalized pattern which is metalized on the second layer 2. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this is a distributed parameter type resonator. Although the pattern shown in FIG. 3 is zig-zag shaped, the shape of the resonator is not necessarily restricted to that shown in FIG. 3 as long as a relationship between the length of the resonator and the frequency is satisfied. For example, when making a half-wavelength resonator, the length is set at 1/2 of the wavelength of the resonant frequency, and the end opposite to the terminal is open. It will be understood that the resonator shown in FIG. 3 is a 1/2 wavelength resonator, since the opposite end is open.

When making a quarter-wavelength resonator, the length is set at 1/4 of the wavelength of the resonant frequency, and the side opposite to the terminal is short-circuited. For the short-circuiting, the end opposite to the terminal should be connected to the metalized layer 14, directly or via a through-hole. Thus, both 1/2 wavelength resonators and 1/4 wavelength resonators can be constituted.

A ground pattern can be metalized around each resonator to prevent the occurrence of floating or stray capacitance.

When applying an input signal to the terminal 11, this input signal is transferred to the first resonator 21 via the through-hole 91. The first resonator 21 resonates at a predetermined frequency. Next, the signal is transmitted to the adjacent terminal 12 via the capacitor C1. Thus, the second resonator 41 resonates. Finally, the signal is transmitted to the terminal 13 via the capacitor C2 and the third resonator 61 resonates. As a result, a frequency filter is achieved by coupling each resonator by a capacitor.

Another embodiment of the filter is shown in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 4, four dielectric substrates 10a, 10b, 10c and 10d constitute a multi-layer substrate. The first layer has a metalized upper surface. This metalized upper surface corresponds to the metalized layer 14 in FIG. 1. On the lower surface of the substrate 10a, a first resonator 21 is metalized.

A ground pattern 31 is formed on the upper surface of the substrate 10b. A second resonator 41 is formed on the lower surface of the substrate 10b. The third layer (the substrate 10c) has a ground pattern 51 on the upper surface, and has a third resonator 61 on the lower surface. The substrate 10d has a metalized pattern on the lower surface, which corresponds to the metalized layer 14. The upper surface of the substrate 10d is bare dielectric. The patterns of each layer are the same as previously indicated Insulating sheets 10e, 10f and 10g are disposed between the substrates to avoid short-circuiting. The insulating sheets contain epoxy or polyimide mainly and insulate each layer. In this embodiment, however, insulating sheet 10g is not necessary from the aspect of insulation. Thus a filter is obtained by laminating these dielectric substrates and insulating sheets. This embodiment can reduce the number of substrates.

In this embodiment, each resonator also functions as a tri-plate type strip line filter. For example, the first resonator 21 is coupled to the metalized layer 14 via the dielectric substrate 10a. The first resonator 21 is also coupled to the ground pattern 31 via the dielectric substrate 10b. The other resonators are similar.

FIG. 5 shows the equivalent circuit for such an LC-type dielectric filter. Each resonator functions as a distributed constant type resonator. The resonators are coupled to each other by the capacitors C 1 and C2. Further, the resonator 21 and the resonator 23 are directly coupled by an inductance L1 which is provided by the coupling pattern 16.

FIGS. 6A and 6B show other examples of the coupling circuit. FIG. 6A shows a capacitor coupling. Capacitor C3 and C4 are achieved by metalized patterns on the remaining (bare dielectric) portion of the upper surface of the filter 10. FIG. 6B shows an inductance coupling. Namely, the terminal 11 and the terminal 13 are connected directly by coil L. Both configurations have the equivalent circuit shown in FIG. 5.

As explained above, a resonator is formed on a dielectric substrate, and then a multi-layered substrate is formed by arranging a plurality of such dielectric substrates in a stack and laminating them. Electrical interference between the resonators can be avoided, since each resonator is electrically isolated by the ground pattern.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of this invention. In this embodiment, floating or stray capacitance between the resonators is intentionally utilized by forming a plurality of resonators on the same substrate. A specific configuration will be explained hereinbelow. The same reference numerals are used for the same elements.

As shown in FIG. 7, the filter 10 has five layers, namely, from a first layer 1 to a fifth layer 52. Each layer includes a dielectric substrate. As for the first to the fourth layers, all of the substrates have bare dielectric lower surfaces. The lower surface of the fifth layer corresponds to the bottom surface of the filter 10 and is substantially covered by the metalized layer 14. However, the metalized layer around the three through-holes is omitted to avoid short-circuiting. The upper surface of the fifth layer is completely bare dielectric material. The following explanation pertains to the upper surfaces of the dielectric substrates of the first layer to the fourth layer.

The upper surface of the first layer 1 corresponds to the upper surface of the filter 10. As stated above, the terminals 11, 12 and 13, the metalized layer 14, and the coupling pattern 16 are on the upper surface. A first resonator 21, formed by conductive material, is provided on the upper surface of the second layer 22. The first resonator 21 is connected to the terminal 11 by the through-hole 91. The third layer 3 is a ground layer. Almost all of its upper surface, except for an area around the through-hole 91 to avoid short circuiting, is covered by a ground pattern 31.

On the upper surface of the fourth layer 42, there is a second resonator 41. The second resonator 41 is also formed by metalizing. The second resonator 41 is connected to the terminal 12 by the through-hole 92. A third resonator 23 is provided on the second layer 22. The third resonator 23 is connected to the terminal 13 by the through-hole 93. The filter 10 is obtained by laminating the layers. The resonators 21 and 23 are disposed closely. Thus, a capacitive coupling occurs between these resonators.

FIG. 8 shows the equivalent circuit for this embodiment. In the figure, the first resonator 21 and the second resonator 41 are coupled by the capacitor C1, and the second resonator 41 and the third resonator 23 are coupled by the capacitor C2. Resonators 21 and 23 are coupled by an inductance L1, which is provided by the metalized coupling pattern 16. In addition to the coupling by L1, further coupling by C3 occurs between the first resonator 21 and the third resonator 23.

As explained above, a floating capacitance is intentionally utilized in this embodiment. Such a configuration requires consideration about the floating capacitance at the time of design, but sharper characteristics can be obtained.

A further embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. 9, which shows a duplexer 900. The duplexer 900 has a transmitting filter TX and a receiving filter RX on the transmitting filter TX. The configuration of each filter is substantially the same as that of the filter shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2.

The transmitting filter TX has an input terminal 901 and an output terminal 902. The input terminal 901 is connected to a transmitting circuit (not shown) via a transmitting terminal 903, and the output terminal 902 is connected to an antenna (not shown) via an antenna terminal 904. The receiving filter has an input terminal 905 and an output terminal 906. The input terminal 905 is connected to the antenna via the antenna terminal 904. The output terminal 906 is connected to a receiving circuit (not shown) via a receiving terminal 907.

For the transmitting terminal 903, antenna terminal 904, and receiving terminal 907, appropriate recesses are formed on a side surface of the transmitting filter TX. These terminals are connected to metalized patterns on a printed circuit board (not shown) on which the duplexer 900 is mounted.

A signal from a base station is received at the antenna, and then fed to the input terminal 905 of the receiving filter RX. Signals within a predetermined frequency range pass the receiving filter RX and are then applied to the receiving circuit via the output terminal 907. On the other hand, a signal generated by a transmitting circuit is applied to the input terminal 901 of the transmitting filter TX. This signal is filtered at the transmitting filter TX and then fed to the antenna, via the output terminal 902 and the antenna terminal 904.

The duplexer 900 has a separating circuit. The separating circuit comprises a metalized pattern between the antenna terminal 904 and the input terminal 905, and a metalized pattern between the antenna terminal 904 and the output terminal 902.

The separating circuit allows the received signal to go through from the antenna terminal 904 to the input terminal 905, and prevents it from going through from the antenna terminal to the output terminal 902. The separating circuit also allows the transmit signal to go through from the output terminal 902 to the antenna terminal 904, and prevents it from going through from the output terminal 902 to the input terminal 905.

To obtain such a separating circuit, the distance between each terminal is determined appropriately. Since many references have disclosed a method for obtaining a separating circuit by metalizing, no further explanation about the separating circuit is presented hereinafter.

Such an embodiment can reduce the number of parts, or the size of the duplexer. Although the transmitting filter TX and the receiving filter RX are separate in this embodiment, a duplexer which has both transmitting and receiving filters in the same multi-layer substrate can be made. Further, either the transmitting filter TX or the receiving filter RX can be replaced by another type of frequency filter, for example, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) filter.

The next embodiment of this invention is shown in FIG. 10. The duplexer shown in FIG. 10 comprises a power amplifier 120 and a matching circuit 121 in addition to the transmitting filter and the receiving filter. The basic construction of this embodiment is substantially the same as that of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, and the power amplifier and the matching circuit will be especially explained hereinafter.

The duplexer 1000 comprises a receiving filter RX. The receiving filter RX comprises an output terminal 101 and an input terminal 102. The duplexer 1000 also comprises a transmitting filter TX on the receiving filter RX. The transmitting filter TX comprises an input terminal 106 and an output terminal 107. The duplexer 1000 further comprises a receiving terminal 103, an antenna terminal 104, a transmitting terminal 105, and power source terminals 110 at the side of the receiving filter RX. The receiving terminal 103 is connected to the input terminal 101. The antenna terminal 104 is connected to the input terminal 102 and the output terminal 107. The transmitting terminal 105 is connected to the power amplifier 120. The power source terminals 110 are also connected to the power amplifier 120. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, an appropriate separating circuit is employed. The power amplifier 120 is disposed on the upper surface of the receiving filter RX. The power amplifier 120 amplifies a transmit signal applied by the transmitting circuit, and the amplified transmit signal is fed to the matching circuit 121. Power for the power amplifier 120 is applied via the power source terminals 110.

The matching circuit 121 matches impedance between the transmitting circuit and the antenna. For example, the antenna impedance from the transmitting circuit is typically set at 50 OHMS in portable telephone subscriber terminals.

The power amplifier 120 and the matching circuit 121 can be constructed directly on the upper surface of the receiving filter RX, or they can be constructed as a separate module.