[0001] The present invention relates to a high-frequency filter. Particularly, the present
invention relates to a liquid cooled high-frequency filter, preferably for use in
multi-frequency networks (MFNs) or single-frequency networks (SFNs) like digital video
broadcasting (DVB) networks, which may include multimedia services like DVB-H or DVB-RCT
and the like.
[0002] In the following description, the invention will be described with reference to a
UHF bandpass filter for terrestrial DVB (DVB-T) applications. It is, however, pointed
out that the scope of the present invention is not limited to such applications but
relates to any high-frequency application, particularly VHF and UHF applications and
most particularly SFN applications, such as mobile voice and data communication, encrypted
communication networks and the like.
[0003] In DVB-T broadcasting technology, highly selecetive bandpass filters are used as
transmitter output filters in order to reduce intermodulation products between adjacent
DVD-T channels. In order to ensure error-free data transmission, it is of great importance
to distribute the DVB-T signal with high quality of service (QoS) by complying with
a spectral mask as defined in ETSI standard EN 300 744. According thereto, the transmitter
has to meet the following spectral characteristics:

where A is the attenuation at the respective frequency f
0 ± δ.
[0004] On the other hand, in DVB-T broadcasting networks, the use of coded orthogonal frequency
division multiplexing (COFDM) leads to an increased complexity in DVB-T coverage planning,
as signal propagation constrains of COFDM signals may change the QoS from substantially
error-free reception to a loss of signal (LOS) condition very abruptly. Therefore,
in order to avoid QoS deterioration in areas, in which the signal strength has been
high enough for analogue TV reception but may be insufficient for error-free DVB-T
reception, such as indoor DVB-T reception, increased transmitter power may be required.
[0005] An increase in transmitter power usually involves the implementation of more sophisticated
amplification means in order to prevent nonlinearity products produced by the amplifier.
However, building such linearized high power amplifiers is cost intensive and leads
to more complex amplifier stages resulting in increased risk of failure.
[0006] A conceivable way to keep intermodulation products due to nonlinearities of the amplifier
at a low level or even reduce them while increasing amplification power is the application
of highly selective output filter units following the transmitter amplifier in order
to linearize the amplified signal before transmission by the transmitter antenna.
[0007] When using cavity resonators in such output filters, the selectivity of the resonator
cavity deteriorates with an increase of its volume, as higher transverse electric
and magnetic (TEM) modes in the UHF band occur. On the other hand, reducing the cavity
volumes leads to increased current and field densities in the resonators as well as
the resonator cavities resulting in thermal instability of the resonator and, thus,
degraded performance of the filter. The use of thermally compensated resonators solves
the problem of thermal instability only to a certain extent, particularly in appliances,
in which the filter enclosure is subject to changes of the ambient temperature.
[0008] Based on this, it is an object of the present invention to provide a high-frequency
filter, particularly for use in DVB-T applications, which exhibits high selectivity
and stability even in high power transmitter applications.
[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a flexible high-frequency
filter, particularly for use in DVB-T applications, which allows for a quick adaptation
in frequency as well as power settings owing to changes in coverage as well as channel
requirements.
[0010] These and other objects are solved by a high-frequency filter having the features
of independent claim 1. Preferred embodiments of the high-frequency filter according
to the invention are subject-matter of the dependent claims.
[0011] A high-frequency filter of the invention comprises a filter housing having at least
one cover element with at least one resonator positioned therein, a signal input,
through which a high frequency signal is coupled to the first resonator, as well as
a signal output, through which the filtered high-frequency signal is coupled from
the last resonator to downstream appliances. The cover element is made form a thermally
conductive material and is in thermal connection with the resonators positioned therein.
[0012] According to the invention, the cover element has at least one recess arranged therein,
along which a liquid coolant is guided in order to absorb thermal energy resulting
from feeding the high-frequency signal to the resonator.
[0013] Preferably, the high-frequency filter according to the invention comprises a tubing
element, through which the liquid coolant flows and which is positioned inside the
recess of the cover element, whereby the tubing element is in thermal connection with
the cover element.
[0014] The provision of a filter housing, having a cover element with a recess, along which
a liquid coolant is guided represents a very effective and advantageous way to dissipate
thermal energy that is generated in the high-frequency filter and particularly the
resonators due to high current and/or field densities.
[0015] Thereby, the liquid coolant provides a thermal energy sink having a high thermal
capacity such that a sufficiently high amount of thermal energy can be dissipated
in order to keep the high-frequency filter, and particularly the resonators, at thermally
stable operating conditions, even if the electric current and/or field density is
substantially higher when compared to high-frequency filters according to the state
of the art.
[0016] For example, in DVB-T applications, output filters according to the state of the
art are generally specified for a maximum input power of 2.5 kW (rms), this limit
resulting from a balance between maximally tolerable thermal instabilities or maximally
achievable temperature compensation, respectively, and minimally tolerable selectivity
of the filter due to an increase in cavity dimensions.
[0017] For example, with an average insertion loss of 0.5 dB, a DVB-T UHF bandpass filter
according to the state of the art working at an input power of 5 kW (rms), would exhibit
a loss of about 500 W of electromagnetic field power, which will almost completely
be converted to thermal energy, i.e. heat. According to Applicant's calculations,
this would increase the filter enclosure's temperature by more than 50°C, thereby
driving the filter's temperature out of the specified operating range.
[0018] The high-frequency filter according to the invention obviates this problem by providing
means for guiding a liquid coolant, wherein the liquid coolant is provided in order
to dissipate excess heat, which is generated by the conversion of electric and/or
electromagnetic energy into thermal energy.
[0019] Thereby, the provision of a recess inside the cover element, along which the liquid
coolant is guided allows for a simple construction of the liquid cooled high-frequency
filter, for example by fitting a tubing element into the recess, through which the
liquid coolant flows and which is in thermal connection with the cover element such
that the liquid coolant represents a heat sink in the cover element.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tubing element is positively
or non-positively fitted inside the recess of the cover element and/or in a material
connection with at least parts of the walls of said recess. This ensures that thermal
resistance at the interface of the tubing element and the recess walls is minimized
in order to improve heat dissipation.
[0021] Most preferably, such material connections are made of thermally conductive paste
or thermally conductive glue in order to decrease thermal resistance of interfacing
portions.
[0022] The positioning of a tubing element inside the recess of the high-frequency filter
results in a particularly simple arrangement with respect to producing and maintaining
the high-frequency filter according to the invention.
[0023] Preferably, the tubing element is made from a different material than the cover element
and most preferably from a material selected from a group comprising aluminium, zinc,
copper, silver, gold, brass, bronze, alloys thereof or any other metals or alloys
having a sufficiently high thermal conductivity, thermally conductive polymers and
ceramics and the like, as well as combinations thereof. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the tubing element is made from a material having a higher thermal conductivity
than the material, the cover element is made from.
[0024] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the recess of the cover element is at least
partially covered with a closing element, whereby the closing element is fixed to
the cover element by a bonding material, fixing means and/or positive or non-positive
fit. Preferably, the bonding material is of high thermal conductivity in order to
maximize dissipation of heat by the liquid coolant. Alternatively, the closing element
may be fixed to the cover element by fixing means such as screws, clips and the like.
[0025] The closing element may either be used as retaining means in order to hold the tubing
element inside the recess of the cover element in place or may function as an upper
cover to provide a closed cross section along the total length of the recess, which
may be sealed by a bonding material.
[0026] Most preferably, in order to allow for a precise and faultless fit of the tubing
element inside the recess, the recess, in its direction of extension, has substantially
no sharp edges but extends in a substantially straight and/or continuously curved
direction. Thus, it is possible to easily and accurately fit a tubing element made
from a comparatively soft material, such as copper, into the recess by bending the
copper tubing element along the continuously curved recess and fixing it inside the
recess using one or more closing elements.
[0027] Evidently, replacing such a tubing element can easily be done, which allows for simple
maintenance of the high-frequency filter according to the invention in the field,
i.e. without disconnecting or dismounting the high-frequency filter from its appliance.
[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one liquid
coolant inlet and at least one liquid coolant outlet is provided, through which a
liquid coolant is applied to and drained from the liquid coolant pathway, respectively.
Providing a liquid coolant inlet and outlet allows for a simple installation or de-installation
of the high-frequency filter of the invention and even enables to switch cooling cycles
under operation of the high-frequency filter by disconnecting and reconnecting a liquid
coolant source as well as a liquid coolant drain to the inlet and outlet ports, respectively.
[0029] Particularly preferably, the liquid coolant inlet and/or outlet port comprises valve
means preventing liquid coolant to leak out of the liquid coolant pathway in case
the inlet and/or outlet port exhibits a connection fault or the liquid coolant source
and/or drain is disconnected from the respective inlet and/or outlet port.
[0030] Most preferably, the high frequency filter according to the invention comprises at
least one resonator cavity, which is associated with said resonator. Preferably, in
a multiple resonator filter assembly, an equal number of resonator cavities is provided,
where each resonator cavity is associated with one resonator. Preferably, the resonator
cavities are of a cubic, cylindrical or spherical shape.
[0031] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the resonator is
tuneable, preferably tuneable from 650 MHz to 700 MHz, more preferably tuneable from
600 MHz to 750 MHz, yet more preferably tuneable from 550 MHz to 800 MHz, most preferably
tuneable from 500 MHz to 850 MHZ, and particularly preferably tuneable from 470 MHz
to 860 MHz. Thus, the resonators and, consequently, the high frequency filter can
be used in the whole UHF frequency band and are particularly well-suited for DVB-T
applications, even if general frequencies are changed by the authorities or coverage
constraints require a modification of the operating frequencies of the high-frequency
filter.
[0032] Preferably, the high-frequency filter according to the invention comprises inductive
and/or capacitive coupling means, which are used in order to couple multiple resonator
cavities by inductive and/or capacitive coupling. Preferably, the coupling means have
an electrical length of λ/4, i.e. ¼ of the wavelength corresponding to the center
frequency f
0 of the high-frequency filter.
[0033] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the high-frequency
filter comprises a multitude of resonators and associated resonator cavities, which
are most preferably coupled to form a serial arrangement of preferably three, more
preferably four, most preferably five, and particularly preferably six, eight or more
cavity resonators. The serial coupling of multiple cavity resonators increases selectivity
of the high-frequency filter and, thus, allows for a narrow band filtering of a high-frequency
signal.
[0034] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least two cavity
resonators, which are not coupled by the serial arrangement of the multiple cavity
resonators, are cross-coupled, most preferably by a capacitive coupling of the first
and the last cavity resonator, the second and the penultimate cavity resonator, and
most preferably the second and the fifth cavity resonator of a serial arrangement
of six cavity resonator. Cross-coupling cavity resonator in a serial resonator arrangement
leads to an increased attenuation in the upper and/or lower edge region of the passband
of the high-frequency filter according to the invention and, thus, an even further
increased filter selectivity.
[0035] In order to even further increase selectivity of the high-frequency filter according
to the invention, a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention includes
at least one and preferably two notch cavity resonators, coupled to at least one other
cavity resonators of the high-frequency filter. In a particularly preferred embodiment
having two notch cavity resonators, the first notch cavity resonator is coupled to
a first cavity resonator and the second notch cavity resonator is coupled to a last
resonator. In another preferred embodiment having two notch cavity resonators, the
first notch cavity resonator is coupled to a second cavity resonator and the second
notch cavity resonator is coupled to a penultimate resonator and the like.
[0036] Particularly preferred liquid coolants for a high frequency filter according to the
inventions include water, liquid ammonia, liquid carbon dioxide (CO
2) or any other liquid, preferably having a high thermal capacity. Further, the liquid
coolant may include additives in order to reduce corrosion and precipitation of unwanted
material inside the liquid coolant pathway.
[0037] All embodiments of the present invention, as previously described, as well as any
combination thereof provide high power high-frequency filters with an increased temperature
stability while having a compact design that prevents the development of higher TEM
modes. Further, high flexibility regarding operation frequency and power are achieved.
[0038] Additional features and advantages of the present invention may be taken from the
following detailed description of a particularly preferred embodiment with reference
to the drawings, in which
[0039] Fig. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a liquid cooled high-frequency bandpass
filter for DVB-T applications according to the invention;
Fig. 2shows a side view of the pandpass filter according to the schematic circuit
diagram of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of a bandpass filter according to the circuit
diagram of Fig. 1.
[0040] Fig. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a high-frequency filter according to
the invention, particularly for use in terrestrial DVB appliances. According thereto,
the filter 1 comprises a filter housing 2, having a signal input port 3 as well as
a signal output port 4 for coupling a DVB-T UHF signal from an output amplifier to
the first resonator 5 via inductive input coupling means 13. The first resonator 5
represents the first resonator element in a serial circuit of six resonator elements
represented by resonators 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10, whereby resonator 10 represents the
last resonator in the serial resonator circuit. The last resonator 10 is inductively
coupled to the signal output 4 resulting in a coupling of the filtered DVB-T UHF signal
from the last resonator to downstream appliances, such as antennas and the like.
[0041] The resonators 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the serial resonator circuit are inductively
coupled by coupling means 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18. The resonators 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and
10 of the serial resonator circuit are bandpass resonators such that a signal, having
substantially the center frequency of the respective resonator, passes said resonator
from its input coupling to its output coupling.
[0042] Most preferably, the high-frequency filter according to the embodiment of Fig. 1
is designed in λ/4 technology, i.e. the electrical lengths of inductive couplings
13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 are such that they correspond to ¼ to the wave length of
the center frequency f
0, in order to maximize impedance matching, which results in an optimized coupling
between the cavity resonators and, thus, in a minimization of the total insertion
loss of the filter.
[0043] As can be taken from Fig. 4, in which A represents the spectral characteristics of
a serial circuit of 6 bandpass cavity resonators, a very selective bandpass filter
is provided, having the following characteristics:

where A is the attenuation at the respective center frequency f
0 = 666 MHz and δ represents the difference from the center frequency in MHz.
[0044] Although good selectivity is achieved by a serial arrangement of six bandpass cavities,
ETSI standard EN 300 744 spectral mask requirements may not be met. In order to increase
selectivity, the filter according to the embodiment of Fig. 1 further comprises a
capacitive cross coupling between resonators 6 and 9, i.e. the second and fifth resonator
of the serial arrangement of six resonators. This leads to an increased selectivity
for f
0 ± 6 MHz of about 7 dB (see Fig. 4, B).
[0045] In order to increase selectivity at f
0 ± 4,2 MHz, notch cavity resonators 11, 12 are inductively coupled by coupling means
20, 21 to the first and last resonator 5, 10, respectively, of the serial resonator
assembly. The provision of notch resonators 11, 12 leads to an increased selectivity
of f
0 ± 4,2 MHz ≥ 15 dB (see Fig. 4, C), resulting in a frequency characteristic of the
bandpass filter according to the embodiment of Fig. 1, which meets ETSI standard EN
300 744.
[0046] As in the case of inductive coupling means 13 - 19, inductive coupling means 20,
21 have an electrical length of λ/4, in order to optimize the coupling between the
notch cavity resonators and the respective bandpass resonators 5 and 10.
[0047] Preferably, as shown in Fig. 1 all resonators and coupling means are tuneable, which
allows the filter to be used in the UFH frequency range, i.e. 470 to 862 MHz, by adjusting
the center frequencies of the resonators as well as the electrical length of the coupling
means.
[0048] Fig. 1 schematically shows a liquid cooling pathway 30, having an input port 31 and
an output port 32. The liquid coolant pathway is constructed to be in good thermal
conductivity with the resonators 5 to 12.
[0049] Fig. 2 shows a side view of a high frequency output filter according to the invention.
The filter housing consists of a bottom element 2c, side elements 2b and 2d, as well
as a cover element 2a. The elements 2a, 2b, 2c and 2d define an inner volume of the
high-frequency filter, which is subdivided by longitudinal and lateral partition walls
2e, defining multiple cavities of the filter enclosure of substantially identical
volume. The cavities 5a, 6a, 9a, 10a define resonator cavities which, in combination
with resonators 5, 6, 9 and 10, form cavity resonators as is known to the skilled
person.
[0050] As can be taken from Fig. 2, the resonator cavities are of substantially rectangular
shape. Signal input and output ports 3, 4 are arranged at opposed sidewalls 2b of
the filter housing.
[0051] The bottom, side and cover elements 2c, 2b, 2d and 2a are made of sheet metal plates
and most preferably aluminium or aluminium alloy plates. These sheet metal plates
are interconnected and fixed in place by fixation means and most preferably metal
screws. Likewise, the partition elements 2e, which are arranged inside the volume
defined by the sheet metal plates 2a - 2d, are connected and fixed in place by fixation
elements, such as screws or the like. The interconnection of the sheet metal plates
is preferably sealed by a sealing/bonding material, which provides good electrical
conductivity between the metal plates.
[0052] As shown in Fig. 2, cover element 2a is made of a sheet metal plate having a greater
thickness than bottom and side elements 2c, 2b and 2d, in order to enable for good
thermal conductivity as well as provide sufficient material thickness in order to
house recess 23.
[0053] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the filter assembly according to Fig. 2. In Fig. 3, the
resonator cavities are arranged in two adjacent rows of four resonators. Thereby,
the serial resonator arrangement of six bandpass cavity resonators 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10 is folded to extend longitudinally and laterally across the cross section of the
resonator housing defined by sidewalls 2b and 2d. Notch cavity resonators 11 and 12
are arranged adjacent to the respective first and last resonator of the serial resonator
arrangement 5 - 10 such that the filter assembly has a substantially rectangular outer
shape.
[0054] As is shown in Fig. 3, the resonators 5 - 12 are arranged substantially centered
with reference to the resonator cavities 5a to 12a. Again, the substantially rectangular
shape of the resonator cavities 5a to 12a is shown in Fig. 3.
[0055] Fig. 3 also shows recess 23 in the covering element 2a of the high-frequency filter
device, in which a tubing element 30 is arranged and fixed by closing elements 33.
Preferably, closing elements 33 are fixed to cover element 2a by fixing elements,
such as screws, clips or the like.
[0056] Tubing element 30 comprises inlet and outlet ports 31 and 32, which, in the present
case, include automatic valve means sealing the tube element 30 as soon as connecting
means of a liquid coolant source and drain, respectively, are disconnected from the
inlet and outlet ports 31, 32.
[0057] In a high-frequency filter as shown in Fig. 3, dissipating excess heat from the cavity
resonators using a liquid coolant allows to use the high-frequency filter in 5 kW
applications. Thereby, the maximum input power specification of bandpass filters for
use in DVB-T transmitter applications is doubled, while the physical dimensions of
the filter assembly are kept constant, thus, ensuring increased selectivity and stability
of the filter by omitting the development of higher harmonic TEM modes.
1. High-frequency filter (1), comprising a filter housing (2), the filter housing (2)
having at least one cover element (2a) with at least one resonator (5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
10, 11, 12) positioned therein;
at least one signal input (3), through which a high frequency signal is coupled to
the first resonator (5) and a signal output (4), through which a high frequency signal
is coupled from the last resonator (10) to downstream appliances;
wherein the cover element (2a) is made from a thermally conductive material and the
resonator (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) is arranged to be in thermal connection with
the cover element (2a);
characterized in that
the cover element (2a) has at least one recess (23) arranged therein, along which
a liquid coolant is guided in order to absorb thermal energy resulting from feeding
the high frequency signal to the resonator (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12).
2. High frequency filter according to claim 1,
characterized in that
at least one tubing element (30), through which the liquid coolant flows, is positioned
inside the recess of the cover element, whereby the tubing element is in thermal connection
with the material of the cover element (2a).
3. High frequency filter according to claim 2,
characterized in that
the tubing element (30) is positively or non-positively fitted inside the recess (23)
and/or in material connection with at least parts of the recess walls.
4. High frequency filter according to either of claims 1 to 3,
characterized in that
the tubing element (30) and/or the cover element (2a) is made from a material selected
from a group comprising aluminium, zinc, copper, silver, gold, brass, bronze, alloys
thereof or any other metals or alloys having a sufficiently high thermal conductivity,
thermally conductive polymers and the like, as well as combinations thereof.
5. High frequency filter according to either of claims 1 to 4,
characterized in that
the tubing element (30) is made from a different material than the cover element (2a)
and preferably from a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the cover
element's material.
6. High frequency filter according either of claims 1 to 5,
characterized in that
the recess (23) of the cover element (2a) is at least partially covered with at least
one closing element (33), whereby the closing element is fixed to the cover element
(2a) by a bonding material, fixing means and/or positive or non-positive fit.
7. High frequency filter according to either of claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that
at least one liquid cooling inlet (31) and at least one liquid cooling outlet is provided
(32), through which a liquid coolant is applied to and drained from the liquid coolant
path way (23, 30), respectively.
8. High frequency filter according to claim 7,
characterized in that
the inlet and/or outlet port (31, 32) comprises valve means, preventing liquid coolant
to leak out of the liquid coolant path way (23, 30) in case the inlet and/or outlet
port (31, 32) is incorrectly connected or disconnected from a cooling liquid source
or drain, respectively.
9. High frequency filter according to either of claims 1 to 8,
characterized in that
the filter housing (2) comprises at least one resonator cavity (5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a,
10a, 11a, 12a), which is associated with said resonator (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
to form a cavity resonator, and preferably multiple resonator cavities, where each
cavity is associated with one resonator to form multiple cavity resonators.
10. High frequency filter according to either of claims 1 to 9,
characterized in that
the resonator (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12) is tuneable, preferably tuneable from 650
MHz to 700 MHz, more preferably tuneable from 600 MHz to 750 MHz, yet more preferably
tuneable from 550 MHz to 800 MHz, most preferably tuneable from 500 MHz to 850 MHz
and particularly preferably tuneable from 470 MHz to 862 MHz.
11. High frequency filter according to either of claims 1 to 10,
characterized in that
inductive and/or capacitive coupling means (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22) are provided
in order to couple multiple cavity resonators, the coupling means having an electrical
length of λ/4.
12. High frequency filter according to claim 11,
characterized by
a serial arrangement of multiple cavity resonators (5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a), particularly
bandpass cavity resonators is coupled by said inductive and/or capacitive coupling
means (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22), the arrangement having preferably 3, more preferably
4, most preferably 5, particularly preferably 6 or 8 or more resonators (5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10).
13. High frequency filter according to claim 12,
characterized by
a cross coupling of at least two of said cavity resonators, which are not coupled
by said serial coupling, preferably the first and last cavity resonator (5a, 10a),
and most preferably the second and penultimate cavity resonator (6a, 9a).
14. High frequency filter according to either of claims 11 to 13,
characterized by
at least one notch cavity resonator (11a, 12a), which is coupled to a bandpass cavity
resonator (5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 9a, 10a), and most preferably two notch cavity resonators
(11a, 12a), which are coupled to the first and last cavity resonators (5a, 10a) or
to the second and penultimate cavity resonators (6a, 9a).
15. Use of a high frequency filter according to either of claims 1 to 14 in a bandpass
filter and/or a band-stop filter.