CN107683546B

CN107683546B - RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module

Info

Publication number: CN107683546B
Application number: CN201680031997.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: R·范加拉
Original assignee: CTS Corp
Current assignee: CTS Corp
Priority date: 2015-07-01
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2020-03-20
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-30
Also published as: CN111342183A; CN107683546A; CN111342183B

Abstract

An RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module having an antenna and lower and upper blocks of Tx and Rx signal transmitting dielectric material attached together in a side-by-side and stacked relationship. The block is covered with a conductive material. An antenna and Tx and Rx input/outputs are defined at opposite ends of the filter module. An RF signal transmission window defines a directly coupled RF signal transmission path between the antenna block and the Tx and Rx blocks and between the lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks. One or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Tx and Rx blocks define inductively cross-coupled Tx and Rx signal transmission paths. The Tx signal is transmitted only in the direction of the antenna block or between the upper and lower Tx blocks. The Rx signal is transmitted only in the direction of the Rx RF signal input/output or between the upper and lower Rx blocks.

Description

RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module

Cross reference to related patent applications

This application is also a continuation-in-part application claiming benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent application serial No. 14/682,271 filed on 9/4/2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent application serial No. 14/708,870 filed on 11/5/2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent application serial No. 14/708,870, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application serial No. 13/373,862 filed on 3/12/2011, and is now U.S. patent No. 9,030,279 issued on 12/5/2015.

This application is also a partial continuation application claiming benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent application serial No. 14/842,920 filed on 9/2/2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent application serial No. 14/842,946 is a partial continuation application of U.S. patent application serial No. 14/088,471 filed on 11/25/2013, now U.S. patent No. 9,130,255 issued on 9/8/2015.

This application is also a partial continuation application claiming benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent application serial No. 14/842,946 filed on 9/2/2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. patent application serial No. 14/842,946, which is a partial continuation application of U.S. patent application serial No. 14/490,284 filed on 9/18/2014, is now U.S. patent No. 9,130,258 issued on 9/8/2015.

This application is also a continuation-in-part application claiming benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. patent application serial No. 15/152,325 filed on 11/5/2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application also claims benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 62/187,282, filed on 1/7/2015, the contents of which are incorporated by reference as if all references were cited therein.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to RF dielectric duplexer filters and, more particularly, to RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter modules.

Background

Radio Frequency (RF) duplexer filters provide transmission, reception, and filtering of RF TX and RX signals. Current air cavity duplexer filters provide the desired performance, but are too large. Current dielectric comb duplexers are smaller in size than air cavity filters, but lack the performance of air cavity filters.

The present invention relates to a Radio Frequency (RF) dielectric waveguide duplexer module having dimensions comparable to those of a dielectric comb duplexer and providing performance comparable to an air cavity filter.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention generally relates to an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module for transmitting Tx and Rx RF signals, comprising: respective antennas and lower and upper blocks of Tx and Rx dielectric materials attached together in a side-by-side and stacked relationship; a layer of conductive material covering the respective antenna and each of the lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks; respective antennas and Tx and Rx input/outputs defined at opposite ends of the filter module and positioned in the antennas and lower Tx and Rx blocks; respective RF signal transmission windows in the layer of conductive material defining directly coupled RF signal transmission paths between the antenna block and the Tx and Rx blocks and between the lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks; one or more bridges of dielectric material over the lower Tx and Rx blocks defining cross-coupled Tx and Rx signal transmission paths through the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks; and the Tx signal is transmitted only in a direction of the antenna block or between the upper and lower Tx blocks, and the Rx signal is transmitted only in a direction of the Rx RF signal input/output or between the upper and lower Rx blocks.

The invention also relates to an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module for transmitting Tx and Rx RF signals comprising a block of antenna dielectric material comprising an antenna input/output, the antenna block comprising a plurality of outer surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material, and first and second antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission areas on one of the outer surfaces defining a direct coupling path for transmitting the Tx and Rx RF signals. The Tx RF signal waveguide filter includes: stacked lower and upper blocks of Tx dielectric material comprising an outer surface covered with a layer of conductive material and defining a plurality of resonators; a plurality of Tx RF signal transmission regions defined between lower and upper Tx blocks of the stack, defining direct coupling paths for transmitting the Tx RF signals between the lower and upper Tx blocks of the stack; a third antenna Tx RF signal transmission region defined on one end outer surface of the lower Tx block, defining a direct coupling path for transmitting the Tx RF signal from the lower Tx block into the antenna block; one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Tx block defining cross-coupling paths for transmitting the Tx RF signals through the lower Tx block; and a Tx RF signal input/output defined at an end of the lower Tx block opposite to the end having the third antenna Tx RF signal transmission region. The RF Rx signal waveguide filter includes: stacked lower and upper blocks of Rx dielectric material including an outer surface covered with a layer of conductive material and defining a plurality of resonators; a plurality of RxRF signal transmission regions defined between the lower and upper Rx blocks that define direct coupling paths for transmitting the Rx RF signals between the lower and upper Rx blocks of the stack; a fourth antenna Rx RF signal transmission area defined on one end outer surface of the lower Rx block, defining a direct coupling path for transmitting the Rx RF signal from the antenna block into the lower Rx block; one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Rx block defining cross-coupling paths for transmitting the Rx RF signals through the lower Rx block; and an Rx RF signal input/output defined at an end of the lower Rx block opposite the end having the fourth antenna Rx TF signal transmission area. The Tx and Rx RF signal waveguide filters are attached in a side-by-side relationship, and the antenna blocks are attached in a side-by-side relationship to the lower Tx and Rx blocks of the respective Tx and Rx signal waveguide filters along ends of the lower Tx and Rx signal blocks having the respective antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions, the Tx RF signal being adapted to be transmitted only in a direction of the antenna blocks or between the upper and lower Tx blocks, and the Rx signal being adapted to be transmitted only in a direction of input/output of the Rx RF signal or between the upper and lower Rx blocks.

In one embodiment, said first, second, third and fourth antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission areas are defined by respective first, second, third and fourth RF signal transmission dielectric material windows in said layer of conductive material overlying said respective blocks of dielectric material.

In one embodiment, the plurality of Tx and Rx RF signal transmission areas between the respective upper and lower Tx and Rx RF signal blocks are defined by respective RF signal transmission dielectric material windows in the layer of conductive material overlying the respective blocks of dielectric material or respective isolated RF signal transmission pads of conductive material.

In one embodiment, the one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Tx and Rx blocks are defined by one or more slots in the lower Tx and Rx blocks.

In one embodiment, the Tx and Rx waveguide filters each include respective lower Tx and Rx blocks and respective first and second upper Tx and Rx blocks stacked on the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks.

In one embodiment, an RF signal transmission window and an RF signal transmission pad are defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective first upper Tx and Rx blocks, and at least first and second RF signal transmission windows are defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective second upper Tx and Rx blocks.

In one embodiment, the Tx and Rx waveguide filters define respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes, the RF signal transmission windows and the RF signal transmission pads are defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective first upper Tx and Rx blocks so as to intersect the respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes, and at least one of the first and second RF signal transmission windows is defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective second upper Tx and Rx blocks so as to intersect the respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes.

In one embodiment, the first and second RF signal transmission windows defined between the respective Rx lower block and the second upper Rx block intersect the Rx longitudinal axis and further comprise a third RF signal transmission window defined between the Tx lower block and the second upper Tx block, the other of the first and second RF signal transmission windows and the third RF signal transmission window defined between the Tx lower block and the second upper Tx block being located on opposite sides of and parallel to the Rx longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the lower block of each of the Tx and Rx waveguide filters defines a step and the respective input/output vias terminate in respective openings in the respective step, the respective RF Tx and Rx input/outputs surrounding the respective openings in the respective step.

The invention also relates to an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module for transmitting Tx and Rx RF signals, comprising: a plurality of first separate blocks of dielectric material each comprising a plurality of outer surfaces and coupled together so as to define a TxRF signal filter comprising a base Tx RF signal block defining a Tx RF signal input/output, and one or more upper Tx RF signal blocks stacked on the base Tx RF signal block; a plurality of second separate blocks of dielectric material each comprising a plurality of outer surfaces and coupled together so as to define an Rx RF signal filter comprising a base Rx signal block defining Rx RF signal inputs/outputs and one or more upper Rx RF signal blocks stacked on the base Rx RF signal block; a separate block of antenna dielectric material comprising a plurality of outer surfaces and defining Tx and Rx signal inputs/outputs and coupled to the base Tx and Rx signal blocks; a layer of conductive material covering the plurality of outer surfaces of each of the respective plurality of first and second and blocks of antenna dielectric material; first and second directly coupled RF signal transmission paths defined between the antenna block and the respective base Tx and Rx blocks; a plurality of third directly coupled RF signal transmission paths defined between the respective base Tx and Rx blocks and the respective upper Tx and Rx blocks; one or more cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths defined in each of the base Tx and Rx RF signal blocks; the Tx RF signal is transmitted only in the direction of the antenna Tx and Rx signal input/output and between the base and upper Tx RF signal blocks; and the Rx signal is transmitted only in the direction of the Rx RF signal input/output and between the base and upper Rx RF signal blocks.

In one embodiment, the first, second and third directly coupled RF signal transmission paths are defined by respective directly coupled RF signal transmission windows defined in the layer of conductive material.

In one embodiment, the respective direct coupling RF signal transmission windows are defined by respective areas on selected ones of the plurality of outer surfaces of the respective blocks that are free of the layer of conductive material.

In one embodiment, the one or more cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths are defined by one or more bridges of dielectric material respectively defined in each of the base Tx and Rx RF signal blocks.

In one embodiment, the cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths are all defined in the base Tx and Rx signal blocks, the respective Tx and Rx RF signal inputs/outputs are located at one end of the filter module, and the antenna RF signal inputs/outputs are located at the opposite end of the filter module.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.

Drawings

These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification of the drawings, the following of which is a brief description:

fig. 1 is an enlarged perspective view of an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module according to the present invention;

figure 2 is an enlarged perspective partial cut-away view of the RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module shown in figure 1;

figure 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective partial cut-away view of the RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module shown in figure 1;

fig. 4 is an enlarged exploded perspective view of the RF dielectric waveguide filter module shown in fig. 1; and is

Fig. 5 is a graph illustrating performance of the RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module shown in fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1, 2,3 and 4 show a Radio Frequency (RF) ceramic dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module 10 according to the present invention comprising three separate filters attached together to form the RF waveguide filter module 10, namely: an Rx (receive) RF signal transmitting ceramic dielectric waveguide filter 40, a Tx (transmit) RF signal transmitting ceramic dielectric waveguide filter 60, and an antenna Rx and Tx RF signal transmitting ceramic dielectric waveguide filter or block 920.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Rx RF signal waveguide filter 40 comprises three separate solid blocks of dielectric material attached together as shown, namely: an elongated generally rectangular shaped base or lower solid block or layer of dielectric material 101; and respective generally rectangular shaped first and second solid blocks or

layers

200 and 250 of upper dielectric material that have been stacked in spaced and parallel relationship on top of the base block 101, as described in more detail below.

In the embodiment shown, the Tx RF signal waveguide filter 60 also comprises three separate solid blocks of dielectric material attached together as shown, namely: an elongated generally rectangular shaped base or lower solid block or layer 103 of dielectric material; and respective generally rectangular shaped first 300 and second 350 solid blocks or layers of upper dielectric material that have been stacked in spaced and parallel relationship on top of the base block 103, as described in more detail below.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Rx RF signal waveguide filter 40 and the Tx RF signal waveguide filter 60 are attached together in a juxtaposed and abutting relationship along their respective longitudinally extending outer surfaces, and the antenna block 920 extends in a direction transverse to the Rx waveguide filter 40 and the Tx waveguide filter 60 and is attached to the transverse outer end surfaces or faces of both the respective Rx waveguide filter 40 and Tx waveguide filter 60 so as to allow transmission and reception and filtering of RF Rx (receive) and Tx (transmit) signals, as described in more detail below.

In addition, in the embodiment shown, all of the individual blocks defining the module 10 have the same width, except for the antenna block 920; all the individual blocks defining the module 10 have the same height; the length of the

upper blocks

200 and 300 is less than half the length of the

respective base blocks

101 and 103; the length of the

upper blocks

250 and 350 is less than half the length of the upper blocks 200 and 300 b; the length of base block 103 is less than the length of base block 101; and the length of the upper block 300 is smaller than that of the upper block 200.

Each of the base or lower solid blocks or layers of

dielectric material

101 and 103 is comprised of a solid block or layer of a suitable dielectric material (such as, for example, ceramic); the method comprises the following steps: opposite longitudinal horizontal external top and

bottom surfaces

102 and 104, respectively, along respective longitudinal axes L with

respective blocks

101 and 103₁And L₂Longitudinally extending in the same direction; opposite longitudinal side vertical

outer surfaces

106 and 108 along respective longitudinal axes L₁And L₃Longitudinally extending in the same direction; and opposite lateral vertical

outer end surfaces

110 and 112 extending generally perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axis L₁And L₃And extends in a direction intersecting therewith.

Each of the

blocks

101 and 103 comprises a plurality of resonant portions (also called cavities or cells or resonators) 114, 115, 116 and 118 and 120, 121, 122 and 123, respectively, along a longitudinal axis L₁Extending in the same direction and in spaced apart relation in that direction, and spaced from each other by a plurality (and more particularly three in the embodiment shown) of spaced apart vertical slots or

slots

124, 125 and 126, the vertical slots or

slots

124, 125 and 126 cutting into the respective blocks of

dielectric material

101 and 103 and the respective surfaces 108 of the

RF signal bridges

128, 129 and 130 and 132, 133 and 134, as described in more detail below.

A plurality of

first slots

124, 125 and 126 are along the length of the side surface 108 of the block 101 in spaced and parallel relationship relative to each other and generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₁The relationship of (a) extends. Each of

slots

124, 125, and 126 cuts through side surface 108 and opposing

horizontal surfaces

102 and 104 and partially through the body and dielectric material of block 101.

A plurality of

second slots

124, 125 and 126 are along the length of the side surface 108 of the block 103 in spaced and parallel relationship relative to one another; to be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axisL₃The relationship of (a) extends. Each of the

slots

124, 125, and 126 in the block 103 cuts through the side surface 108 and the opposing

horizontal surfaces

102 and 104, and partially through the body and dielectric material of the block 103. In the coupled relationship of the blocks of module 10 as shown, the plurality of first and

second slots

124, 125 and 126 on

respective blocks

101 and 103 are disposed in a collinear and facing relationship.

Thus, in the embodiment of fig. 1, 2 and 3, the plurality of first and

second slots

124, 125 and 126 terminate short of the opposing side surfaces 106 so as to define respective

RF signal bridges

128, 129 and 130 on block 101 and

RF signal bridges

132, 133 and 134 on block 103, each of which is comprised of a bridge or island of dielectric material that extends in a vertical direction between the

surfaces

102 and 104 of each of the

blocks

101 and 103 and extends in a horizontal direction between the

respective slots

124 and 126 and the respective surfaces 106.

A bridge 128 of dielectric material on the block 101 bridges and interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 114 with the dielectric material of the resonator 115, a bridge 129 of dielectric material bridges and interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 115 with the dielectric material of the resonator 116, and a bridge 130 of dielectric material interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 116 with the dielectric material of the resonator 118.

In a similar manner, a bridge 132 of dielectric material on the block 103 interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 120 with the dielectric material of the resonator 121, a bridge 133 of dielectric material bridges and interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 121 with the dielectric material of the resonator 122, and a bridge 134 of dielectric material bridges and interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 122 with the dielectric material of the resonator 123.

In the illustrated embodiment, the width of each of the RF signal dielectric material bridges or

islands

128, 129, 130, 132, 133 and 134 depends on the distance the

respective slots

124, 125 and 126 extend into the body of the

respective block

101, 103.

Although not shown in any of the figures, it is understood that the thickness or width of the

slots

124, 125, and 126 and the depth or distance that the

slots

124, 125, and 126 extend into the body and dielectric material of each

block

101 and 103 from the side surface 108 may vary depending on the particular application in order to allow the width and length of the

RF signal bridges

128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, and 134 to vary accordingly in order to allow control of the electrical coupling and bandwidth of the respective Tx waveguide filter 40 and Rx waveguide filter 60, and thus control the performance characteristics of the respective Tx waveguide filter 40 and Rx waveguide filter 60.

The

blocks

101 and 103 additionally include and define respective end steps or

notches

136 and 138, which in the illustrated embodiment each include: the longitudinal horizontal surfaces 102, the

opposing side surfaces

106 and 108, and the generally L-shaped recessed or grooved or shouldered or notched regions or portions of the side end surfaces 110 of the

respective blocks

101 and 103 from which the dielectric ceramic material has been removed or is not present.

In other words, the

respective steps

136 and 138 are defined by or by stepped or recessed end portions or regions of each of the

respective blocks

101 and 103, and more particularly by stepped or recessed end portions or regions of the

respective blocks

101 and 103 defining portions of the

respective resonators

114 and 122 having a height less than that of the remainder of the

respective blocks

101 and 103.

In other words, the

respective steps

136 and 138 each include a generally L-shaped recess or notched portion of the

respective end resonator

118 and 120 defined on the

respective block

101 and 103, which includes: a first generally horizontal surface 140 positioned or directed inwardly from the horizontal surface 102 of the

respective blocks

101 and 103, spaced from the horizontal surface 102, and parallel to the horizontal surface 102; and a second generally vertical surface or wall 142 positioned or directed inwardly from the lateral end surface 110 of the

respective blocks

101 and 103, spaced from the lateral end surface 110, and parallel to the lateral end surface 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the surfaces 140 and walls 142 of the

respective steps

136 and 138 are located between the side end surfaces 112 and are spaced from the slots 126 of the

respective blocks

101 and 103, with the surfaces 140 terminating in and cutting into the side end surfaces 112, and the surfaces 140 and walls 142 terminating in points and locations in the body of the

respective blocks

101 and 103 that are spaced from the slots 126 and do not reach the slots 126, with the walls 142 being located between and spaced from and generally parallel to the slots 126 and the block end surfaces 112.

Blocks

101 and 103 additionally each comprise an electrical RF signal input/output electrode in the form of a respective through hole 146, said through hole 146 being oriented substantially perpendicular to its respective longitudinal axis L₁And L₃Extends through the body of the

respective block

101 and 103, and more particularly through the

respective step

136 and 138 thereof, and still more particularly through the body of the

respective end resonator

118 and 120 defined in the

respective block

101 and 103, the through-hole 146 being located between and in a generally perpendicular relationship to the surface 140 of the

respective step

136 and 138 and the surface 102 of the

respective block

101 and 103.

Still more particularly, the respective RF signal input/output vias 146 are spaced from and substantially parallel to and between the respective lateral side end surfaces 112 and walls 142 of the

respective blocks

101 and 103 and define respective substantially circular openings that terminate in the top step surface 140 and the bottom block surface 102 of each of the

respective blocks

101 and 103, respectively. Respective input/output pads 147 of electrically conductive material surround respective openings defined in

respective steps

136 and 138.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, in each of the

respective blocks

101 and 103, the step wall 142 is positioned between and spaced from the slot 126 and the block end face 112, and the through-hole 146 is positioned between and spaced from the step wall 142 and the block end face 112.

Unless otherwise described below, all of the

outer surfaces

102, 104, 106, 108, 110, and 112 of the

blocks

101 and 103, the inner surfaces of the

slots

124, 125, and 126, and the inner surfaces of the input/output vias 146 are covered with a suitable conductive material (e.g., such as silver).

Specifically, each of

blocks

101 and 103, and more specifically top surface 102 of each of

blocks

101 and 103, defines a plurality of regions or portions that are free of conductive material, and yet more specifically in the illustrated embodiment are respective regions or

portions

102a, 102b, 102c, and 102d as described in more detail below, with block 103 defining an additional region or portion 102e, as also described in more detail below.

The corresponding area or portion 102a isAnnular regions or portions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portions devoid of conductive material) defining respective isolated circular RF signal input/output transmission regions or pads or electrodes 102f, respectively, to communicate with respective longitudinal axes L₁And L₂The collinear relationship is located and is located in the region of

respective masses

101 and 103 defining

respective resonators

114 and 123, and more particularly in the region of the respective masses between and spaced from respective side 110 and respective slot 124.

The respective region or portion 102b is a rectangular region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines a respective RF signal transmission window. In the illustrated embodiment, the regions or windows 102b intersect and are oriented perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes L₁And L₂And is further positioned in the region of the

respective resonators

115 and 122 of the

respective masses

101 and 103, and yet further positioned between and spaced from the

respective slots

124 and 125 on the

respective masses

101 and 103.

The respective region or portion 102c is also a rectangular region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines a respective RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the areas or windows 102c on the block 101 intersect and are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₁And an area or window 102c on block 103 is positioned in a longitudinal axis L with block 103₂Positioned in a parallel and spaced relationship. Furthermore, respective areas or windows 102c on

respective blocks

101 and 103 are positioned in the areas of

respective resonators

116 and 121 of

respective blocks

101 and 103, and yet more particularly in the areas of

respective blocks

101 and 103 between

respective slots

125 and 126.

The respective region or portion 102d is also a rectangular region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines a respective RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the areas or windows 102d on the

respective blocks

101 and 103 intersect and are oriented perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes L₁And L₂Is positioned in the area of the

respective blocks

101 and 103 defining the

respective resonators

118 and 120, and more particularlyAre positioned on

respective blocks

101 and 103 between and spaced from respective slots 126 and

respective steps

136 and 138.

Block 103 includes an additional rectangular shaped region or portion 102e (fig. 2 and 3) of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines an RF signal transmission window. In the illustrated embodiment, the region or window 102e on block 103 is positioned in diametrically opposed and parallel relationship to the RF signal transmission window 102c, and yet more particularly in a relationship wherein the respective RF

signal transmission windows

102c and 102e lie on the longitudinal axis L₂On the opposite side of and from the longitudinal axis L₂Parallel and spaced.

Furthermore, the

blocks

101 and 103, and more particularly the outer surface 110 thereof, comprise respective substantially rectangular shaped

regions

110a and 110b of dielectric material (i.e., regions devoid of conductive material on the respective outer surface 110), thereby defining respective RF signal transmission windows, as described in greater detail below.

The upper block 200 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 is generally rectangular and is constructed from a solid block of suitable dielectric material (e.g. such as ceramic); includes opposing longitudinal horizontal outer top and

bottom surfaces

202 and 204 along a longitudinal axis L with the block 200₁Longitudinally extending in the same direction; opposite longitudinal side vertical

outer surfaces

206 and 208 along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₁Longitudinally extending in the same direction; and opposite lateral vertical outer end surfaces 210 and 212 extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₁And extends in a direction intersecting therewith.

The upper block 200 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 includes a plurality, i.e., a pair of resonance sections (also referred to as cavities or cells or resonators) 214 and 216 along a longitudinal axis L₁In the same direction and in spaced relation in that direction and spaced from each other by a slot 224, the slot 224 cutting into the side surface 208 and the opposing

horizontal surfaces

202 and 204 of the block 200 and partially through the body and dielectric material of the block 200 so as to define a bridge 228 of RF signal transmitting dielectric material.

Unless otherwise described below, all of the

outer surfaces

202, 204, 206, 208, 210, and 212 of the block 200 and the inner surfaces of the slots 224 are covered with a suitable conductive material (such as, for example, silver).

In particular, the block 200 defines a plurality, i.e. a pair, of areas or portions devoid of conductive material, and more particularly in the illustrated embodiment, respective areas or

portions

204a and 204 b.

Region or portion 204a is an annular region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) that defines an isolated circular RF signal input/output transmission region or pad or electrode 204f, which transmission region or pad or electrode 204f is oriented substantially parallel to longitudinal axis L₁The collinear relationship is located and is positioned in the region of the block 200 that defines the resonator 214, and more specifically in the region of the block 200 that is between and spaced from the side surface 210 and the slot 224.

Region or portion 204b is a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines an RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 204b intersects and is oriented to intersect the longitudinal axis L₁The perpendicular relationship is positioned and further positioned in the area of the resonator 216 of the block 200 and yet further positioned on the block 200 between and spaced from the slot 224 and the end face 212.

The block 200 is placed and stacked on top of the block 101 with the lower surface 204 of the block 200 abutting against the upper surface 102 of the block 101; the outboard surface 210 of the block 200 is vertically co-planar aligned with the outboard surface 110 of the block 101; the slot 224 in the block 200 is vertically co-planar aligned with the slot 124 in the block 101; the respective RF

signal transmission pads

102a and 204a on the

respective blocks

101 and 200 abut against each other; and the respective RF

signal transmission windows

102b and 204b on the

respective blocks

101 and 200 are aligned with each other so that an inner RF signal transmission window 400b is defined in the layer of conductive material defined between the

blocks

101 and 200 by the respective layer of conductive material covering the respective

outer surfaces

102 and 204 of the

respective blocks

101 and 200.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the respective RF

signal transmission pads

102a and 204a and the inner RF signal transmission window 400b are positioned on opposite sides of and spaced from the

respective slots

124 and 224 in the

respective blocks

101 and 200 and define respective directly coupled RF signal transmission paths or transmission lines for transmitting Rx signals between the

respective blocks

101 and 200, as described in more detail below.

The upper block 250 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 is generally rectangular and is constructed from a solid block of suitable dielectric material (e.g., such as ceramic); includes opposing longitudinal horizontal outer top and

bottom surfaces

252, 254 along a longitudinal axis L with the block 250₁Longitudinally extending in the same direction; opposite longitudinal side vertical

outer surfaces

256 and 258 along the longitudinal axis L₁Longitudinally extending in the same direction; and opposite lateral vertical outer end surfaces 260 and 262 extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₁And extends in a direction intersecting therewith.

The upper block 250 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 includes a resonance part (also referred to as a cavity or cell or resonator) 255.

Unless otherwise described below, all of the

outer surfaces

252, 254, 256, 258, 260, and 262 of the block 250 are covered with a suitable conductive material (e.g., such as silver).

In particular, the block 250 defines a plurality, i.e., a pair, of regions or portions that are devoid of conductive material, and more particularly in the illustrated embodiment, respective regions or

portions

254c and 254 d.

Region or portion 254c is a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines an RF signal transmission window. In the illustrated embodiment, the regions or windows 254c on the block 250 intersect and are oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₁The relationship of (2) is located.

Region or portion 254d is also a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines an RF signal transmission window. In the illustrated embodiment, the regions or windows 254d intersect and are oriented perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes L₁And in diametrically opposed, spaced and parallel relation to the RF signal transmission window 254 c.

The block 250 is disposed and stacked on top of the block 101 with the lower surface 304 of the block 250 abutting against the upper surface 102 of the block 101; positioned between and spaced from the slot 125 and the step 136 on the block 101; the respective RF

signal transmission windows

102c and 102d on the block 101 are aligned with the respective RF

signal transmission windows

254c and 254d on the block 200 so that respective inner RF

signal transmission windows

500c and 500d are defined in the layer of conductive material defined between the

blocks

101 and 250 by the respective layer of conductive material covering the respective

outer surfaces

102 and 254 of the

respective blocks

101 and 250.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, respective internal RF

signal transmission windows

500c and 500d are positioned on opposite sides of and spaced from the slot 126 defined in the block 101 and define respective directly coupled RF signal transmission paths or transmission lines for transmitting Tx signals between the

respective blocks

101 and 250, as described in more detail below.

The upper block 300 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 is generally rectangular and is composed of a suitable dielectric material (e.g., like ceramic); includes opposing longitudinal horizontal outer top and

bottom surfaces

302, 304 along a longitudinal axis L with the block 300₂Longitudinally extending in the same direction; opposite longitudinal side vertical

outer surfaces

306 and 308 along the longitudinal axis L₂Longitudinally extending in the same direction; and opposite lateral vertical outer end surfaces 310 and 312 extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₂And extends in a direction intersecting therewith.

The upper block 300 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 includes a plurality, i.e., a pair of resonance sections (also referred to as cavities or cells or resonators) 222 and 223 along a longitudinal axis L₂In the same direction and in spaced relation in that direction and spaced from each other by slots 324, the slots 324 cutting into the side surfaces 308 and the opposing

horizontal surfaces

302 and 304 of the block 300 and partially through the body and dielectric material of the block 300 so as to define a bridge 328 of RF signal transmitting dielectric material.

Unless otherwise described below, all of the

outer surfaces

302, 304, 306, 308, 310, and 312 of the block 300 and the inner surfaces of the slots 324 are covered with a suitable conductive material (e.g., such as silver).

In particular, the block 300 defines a plurality, i.e., a pair, of regions or portions devoid of conductive material, and more particularly in the illustrated embodiment, respective regions or

portions

304a and 304 b.

Region or portion 304a is an annular region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) that defines an isolated circular RF signal input/output transmission region or pad or electrode 304f, which transmission region or pad or electrode 304f is oriented transverse to longitudinal axis L₂The collinear relationship is located and is located in the area of the block 300 defining the resonator 223, and more specifically in the area of the block 300 between and spaced from the side surface 310 and the slot 324.

Region or portion 304b is a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines an RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 304b intersects and is oriented to intersect the longitudinal axis L₂The perpendicular relationship is positioned and further positioned in the area of the resonator 222 of the block 300 and yet further positioned on the block 300 between and spaced from the slot 324 and the block end face 312.

The block 300 is placed and stacked on top of the block 103 with the lower surface 304 of the block 300 abutting against the upper surface 102 of the block 103; lateral surface 310 of block 300 is vertically co-planar aligned with lateral surface 110 of block 103; slot 324 in block 300 is vertically co-planar aligned with slot 124 in block 103; the respective RF

signal transmission pads

102a and 304a on the

respective blocks

101 and 300 abut against each other; and the respective RF

signal transmission windows

102b and 304b on the

respective blocks

101 and 300 are aligned with each other so that an inner RF signal transmission window 600b is defined in the layer of conductive material defined between the

blocks

101 and 300 by the respective layer of conductive material covering the respective

outer surfaces

102 and 304 of the

respective blocks

101 and 300.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the respective RF

signal transmission pads

102a and 304a and the internal RF signal transmission window 600b are positioned on and spaced apart from opposite sides of the

respective slots

124 and 324 in the

respective blocks

101 and 300 and define respective directly coupled RF signal transmission paths or transmission lines for transmitting Tx signals between the

respective blocks

101 and 300, as described in more detail below.

The upper block 350 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 is generally rectangular and is constructed from a solid block of suitable dielectric material (e.g., such as ceramic); includes opposing longitudinal horizontal outer top and

bottom surfaces

352, 354 along a longitudinal axis L with the block 350₂Longitudinally extending in the same direction; opposite longitudinal side perpendicular

outer surfaces

356 and 358 along the longitudinal axis L₂Longitudinally extending in the same direction; and opposite lateral vertical outer end surfaces 360 and 362 extending generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₂And extends in a direction intersecting therewith.

The upper block 350 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 includes a resonance portion (also referred to as a cavity or cell or resonator) 355.

Unless otherwise described below, all of the

outer surfaces

352, 354, 356, 358, 360 and 362 of the block 250 are covered with a suitable conductive material (e.g., such as silver).

In particular, block 350 defines a plurality, i.e., three, regions or portions devoid of conductive material, and more particularly in the illustrated embodiment, respective regions or

portions

354c, 354d, and 354 e.

Region or portion 354c is a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines an RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the area or window 354c on the block 350 is aligned with the longitudinal axis L₂Positioned in a parallel and spaced relationship.

Region or portion 354d is also a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines an RF signal transmission window. In the illustrated embodiment, the regions or windows 354d intersect and are oriented perpendicular to the respective longitudinal axes L₂The relationship of (2) is located.

Region or portion 354e is also a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion without conductive material) that defines an RF signal transmission window. In the illustrated embodiment, the respective regions or

windows

354c and 354e are in the longitudinal axis L₂Are positioned in diametrically opposed relationship and are in communication with the longitudinal axis L₂Spaced apart and parallel.

The block 350 is placed and stacked on top of the block 103 with the lower surface 304 of the block 350 abutting against the upper surface 102 of the block 103; positioned between and spaced from the slot 125 and the step 138 on the block 103; the respective RF

signal transmission windows

102c, 102d, and 102e on block 103 are aligned with the respective RF

signal transmission windows

354c, 354d, and 354e on block 350 so that respective inner RF

signal transmission windows

700c, 800d, and 900e are defined in the layer of conductive material defined between

blocks

101 and 350 by the respective layer of conductive material covering the respective

outer surfaces

102 and 354 of the

respective blocks

101 and 350.

Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, respective internal RF

signal transmission windows

700c and 900e are located on and spaced from one side of the slot 126 defined in the block 126, while another RF signal transmission window 800d is located on and spaced from the other side of the slot 126 and together define a respective directly coupled RF signal transmission path or transmission line for transmitting Rx signals between the

respective blocks

101 and 350, as described in more detail below.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, base block 101 and lower block 103 are attached together in side-by-side relationship with respective outer side surfaces 108 abutting against each other and defining therebetween an internal or inscribed ground layer of conductive material that is in contact with longitudinal axis L of waveguide filter module 10₃Collinear and defined by respective layers of conductive material covering respective outer surfaces 108 of respective blocks 101 and 103 and electrically isolating respective resonators on block 101 from respective resonators on block 103; respective slots 124, 125 and 126 in respective blocks 101 and 103 face each other and are collinear with each other; the respective outer surfaces 208 and 308 of the respective upper masses 200 and 300 abut against each other and define therebetween an inner or inscribed ground layer of conductive material through respective layers of conductive material that overlie the respective outer surfaces 208 and 308 of the respective upper masses 200 and 300 and electrically isolate the respective resonators in mass 200 from the respective resonators in mass 330; the respective slots 224 and 324 face each other; the respective outer surfaces 258 and 358 of the respective upper pieces 250 and 350 abut against one another and define therebetween an interior of conductive material through respective layers of conductive materialA ground layer overlying the respective outer surfaces 258 and 358 of the respective bricks 250 and 350 and electrically isolating the resonators in the brick 300 from the resonators in the brick 350.

In the embodiment shown, the

upper blocks

200 and 250 abut in an offset relationship against the respective

upper blocks

300 and 350.

The Tx and Rx RF signal antenna blocks 920 are also constructed of solid blocks of suitable dielectric material (e.g., such as ceramic); includes opposing longitudinal horizontal outer top and

bottom surfaces

922, 924 along respective longitudinal axes L with the antenna block 920₄Longitudinally extending in the same direction; opposite longitudinal side perpendicular

outer surfaces

926 and 928 along the longitudinal axis L₄Longitudinally extending in the same direction; and opposite lateral vertical outer end surfaces 950 and 952, which are oriented substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₄And extends in a direction intersecting therewith.

A pair of

slots

954 and 956 are along the length of longitudinal side surface 928 of block 920, in spaced and parallel relationship with respect to each other and substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis L₄The relationship of (a) extends. Each of the

slots

954 and 956 cut through the side surface 928 and the opposing

horizontal surfaces

922 and 924 and partially through the body and dielectric material of the block 920.

The antenna block 920 additionally defines a step or notch 960, which in the illustrated embodiment includes a recessed or grooved or notched area or portion of the lower horizontal outer surface 924. In the illustrated embodiment, the step or notch 960 is generally centrally located in the block 920 and aligned with the longitudinal axis L₄The perpendicular and intersecting relationship extends along the entire width of the block 920 and terminates in respective concave slots defined in the respective side

outer surfaces

926 and 928. The

slots

954 and 956 are located in the step or recess 960 and extend in the same direction as the step or recess 960.

The antenna block 920 additionally includes an electrical RF signal input/output electrode in the form of a through hole 962, the through hole 962 being oriented substantially perpendicular to its longitudinal axis L₄Extends through the body of the block 920, and more particularly through the step 960, and yet more particularly defines the step 960 of the block 920 and a corresponding opening in the top surface 922。

The antenna block 920 includes an Rx RF signal resonating section (also referred to as a cavity or cell or resonator) 965 and a Tx RF signal resonating section 967 that form part of and define respective additional resonators of the respective Rx and Tx filters 40 and 60, respectively. In the embodiment shown, Rx resonator 965 and Tx resonator 967 are positioned at step 960 and longitudinal axis L₄Spaced apart from the opposite side of the panel.

Unless otherwise described below, all of the

outer surfaces

922, 924, 926, 928, 950 and 952 of the block 920, the inner surfaces of the

slots

954 and 956, and the inner surfaces of the RF signal input/output vias 962 are covered with a suitable conductive material (e.g., such as silver).

Specifically, the antenna block 920, and more specifically the outer longitudinal outer side surface 928 thereof, includes a pair of diametrically opposed rectangular shaped regions or portions of

dielectric material

928a and 928b (i.e., regions or portions without conductive material) that define respective RF signal transmission windows. A circular shaped region or portion 928C of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion of the block without conductive material) surrounds an opening defined in the top surface 912 of the antenna block 920 through a via 962 defined therein.

The antenna block 920 is attached to the Rx waveguide filter 40 and the Tx waveguide filter 60 in a relationship wherein the longitudinal outboard surface 928 of the antenna block 920 abuts against the respective outboard surface 110 of the

respective blocks

101 and 103 of the respective Rx waveguide filter 40 and Tx waveguide filter 60, and yet more particularly wherein the respective RF

signal transmission windows

110a and 110b on the respective outer surfaces 110 of the

respective blocks

101 and 103 are aligned with the respective RF

signal transmission windows

928a and 928b on the outer surface 928 of the block 920 so as to define respective inner or interior RF signal transmission windows 1000a and 1000b in an inner or interior layer of conductive material between the block 920 and the

blocks

101 and 103 defined by an outer layer of conductive material on the respective

outer surfaces

110 and 928 of the

respective blocks

101, 103 and 920. As described in more detail below, windows 1000a and 1000b allow for the transmission of RF signals between block 920 and blocks 101 and 103.

Specifically, the Tx RF signal is adapted to be input into the Tx RF waveguide filter 60 and the through via 146 at one end of the Tx RF signal waveguide filter 60, then transmitted through the Tx signal blocks 103, 350 and 300 of the Tx RF signal waveguide filter 60 as described in more detail below, then transmitted into the antenna block 920 via and through an inner or internal Tx RF signal transmission window 1000b located between the Tx block 103 and the antenna block 920, and then output through the antenna through via 962.

The Rx RF signals are adapted to be input into the antenna block 920 via and through the antenna vias 962 and transmitted through the antenna block 920, then input into the Rx RF signal waveguide filter module 40 via and through an inner or internal RF signal transmission window 1000a located between the antenna block 920 and the Rx block 101, then transmitted through the Rx signal blocks 101, 200 and 250, and then output via and through the vias 146 in the block 101.

The respective Rx signal waveguide filter 40 and Tx signal waveguide filter 60 include a direct RF signal transmission path or coupling (generally indicated by arrow d in fig. 1 and 2), and an indirect or cross or inductive RF signal transmission path or coupling (generally indicated by arrow c in fig. 1 and 2), in accordance with the present invention. Further, in accordance with the present invention, all indirect/inductive/cross couplings are located in the respective base or lower blocks or layers of

dielectric material

101 and 103 of the respective Rx waveguide filter 40 and Tx waveguide filter 60.

Placing all indirect cross-couplings in the lower layers or

blocks

101 and 103 of the Rx and Tx filters, respectively, in accordance with the present invention allows the RF signal antennas, Rx and Tx input/outputs to be positioned all over the lower Rx, Tx and antenna blocks 101, 103 and 920, respectively, which allows the filter 10 to be surface mounted to a surface of a printed circuit board (not shown) or used with connectors (not shown) extending from the outer top surface of the respective lower layer blocks 101, 103 and 920 of the filter module 10.

Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, placing all indirect cross-couplings in the lower layers or

blocks

101 and 103 of the Rx and Tx filters allows the antennas Tx and Rx signal input/output vias 962 and the respective Rx and Tx signal input/output vias 146 to be positioned at opposite ends of the duplexer module 10, and yet more particularly again to be positioned and located in the same lower or base plane or block 101, 103 and 920 of the filter module 10, so as to allow surface mounting of the filter 10 to a printed circuit board or substrate or the like, or to use connectors (not shown) extending from the outer top surface of the respective

lower layer block

101, 103 and 920 of the filter module 10.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, stacking

blocks

200 and 250 on top of the base block 101 of the Rx filter 40 and stacking

blocks

300 and 350 on top of the base block 103 of the Tx filter 60 allows for a reduction in the overall length and footprint of the filter module 10 and further allows for additional cross-coupling in the respective base blocks 101 and 103 that improves the overall performance of the filter module 10.

Thus, and as shown in fig. 1 and 2, the Tx signal is always transmitted and, via the direct and cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths, along the longitudinal axis L towards the antenna block 920 and with the duplexer filter₃Flows in parallel directions through the

blocks

103, 350 and 300 of the Tx waveguide filter 40, except for a directly coupled RF signal transmission path between the lower block 103 and the

upper blocks

300 and 350 to be substantially orthogonal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₃The relationship of (2).

More specifically, and with reference to fig. 1 and 2, the RF signal bridges 132 and 134 on the lower block 103 define cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths C in the direction of the antenna block 920; the RF signal bridge 133 on the lower block 103 defines a direct coupling RF signal transmission path d in the direction of the antenna block 920; the RF signal bridge 328 on the upper block 300 defines a direct coupling RF signal transmission path d in the direction of the antenna block 920; and the corresponding internal RF signal transmission pads and

windows

102, 304a, 600b, 700c, 800d and 900e are oriented perpendicular to the duplex longitudinal axis L₃All defining a directly coupled RF signal transmission path between the

respective blocks

103, 300 and 350.

More specifically, the direct transmission path for Tx RF signals includes transmission sequentially through the following resonators as shown in fig. 1 and 2: 120. 355, 121, 122, 222, 223, 123 and 967, and the indirect or cross-coupled transmission path for the Tx RF signal includes transmission from the resonator 120 into the resonator 121, and transmission from the resonator 122 into the resonator 123.

Such as byIn a similar manner to that shown in fig. 1 and 2, Rx signals are always transmitted and follow the Rx input/output vias 146 towards the Rx block 101 and with the duplexer filter longitudinal axis L via direct and cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths₃Flows in parallel directions through the

blocks

101, 200 and 250 of the Rx waveguide filter 60 except for a directly coupled RF signal transmission path between the lower block 101 and the

upper blocks

200 and 250, which is orthogonal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L₃The relationship of (2).

Still more specifically, and with reference to fig. 1 and 2, the RF signal bridges 128 and 130 on the lower block 101 define a cross-coupled RF signal transmission path C in the direction of the Rx input/output via 146; the RF signal bridge 125 on the lower block 101 defines a direct coupling RF signal transmission path d in the direction of the Rx input/output via 146; the RF signal bridge 228 on the upper block 200 defines a direct coupling RF signal transmission path d in the direction of the Rx input/output via 146; and the corresponding RF signal transmission pads and

windows

102a, 204a, 400b, 500c and 500d are oriented perpendicular to the duplex longitudinal axis L₃All defining a directly coupled RF signal transmission path between the

respective blocks

101, 200 and 250.

More specifically, the direct transmission path for the Rx RF signal includes transmission sequentially through the following resonators as shown in fig. 1 and 2: 965. 114, 214, 216, 115, 116, 255, and 118, and the indirect or cross-coupled transmission path for the Rx RF signal includes transmission from the resonator 114 into the resonator 115 and transmission from the resonator 116 into the resonator 118.

Although the present invention is taught by reference to the illustrated RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module embodiments, it is to be understood that workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

For example, it will be appreciated that the resonant RF frequency and coupling between the respective Tx, Rx and resonators of the block of antenna dielectric material may be controlled as desired, depending on the particular desired application, by adjusting or changing, for example: the number, length, width, height, depth, size, location, configuration, orientation, and structure of the various blocks, slots, vias, steps, RF signal transmission pads, and RF signal transmission windows defined in the respective Tx, Rx, and antenna dielectric material blocks of the filter module.

Claims

1. An RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module for transmitting Tx and Rx RF signals, comprising:

respective individual antennas and lower and upper blocks of Tx and Rx dielectric materials attached together in a side-by-side and stacked relationship;

a layer of conductive material covering the respective individual antenna and each of the lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks;

respective antennas and Tx and Rx input/outputs defined at opposite ends of the filter module and positioned in the antennas and lower Tx and Rx blocks;

respective RF signal transmission windows in the layer of conductive material defining directly coupled RF signal transmission paths between the antenna block and the Tx and Rx blocks and between the lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks;

one or more bridges of dielectric material over the lower Tx and Rx blocks defining cross-coupled Tx and Rx signal transmission paths through the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks; and is

The Tx signal is transmitted only in a direction of the antenna block or between the upper and lower Tx blocks, and the Rx signal is transmitted only in a direction of the Rx RF signal input/output or between the upper and lower Rx blocks.

2. An RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module for transmitting Tx and Rx RF signals, comprising:

a block of antenna dielectric material comprising an antenna input/output, the block of antenna material comprising a plurality of outer surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material, and first and second antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission areas on one of the outer surfaces defining a direct coupling path for transmission of the Tx and Rx RF signals;

a TxRF signal waveguide filter, comprising:

stacked lower and upper blocks of Tx dielectric material comprising an outer surface covered with a layer of conductive material and defining a plurality of resonators;

a plurality of Tx RF signal transmission regions defined between lower and upper Tx blocks of the stack, defining direct coupling paths for transmitting the Tx RF signals between the lower and upper Tx blocks of the stack;

a third antenna Tx RF signal transmission region defined on one end outer surface of the lower Tx block, defining a direct coupling path for transmitting the Tx RF signal from the lower Tx block into the antenna block;

one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Tx block defining cross-coupling paths for transmitting the Tx RF signals through the lower Tx block; and

a Tx RF signal input/output defined at an end of the lower Tx block opposite the end having the third antenna Tx RF signal transmission region;

an RF Rx signal waveguide filter comprising:

stacked lower and upper blocks of Rx dielectric material including an outer surface covered with a layer of conductive material and defining a plurality of resonators;

a plurality of Rx RF signal transmission regions defined between the lower and upper Rx blocks defining a direct coupling path for transmitting the Rx RF signals between the lower and upper Rx blocks of the stack;

a fourth antenna Rx RF signal transmission area defined on one end outer surface of the lower Rx block, defining a direct coupling path for transmitting the Rx RF signal from the antenna block into the lower Rx block;

one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Rx block defining cross-coupling paths for transmitting the Rx RF signals through the lower Rx block; and

an Rx RF signal input/output defined at an end of the lower Rx block opposite the end having the fourth antenna Tx RF signal transmission region;

the Tx and Rx RF signal waveguide filters are attached in a side-by-side relationship, and the antenna blocks are attached in a side-by-side relationship to the lower Tx and Rx blocks of the respective Tx and Rx signal waveguide filters along ends of the lower Tx and Rx signal blocks having the respective antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions, the Tx RF signal being adapted to be transmitted only in a direction of the antenna blocks or between the upper and lower Tx blocks, and the Rx signal being adapted to be transmitted only in a direction of input/output of the Rx RF signal or between the upper and lower Rx blocks.

3. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 2 wherein the first, second, third and fourth antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission areas are defined by respective first, second, third and fourth RF signal transmission dielectric material windows in the layer of conductive material covering the respective block of dielectric material.

4. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 3 wherein the plurality of Tx and Rx RF signal transmission areas between the respective upper and lower Tx and Rx RF signal blocks in the layer of conductive material covering the respective blocks of dielectric material or respective isolated RF signal transmission pads of conductive material are defined by respective RF signal transmission dielectric material windows.

5. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 4 wherein the one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Tx and Rx blocks are defined by one or more slots in the lower Tx and Rx blocks.

6. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 5 wherein the Tx and Rx waveguide filters each comprise a respective lower Tx and Rx block and respective first and second upper Tx and Rx blocks stacked on the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks.

7. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 6 wherein RF signal transmission windows and RF signal transmission pads are defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective first upper Tx and Rx blocks, and at least first and second RF signal transmission windows are defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective second upper Tx and Rx blocks.

8. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 7 wherein Tx and Rx waveguide filters define respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes, the RF signal transmission windows and the RF signal transmission pads are defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective first upper Tx and Rx blocks so as to intersect the respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes, and at least one of the first and second RF signal transmission windows is defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective second upper Tx and Rx blocks so as to intersect the respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes.

9. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 8 wherein the first and second RF signal transmission windows defined between the respective Rx lower block and the second upper Rx block intersect the Rx longitudinal axis and further comprising a third RF signal transmission window defined between the Tx lower block and the second upper Tx block, the other of the first and second RF signal transmission windows and the third RF signal transmission window defined between the Tx lower block and the second upper Tx block being located on opposite sides of and parallel to the Tx longitudinal axis.

10. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 9 wherein the lower block of each of the Tx and Rx waveguide filters defines a step and the respective input/output vias terminate in respective openings in the respective steps, the respective RF Tx and Rx input/outputs surrounding the respective openings in the respective steps.

11. An RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module for transmitting Tx and Rx RF signals, comprising:

a plurality of first separate blocks of dielectric material each comprising a plurality of outer surfaces and coupled together so as to define a Tx RF signal filter comprising a base Tx RF signal block defining a Tx RF signal input/output, and one or more upper Tx RF signal blocks stacked on the base Tx RF signal block;

a plurality of second separate blocks of dielectric material each comprising a plurality of outer surfaces and coupled together so as to define an Rx RF signal filter comprising a base Rx signal block defining Rx RF signal inputs/outputs and one or more upper Rx RF signal blocks stacked on the base Rx RF signal block;

a separate block of antenna dielectric material comprising a plurality of outer surfaces and defining Tx and Rx signal inputs/outputs and coupled to the base Tx and Rx signal blocks;

a layer of conductive material covering the plurality of outer surfaces of each of the respective plurality of first and second and blocks of antenna dielectric material;

first and second directly coupled RF signal transmission paths defined between the antenna block and the respective base Tx and Rx blocks;

a plurality of third directly coupled RF signal transmission paths defined between the respective base Tx and Rx blocks and the respective upper Tx and Rx blocks;

one or more cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths defined in each of the base Tx and Rx RF signal blocks;

the Tx RF signal is transmitted only in the direction of the antenna Tx and Rx signal input/output and between the base and upper TxRF signal blocks; and is

The Rx signals are transmitted only in the direction of the Rx RF signal input/output and between the base and upper Rx RF signal blocks.

12. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 11 wherein the first, second and third directly coupled RF signal transmission paths are defined by respective directly coupled RF signal transmission windows defined in the layer of conductive material.

13. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 12 wherein the respective direct coupling RF signal transmission windows are defined by respective areas on selected ones of the plurality of outer surfaces of the respective block that are free of the layer of conductive material.

14. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 11 wherein the one or more cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths are defined by one or more bridges of dielectric material respectively defined in each of the base Tx and Rx RF signal blocks.

15. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 11 wherein the cross-coupled RF signal transmission paths are all defined in the base Tx and Rx signal blocks, the respective Tx and Rx RF signal inputs/outputs being located at one end of the filter module and the antenna RF signal inputs/outputs being located at an opposite end of the filter module.