EP1676334A1 - Coupling structure for cylindrical resonators - Google Patents

Coupling structure for cylindrical resonators

Info

Publication number
EP1676334A1
EP1676334A1 EP04791183A EP04791183A EP1676334A1 EP 1676334 A1 EP1676334 A1 EP 1676334A1 EP 04791183 A EP04791183 A EP 04791183A EP 04791183 A EP04791183 A EP 04791183A EP 1676334 A1 EP1676334 A1 EP 1676334A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
resonator
filter element
lines
element according
contacting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP04791183A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1676334B1 (en
Inventor
Maximilian Tschernitz
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Continental Automotive GmbH
Original Assignee
Siemens AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from DE2003148909 external-priority patent/DE10348909A1/en
Priority claimed from DE200410048274 external-priority patent/DE102004048274A1/en
Application filed by Siemens AG filed Critical Siemens AG
Publication of EP1676334A1 publication Critical patent/EP1676334A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1676334B1 publication Critical patent/EP1676334B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01P—WAVEGUIDES; RESONATORS, LINES, OR OTHER DEVICES OF THE WAVEGUIDE TYPE
    • H01P7/00—Resonators of the waveguide type
    • H01P7/10—Dielectric resonators

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a filter element suitable for filtering electromagnetic waves, in particular a bandpass filter or bandstop filter, also embodied as a reflection filter or the like, comprising a dielectric, cylindrical resonator and one or more lines which lead electromagnetic waves to or from the dielectric resonator , the lines ending in a suitable contacting structure.
  • a filter element suitable for filtering electromagnetic waves in particular a bandpass filter or bandstop filter, also embodied as a reflection filter or the like, comprising a dielectric, cylindrical resonator and one or more lines which lead electromagnetic waves to or from the dielectric resonator , the lines ending in a suitable contacting structure.
  • the present invention also relates to an oscillator constructed from such a filter element.
  • resonators that is to say systems capable of oscillation, the individual elements of which are tuned to a desired (natural) frequency, so that the resonator oscillates at this frequency when excited, are widely used both in low-frequency technology and in high-frequency technology.
  • they are suitable, for example, as the simplest (narrow-band) filter, as a frequency-determining element of an oscillator, for measuring material properties in the HF field or as a short-term storage of electromagnetic energy (used in particle accelerators).
  • microstrip line resonators In the field of high-frequency technology, depending on the application, microstrip line resonators, cavity resonators or so-called dielectric resonators, that is to say mostly made of a ceramic material, are used.
  • the latter are often used in a cylindrical shape as electrical or electromagnetic filters and thus also as filters for vibration generation used in resonator circuits.
  • the properties of such filters that can be achieved, and consequently the oscillators produced with them are crucially dependent on the coupling of the dielectric resonator to the supply and discharge lines.
  • Cylindrical dielectric resonators are currently predominantly applied to one of their flat end faces at a certain distance from the upper side of a printed circuit board. On the top of the circuit board there are one or more lines which lead electromagnetic waves to and from the dielectric resonator.
  • a typical structure, which is used in products such as Local oscillators and filters for radar systems, satellite receivers, wireless distribution services for digital television such as local multipoint distribution services (LMDS) or the like are widely used in FIG. 8.
  • Fig. 8 can with increasing operating frequencies, especially in the so-called K-band, i.e. in the microwave range of 18-26.5 GHz, lead to considerable problems in the manufacture of oscillators. In most cases, the energy coupled from the first line to the second line is not sufficient to allow oscillator circuits to oscillate. Therefore, in most practical applications with such ceramic resonators, only oscillators with operating frequencies below 18 GHz are produced.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a resonator circuit for a filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves, which the aforementioned Avoids disadvantages.
  • an improved coupling of the line (s) to cylindrical, dielectric resonators, in particular for oscillators, is to be specified, preferably for operating frequencies above 18 GHz.
  • the invention is based on generic filter elements for filtering electromagnetic waves, comprising a dielectric, cylindrical resonator and one or more lines, which end in a contacting structure and lead electromagnetic waves to or from the dielectric resonator, first in that the resonator is connected to the Lines are arranged variably spaced, spacing in the negative as well as alternatively in the positive longitudinal extent (z-axis) of the resonator are conceivable.
  • a spacing in the negative longitudinal extension of the resonator - the lines, together with their contacting, are preferably part of a printed circuit board; which holds the resonator; wherein according to the invention a recess is provided in the circuit board, in which the resonator is arranged by means of a suitable fastening means.
  • the transmissible signal power is compared to previous structures, e.g. 8, significantly increased in an advantageous manner. This enables safe oscillation and stable operation of an oscillator which is produced with such a filter element to be achieved under practical operating conditions, in particular over a wide temperature range.
  • a holding surface or cover etc. can also be provided with a recess holding the resonator on the end face when cumulatively the resonator is partially “recessed” in a recess in the printed circuit board - that is to say in a negative manner with respect to the lines ending in a contacting structure
  • a structure facilitates the assembly of the printed circuit board and cover etc. on the one hand and advantageously leads to what are known as the smallest units, as are always of interest in the automotive industry in particular.
  • the recess in the printed circuit board or in the previously mentioned device is preferably dimensioned such that a self-contained centering assembly or mounting of the resonator is made possible, for example at least slightly conical on the inlet side or provided with a bevel or chamfer.
  • An adhesive or silicone or the like is preferably used as the fastening means for the resonator.
  • Each line preferably ends in a separately configured contacting structure.
  • two or more lines can also end in a jointly formed contact structure.
  • the contacting structure can preferably be formed at least in sections in a crescent shape, with which a certain desired filter characteristic can advantageously be achieved. As already mentioned at the beginning, it is crucial for the operation of such filter elements or oscillators constructed therewith that sufficient signal power is emitted or transmitted by the line or lines.
  • the contacting structure can preferably be designed as a circular ring of 360 ° or - again alternatively - as a circular arc segment with a variable opening angle of less than 360 °.
  • the coupling efficiency between the line (s) and the resonator can be advantageously adjusted and unwanted phase noise minimized by a clever selection of the opening angle.
  • contacting structures with an opening angle ⁇ of approximately 160 ° have proven useful for two lines, and contacting structures with an opening angle of approximately for three lines 110 ° and in the case of four lines, contacting structures with an opening angle of, for example, approximately 75 °; where the above angle information is only examples of possible configurations.
  • the contact structure has larger dimensions than the cylindrical resonator.
  • the contacting structure can also have smaller dimensions than the cylindrical resonator, as an alternative to this and insofar as the resonator is arranged on the holding surface or the cover etc.
  • the resonator is expediently essentially centered or centered on the contacting structure, with contacting according to the present invention advantageously permitting coarser deviation tolerances in its positioning than is the case with conventional circuits where there are already relatively small deviations from the inoperability of the Resonator circuit and thus lead to rejects.
  • the present invention is particularly suitable for dielectric, cylindrical resonators of a filter element with operating frequencies greater than 18 GHz. It also consists of an oscillator, in particular for radar systems, LMDS distribution services, satellite receivers or the like, comprising a previously described filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves. In this way, the advantages of the invention also come into play in the context of an overall system. The invention will now be explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 shows a top view of a first structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator, to which a line is led, at the end of which a crescent-shaped contacting structure is formed;
  • FIG. 2 shows a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonance nator in a plan view of a second structure to which a pipe is introduced, at 'the end of which an annular contacting structure is formed;
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of a third structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator, to which two lines are led, at the ends of which a separate crescent-shaped contacting structure is formed;
  • FIG. 4 shows a top view of a fourth structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator, to which two lines are led, which end in a common crescent-shaped contacting structure;
  • FIG. 5 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with an inventive structure in the positive z-axis spaced apart, arranged on a cover resonator;
  • FIG. 6 shows a side view of the structure of an oscillator according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator conventionally arranged on the contacting structure;
  • FIG. 7 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator which is variably spaced apart from the contacting structure in the negative z-axis and is arranged in a recess in the printed circuit board;
  • FIG 8 shows a top view of a conventional design of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator, to which two feed lines are brought.
  • FIG. 1 shows a top view of a first structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical, dielectric resonator 1, to which a feed line 2 is guided, at the end of which a crescent-shaped contacting structure 4 is formed.
  • the crescent-shaped contacting structure 4 consists of a circular arc segment with a variable opening angle ⁇ , to which an ordinary line 2 is connected.
  • the opening angle is for the in Fig. 1 shown example about 160 °.
  • the width of the line 2 and the crescent-shaped contacting structure 4 can be adapted to the corresponding ratio and can be regarded as variable.
  • one (cf. FIG. 4), two (cf. FIG. 3) or more (not shown) contacts 4, 4a, 4b can be attached to the dielectric, ceramic resonator 1.
  • only the opening angles of the individual contacting structures need to be adapted accordingly.
  • the crescent-shaped contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b can - in particular in the arrangement of the resonator to the contacting structure shown in FIG. 5 - also assume dimensions which are smaller than the dimensions of the cylindrical resonator 1.
  • the cylindrical resonator 1 covers the metallic contacting structures 4, 4a, 4b at least partially.
  • FIG. 2 shows a top view of a second structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator 1, to which a line 2 is guided, at the end of which an annular contacting structure 4 is formed.
  • FIG. 3 shows a top view of a third structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator 1, to which two lines 2, 3 are led, at the ends of which a separate crescent-shaped contacting structure 4a, 4b is formed, both contacting structures 4a, 4b are galvanically isolated from each other.
  • Such contacting structures are particularly suitable for feedback circuits for the production of oscillators: in these circuits, the cylindrical resonator 1 used as a narrow-band bandpass, which, for example, is only permeable to a certain frequency in a defined mode, which is why one speaks in this regard of a multimode bandpass filter, because, for example, the basic mode or higher order modes can be used.
  • the resonator 1 is connected to two lines 2, 3. It is crucial for the oscillator operation that a sufficient signal power is delivered or transmitted from the first line 2 to the second line 3. This is ensured by the crescent-shaped contacting structures 4a, 4b.
  • FIG. 4 shows a top view of a fourth structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator 1, to which two lines 2, 3 are led, which end in a common crescent-shaped contacting structure 4.
  • Structures of this type, where the feed lines 2, 3 share a crescent-shaped contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b, are particularly suitable as band-stop filters.
  • FIG. 5 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator 1 which is variably spaced apart from the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b in the positive direction of the z-axis, for example arranged on a cover 5 ,
  • FIG. 6 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator 1 conventionally arranged on the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b, in particular glued on.
  • FIG. 7 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the previous FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator 1 which is variably spaced from the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b in the negative direction of the z-axis and is arranged in a recess 8 in the printed circuit board 6.
  • the mechanical attachment of the cylindrical resonator 1 can be attached to any object 5 with the aid of a suitable attachment material, in particular an adhesive 7 or the like, which can be, for example, a simple holding surface which is located in the vicinity of the surface of the printed circuit board 6 are (see Fig. 5).
  • a suitable attachment material in particular an adhesive 7 or the like, which can be, for example, a simple holding surface which is located in the vicinity of the surface of the printed circuit board 6 are (see Fig. 5).
  • the object 5 is advantageously a cover, such as is to be formed above the pill (i.e. in the positive z-direction) in almost all practical cases when designing oscillator circuits or electrical or electromagnetic filters.
  • This cover can, for example, be made of metal or absorptive materials, e.g. Plastic.
  • cylindrical ceramic resonator 1 can even be arranged according to the invention even in the negative value range for the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b, in particular - as in
  • Fig. 7 shown - when a recess 8 for the resonator 1 is formed in the circuit board 6.
  • a cover (not shown) above the pill (ie in the positive z direction) of such filter elements is to be formed.
  • the invention includes the variably spaced arrangement of a resonator 1 to form a contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b, which comprises one, two or more leads 2, 3.
  • the transmitted signal power can advantageously be significantly increased compared to conventional coupling structures (cf. again the bandpass filter shown in FIG. 8). This enables safe oscillation and stable operation of an oscillator constructed with this filter structure to be achieved under practical operating conditions (e.g. over a wide temperature range).
  • the positioning accuracy of the cylindrical resonator 1 is very low. This enables simple and inexpensive production, in which the resonator 1 only has to be glued into the preferably self-centering center of at least one recess 8 surrounded by the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b.
  • the present invention has been described with the aid of a filter element with a cylindrical, dielectric resonator 1. However, it is not limited to this type of resonators. In particular, any type of rotationally symmetrical resonators - regardless of whether they are solid (“disk-type") or designed as hollow or partial hollow bodies (cylinder-type ”) - can be the subject of contacting according to the invention.
  • the present invention is particularly suitable for use in oscillator circuits with operating frequencies greater than 18 GHz, as are typically increasingly being used in exterior systems of a motor vehicle such as lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot detection (BSD) or rear view detection etc.
  • LDW lane departure warning
  • BSD blind spot detection

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter module suitable for the filtering of electromagnetic waves, comprising a dielectric cylindrical resonator (1) and one or more lines (2, 3), which supply or draw off electromagnetic waves to or from the dielectric resonator (1), whereby the lines (2, 3) terminate in a contacting structure (4, 4a, 4b). According to the invention, the resonator (1) has a variable separation from the lines (2, 3), whereby the separations may be conceived in both the negative as well as alternatively in the positive longitudinal direction (z-axis) of the resonator (1). The transmitted signal power may be significantly increased in an advantageous manner relative to conventional coupling structures by means of the above. The above is particularly suitable for application in oscillator circuits with operating frequencies above 18 GHz, such as typically find increasing application in environment systems of a motor vehicle such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) or Rear View Detection.

Description

Beschreibungdescription
Ankopplungsstruktur für zylinderförmige ResonatorenCoupling structure for cylindrical resonators
Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft ein Filterelement geeignet zur Filterung elektromagnetischer Wellen, insbesondere Bandpassfilter oder Bandsperrfilter, auch ausgeführt als Reflek- tionsfilter oder dergleichen, umfassend einen dielektrischen, zylinderförmigen Resonator sowie eine oder mehrere Leitungen, welche elektromagnetische Wellen an den dielektrischen Resonator heran- bzw. abführen, wobei die Leitungen in einer geeigneten Ankontaktierungsstruktur enden. Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft auch einen aus einem derartigen Filterelement aufgebauten Oszillator.The present invention relates to a filter element suitable for filtering electromagnetic waves, in particular a bandpass filter or bandstop filter, also embodied as a reflection filter or the like, comprising a dielectric, cylindrical resonator and one or more lines which lead electromagnetic waves to or from the dielectric resonator , the lines ending in a suitable contacting structure. The present invention also relates to an oscillator constructed from such a filter element.
Handelsübliche Resonatoren, also schwingungsfähige Systeme, dessen einzelne Elemente auf eine gewünschte (Eigen-) Frequenz abgestimmt sind, so dass bei Anregung der Resonator mit dieser Frequenz ausschwingt, finden sowohl in der Nieder re- quenztechnik als auch in der Hochfrequenztechnik vielfach Anwendung. Je nach Aufbau, Material und Form eignen sie sich beispielsweise als einfachstes (schmalbandiges) Filter, als frequenzbestimmendes Element eines Oszillators, für die Messung von Materialeigenschaften im HF-Feld oder als kurzzeiti- ger Speicher von elektromagnetischer Energie (eingesetzt in Teilchenbeschleunigern) .Commercially available resonators, that is to say systems capable of oscillation, the individual elements of which are tuned to a desired (natural) frequency, so that the resonator oscillates at this frequency when excited, are widely used both in low-frequency technology and in high-frequency technology. Depending on the structure, material and shape, they are suitable, for example, as the simplest (narrow-band) filter, as a frequency-determining element of an oscillator, for measuring material properties in the HF field or as a short-term storage of electromagnetic energy (used in particle accelerators).
Im Bereich der Hochfrequenztechnik finden je nach Anwendung Mikrostreifenleitungsresonatoren, Hohlraumresonatoren oder sog. dielektrische, d.h. zumeist aus einem keramischen Material ausgebildete, Resonatoren Verwendung. Letztere werden in zylinderförmiger Gestalt häufig als elektrische bzw. elektromagnetische Filter und damit auch als Filter zur Schwingungs- erzeugung in Resonatorschaltkreisen eingesetzt. Die dabei erzielbaren Eigenschaften derartiger Filter und folglich auch der damit hergestellten Oszillatoren (so z.B. deren Leistungspegel und Rauscheigenschaften) sind jedoch entscheidend von der Ankopplung des dielektrischen Resonators an die Zu- bzw. Ableitungen abhängig.In the field of high-frequency technology, depending on the application, microstrip line resonators, cavity resonators or so-called dielectric resonators, that is to say mostly made of a ceramic material, are used. The latter are often used in a cylindrical shape as electrical or electromagnetic filters and thus also as filters for vibration generation used in resonator circuits. The properties of such filters that can be achieved, and consequently the oscillators produced with them (such as their power level and noise properties), however, are crucially dependent on the coupling of the dielectric resonator to the supply and discharge lines.
Zylinderförmige dielektrische Resonatoren werden gegenwärtig vorwiegend mit einer ihrer plan ausgebildeten Stirnflächen in einem gewissen Abstand zur Oberseite einer Leiterplatte auf diese aufgebracht. Auf der Leiterplattenoberseite befinden sich eine oder mehrere Leitungen, welche elektromagnetische Wellen an den dielektrischen Resonator heran- bzw. abführen. Ein typischer Aufbau, welcher in Produkten wie z.B. Lokalos- zillatoren und Filter für Radaranlagen, Satellitenempfänger, drahtlose Verteildienste für digitales Fernsehen wie local multipoint distribution Services (LMDS) oder dergleichen vielfach Verwendung findet, ist in Fig. 8 skizziert.Cylindrical dielectric resonators are currently predominantly applied to one of their flat end faces at a certain distance from the upper side of a printed circuit board. On the top of the circuit board there are one or more lines which lead electromagnetic waves to and from the dielectric resonator. A typical structure, which is used in products such as Local oscillators and filters for radar systems, satellite receivers, wireless distribution services for digital television such as local multipoint distribution services (LMDS) or the like are widely used in FIG. 8.
Der in Fig. 8 gezeigte Aufbau kann bei zunehmenden Betriebs- frequenzen, insbesondere im sog. K-Band, d.h. im Mikrowellen- bereich von 18-26,5 GHz, zu erheblichen Problemen bei der Herstellung von Oszillatoren führen. Die von erster Leitung in die zweite Leitung übergekoppelte Energie reicht hier in den meisten Fällen nicht aus, um ein Anschwingen von Oszillatorschaltungen zu ermöglichen. Daher werden in den meisten praktischen Anwendungen mit solchen keramischen Resonatoren nur Oszillatoren mit Betriebsfrequenzen kleiner 18 GHz hergestellt.The structure shown in Fig. 8 can with increasing operating frequencies, especially in the so-called K-band, i.e. in the microwave range of 18-26.5 GHz, lead to considerable problems in the manufacture of oscillators. In most cases, the energy coupled from the first line to the second line is not sufficient to allow oscillator circuits to oscillate. Therefore, in most practical applications with such ceramic resonators, only oscillators with operating frequencies below 18 GHz are produced.
Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Resonatorschaltung für ein Filterelement zur Filterung elektromagnetischer Wellen bereitzustellen, welches die eingangs genannten Nachteile vermeidet. Diesbezüglich soll eine verbesserte An- kopplung der Leitung (en) an zylinderförmige, dielektrische Resonatoren, insbesondere für Oszillatoren, angegeben werden, vorzugsweise für Betriebsfrequenzen über 18 GHz.The invention has for its object to provide a resonator circuit for a filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves, which the aforementioned Avoids disadvantages. In this regard, an improved coupling of the line (s) to cylindrical, dielectric resonators, in particular for oscillators, is to be specified, preferably for operating frequencies above 18 GHz.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Filterelement zur Filterung elektromagnetischer Wellen mit den Merkmalen gemäß Patentanspruch 1 sowie durch einen Oszillator mit den Merkmalen gemäß Patentanspruch 14 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Aus- und Weiterbildun- gen, welche einzeln oder in Kombination miteinander eingesetzt werden können, sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.This object is achieved by a filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves with the features according to claim 1 and by an oscillator with the features according to claim 14. Advantageous training courses which can be used individually or in combination with one another are the subject of the dependent claims.
Die Erfindung baut auf gattungsgemäßen Filterelementen zur Filterung elektromagnetischer Wellen, umfassend einen dielektrischen, zylinderförmigen Resonator sowie eine oder mehrere Leitungen, welche in einer Ankontaktierungsstruktur enden und elektromagnetische Wellen an den dielektrischen Resonator heran- bzw. abführen, zunächst dadurch auf, dass der Resonator zu den Leitungen variabel beabstandet angeordnet ist, wobei Beabstandungen sowohl in negativer als auch alternativ in positiver Längserstreckung (z-Achse) des Resonators denkbar sind.The invention is based on generic filter elements for filtering electromagnetic waves, comprising a dielectric, cylindrical resonator and one or more lines, which end in a contacting structure and lead electromagnetic waves to or from the dielectric resonator, first in that the resonator is connected to the Lines are arranged variably spaced, spacing in the negative as well as alternatively in the positive longitudinal extent (z-axis) of the resonator are conceivable.
Im erst genannten Fall - also einer Beabstandung in negativer Längserstreckung des Resonators - sind die Leitungen nebst ihrer Ankontaktierung vorzugsweise Teil einer Leiterplatte; welche den Resonator haltert; wobei erfindungsgemäß in der Leiterplatte eine Ausnehmung vorgesehen ist, in welcher der Resonator mittels eines geeigneten Befestigungsmittels angeordnet ist. Im alternativ genannten Fall - also einer Beabstandung in positiver Längserstreckung des Resonators - ist in der näheren Umgebung zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur ein beliebiger Gegenstand oder auch einer Vorrichtung angeordnet, beispielsweise eine Haltefläche, eine Abdeckung oder dergleichen mehr; welche den Resonator haltert; wobei erfindungsgemäß in der Haltefläche bzw. Abdeckung etc. eine Ausnehmung vorgesehen ist, in welcher der Resonator mittels eines geeigneten Befestigungsmittels angeordnet ist.In the first-mentioned case - that is, a spacing in the negative longitudinal extension of the resonator - the lines, together with their contacting, are preferably part of a printed circuit board; which holds the resonator; wherein according to the invention a recess is provided in the circuit board, in which the resonator is arranged by means of a suitable fastening means. In the alternative case - ie a spacing in the positive longitudinal extension of the resonator - any object or device, for example a holding surface, a cover or the like, is arranged in the vicinity of the contacting structure; which holds the resonator; whereby according to the invention a recess is provided in the holding surface or cover etc., in which the resonator is arranged by means of a suitable fastening means.
Durch die er indungsgemäß variabel beabstandete Ankontaktie- rung des Resonators wird die transmittierbare Signalleistung im Vergleich zu bisherigen Strukturen, z.B. gemäß Fig. 8, in vorteilhafter Weise wesentlich erhöht. Damit kann ein siσhe- res Anschwingen und ein stabiler Betrieb eines Oszillators, welcher mit einem derartigen Filterelement hergestellt ist, bei praktischen Betriebsbedingungen, insbesondere über einen großen Temperaturbereich, erreicht werden.As a result of the variably spaced contacting of the resonator, the transmissible signal power is compared to previous structures, e.g. 8, significantly increased in an advantageous manner. This enables safe oscillation and stable operation of an oscillator which is produced with such a filter element to be achieved under practical operating conditions, in particular over a wide temperature range.
Darüber hinaus kann eine Haltefläche bzw. Abdeckung etc. mit einer den Resonator stirnseitig halternden Ausnehmung auch dann vorgesehen sein, wenn kumulativ dazu der Resonator teilweise in einer Ausnehmung der Leiterplatte „versenkt" ist - also zu den in einer Ankontaktierungsstruktur endenden Lei- tungen in negativer LängserStreckung beabstandet angeordnet ist. Ein derartiger Aufbau erleichtert einerseits die Montage von Leiterplatte und Abdeckung etc. und führt vorteilhaft zu sog. baukleinsten Einheiten, wie sie insb. in der Automobilindustrie stets von Interesse sind.In addition, a holding surface or cover etc. can also be provided with a recess holding the resonator on the end face when cumulatively the resonator is partially “recessed” in a recess in the printed circuit board - that is to say in a negative manner with respect to the lines ending in a contacting structure Such a structure facilitates the assembly of the printed circuit board and cover etc. on the one hand and advantageously leads to what are known as the smallest units, as are always of interest in the automotive industry in particular.
Vorzugsweise ist die Ausnehmung in der Leiterplatte bzw. in der zuvor bereits erwähnten Vorrichtung (Flächenbauteil, Abdeckung, etc.) dergestalt dimensioniert, dass eine selbst- zentrierende Bestückung bzw. Montage des Resonators ermöglicht ist, beispielsweise wenigstens eintrittsseitig leicht konisch ausgebildet oder mit einer Abkantung bzw. Fase versehen.The recess in the printed circuit board or in the previously mentioned device (surface component, cover, etc.) is preferably dimensioned such that a self-contained centering assembly or mounting of the resonator is made possible, for example at least slightly conical on the inlet side or provided with a bevel or chamfer.
Bevorzugt wird ein Kleber oder Silicon oder dergleichen als Befestigungsmittel für den Resonator verwendet.An adhesive or silicone or the like is preferably used as the fastening means for the resonator.
Vorzugsweise endet jede Leitung jeweils in einer separat aus- gebildeten Ankontaktierungsstruktur. Alternativ hierzu können zwei oder mehr Leitungen auch in einer gemeinsam ausgebildeten Ankontaktierungsstruktur enden.Each line preferably ends in a separately configured contacting structure. Alternatively, two or more lines can also end in a jointly formed contact structure.
Die Ankontaktierungsstruktur kann vorzugsweise wenigstens ab- schnittsweise sichelförmig ausgebildet sein, womit in vorteilhafter Weise eine gewisse gewünschte Filtercharakteristik erreicht werden kann. Wie eingangs bereits erwähnt ist für den Betrieb derartiger Filterelemente bzw. damit aufgebauter Oszillatoren entscheidend, dass eine ausreichende Signalleis- tung von der bzw. den Leitungen abgegeben oder transmittiert wird.The contacting structure can preferably be formed at least in sections in a crescent shape, with which a certain desired filter characteristic can advantageously be achieved. As already mentioned at the beginning, it is crucial for the operation of such filter elements or oscillators constructed therewith that sufficient signal power is emitted or transmitted by the line or lines.
Alternativ hierzu kann die Ankontaktierungsstruktur vorzugsweise als Kreisring von 360° oder - wiederum alternativ - als Kreisbogensegment mit einem variablen Ö fnungswinkel kleiner 360° ausgebildet sein. Insbesondere im zuletzt genannten Fall lässt sich über eine geschickte Auswahl des Öffnungswinkels in vorteilhafter Weise der Kopplungswirkungsgrad zwischen der bzw. den Leitungen und dem Resonator anpassen sowie uner- wünschtes Phasenrauschen minimieren. So haben sich beispielsweise bei zwei Leitungen Ankontaktierungsstrukturen mit einem Öffnungswinkel σ von etwa 160° bewährt, bei drei Leitungen Ankontaktierungsstrukturen mit einem Öffnungswinkel von etwa 110° und bei vier Leitungen Ankontaktierungsstrukturen mit einem Öffnungswinkel von z.B. etwa 75°; wobei es sich bei den vorstehenden Winkelangaben nur um Beispiele möglicher Ausgestaltungen handelt.As an alternative to this, the contacting structure can preferably be designed as a circular ring of 360 ° or - again alternatively - as a circular arc segment with a variable opening angle of less than 360 °. In the latter case in particular, the coupling efficiency between the line (s) and the resonator can be advantageously adjusted and unwanted phase noise minimized by a clever selection of the opening angle. For example, contacting structures with an opening angle σ of approximately 160 ° have proven useful for two lines, and contacting structures with an opening angle of approximately for three lines 110 ° and in the case of four lines, contacting structures with an opening angle of, for example, approximately 75 °; where the above angle information is only examples of possible configurations.
In einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung weist die Ankontaktierungsstruktur größere Abmaße als der zylinderförmige Resonator auf. Zwecks Baugrößenminimierung und/oder Effizienzsteigerung der Überkopplung kann - alternativ hierzu und soweit der Resonator an der Haltefläche bzw. der Abdeckung etc. angeordnet ist - die Ankontaktierungsstruktur auch kleinere Abmaße als der zylinder örmige Resonator aufweisen.In a development of the invention, the contact structure has larger dimensions than the cylindrical resonator. For the purpose of minimizing the size and / or increasing the efficiency of the coupling, the contacting structure can also have smaller dimensions than the cylindrical resonator, as an alternative to this and insofar as the resonator is arranged on the holding surface or the cover etc.
Zweckmäßiger Weise ist der Resonator im Wesentlichen zent- riert bzw. mittig zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur ausgerichtet, wobei bei Ankontaktierungen gemäß vorliegender Erfindung in vorteilhafter Weise gröbere Abweichtoleranzen bei dessen Positionierung erlauben, als dies bei herkömmlichen Schaltungen der Fall ist, wo schon verhältnismäßig geringe Abweichungen zur Funktionsuntüchtigkeit der Resonatorschaltung und damit zum Ausschuss führen können.The resonator is expediently essentially centered or centered on the contacting structure, with contacting according to the present invention advantageously permitting coarser deviation tolerances in its positioning than is the case with conventional circuits where there are already relatively small deviations from the inoperability of the Resonator circuit and thus lead to rejects.
Die vorliegende Erfindung eignet sich insbesondere für dielektrische, zylinderförmige Resonatoren eines Filterelements mit Betriebsfrequenzen größer 18 GHz. Sie besteht weiterhin in einem Oszillator, insbesondere für Radaranlagen, LMDS- Verteildienste, Satellitenempfänger oder dergleichen mehr, umfassend ein zuvor beschriebenes Filterelement zur Filterung elektromagnetischer Wellen. Auf diese Weise kommen die Vor- teile der Erfindung auch im Rahmen eines Gesamtsystems zur Geltung. Die Erfindung wird nun mit Bezug auf die begleitenden Zeichnungen anhand bevorzugter Ausführungsformen beispielhaft erläutert.The present invention is particularly suitable for dielectric, cylindrical resonators of a filter element with operating frequencies greater than 18 GHz. It also consists of an oscillator, in particular for radar systems, LMDS distribution services, satellite receivers or the like, comprising a previously described filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves. In this way, the advantages of the invention also come into play in the context of an overall system. The invention will now be explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments.
Darin zeigen schematisch:It shows schematically:
Fig. 1 in einer Draufsicht einen ersten Aufbau eines Filterelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen Resonator, an welchem eine Leitung herangeführt ist, an deren Ende eine sichelförmige Ankontaktierungsstruktur ausgebildet ist;1 shows a top view of a first structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator, to which a line is led, at the end of which a crescent-shaped contacting structure is formed;
Fig. 2 in einer Draufsicht einen zweiten Aufbau eines Filterelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen Reso- nator, an welchem eine Leitung herangeführt ist, an ' deren Ende eine kreisringförmige Ankontaktierungsstruktur ausgebildet ist;FIG. 2 shows a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonance nator in a plan view of a second structure to which a pipe is introduced, at 'the end of which an annular contacting structure is formed;
Fig. 3 in einer Draufsicht einen dritten Aufbau eines Fil- terelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen Resonator, an welchem zwei Leitungen herangeführt sind, an deren Ende jeweils eine separate sichelförmige Ankontaktierungsstruktur ausgebildet ist;3 shows a top view of a third structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator, to which two lines are led, at the ends of which a separate crescent-shaped contacting structure is formed;
Fig. 4 in einer Draufsicht einen vierten Aufbau eines Filterelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen Resonator, an welchem zwei Leitungen herangeführt sind, welche in einer gemeinsamen sichelförmigen Ankontaktierungsstruktur enden;4 shows a top view of a fourth structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator, to which two lines are led, which end in a common crescent-shaped contacting structure;
Fig. 5 in einer Seitenansicht den Aufbau eines Filterelements nach einem der vorherigen Figuren 1 bis 4 oder 8 mit einem erfindungsgemäß zur Ankontaktie- rungsstruktur in positiver z-Achse variabel beab- standeten, an einer Abdeckung angeordneten Resonator;5 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with an inventive structure in the positive z-axis spaced apart, arranged on a cover resonator;
Fig. 6 in einer Seitenansicht den Aufbau eines Oszillators nach einem der vorherigen Figuren 1 bis 4 oder 8 mit einem herkömmlicherweise auf der Ankontaktierungsstruktur angeordneten Resonator;6 shows a side view of the structure of an oscillator according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator conventionally arranged on the contacting structure;
Fig. 7 in einer Seitenansicht den Aufbau eines Filterelements nach einem der vorherigen Figuren 1 bis 4 oder 8 mit einem erfindungsgemäß zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur in negativer z-Achse variabel beab- standeten, in einer Ausnehmung der Leiterplatte an- geordneten Resonator; und7 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator which is variably spaced apart from the contacting structure in the negative z-axis and is arranged in a recess in the printed circuit board; and
Fig. 8 in einer Draufsicht einen herkömmlichen Aufbau eines Filterelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen Resonator, an welchem zwei Zuleitungen herangeführt sind.8 shows a top view of a conventional design of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator, to which two feed lines are brought.
Bei der nach olgenden Beschreibung der bevorzugten Ausführungsformen der vorliegenden Erfindung bezeichnen gleiche Bezugszeichen gleiche oder vergleichbare Komponenten.In the following description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the same reference numerals designate the same or comparable components.
Fig. 1 zeigt in einer Draufsicht einen ersten Aufbau eines Filterelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen, dielektrischen Resonator 1, an welchem eine Zuleitung 2 herangeführt ist, an deren Ende eine sichelförmige Ankontaktierungsstruk- tur 4 ausgebildet ist. Die sichelförmige Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4 besteht aus einem Kreisbogensegment mit einem variablen Öffnungswinkel α, an welchem eine gewöhnliche Leitung 2 angeschlossen ist. Der Öffnungswinkel beträgt für das in Fig. 1 gezeigte Beispiel etwa 160°. Die Breite der Leitung 2 und der sichelförmigen Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4 kann an die entsprechenden Verhältnisses angepasst werden und ist als variierbar zu betrachten. Insbesondere können eine (vgl. Fig. 4), zwei (vgl. Fig. 3) oder mehrere (nicht dargestellt) An- kontaktierungen 4, 4a, 4b an den dielektrischen, keramischen Resonator 1 angebracht werden. Hierzu brauchen lediglich die Öffnungswinkel der einzelnen Ankontaktierungsstrukturen entsprechend angepasst werden.1 shows a top view of a first structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical, dielectric resonator 1, to which a feed line 2 is guided, at the end of which a crescent-shaped contacting structure 4 is formed. The crescent-shaped contacting structure 4 consists of a circular arc segment with a variable opening angle α, to which an ordinary line 2 is connected. The opening angle is for the in Fig. 1 shown example about 160 °. The width of the line 2 and the crescent-shaped contacting structure 4 can be adapted to the corresponding ratio and can be regarded as variable. In particular, one (cf. FIG. 4), two (cf. FIG. 3) or more (not shown) contacts 4, 4a, 4b can be attached to the dielectric, ceramic resonator 1. For this purpose, only the opening angles of the individual contacting structures need to be adapted accordingly.
Die sichelförmige Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4, 4a, 4b kann - insb. bei der in Fig. 5 dargestellten Anordnung des Resonators zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur - auch Abmaße annehmen, welche kleiner sind als die Abmaße des zylinderförmigen Reso- nators 1. In diesem Fall überdeckt der zylinderförmige Resonator 1 die metallischen Ankontaktierungsstrukturen 4, 4a, 4b wenigstens teilweise.The crescent-shaped contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b can - in particular in the arrangement of the resonator to the contacting structure shown in FIG. 5 - also assume dimensions which are smaller than the dimensions of the cylindrical resonator 1. In this case, the cylindrical resonator 1 covers the metallic contacting structures 4, 4a, 4b at least partially.
Fig. 2 zeigt in einer Draufsicht einen zweiten Aufbau eines Filterelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen Resonator 1, an welchem eine Leitung 2 herangeführt ist, an deren Ende eine kreisringförmige Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4 ausgebildet ist.2 shows a top view of a second structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator 1, to which a line 2 is guided, at the end of which an annular contacting structure 4 is formed.
Fig. 3 zeigt in einer Draufsicht einen dritten Aufbau eines Filterelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen Resonator 1, an welchem zwei Leitungen 2, 3 herangeführt sind, an deren Enden jeweils eine separate sichelförmige Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4a, 4b ausgebildet ist, wobei beide Ankontaktie- rungsstrukturen 4a, 4b voneinander galvanisch getrennt sind. Derartige Ankontaktierungsstrukturen eignen sich insb. bei Rückkoppelschaltungen für die Herstellung von Oszillatoren: bei diesen Schaltungen wird der zylinderförmige Resonator 1 als schmalbandiger Bandpass verwendet, welcher beispielsweise in einem definierten Modi nur für eine bestimmte Frequenz durchlässig ist, weshalb man diesbezüglich auch von einem mehrmodigen Bandpassfilter spricht, weil z.B. der Grundmodus oder Moden höherer Ordnung verwendet werden können. Der Resonator 1 wird dazu, wie in Fig. 3 gezeigt, mit zwei Leitungen 2, 3 ankontaktiert . Entscheidend für den Oszillatorbetrieb ist, dass eine ausreichende Signalleistung von der ersten Leitung 2 an die zweite Leitung 3 abgegeben oder transmit- tiert wird. Dies wird durch die sichel örmigen Ankontaktierungsstrukturen 4a, 4b gewährleistet.3 shows a top view of a third structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator 1, to which two lines 2, 3 are led, at the ends of which a separate crescent-shaped contacting structure 4a, 4b is formed, both contacting structures 4a, 4b are galvanically isolated from each other. Such contacting structures are particularly suitable for feedback circuits for the production of oscillators: in these circuits, the cylindrical resonator 1 used as a narrow-band bandpass, which, for example, is only permeable to a certain frequency in a defined mode, which is why one speaks in this regard of a multimode bandpass filter, because, for example, the basic mode or higher order modes can be used. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 3, the resonator 1 is connected to two lines 2, 3. It is crucial for the oscillator operation that a sufficient signal power is delivered or transmitted from the first line 2 to the second line 3. This is ensured by the crescent-shaped contacting structures 4a, 4b.
Fig. 4 zeigt in einer Draufsicht einen vierten Aufbau eines Filterelements umfassend einen zylinderförmigen Resonator 1, an welchem zwei Leitungen 2, 3 herangeführt sind, welche in einer gemeinsamen sichelförmigen Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4 enden. Derartige Aufbauten, wo sich die Zuleitungen 2, 3 eine sichelförmige Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4, 4a, 4b teilen, eignen sich insbesondere als Bandsperrfilter.FIG. 4 shows a top view of a fourth structure of a filter element comprising a cylindrical resonator 1, to which two lines 2, 3 are led, which end in a common crescent-shaped contacting structure 4. Structures of this type, where the feed lines 2, 3 share a crescent-shaped contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b, are particularly suitable as band-stop filters.
Fig. 5 zeigt in einer Seitenansicht den Aufbau eines Filterelements nach einem der vorherigen Figuren 1 bis 4 oder 8 mit einem er indungsgemäß zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4, 4a, 4b in positiver Richtung der z-Achse variabel beabstandeten, beispielsweise an einer Abdeckung 5 angeordneten Resonator 1.5 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator 1 which is variably spaced apart from the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b in the positive direction of the z-axis, for example arranged on a cover 5 ,
Fig. 6 zeigt in einer Seitenansicht den Aufbau eines Filterelements nach einem der vorherigen Figuren 1 bis 4 oder 8 mit einem herkömmlicherweise auf der Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4, 4a, 4b angeordneten, insbesondere aufgeklebten, Resonators 1.6 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator 1 conventionally arranged on the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b, in particular glued on.
Fig. 7 schließlich zeigt in einer Seitenansicht den Aufbau eines Filterelements nach einem der vorherigen Figuren 1 bis 4 oder 8 mit einem erfindungsgemäß zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4, 4a, 4b in negativer Richtung der z-Achse variabel beabstandeten, in einer Ausnehmung 8 der Leiterplatte 6 angeordneten Resonator 1.7 shows a side view of the structure of a filter element according to one of the previous FIGS. 1 to 4 or 8 with a resonator 1 which is variably spaced from the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b in the negative direction of the z-axis and is arranged in a recess 8 in the printed circuit board 6.
Die Höhe des zylinderförmigen keramischen Resonators 1, welcher übrigens mitunter auch als Pille bezeichnet wird, über der Oberfläche einer Leiterplatte 6 muss er indungsgemäß also nicht festgesetzt werden, sie ist variabel. Damit kann das elektrische bzw. elektromagnetische Verhalten des Aufbaus zusätzlich abgestimmt werden.The height of the cylindrical ceramic resonator 1, which is also sometimes referred to as a pill, above the surface of a printed circuit board 6, it accordingly does not have to be set, it is variable. This means that the electrical or electromagnetic behavior of the body can also be adjusted.
Die mechanische Befestigung des zylinderförmigen Resonators 1 kann dabei mit Hilfe eines geeigneten Befestigungsmaterials, insbesondere eines Klebers 7 oder dergleichen, auf einem beliebigen Gegenstand 5, welcher beispielsweise eine einfache Haltefläche sein kann, die sich in der näheren Umgebung zur Oberfläche der Leiterplatte 6 befindet, angebracht werden (vgl. Fig. 5). Vorteilhafter Weise ist der Gegenstand 5 eine Abdeckung, wie sie bei der Ausgestaltung von Oszillatorschaltungen oder elektrischen bzw. elektromagnetischen Filtern in fast allen praktischen Fällen oberhalb der Pille (d.h. in positiver z-Richtung) auszubilden ist. Diese Abdeckung kann beispielsweise aus Metall oder absorptiven Materialien, wie z.B. Kunststoff, ausgebildet werden.The mechanical attachment of the cylindrical resonator 1 can be attached to any object 5 with the aid of a suitable attachment material, in particular an adhesive 7 or the like, which can be, for example, a simple holding surface which is located in the vicinity of the surface of the printed circuit board 6 are (see Fig. 5). The object 5 is advantageously a cover, such as is to be formed above the pill (i.e. in the positive z-direction) in almost all practical cases when designing oscillator circuits or electrical or electromagnetic filters. This cover can, for example, be made of metal or absorptive materials, e.g. Plastic.
Alternativ - oder ggf. kumulativ (nicht dargestellt) - hierzu kann der zylinderförmige keramische Resonator 1 erfindungsgemäß sogar im negativen Wertebereich zur Ankontaktierungs- Struktur 4, 4a, 4b angeordnet werden, insbesondere - wie inAlternatively - or possibly cumulatively (not shown) - for this purpose, the cylindrical ceramic resonator 1 can even be arranged according to the invention even in the negative value range for the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b, in particular - as in
Fig. 7 gezeigt - wenn in der Leiterplatte 6 eine Ausnehmung 8 für den Resonator 1 ausgebildet ist. Besonders vorteilhaft dabei sind Ausgestaltungen von Ausnehmungen 8, welche eine Art selbstzentrierende Montage des Resonators 1 zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4, 4a, 4b erlauben. Lediglich ergänzend sei wiederum erwähnt, dass bei der Ausgestaltung von Oszillatorschaltungen eine Abdeckung (nicht dargestellt) oberhalb der Pille (d.h. in positiver z-Richtung) derartiger Filterelemente auszubilden ist.Fig. 7 shown - when a recess 8 for the resonator 1 is formed in the circuit board 6. Embodiments of recesses 8, which have a Allow type of self-centering mounting of the resonator 1 to the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b. As a supplement, it should again be mentioned that when designing oscillator circuits, a cover (not shown) above the pill (ie in the positive z direction) of such filter elements is to be formed.
Die Erfindung beinhaltet die variabel beabstandete Anordnung eines Resonators 1 zu einer Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4, 4a, 4b, welche eine, zwei oder mehr Zu- bzw. Ableitungen 2, 3 um- fasst. Mit der vorliegenden Erfindung lässt sich in vorteilhafter Weise die transmittierte Signalleistung im Vergleich zu konventionellen AnkopplungsStrukturen (vgl. noch einmal den in Fig. 8 dargestellten Bandpassfilter) wesentlich erhö- hen. Damit kann ein sicheres Anschwingen und ein stabiler Betrieb eines mit dieser Filterstruktur aufgebauten Oszillators bei praktischen Betriebsbedingungen (z.B. über einen großen Temperaturbereich) erreicht werden.The invention includes the variably spaced arrangement of a resonator 1 to form a contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b, which comprises one, two or more leads 2, 3. With the present invention, the transmitted signal power can advantageously be significantly increased compared to conventional coupling structures (cf. again the bandpass filter shown in FIG. 8). This enables safe oscillation and stable operation of an oscillator constructed with this filter structure to be achieved under practical operating conditions (e.g. over a wide temperature range).
Die Positioniergenauigkeit des zylinderförmigen Resonators 1 ist sehr gering. Dies ermöglicht eine einfache und kostengünstige Fertigung, bei welcher der Resonator 1 nur in die vorzugsweise selbstzentrierende Mitte wenigstens einer von der Ankontaktierungsstruktur 4, 4a, 4b umgebenen Ausnehmung 8 geklebt werden muss.The positioning accuracy of the cylindrical resonator 1 is very low. This enables simple and inexpensive production, in which the resonator 1 only has to be glued into the preferably self-centering center of at least one recess 8 surrounded by the contacting structure 4, 4a, 4b.
Die vorliegende Erfindung wurde anhand eines Filterelements mit einem zylinderförmigen, dielektrischen Resonator 1 beschrieben. Sie ist jedoch nicht auf diese Art Resonatoren be- schränkt. Insbesondere können jedwede Art rotationssymmetrischer Resonatoren - gleich ob massiv ("disk-type") oder als Hohl- bzw. Teilhohlkörper ( cylinder-type") ausgebildet - Gegenstand erfindungsgemäßer Ankontaktierungen sein. Die vorliegende Erfindung eignet sich insbesondere für den Einsatz in Oszillatorschaltungen mit Betriebsfrequenzen größer 18 GHz, wie sie typischerweise in Außenraumsystemen eines Kraftfahrzeuges wie Lane Departure Warning (LDW) , Blind Spot Detection (BSD) oder Rear View Detection etc. zunehmend Verwendung finden. The present invention has been described with the aid of a filter element with a cylindrical, dielectric resonator 1. However, it is not limited to this type of resonators. In particular, any type of rotationally symmetrical resonators - regardless of whether they are solid ("disk-type") or designed as hollow or partial hollow bodies (cylinder-type ") - can be the subject of contacting according to the invention. The present invention is particularly suitable for use in oscillator circuits with operating frequencies greater than 18 GHz, as are typically increasingly being used in exterior systems of a motor vehicle such as lane departure warning (LDW), blind spot detection (BSD) or rear view detection etc.

Claims

Patentansprüche claims
1. Filterelement geeignet zur Filterung elektromagnetischer Wellen, insbesondere Bandpassfilter oder Bandsperrfil- ter, auch ausgeführt als Reflektionsfilter oder dergleichen; umfassend einen dielektrischen, zylinderförmigen Resonator (1) ; sowie eine oder mehrere Leitungen (2, 3) , welche elektro- magnetische Wellen an den dielektrischen Resonator (1) heran- bzw. abführen; wobei die Leitungen (2, 3) in einer Ankontaktierungsstruktur (4, 4a, 4b) enden; d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, - dass die Leitungen (2; 3) nebst ihrer Ankontaktie- rung (4, 4a, 4b) Teil einer Leiterplattenstruktur sind; dass der Resonator (1) durch die Leiterplatte (6) gehaltert ist; und - dass der Resonator (1) zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur (4, 4a, 4b) beabstandet angeordnet ist; wobei in der Leiterplatte (6) eine Ausnehmung (8) vorgesehen ist, in welcher der Resonator (1) mittels eines geeigneten Befestigungsmittels (7) angeordnet ist.1. Filter element suitable for filtering electromagnetic waves, in particular bandpass filters or bandstop filters, also designed as reflection filters or the like; comprising a dielectric, cylindrical resonator (1); and one or more lines (2, 3) which bring electromagnetic waves to and from the dielectric resonator (1); the lines (2, 3) ending in a contacting structure (4, 4a, 4b); d a d u r c h g e k e n n e e i c h n e t - that the cables (2; 3) are part of a circuit board structure along with their contacting (4, 4a, 4b); that the resonator (1) is held by the printed circuit board (6); and - that the resonator (1) is arranged at a distance from the contacting structure (4, 4a, 4b); a recess (8) is provided in the printed circuit board (6), in which the resonator (1) is arranged by means of a suitable fastening means (7).
2. Filterelement, ggf. nach Anspruch 1, geeignet zur Filterung elektromagnetischer Wellen, insbesondere Bandpassfilter oder Bandsperrfilter, auch ausgeführt als Reflek- tionsfilter oder dergleichen; umfassend einen dielektrischen, zylinderförmigen Resonator (1) ; sowie eine oder mehrere Leitungen (2, 3) , welche elektromagnetische Wellen an den dielektrischen Resonator (1) heran- bzw. abführen; wobei die Leitungen (2, 3) in einer Ankontaktie- rungsstruktur (4, 4a, 4b) enden; d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t, dass in der näheren Umgebung zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur (4, 4a, 4b) eine Haltefläche oder eine Abdeckung (5) vorgesehen ist; - dass der Resonator (1) durch die Haltefläche bzw. Abdeckung (5) gehaltert ist; und dass der Resonator (1) zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur (4, 4a, 4b) variabel beabstandet angeordnet ist; wobei in der Haltefläche bzw. der Abdeckung (5) eine Ausnehmung (8) vorgesehen ist, in welcher der Resonator (1) mittels eines geeigneten Befestigungsmittels (7) angeordnet ist.2. Filter element, possibly according to claim 1, suitable for filtering electromagnetic waves, in particular bandpass filters or bandstop filters, also designed as reflection filters or the like; comprising a dielectric, cylindrical resonator (1); such as one or more lines (2, 3) which bring electromagnetic waves to and from the dielectric resonator (1); the lines (2, 3) ending in a contact structure (4, 4a, 4b); characterized in that a holding surface or a cover (5) is provided in the vicinity of the contacting structure (4, 4a, 4b); - That the resonator (1) is held by the holding surface or cover (5); and that the resonator (1) is arranged at a variable distance from the contacting structure (4, 4a, 4b); a recess (8) is provided in the holding surface or the cover (5), in which the resonator (1) is arranged by means of a suitable fastening means (7).
3. Filterelement nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekenn- zeichnet, dass die Ausnehmung (8) dergestalt dimensioniert ist, dass eine selbstzentrierende Bestückung bzw. Montage des Resonators (1) ermöglicht ist.3. Filter element according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the recess (8) is dimensioned such that a self-centering assembly or mounting of the resonator (1) is made possible.
4. Filterelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass als Befestigungsmittel (7) für den Resonator (1) ein Kleber oder Silicon verwendet wird.4. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that an adhesive or silicone is used as fastening means (7) for the resonator (1).
5. Filterelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede Leitung (2, 3) jeweils in ei- ner separat ausgebildeten Ankontaktierungsstruktur (4a, 4b) endet. 5. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each line (2, 3) ends in a separately formed contact structure (4a, 4b).
Filterelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwei oder mehr Leitungen (2, 3) in einer gemeinsam ausgebildeten Ankontaktierungsstruktur (4) enden. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that two or more lines (2, 3) end in a jointly formed contact structure (4).
Filterelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ankontaktierungsstruktuxr (4, 4a, 4b) wenigstens abschnittsweise sichelförmig ausgebildet ist.Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the contacting structure (4, 4a, 4b) is at least partially crescent-shaped.
Filterelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ankontaktierungsstruktuxr (4) als Kreisring ausgebildet ist.Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the contact structure (4) is designed as a circular ring.
9. Filterelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ankontaktierungsstruktuxr (4, 4a, 4b) als Kreisbogensegment mit einem variablen Öffnungswinkel (α) kleiner 360° ausgebildet ist; bei zwei Leitungen insbesondere etwa 160° beträgt; bei drrei Zu- leitungen insbesondere etwa 110°; bei vier Leituxngen insbesondere etwa 75° beträgt.9. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the contact structure (4, 4a, 4b) is designed as an arc segment with a variable opening angle (α) less than 360 °; is in particular about 160 ° for two lines; in the case of three feed lines, in particular about 110 °; in the case of four conductors, it is in particular about 75 °.
10. Filterelement nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ankontaktierungsstruktuxr (4, 4a, 4b) größere Abmaße als der zylinderförmige Resonator (1) aufweist.10. Filter element according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the contact structure (4, 4a, 4b) has larger dimensions than the cylindrical resonator (1).
11. Filterelement nach einem der Ansprüche 2 bis 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Ankontaktierungsstruktuxr (4, 4a, 4b) kleinere Abmaße als der zylinderförmige Resonator (1) aufweist. 11. Filter element according to one of claims 2 to 9, characterized in that the contact structure (4, 4a, 4b) has smaller dimensions than the cylindrical resonator (1).
12. Filterelement nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Resonator (1) zur Ankontaktierungsstruktur (4, 4a, 4b) im Wesentlichen zentriert ausgerichtet ist.12. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resonator (1) to the contacting structure (4, 4a, 4b) is aligned substantially centered.
13. Filterelement nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Resonator (1) eine Betriebsfrequenz größer 18 GHz aufweist.13. Filter element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the resonator (1) has an operating frequency greater than 18 GHz.
14. Oszillator, insbesondere für Radaranlagen, LMDS-Verteil- dienste oder Satellitenempfänger, umfassend ein Filterelement zur Filterung elektromagnetischer Wellen nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche . 14. Oscillator, in particular for radar systems, LMDS distribution services or satellite receivers, comprising a filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves according to one of the preceding claims.
EP04791183A 2003-10-21 2004-10-08 Coupling structure for cylindrical resonators Not-in-force EP1676334B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE2003148909 DE10348909A1 (en) 2003-10-21 2003-10-21 Filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves, especially bandpass filter or band blocking filter, has resonator held at distance from contacting structure in recess in circuit board by suitable attachment arrangement
DE200410048274 DE102004048274A1 (en) 2004-10-04 2004-10-04 Filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves, especially bandpass filter or band blocking filter, has resonator held at distance from contacting structure in recess in circuit board by suitable attachment arrangement
PCT/EP2004/052481 WO2005041346A1 (en) 2003-10-21 2004-10-08 Coupling structure for cylindrical resonators

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1676334A1 true EP1676334A1 (en) 2006-07-05
EP1676334B1 EP1676334B1 (en) 2008-07-23

Family

ID=34524034

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP04791183A Not-in-force EP1676334B1 (en) 2003-10-21 2004-10-08 Coupling structure for cylindrical resonators

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US7453336B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1676334B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2007509553A (en)
AT (1) ATE402495T1 (en)
CA (1) CA2542982C (en)
DE (1) DE502004007694D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2309572T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2005041346A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR102327648B1 (en) * 2014-11-28 2021-11-17 현대모비스 주식회사 EMI disposal equipment and the operating method
CN109462932B (en) * 2018-12-28 2021-04-06 上海联影医疗科技股份有限公司 Standing wave accelerating tube

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5553907A (en) * 1978-10-17 1980-04-19 Hitachi Ltd Microwave oscillator
CA1229389A (en) 1985-04-03 1987-11-17 Barry A. Syrett Microwave bandpass filters including dielectric resonators
FR2616594B1 (en) * 1987-06-09 1989-07-07 Thomson Csf TUNABLE MICROWAVE FILTER DEVICE WITH DIELECTRIC RESONATOR, AND APPLICATIONS
US5457431A (en) * 1994-03-08 1995-10-10 Harris Corporation Electronic tuning circuit and method of manufacture
JPH1127034A (en) 1997-05-06 1999-01-29 Murata Mfg Co Ltd Nrd guide exciting primary radiator and radio equipment using the radiator
EP0915528A3 (en) * 1997-11-07 1999-08-11 Nec Corporation High frequency filter and frequency characteristics regulation method therefor
JP3634619B2 (en) 1998-04-06 2005-03-30 アルプス電気株式会社 Dielectric resonator and dielectric filter using the same
DE19823656A1 (en) 1998-05-27 1999-12-09 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method for tuning the resonance frequency of a dielectric resonator
JP2000183614A (en) * 1998-12-21 2000-06-30 Alps Electric Co Ltd Resonator
JP2001060810A (en) 1999-08-24 2001-03-06 Sumitomo Metal Mining Co Ltd Dielectric filter
KR100361938B1 (en) * 2000-08-18 2002-11-22 학교법인 포항공과대학교 Resonating apparatus for a dielectric substrate
US7310031B2 (en) * 2002-09-17 2007-12-18 M/A-Com, Inc. Dielectric resonators and circuits made therefrom

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2005041346A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20070075807A1 (en) 2007-04-05
CA2542982A1 (en) 2005-05-06
DE502004007694D1 (en) 2008-09-04
JP2007509553A (en) 2007-04-12
CA2542982C (en) 2010-02-09
ES2309572T3 (en) 2008-12-16
US7453336B2 (en) 2008-11-18
ATE402495T1 (en) 2008-08-15
WO2005041346A1 (en) 2005-05-06
EP1676334B1 (en) 2008-07-23

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2656435B1 (en) Tunable high-frequency filter
DE4337079C2 (en) Coaxial comb line filter
WO2014006148A1 (en) Gas-tight waveguide coupling, high-frequency module, filling level radar, and use
DE3245658C2 (en)
DE3332307C2 (en)
DE4236769C2 (en) Dielectric resonator component
EP1776733B1 (en) High-frequency filter
WO2006032368A1 (en) Antenna
EP2443694A1 (en) Cavity filter
DE2707176C3 (en) Resonance circuit formed using stripline technology
DE19915074A1 (en) Dielectric resonator and dielectric filter with such a resonator
EP1676334A1 (en) Coupling structure for cylindrical resonators
WO2006003059A1 (en) Device and method for transmitting/receiving electromagnetic hf signals
EP0752171B1 (en) Planar-construction high-frequency oscillator
EP3298649B1 (en) High-frequency conductor system with cable-bound rf bushing
DE102004048274A1 (en) Filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves, especially bandpass filter or band blocking filter, has resonator held at distance from contacting structure in recess in circuit board by suitable attachment arrangement
EP1825559A1 (en) High-frequency filter and method for tuning a high-frequency filter
DE10348909A1 (en) Filter element for filtering electromagnetic waves, especially bandpass filter or band blocking filter, has resonator held at distance from contacting structure in recess in circuit board by suitable attachment arrangement
EP0957529A1 (en) Method for tuning the resonance frequency of a ring resonator
WO2001003243A1 (en) Subassembly with an antenna
EP1540761B1 (en) Waveguide filter
DE102013216929A1 (en) Line bypass for two microstrip lines and method
DE60003603T2 (en) Dielectric resonator filter
EP3506496B1 (en) Sensor system with a plurality of motion and/or presence sensor devices using doppler principle
DE102021210123A1 (en) Radar sensor with waveguide structure

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20060307

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20060713

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RAP1 Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred)

Owner name: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE GMBH

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LI LU MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 502004007694

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20080904

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FG2A

Ref document number: 2309572

Country of ref document: ES

Kind code of ref document: T3

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081223

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081023

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE G.M.B.H.

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20081023

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20090424

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081023

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081008

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081023

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20090124

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081008

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080723

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081024

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20101031

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20101022

Year of fee payment: 7

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Payment date: 20111026

Year of fee payment: 8

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20111103

Year of fee payment: 8

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20130628

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20130501

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502004007694

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20130501

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121031

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121008

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: ES

Ref legal event code: FD2A

Effective date: 20140116

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20121009