WO2017004417A1

WO2017004417A1 - Rf dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module

Info

Publication number: WO2017004417A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/040489
Authority: WO
Inventors: Reddy Vangala
Original assignee: Cts Corporation
Priority date: 2015-07-01
Filing date: 2016-06-30
Publication date: 2017-01-05
Also published as: KR102579968B1; KR20180037143A

Abstract

An RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module with antenna and lower and upper Tx and Rx signal transmission blocks of dielectric material attached together in a side-by-side and stacked relationship. The blocks are covered with conductive material. Antenna and Tx and Rx input/outputs are defined at opposite ends of the filter module. RF signal transmission windows define direct coupling RF signal transmission paths between the antenna 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 inductive cross-coupling 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

DIELECTRIC WAVEGUIDE DUPLEXE FILTE MODULE gro :.B.f.fe ene to R lated P¾¼nf Applications

This application is also a continuation-in-part application that claims the benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/882,271 filed on April 9, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application Is a continuation-in-part application that claims the benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/708,870 fifed on May 11 , 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, whic is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat t Application Serial No. 13/373,862 filed on December 3, 201 1 , now U.S. Patent No. 9,030,279 issued on May 12. 20 5,

This application is also a continuation-in-part application that claims the benefit of the filing dat and disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial No, 1 /842,920 filed on September 2_S 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No, 14/088,471 filed on November 25, 2013, now U.S. Paimt No.

9,130,255 Issued on September 8, 2015,

This application is also a continuatiorHn-part application that claims the benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial o. 14/842,948 filed on September 2, 20 5, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/490,284 filed on September 18, 2014_S now U.S. Patent No.

0, 130,258 issued on September 8, 2015,

This application is also a eon t n tsatio n · in · part application that claims the benefit of the filing date and disclosure of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15/152,325 filed on May 1 1 , 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application also claims the benefit of the filing date and disclosure of

U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/187,282 filed on July 1 , 2015, the contents of which are Incorporated herein by reference as are all references cited therein.

The invention relates generally to an RF dielectric duplexer filter and, more specifically, to an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module.

Radio-frequency {RF} duplexer filters provide for the transmission, reception, and filtering of RF TX and RX signals. Current air cavity duplexer filters provide desirable performance but are too large, Current dielectric combline duplexers are smaller in size than air cavity filters but lack the performance of air cavity filters.

Th present invention is directed to a radio-frequency (RF) dielectric waveguide duplexer module that is comparable in size to dielectric combline duplexers and offers performance comparable to air cavity filters.

Su mma.ry . of the Invention

The present Invention is generally directed to an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module for the transmission of Tx and Rx RF signals comprising respective antenna and lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks of dielectric material attached together in a side-b -side and stacked relationship, a layer of conductive material covering each of the respective antenna and lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks, respective antenna and Tx and Rx input/outputs defined at opposit ends of the filter module and located in the antenna and lower Tx and Rx blocks, respective RF signal transmission windows in the layer of conductive material defining direct coupling RF signal transmission paths between the antenna and the T 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 defining cross-coupling Tx and Rx signal transmission paths through the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks, and the Tx signal being transmitted only in the direction of the antenna block or between the upper and lower Tx blocks and the Rx signal being transmitted only in the direction of the Rx RF signal Input/output or between the upper and lower Rx blocks.

The present invention Is also directed to an RF dielectric waveguide dupkexer filter module for the transmission of Tx and Rx RF signals comprising an antenna block of dielectric material including an antenna input/output, the antenna block Including a plurality of exterior surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material and first and second antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions on ones of the exterior surfaces defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Tx and Rx RF signals, A Tx RF signal waveguide filte including stacked lower and upper Tx blocks of dielectric material including exterior surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material and defining a plurality of resonators, a plurality of Tx RF signal transmission regions defined between the stacked lower and upper Tx blocks defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Tx RF signal between the stacked lower and upper Tx blocks, a third antenna Tx RF signal transmission region defined on one end exterior surface of the lower Tx block defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Tx RF signal from the lower Tx block Into the antenna block, one or more brdges of dielectric material on the lower Tx block defining a cross coupling path for the transmission of the Tx RF signal through the lower Tx block, and a Tx RF signal input output defined at the end of the lower Tx block opposite the end with the third antenna Tx RF signal transmission region. An RF Rx signal waveguide filter includes stacked lower and upper Rx blocks of dielectric material including exterior surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material and defining a plurality of resonators, a plurality of Rx RF signal

transmission regions defined between the lowe and upper Rx blocks defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Rx RF signal between the stacked lower and upper Rx blocks, a fourth antenna Rx RF signal transmission region defined o one end exlerior surface of the lower Rx block defining a direct coupling path for th transmission of 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 a cross coupling path for the transmission of the Rx RF signal through the lower Rx block, and an Rx RF signal input/output defined at the end of the lower Rx block opposite the end with the fourth antenna Tx RF signal transmission region. The Tx and Rx RF signal waveguide filters are attached in side~by-side relationship and the antenna block being attached to the lower Tx and Rx blocks of the respective Tx and Rx signal waveguide filters in a side-by- side relationshi along the end of the lower Tx and Rx signal blocks with the respective antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions, the Tx: RF signal being adapted for transmission only in the direction of the antenna block or between the upper and lower Tx blocks and the Rx signal being adapted for transmission only in th direction of the Rx RF signal input/output or between the upper and lower Rx blocks.

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

In one embodiment, the plurality of Tx and Rx RF signal transmission regions betwee the respective upper and lower Tx and Rx RF signal blocks are defined by respective RF signal transmission windows of dielectric material in the layer of conductive material covering 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 art 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 tbe respective Tx and Rx tower blocks and the respective second upper Tx and Rx biocks.

In one embodiment, the Tx and Rx waveguide filters define respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes, the RF signal transmission window and the RF signal transmission pad defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective first upper Tx and Rx blocks intersecting the respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes and at least one of the first and second RF signal transmission windows defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective second upper Tx and Rx biocks intersecting 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 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 Rx longitudinal axis.

In one embodiment, the lower block of each of the Tx and Rx waveguide filters defines a step and respective input/output through-holes terminating in respective openings in the respective step, the respective RF T and Rx

input/outputs surrounding the respective openings in the respective steps.

The present invention is further directed to an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module for the transmission of Tx and Rx RF signals comprising a first plurality of separate blocks of dielectric material each including a plurality of exterior surface and coupled together to define a Tx RF signal filter including 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 second plurality of separate blocks of dielectric material each Including a plurality of exterior surfaces and coupled together to define a R RF signal filter including a base Rx signal block defining a Rx RF signal input/output and one or more upper

S Rx RF signal blocks stacked on the base Rx RF signal block, a separate antenna block of dielectri material including a plurality of exterior surfaces and defining a Tx and Rx signal input/output and coupled to the base Tx and Rx signal blocks, a layer of conductive material covering the plurality of exterior surfaces of each of the respective first and second plurality and antenna blocks of dielectric material, first and second direct coupling RF signal transmission paths defined between the antenna block and the respective base Tx and Rx blocks, a plurality of third direct coupling 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-coupling RF signal transmission paths defined in each of the base Tx and Rx RF signal blocks, the Tx R signal being 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 being transmitted only In the direction of the Rx RF signal input/output and between the base and uppe Rx RF signal blocks, in one embodiment, the first, second, and third direct coupling RF signal transmission paths are defined by respective direct coupling 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 regions on selected ones of the plurality of exterior surfaces of the respective blocks which are devoid of the layer of conductive material.

In on embodiment, the one or more cross-coupling RF signal

transmission paths are defined by one or more bridges of dielectric material defined i each of the base Tx and Rx RF signal blocks respectively.

In one embodiment, all of the cross-coupling RF signal transmission paths are defined in the base Tx and Rx signal blocks, the respective Tx and Rx RF signal inpu!/outputs are located at one end of the filter module, and the antenna RF signal Input/output is located at an opposite end of the filter module.

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

Brief D@scH.at.Sori of fit® Drawin^gs

These and othe features of the invention can best be understood b the following description of the accompanying FIGURES as follows:

FIGURE 1 is an enlarged perspective view of an RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module In accordance with the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged perspective, part phantom view of the RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module shown in FIGURE 1 ;

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged exploded perspective, part phantom view of the RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module shown in FIGURE 1 ;

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

FIGURE 5 is a graph depicting the performance of the RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module shown in FIGURE 1 ,

FIGURES 1 , 2, 3, and 4 depict a radio-frequency (RF) ceramic dielectric duplexer waveguide filter module 10 in accordance with the present invention which comprises three separate filters that have been attached together to form the RF waveguide filter module 10, namely, an Rx (receive) RF signal transmission ceramic dielectric waveguide filter 40, a Tx (transmit) RF signal transmission ceramic dielectric waveguide filter 60, and an antenna Rx and Tx RF signal transmission ceramic dielectric waveguide filter or block 920,

In the embodiment shown, the Rx RF signal waveguide filter 40 Includes three separate solid blocks of dielectric material which have been attached together as shown, namely, an elongate generally rectangular shaped base or lower solid block or layer of dielectric material 101 and respective generally rectangular shaped first and second upper solid blocks or layers of dielectric material 200 and 250 which have been stacked on the top of the base block 101 in a spaced-apart and parallel as described in more detail below.

The Tx RF signal waveguide filter 60 likewise includes three separate solid blocks of dielectric material which have been attached together as shown, namely, a elongate generally rectangular shaped base or lower solid block or layer of dielectric material 103 and respective generally rectangular shaped first and second uppe solid blocks or layers of dielectric material 300 and 350 which have been stacked on the top of the base block 103 in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship as described in more detail below.

in the embodiment shown, the Rx and Tx RF signal waveguide filters 40 and 80 are attached together in a side-by-side and abutting relationship along respective longitudinally extending exterior surfaces thereof and the antenna block 920 extends in a direction transverse to the Rx and Tx waveguide filters 40 and 60 and is attached to a transverse exterior end surface or face of both of the respective Rx and Tx waveguide filters 40 and 80 to allow for the transmission and reception and filtering of RF Rx (receive) and Tx (transmit) signals as described in more detail below.

Also, in the embodiment shown, all of the separate blocks defining the module 10, with the exception of the antenna block 920, have the same width; all of the separate 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 lass than half of the length of the upper blocks 200 and 300b; the length of the base block 103 Is less than the length of the base block 101 ; and the length of the upper block 300 is less than the length of the upper block 200,

Each of the solid base or lower blocks or layers of dielectric material 101 and 1 3 is comprised of a suitable solid block or layer of dielectric material, such as for example ceramic; includes opposed longitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 102 and 104 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the respective longitudinal axis L and Lsof the respective blocks 101 and 3; opposed longitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 106 and 1 8 extending longitudinally i the same direction as the respective longitudinal axis U and La; ami opposed transverse side vertical exterior end surfaces 110 and 112 extending in a direction generally normal to and Intersecting the respective longitudinal axis Li and U.

Each of the blocks 101 and 103 includes a plurality of resonant sections

(also referred to as cavities or cells or resonators) 1 14» 115, 116, and 1 18 and 120, 121 , 122. and 123 respectively which extend in a spaced apart relationship along and in the same direction as the longitudinal axis L and are separated from each other by a plurality of (and more specifically three in the embodiment shown) spaced-apart vertical slits or slots 124, 125, and 126 which are cut into t e respective surfaces 108 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and RF signal bridges 128, 129, and 130 and 132, 133, and 134 of dielectric material as described in more detail below.

The first plurality of slots 124, 25, and 126 extend along the length of the side surface 108 of the block 101 in a spaced-apart and parallel relationship relative to each other and In a relationship generally normal to the longitudinal axis Li , Each of the slots 124, 125, and 128 cuts through the side surface 108 and the opposed horizontal surfaces 02 and 104 and partially through the body and the d ielectric material of the block 101.

The second plurality of slots 124, 126, and 126 extend along the length of the side surface 108 of the block 103 In a spaced-apart and parallel relationship relative to each other; In a relationship generally normal to the longitudinal axis Ls. Each of the slots 124, 125 and 120 in the block 103 cuts through the side surface 108 and the opposed horizontal surfaces 102 and 104 and partially through the body and the dielectric material of the block 103. In the coupled relationship of the blocks of the module 10 as shown in the FIGURES, the first and second pluralities of slots 24, 125, and 128 on the respective blocks 101 and 103 are disposed in a co-linear and facing relationship.

Thus, in the embodiment of FIGURES 1 , 2, and 3, the first and second pluralities of slots 124, 125, and 128 terminate short of the opposed side surface 06 so as to define respective RF signal bridges 128, 129, and 130 on the block 101 and F signal bridges 132, 133, and 134 on the block 103 each comprised of a bridge or island of dielectric materiai which extends in the vertical direction between the surfaces 102 and 104 of each of the blocks 101 and 103 and in the horizontal direction between the respective slots 124 and 126 and the respective surfaces 106.

The bridge 128 of dielectric material on the block 101 bridges and interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 114 to the dielectric material of the resonator 1 5, the bridge 120 of dielectric material bridges and

interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 115 to the dielectric material of the resonator 118, and the bridge 130 of diefeclric materiai interconnects the dielectric materiai of th resonator 116 to the dielectric material of the resonator 118.

In a similar manner, the bridge 132 of dielectric material on the block 103 interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 120 to the dielectric material of the resonator 121 , the bridge 133 of dielectric material bridges and

interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 121 to the dielectric material of the resonator 122, and the bridge 134 of dielectric material bridges and interconnects the dielectric material of the resonator 122 to the dielectric material of the resonator 123.

In the embodiment shown, the width of each of the RF signal bridges or islands of dielectric materiai 126, 129, 130, 132, 133, and 134 is dependent upon the distance which the respective slots 124, 126, and 1 6 extend into the body of the respective blocks 101 and 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 which the slots 124, 126, and 126 extend from the side surface 108 into the body and dielectric material of each of the blocks 101 and 103 may be varied depending upon the particular application to allow the width and the length of the RF signal bridges 128, 129, 130, 131 , 132, 133, and 134 to be varied accordingly to allow control of the electrical coupling and bandwidth of the respective Tx and Rx waveguide filters 40 and 80 hence control of the performance characteristics of the respective Tx and Rx waveguide filters 40 and 60.

The blocks 101 and 103 additionally compose and define respective end steps or notches 136 arid 138 each comprising, In the embodiment shown, a generally L-shaped recessed or grooved or shouldered or notched region or section of the longitudinal horizontal surface 102, opposed side surfaces 106 and 108, and side end surfaces 110 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 from which dielectric ceramic material has been removed or is absent.

Stated another way, the respective steps 136 and 138 are defined in and by a stepped or recessed end section or region of each of the respective blocks 101 and 103, and more specifically by a stepped or recessed end section or region of the portion of the respective blocks 101 and 103 defining the respective resonators 114 and 122, having a height less than the height of the remainder of the respective blocks 101 and 103.

Stated yet another way, the respective steps 138 and 138 each compose a generally t~s!iaped recessed or notched portion of the respective end resonators 118 and 120 defined on the respective blocks 101 and 103 which includes a first generally horizontal surface 140 located or directed inwardly of, spaced from, and parallel to the horizontal surface 102 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and a second generally vertical surface or wall 142 located or directed inwardly of, spaced from, and parallel to, the side end surface 110 of the respectiv blocks 101 and 103.

I the embodiment shown, the surface 140 and the wall 142 of the respective steps 138 and 138 are located between the side end surface 112 and spaced from the slot 120 of the respective blocks 101 and 1 3 with the surface 140 terminating and cutting into the side end surface 112 and the surface 140 and the wall 142 terminating at a point and location in the body of the respective blocks 101 and 1 3 that is spaced from and short of the slot 128 with the wall 142 being located between and spaced from and generally parallel to the slot 128 and the block end face 112. The blocks 101 and 103 additionally each comprise an electrical F signal input/output electrode In the form of respective through-holes 146 extending through the body of the respective blocks 101 and 103 in a relationship generally normal to the respective longitudinal axis Li and La thereof and, more

specifically, through the respective steps 138 and 138 thereof and, still more specifically, through the body of the respective end resonators 118 and 120 defined In the respective blocks 1 1 and 103 between,, and in relationship generally normal to, the surface 140 of the respective steps 138 and 138 and the surface 102 o! the respectiv blocks 101 and 103.

Still more specifically, the respective RF signal Input output through-holes

146 are spaced from and generall parallel to and located between the

respective transverse side end surface 112 and the wall 142 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and define respective generally circular openings terminating In the top step surface 140 and the bottom block surface 102 respectively of each of the respective blocks 101 and 103. Respective input/output pads of conductive materia! 147 surround the respective openings defined in the respective steps 138 and 138.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, in each of the respective blocks 101 and 103, the step wall 142 is located between and spaced from the slot 128 and the blocli end face 112 and the through-hole 1 8 is located between and spaced from the step wall 142 and the block end face 112,

All of the external surfaces 102, 104, 1 6, 108, 110, and 112 of the blocks 101 and 103, the internal surfaces of the slots 124, 128, and 128, and the internal surfaces of the input/output through-holes 46 are covered with a suitable conductive material such as for example silver except as otherwise described below.

Specifically, each of the blocks 101 and 103 and, more specifically, the top surface 1 2 of each of the blocks 101 and 103 defines a plurality of regions or portions devoid of conductive materia! and, still more specifically, in the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions 102a, 102b, 102c, and 102 as described in more detail below with the block 103 defining an additional region or portion 102e as also described in more detail below.

The respective regions or portions 102a are ring shaped regions or portions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portions devoid of conductive material) which define respective Isolated circular F signal input/output

transmission regions or pads or electrodes 102! respectively, are positioned in a relationship co-linear with the respective longitudinal axis Li and L2 and are positioned in the region of the respective blocks 101 and 103 defining the respective resonators 114 and 123, and still more specifically are located in the region of the respective blocks between and spaced from the respective side surfaces 110 and the respective slots 124.

The respective regions or portions 102b are rectangular shaped regions or portions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portions devoid of conductive material) which define respective RF signal transmission windows. In the embodiment shown, the regions or windows 102b interseot and are positioned in a relationship normal to the respective longitudinal axis Li and tg arsd further are positioned in the region of the respective resonators 1 15 and 122 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and still further are positioned on the respective blocks 101 and 103 between and spaced from the respective slots 124 and 126.

The respective region or portions 102c are also rectangular shaped regions or portions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portions devoid o conductive material) which define respective RF signal transmission windows. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 102c on the block 101 intersects and is positioned in a relationship normal to the longitudinal axis Li, and the region or window 1 2c on the block 103 is positioned in a relationship parallel and spaced from the longitudinal axis Laof the block 103, Moreover, the respective regions or windows 1 2c on the respective blocks 101 and 103 are positioned in the region of the respective resonators 118 and 121 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and still more specifically in the region of the respective blocks 101 and 103 between the respective slots 126 and 126, The respective regions or portions 102d are also rectangular shaped regions or portions of dielectric material (i.e., regions or portions devoid of conductive material) which define respective RF signal transmission windows. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 102d on the respective blocks 101 and 103 Intersects and is positioned In a relationship normal to th respective longitudinal axis L and La, are located In the region of the respective blocks 101 and 103 defining the respective resonators 118 and 120_S and more specifically are located on the respective blocks 101 and 103 between and spaced from the respective slots 126 and the respective steps 136 and 136.

The block 103 Includes one additional rectangular shaped region or portion 102e (FIGURES 2 and 3) of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window, in the embodiment shown, the region or window 102e on the block 103 Is positioned in a relationship diametrically opposed to and parallel to the RF signal transmission window 102c and still more specifically In a relationship with the respective RF signal transmission windows 102c and 102e located on opposites sides of, and parallel to, and spaced from the longitudinal axis 1$,

Additionally, the blocks 101 and 1 3, and more specifically the exterior side surfaces 110 thereof, include respective generally rectangular shaped regions of dielectric material 110a and 110b (i.e., regions on the respective exterior surfaces 1 10 devoid of conductive material) defining respective RF signal transmission windows as described in more detail below.

The upper block 200 of the Rx waveguide filte 40 is generally rectangular in shape and is comprised of a suitable solid block of dielectric material, such as for example ceramic; includes opposed longitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 202 and 204 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis L of the block 200; opposed longitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 206 and 208 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis Li; and opposed transverse side vertical exterior end surfaces 210 and 212 extending in a direction generally normal to and

intersecting the longitudinal axis Li, The upper block 200 of the Rx waveguide titer 40 Includes a plurality, I.e. a pair resonant sections (also referred to as cavities or cells or resonators) 214 and 216 that extend in a spaced apart relationship along and In the same direction as the longitudinal axis Li and are separated from each other by a slot 224 that is cut into the side surface 208 of the block 200 and the oooosed horizontal surfaces 202 and 204 and partially through the body and the dielectric material of the block 200 to define an RF signal transmission bridge 228 of dielectric material.

All of the external surfaces 202, 204, 208, 208, 21 , and 212 of the block 200 and the internal surfaces of the slot 224 are covered with a suitable

conductive material such as for example silver except as otherwise described below.

Specifically, the block 200 defines a plurality, namely a pair, of regions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still more specifically, In the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions 204a and 204b,

The region or portion 204a is a ring shaped region or portion of dielectric material {i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an isolated circular RF signal input/output transmission region or pad or electrode 204f thai, is positioned In a relationship co-linear with the longitudinal axis L-. and is positioned in the region of the block 200 defining the resonator 214, and still more specifically is located in the region of the block 200 between and spaced from the side surface 210 and the slot 224.

The region or portion 204b is a rectangular shaped regio or portion of dielectric material (I.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window, In the embodiment shown, the region or window 204b intersects and is positioned in a relationship normal to the longitudinal axis Li and further is positioned in the region of the resonator 218 of the block 200 and still further is positioned on the block 200 between and spaced from the slot 224 and the end face 21 .

The block 200 is seated and stacked on fop of the block 101 with the lower surface 204 of the block 200 abutted against the upper surface 102 of the block 101 ; tr e exterior side surface 210 of the block 200 in vertical co-planar alignment with the exterior side surface 110 of the block 101 ; the slot 224 in the block 200 in vertical co-p!anar alignment with the slot 124 in the block 101 ; the respective RF signal transmission pads 102a and 204a on the respective blocks 101 and 20 abutted against each other; and the respective RF signal transmission windows 102b and 204b on the respective blocks 101 and 200 in alignment with each other so as to define an internal RF signal transmission window 400b In the layer of conductive material defined between the blocks 101 and 200 by the respective layers of conductive material covering the respective exterior surfaces 102 and 204 of the respective blocks 101 and 200.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the respective RF signal transmission pads 102a and 204a and the interior RF signal transmission window 400b are located on opposite sides of and spaced from the respective slots 124 and 224 in the respective blocks 101 and 200 and define respective direct coupling RF signal transmission paths or transmission lines for the transmission of the Rx signal between the respective blocks 101 and 200 as described in mom detail below.

The upper block 250 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 is generally rectangular in shape and is comprised of a suitable solid block of dielectric material, such as for example ceramic; includes opposed longitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 252 and 254 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis L of the block 250; opposed longitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 256 and 258 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis Li; and opposed transverse side vertical exterior and surfaces 260 and 262 extending in a direction generally normal to and

intersecting the longitudinal axis Li,

The upper block 250 of the Rx waveguide filter 40 Includes one resonant section (also referred to as cavity or cell or resonator) 255,

All of the external surfaces 252, 254, 258, 258, 260, and 262 of the block 250 are covered with a suitable conductive material such as for example silver except as otherwise described below. Specifically, the block 250 defines a plurality, namel a pair, of regions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still mora specifically, in the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions 254c and 264d,

The region or portion 254c is a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 254c on the block 250 intersects and is positioned in a relationship norma! to the longitudinal axis Li.

The region or portion 254d is also a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material} which defines an RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 2S4d Intersects and is positioned in relationship normal to the respective longitudinal axis Lj and is positioned in a relationship diametrically opposed, spaced from, and parallel to the RF signal transmission window 254c.

The block 250 is seated and stacked on top of the block 101 with the lower surface 304 of the block 250 abutted against the upper surface 102 of the block 101; located 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 in alignment with the respective RF signal transmission windows 254c and 254d on the block 200 to define respective internal RF signal transmission windows 500c and S00d In the layer of conductive material defined between the blocks 101 and 250 by the respective layers of conductive material covering the respective exterior surfaces 102 and 254 of the respective blocks 101 and 260.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the respective interior RF signal transmission windows 500c and 500d are located on opposite sides of and spaced from the slot 120 defined In the block 101 and define respective direct coupling RF signal transmission paths or transmission lines fo the transmission of the Tx signal between the respective blocks 101 and 250 as described in more detail below.

1? The upper block 800 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 Is generally rectangular in shape and is comprised of a suitable dielectric material, such as for example ceramic; Includes opposed longitudinal horizontal exterior fop and bottom surfaces 302 and 304 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the block 300; opposed longitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 306 and 308 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis La; and opposed transverse side vertical exterior end surfaces 310 and 312 extending in a direction generally normal to and Intersecting the longitudinal axis U.

The upper block 300 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 includes a plurality, i,e._s a pair resonant sections (also referred to as cavities or cells or resonators) 222 and 223 that extend In a spaced apart relationship along and in the same direction as the longitudinal axis La and are separated from each other by a slot 324 that Is cut into the side surface 308 of the block 300 and the opposed horizontal surfaces 302 and 304 and partially through the body and the dielectric material of the block 300 to define an RF signal transmission bridge 328 of dielectric material.

All of the external surfaces 302, 304, 306_» 308, 310, and 312 of the block 300 and the internal surfaces of the slot 324 are covered with a suitable conductive material such as for example silver except as otherwise described below.

Specifically, the block 300 defines a plurality, namely a pair, of regions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still more specifically. In the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions 304a and 304b.

The region or portion 304a is a ring shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e.. a region o portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an isolated circular RF signal input/output transmission region or pad or electrode 304f that is positlonecl in a relationship co-linear with the longitudinal axis La and Is positioned In the region of the block 300 defining the resonator 223, and still more specifically is located in the region of the block 300 between and spaced from the block end face 310 and the slot 324. The region or portion 304b is a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (I.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an F signal transmission window,. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 304b intersects and is positioned in a relationship normal to the longitudinal axis Lz and further is positioned in the region of the resonator 222 of the block 300 and still further Is positioned on the block 300 between and spaced from the slot 324 and the block end face 312.

The block 300 is seated and stacked on top of the block 103 with the lower surface 304 of the block 300 abutted against the upper surface 102 of the block 103; the exterior side surface 310 of the block 300 in vertical co-planar alignment with the exterior side surface 110 of the block 103; the slot 324 in the block 300 In vertical co-planar alignment with the slot 124 in the block 1 3; the respective RF signal transmission pads 102a and 304a on the respective blocks 101 and 300 abutted against each other; and the respective RF signal transmission window 102b and 304b on the respective blocks 101 and 300 in alignment with each other to define an internal RF signal transmission window 600b In the layer of conductive material defined between the blocks 101 and 300 by the respective layers of conductive material covering the respective exterior surfaces 102 and 304 of the respective blocks 101 and 300.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the respective RF signal transmission pads 102a and 304a and the interior RF signal transmission window 600b are located on opposite sides of and spaced from the respective slots 124 and 324 in the respective blocks 101 and 300 and define respective direct coupling RF signal transmission paths or transmission iines for the transmission of the Tx signal between the respective blocks 1 1 and 300 as described in more detail below.

The upper block 350 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 is generally rectangular in shape and is comprised of a suitable solid block of dielectric material, such as for example ceramic; Includes opposed longitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 352 and 354 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the block 350; opposed longitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 356 and 358 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis ; and opposed transverse side vertical exterior end surfaces 360 and 362 extending in a direction generally normal to and

intersecting the longitudinal axis La.

The upper block 3S0 of the Tx waveguide filter 60 includes one resonant section (also referred to as cavity or ceil or resonator) 355,

All of the external surfaces 352, 354, 358, 358, 360, and 362 of the block

250 are covered with a suitable conductive material such as for example silver except as otherwise described below.

Specifically, the block 350 defines a plurality, namely three, of regions or portions devoid of conductive material and, still more specifically, in the embodiment shown, respective regions or portions 354c, 354d< and 354e.

The region o portion 354c is a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material {i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 354c on the block 350 is positioned in a relationship parallel and spaced from the longitudinal axis La.

The region or portion 354d is also a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the region or window 364d Intersects and is positioned in a relationship normal to the respective longitudinal axis La.

The region or portion 3S4e Is also a rectangular shaped region or portion of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion devoid of conductive material) which defines an RF signal transmission window. In the embodiment shown, the respective regions or windows 354c and 354e are positioned In a diametrically opposed relationship on opposite sides of and spaced from and parallel to the longitudinal axi La.

The block 350 is seated and stacked on top of the block 103 with the lower surface 304 of the block 350 abutted against the upper surface 102 of the block 103; located between and spaced from the slot 125 and the step 138 on the block 103; the respective RF signal transmission windows 102c, 102d_s and 102e on the block 103 in alignment with the respective RF signal transmission windows 354c, 354d_s and 364e on the block 350 to define respective internal RF signal transmission windows ?00e, 8O0 , and 900e in the layer of conductive material defined between the blocks 101 and 350 by the respective layers of conductive material covering the respective exterior surfaces 102 and 354 of the respective blocks 101 and 350.

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the respective interior RF signal transmission windows 700c and 900e are located on one side of and spaced from the slot 128 defined in the block 126 while the other RF signal transmission window SOOd is located on the other side of and spaced from the slot 126 and together define respective direct coupling RF signal transmission paths or transmission lines for the transmission of the Rx signal between the respective blocks 101 and 350 as described in more detail below,

Thus, in the embodiment shown, the base or lower blocks 101 and 103 are attached together in a side-by-side relationship with the respective exterior side surfaces 108 abutted against each other and defining an Internal or interior ground layer of conductive material there between that is co-linear with the longitudinal axis U of the waveguide filter module 10 and Is defined by the respective layers of conductive material covering the respective exterior surfaces 108 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 and electrically separating the respective resonators op the block 101 from the respective resonators on the block 103; the respective slots 124, 125, and 126 in the respective blocks 101 and 103 face and are co-linear with each other; the respective exterior surfaces 208 and 308 of the respective upper blocks 200 and 300 abutted against each other and defining an internal or interior ground layer of conductive material there between by the respective layers of conductive material covering the respective exterior surfaces 208 and 308 of the respective upper blocks 200 and 300 and electrically separating the respective resonators in the block 200 from the respective resonators in the block 330: the respective slots 224 and 324 facing each other; and the respective exterior surfaces 258 and 358 of the respective upper blocks 250 and 350 abutted against each other and defining an internal or interior ground layer of conductive material there between by the respective layers of conductive materia! covering the respective exterior surfaces 258 and 358 of the respective blocks 250 and 350 and electrically separating the resonator in the block 300 from the resonator in the block 350.

In the embodiment shown, the upper blocks 200 and 250 are abutted against the respective upper blocks 300 and 350 in an oft-setting relationship.

The Tx and Rx RF signal antenna block 920 Is also comprised of a suitable solid block of dielectric material, such as for example ceramic; includes opposed longitudinal horizontal exterior top and bottom surfaces 922 and 924 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the respective longitudinal axis of the antenna block 920; opposed longitudinal side vertical exterior surfaces 928 and 028 extending longitudinally in the same direction as the longitudinal axis U; and opposed transverse side vertical exterior end surfaces 950 and 952 extending in a direction generally normal to and intersecting the longitudinal axis

A pair of slots 954 and 956 extend along the length of the longitudinal side surface 928 of the block 920 in a spaeed-apatt and parallel relationship relative to each other and in a relationship generally normal to the longitudinal axis U- Each of the slots 954 and 956 cuts through the side surface 928 and the opposed horizontal surfaces 922 and 924 and partially through the body and the dielectric material of the block 920.

The antenna block 920 additionally defines a step or notch 960

comprising, in the embodiment shown, a recessed or grooved or notched region or section of the lower horizontal exterior surface 924. In the embodiment shown, the step or notch 060 is generally centrally located in the block 920 and, extends the full width of the block 920 in a relationship normal and intersecting the longitudinal axis U and terminates in respective grooves defined in the respective side exterior surfaces 928 and 928, The slots 954 and 956 are located in and extend in the same direction as the step or notch 980. The antenna block 920 additionally comprises an electrical RF signal input/output electrode In t a form of a through-hole 982 extending through the body of the block 920 in a relationship generally normal to the longitudinal axis U thereof and, more specifically, through the step 960 and still more specifically defining respective openings in the step 980 and the top surface 922 of the block 920,

The antenna block §20 Includes an Rx RF signal resonant section (also referred to as cavity or cell or resonator) 985 and a Tx RF signal resonant section 987 which respectively^■form part of and define respective additional resonators of the respective Rx and Tx filters 40 and 60. In the embodiment shown, the Rx and Tx resonators 965 and 96? are located on opposite sides of and spaced from the step 980 and the longitudinal axis U.

All of the external surfaces 922, 924, 926, 28, 960, and 962 of the block 920, the Internal surfaces of the slots 954 and 958₅ and the Internal surface of the RF signal input/output through-hole 962 is covered with a suitable conductive material such as for example silver except as otherwise described below.

Specifically, the antenna block 920 and, more specifically, the exterior longitudinal exterior side surface 828 thereof, includes a pair of diametrically opposed rectangular shaped regions or portions 928a and 928b of dielectric material (I.e., regions or portions devoid of conductive material) that define respective RF signal transmission windows. A circyia shaped region or portion 928C of dielectric material (i.e., a region or portion of the block devoid of conductive material) surrounds the opening defined in the top surface 912 of the antenna block 920 by the through-hole 962 defined therein,

The antenna block 920 is attached to the Rx and Tx waveguide filters 40 and 60 in a relationship with the longitudinal exterior side surface 928 of the antenna block 920 abutted against the respective exterior side surfaces 110 of the respective blocks 101 and 103 of the respective Rx and Tx waveguide filters 40 and 80 and still more specifically with the respective RF signal transmission windows 110 and 110b on the respective exterior surfaces 110 of the

respective blocks 101 and 103 In alignment with the respective RF signal transmission windows 028a and 928b on the exterior surface 928 of the block 920 to define respective Interior or internal F signal transmission windows 1000a and 1000b in the interior or internal layer of conductive material between the block 920 and the blocks 101 and 103 that is defined by the exterior layer of conductive material on the respective exterior surfaces 110 and 928 of the respective blocks 101, 103, and 920, The windows 1000a and 1000b allow for the transmission of RF signals between the block 920 and the blocks 101 and 103 as described in more detail below,

Specifically,, th Tx RF signal is adapted to be inputted into the Tx RF waveguide filter 60 and through-hole 148 at one end of the Tx RF signal waveguide filter 60, then is transmitted through the Tx signal blocks 103, 350, and 300 of the Tx RF signal waveguide filter 80 as described in more detail below, the is transmitted into the antenna block 920 via and through the interior or internal T RF signal transmission window 1000b located between the Tx block 103 and the antenna block 820, and then is ou putted via the antenna through-hole 962.

An Rx RF signal is adapted to be inputted into the antenna block 920 via and through the antenna through-hole 962 and transmitted through the antenna block 920, then is inputted into the Rx RF signal waveguide filter module 40 via and through the interior or internal RF signal transmission window* 1000a located between the antenna block 920 and the Rx block 101 _> then is transmitted through Rx signal blocks 101, 200, and 250, and then is outputted via and through the through-hole 146 In the block 101.

In accordance with the present invention, the respective Rx and Tx signal waveguide filters 40 and 00 Include both direct RF signal transmission paths or couplings, generally designated with the arrows d In FIGURES 1 and 2 and also indirect or crass or inductive RF signal transmission paths or couplings, generally designated with the arrows c in FIGURES 1 and 2, Further, in accordance with the present invention, all of the 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 and T waveguide filters 40 and 80, In accordance with the present Invention, the placement of all of the Indirect cross-couplings in the lower layers or blocks 101 and 103 of the Rx and Tx filters allows for the RF signal antenna, Rx, and Tx input/outputs to all be located on the tower Rx, Tx, and antenna blocks 101 , 103, and 920 respectively which allows for either a surface mount of the filter 10 directly to the surface of a printed circuit board (not shown) or the use of connectors (not shown) extending from the exterior fop surface of the respective lower layer blocks 101, 103, and 920 of the filter module 10.

Further, in accordanc with the present invention, the placement of ail of the indirect cross-couplings in the lower layers or blocks 101 and 103 of the Rx and Tx filters allows for the antenna Tx and Rx signal Input/output through-hole 982 and the respective Rx and Tx signal Input/output through-holes 148 to be located at opposit ends of the dup!exer module 10 and still more specifically to be positioned and located in the same lower or base plane or blocks 101 , 103, and 920 of the filter module 10 again so as to allow for surface mounting of the filter 10 to a printed circuit board or substrate or the like or the use of connectors (not shown) extending from the exterior top surface of the respective lower layer blocks 101 , 03, and 920 of the filter module 10.

Still further in accordance with the present invention, the stacking of the blocks 200 and 250 on fop of the base block 101 of the Rx filter 40 and the stacking of the blocks 300 and 350 on the top of the base block 103 of the Tx filter 80 allows for a reduction in the overall length and footprint of the filter module 10 and further allows for additional cross-couplings in the respective base blocks 101 and 103 that improve the overall performance of the filter module 1 .

Thus, and as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2_S the Tx signal at all times is transmitted and flows both via direct and cross-coupling RF signal transmission paths through the blocks 103, 350, and 300 of the Tx waveguide filter 40 in one direction towards the antenna block 920 and parallel with the duplexer filter longitudinal axis Is with the exception of the direct coupling RF signal transmission paths between the lower block 103 and the upper blocks 300 and 350 which are disposed In a relationship generally normal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L.3.

Still more specifically, and referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, the RF signal bridges 132 and 134 on the lower block 103 define cross-coupling RF signal transmission paths C in the direction of the antenna block 920; the RF signal bridge 133 on the lower block 1 3 defines a direct coupling RF signal

transmissson 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 respective internal RF signal transmission pads and windows 102, 304a, 600b, 700c, 800d_» and 900e all define direct coupling RF signal transmission paths between the respective blocks 103, 300_} and 350 in a direction normal to the duplexer longitu

includes transmission through the following resonators successively as shown In FIGURES 1 and 2: 120, 355, 121 , 122, 222_s 223_s 123_» and 967 and the indirect or cross-coupling transmission path for the Tx RF signal includes transmission from the resonator 1 0 into the resonator 121 and transmission from the resonator 122 into the resonator 123.

in a similar manner as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the Rx signal at all times is transmitted and flows both via direct and cross-coupling RF signal transmission paths through the blocks 101 , 200, and 260 of the Rx waveguide filter 80 in one direction towards the Rx input/output through-hole 146 of the Rx block 101 and parallel with the duplexer filter longitudinal axis L3 with the exception of the direct coupling RF signal transmission paths between the lower block 101 and the pe blocks 200 and 250 which are disposed in a relationship normal or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Is.

Still more specifically, and referring to FIGURES 1 and 2, the RF signal bridges 128 and 130 on the lower block 101 define cross-coupling RF signal transmission paths C in the direction of the Rx input/output through-hole 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 through-hole 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 through-hole 146; and the respective RF signal transmission pads and windows 102a, 204a, 400b, βθθο, and SOOd all define direct coupling RF signal transmission paths between the respective blocks 101 , 200, and 250 in a direction normal to the duplexer longitudinal axis La

Still more specifically, the direct transmission path for the Rx RF signal includes transmission through the following resonators successively as shown in FIGURES 1 and 2: 965, 1 14, 214, 216, 115, 1 8, 255, and 118 white the indirect or cross-coupling transmission path for the Rx RF signal includes transmission from the resonator 1 14 into the resonator 115 and transmission from the resonator 1 16 into the resonator 1 18.

While the invention has been taught with specific reference to the RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module embodiment shown, it is understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes can be made in fomi and detail without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive,

For example, it is understood that the resonant RF frequencies and couplings between the resonators of the respective Tx, Rx, and antenna blocks of dielectric material can he controlled as desired depending on the particular desired application by adjusting or varying for example the number, length, width, height, depth, size, location, configuration, orientation, and structure of the various blocks, slots, through-holes, steps, RF signal transmission pads, and RF signal transmission windows defined in the respective Tx, Rx, and antenna blocks of dielectric material of the filter module.

Claims

CtJMB

What is claimed is: 1. An RF d ieleetrie wa veg u ide d uplexer f ί iter module for the

transmission of Tx and Rx RF signals comprising:

respective antenna and lower and upper Tx and Rx blocks of dielectric material attached together in a side-by-side and stacked relationship;

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

respective antenna and Tx and Rx input/outputs defined at opposite ends of the filter module and located in the antenna and lower Tx and Rx blocks; respective RF signal transmission windows in the layer of conductive material defining direct coupling RF signal transmission paths between the antenna 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 defining cross-coupling Tx and Rx signal transmission paths through the respective lower Tx and Rx blocks; and

the Tx signal being transmitted only in the direction of the antenna block or between the upper and lower Tx blocks and the Rx signal being transmitted only Irs the 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 the

transmission of Tx and Rx RF signals comprising:

an antenna block of dielectric material including an antenna Input/output, the antenna block Including a plurality of exterior surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material and first and second antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions on one of the exterior surfaces defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Tx and Rx RF signals; a Tx RF signal waveguide filter including:

stacked lower and upper Tx blocks of dielectric material including exterior surfaces covered with a layer of conductive material and defining a plurality of resonators;

a plurality of Tx RF signal transmission regions defined between the stacked tower and upper Tx blocks defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Tx RF signal between the stacked lower and upper Tx blocks;

a third antenna Tx RF signal transmission region defined on one end exterior surface of the iower Tx block defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Tx RF signal from the Iower Tx block into the antenna block;

one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Tx block defining a cross coupling path for the transmission of the Tx RF signal through the lower Tx block: and

a Tx RF signal input/output defined at the end of the lower Tx block opposite the end with the third antenna Tx RF signal transmission region; an RF Rx signal waveguide filter including:

stacked Iower and upper Rx blocks of dielectric material including exterior surfaces 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 uppe R blocks defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Rx RF signal between the stacked Iower and upper Rx blocks;

a fourth antenna Rx RF signal transmission region defined on one end exterior surface of the lower Rx block defining a direct coupling path for the transmission of the Rx RF signal from the antenna block into the iower Rx block; one or more bridges of dielectric material on the lower Rx block defining a cross coupling path for the transmission of the Rx RF signal through the lower Rx block; and

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

the Tx and Rx RF signal waveguide filters being attached in skle-by-side relationship and the antenna block being attached to the lower Tx and Rx blocks of the respective Tx and Rx signal waveguide filters In a slde~by^»side relationship along the end of the lower Tx and Rx signal blocks with the respective antenna Tx and Rx signal transmission regions, the Tx RF signal being adapted for transmission only in the direction of the antenna block or between the upper and lower Tx blocks and the Rx signal being adapted for transmission only in the direction of the Rx RF signal input/output 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 regions are defined by respective first, second, third and fourth RF signal transmission windows of dielectric material in the layer of conductive material covering the respective blocks of dielectric material,

4. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 3, wherein the plurality of Tx and Rx RF signal transmission regions between the respective upper and lower Tx and Rx RF signal blocks are defined by respective RF signal transmission windows of dielectric material in the layer of conductive material covering the respective blocks of dielectric material or respective isolated RF signal transmission pads of conductive material. δ. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer fifter 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 dup exer filter module of claim 5, wherein 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. ?. The RF dielectric waveguide duplexer filter module of claim 8, wherein 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.

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 window and the RF signal transmission pad defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and the respective first upper Tx and Rx blocks intersecting the respective Tx and Rx longitudinal axes and at least one of the first and second RF signal transmission windows defined between the respective Tx and Rx lower blocks and tbe respective second upper Tx and Rx blocks Intersecting 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 ihe Tx and Rx waveguide filters defines a step and respective input/output through-holes terminating in respective openings in the respective step, 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 the

transmission of Tx and Rx RF signals comprising:

a first plurality of separate blocks of dielectric material each including a plurality of exterior surfaces and coupled together to define a Tx RF signal filter including 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 second plurality of separate blocks of dielectric material each Including a plurality of exterior surfaces and coupled together to define a Rx RF signal filter including a base Rx signal block defining a Fx RF signal input/output and one or more upper Rx RF signal blocks stacked on the base Rx RF signal block; a separate antenna block of dielectric material including a plurality of exterior surfaces and defining a Tx and Rx signal input/output and coupled to the base Tx and Rx signal blocks;

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

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

a plurality of third direct coupling RF signal transmission paths defined between the respective base Tx and Rx blocks and the respective upper Tx and Rx blocks; oonnee oorr mmoorree ccrroossss--ccoouupplliinngg RRFF ssiggnnaali t trraannssmmiissssiioonn ppaatthhss ddeeffiinneedd iinn eeaacchh ooff tthhee bbaassee TTxx aanndd RRxx RRFF ssiiggnnaall bbloocckkss;;

tthhee TTxx RRFF ssiiggnnaali bbeeiinngg ttrraannssmmiitttteedd oonnllyy iinn tthhee ddiirreeccttiioonn ooff tthhee aanntteennnnaa TTxx aanndd RRxx ssiiggnnaall iinnppuutt//oouuttppuutt a anndd bbeettwweeeenn tthhee bbaassee aanndd uuppppeerr TTxx RRFF ssiiggnnaall b blloocckkss;; aanndd

tthhee RRxx ssiiggnnaall bbeeiinngg ttrraannssmmiitttteedd oonnllyy iinn tthhee ddiirreeccttiioonn ooff tthhee RRx RRFF ssiiggnnaall iinnppuutt//oouuttppuutt aanndd bbeettwweeeenn tthhee bbaassee aanndd uuppppeerr RRxx RRFF ssiiggnnaall bblloocckkss..

1122.. TThhee RRFF d diieelleeccttrriicc wwaavveegguuiiddee d duuppiieexxeerr ffiilltteerr mmoodduullee ooff ccllaaiimm 1111 ,, wwhheerreeiin tthhee f fiirrsstt,, sseeccoonndd,, aanndd tthhiirrdd ddiirreecctt ccoouupplliinngg RRFF ssiiggnnaall ttrraannssmmiissssiioonn ppaatthhss aarree ddeeffiinneedd bbyy rreessppeeccttiivvee ddiirreecctt ccoouupplliinngg RRFF ssiiggnnaall ttrraannssmmiissssiioonn wwiinnddoowwss d deeffiinneedd iinn tthhee llaayyeerr ooff ccoonndduuccttiivvee mmaatteerriiaall,,

1133.. TThhee RRFF ddiieelleeccttrriicc wwaavveegguuiiddee dduuppiieexxeerr ffiilltteerr mmoodduullee ooff ccllaaiimm 1122,, wwhheerreeiinn tthhee rreessppeeccttiivvee ddiirreecctt ccoouupplliinngg RRFF ssiiggnnaaii ttrraannssmmiissssiioonn wwiinnddoowwss aarree ddeefifinneedd bbyy rreessppeeccttiivvee rreeggiioonnss oonn sseelleecctteedd oonneess ooff tthhee pplluurraalliittyy ooff e exxtteerriioorr ssuurrffaacceess ooff tthhee rreessppeeccttiivvee bblloocckkss wwhhiicchh aarree ddeevvooiidd ooff tthhee llaayyeerr ooff ccoonndduuccttiivvee mmaatteerriiaall..

11 TThhee R RFF ddiieelleeccttrriicc wwaavveegguuiiddee dduuppiieexxeerr ffiilltteerr mmoodduullee ooff ccllaaiimm 1111 ,, wwhheerreeiinn tthhee oonnee oorr mmoorree ccrroossss--ccoouupplliinngg RRFF ssiiggnnaall ttrraannssmmiissssiioonn ppaatthhss aarree ddeeffiinneedd bbyy oonnee oorr mmoorree bbrriiddggeess ooff ddiieelleeccttrriicc m maatteeririaall ddeeffiinneedd IInn eeaacchh ooff tthhee bbaassee TTxx aanndd RRxx RRFF ssiiggnnaall bblloocckkss rreessppeeccttiivveellyy..

1166.. TThhee RRFF ddiieelleeccttrriicc wwaavveegguuiiddee dduuppiieexxeerr ffiilltteerr mmoodduullee ooff ccllaaiimm 1111₁₁ wwhheerreeiinn aallll ooff tthhee ccrroossss--ccoouupplliinngg RRFF ssiiggnnaaii ttrraannssmmiissssiioonn ppaatthhss aarree ddeeffiinneedd iinn tthhee bbaassee TT aanndd RRxx ssiiggnnaall bblloocckkss,, tthhee rreessppeeccttiivvee TTxx aanndd RRx RRFF ssiiggnnaall IInnppuutt oouuttppuuttss aarree llooccaatteedd aatt oonnee eenndd ooff tthhee ffiilltteerr mmoodduullee,, aanndd tthhee aanntteennnnaa RRFF ssiiggnnaall iInnppuutt//oouuttppuutt iiss

mmoodduullee..