Controllable radio frequency switching and/or splitting device

Publication number: 20220131251
Type: Application
Filed: Oct 21, 2021
Publication Date: Apr 28, 2022
Applicant: Nokia Technologies Oy (Espoo)
Inventors: Dirk Wiegner (Schwaikheim), Wolfgang Templ (Sersheim), Senad Bulja (Dublin), Rose Kopf (Green Brook, NJ)
Application Number: 17/507,045

Abstract:  The invention relates to analogue RF waveguide technologies for different frequency ranges from sub 6 GHz up to mm-wave and even THz-wave application. In particular it provides improved flexibility to such waveguide systems with respect to power distribution/provision and frequency selectivity. The core of the idea is a flexibly controllable RF waveguide-based splitting and switching device enabled by the application of transition metal oxide and/or electro-chromic materials. 

Waveguide technologies such as Polymer Microwave Fibers (PMF) or air cavity-based waveguides are used to transmit/direct the RF signals and related RF power in a preferably low loss fashion, while materials like EC or TMO provide an inherent voltage-controlled impact on RF performance. By combining these technologies and features in switch-based RF configurations, RF tunable waveguide solutions become feasible, allowing for flexible controlling the related RF performance e.g. with respect to power switching, power splitting and distribution. By such resulting flexible RF splitting and switching devices, systems with improved flexibility, improved performance and sustainability can be achieved. Fig. 1 depicts exemplary realisations in PMF and standard cavity waveguides.