High-Q Tunable Filters for Wireless Systems

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High performance radio frequency (RF) tunable filters are needed in reconfigurable systems to facilitate efficient utilization of the available frequency spectrum. Emerging wireless systems are designed to support several frequency bands, requiring the use of an individual filter for each frequency band. The availability of tunable filters will allow the replacement of a large number of filters by just one tunable filter which can be tuned to desired frequency band. This will translate to significant size and cost reduction of wireless base stations. In addition, it will allow operators to manage dynamically the hardware resources to accommodate multi-standards requirements and network traffic. The objective of this research project is to develop RF tunable filters by integrating the micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology with high-Q three dimensional resonator structures. The MEMS technology is superior to any other known tuning technology in terms of size, insertion loss and linearity. This research program proposes to introduce a new class of tunable concepts that would allow the realization of tunable filters that can meet the stringent requirements of wireless systems. The industrial partner, Huawei, has divisions in Ottawa and Toronto. It is one the world's largest suppliers of subsystems for wireless base stations. The project will help to train several graduate students and post-doctoral fellows in RF engineering and in the fast emerging field of MEMS technology.