Non-Reciprocal Frequency Limiter to Meet High Data Requirements of Emerging Wireless Communication Systems

Achieves Necessary CMOS-Compatibility and Non-Reciprocal Behavior Using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Resonators

This high-performance bulk acoustic resonator provides narrow frequency filtering that can be used in the most advanced wireless mobile systems. Full-duplex wireless communication front-ends are one of the key-enabling systems for 5G and beyond. However, the current full-duplex technology faces a fundamental challenge of self-interference between the transmitter and receiver signals. As 5G networks redefine the telecommunications industry, smartphones and other devices will have faster speeds and more reliable connections. Under these advanced networks, non-reciprocity and compatibility with complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology are still demands that wireless communication devices need to meet in order for them to perform at their highest potential.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed a non-reciprocal frequency limiter using asymmetrically transduced micro-electro-mechanical resonators with extreme miniaturization capabilities. It has the ability to receive narrowband frequencies and be compatible with CMOS technology. This technology forms a vital design for wireless communication systems, enabling them to meet the high data requirements of the emerging 5G communication systems and beyond.

Application

Non-reciprocal frequency Limiter with CMOS compatibility to make emerging 5G systems more efficient

Advantages

• Introduces the first monolithically integrated non-reciprocal frequency filter, operating across various radiofrequency bands
• Enables the creation of an all-mechanical, non-reciprocal frequency limiter system with reduced complexity, which is necessary for the emerging wireless communication systems
• Features a narrow bandwidth broadcast, enabling it to efficiently detect signals from multiple communication devices or the Internet of Things (IoT)

Technology

This non-reciprocal frequency limiter with reconfigurable non-reciprocity uses micro/nano-electro-mechanical resonators to create an architecture that paves the way for the design of CMOS compatible UHF-SHF non-reciprocal filters necessary for future full-duplex systems. The design uses the input power of the resonator-2 in the electrically couple filter architecture to reconfigure the non-reciprocal nature of the filter. Two independent transducers with dissimilar electromechanical coupling and power handling capabilities allow the design of an asymmetric resonator with non-reciprocal behavior. This device enables fully CMOS-compatible non-reciprocity, where the non-reciprocity is reconfigurable (tunable) with respect to input power. A limiter such as this has significant and valuable potential for use in wireless mobile systems and IoT.