Patent Publication Number: US-10763562-B2

Title: Dielectric-filled surface-mounted waveguide devices and methods for coupling microwave energy

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/055,636 filed Feb. 29, 2016, entitled DIELECTRIC-FILLED SURFACE-MOUNTED WAVEGUIDE DEVICES AND METHODS FOR COUPLING MICROWAVE ENERGY, which claims priority to and the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/127,955 filed Mar. 4, 2015, entitled DEVICES AND METHODS FOR COUPLING MICROWAVE ENERGY WITH A DIELECTRIC-FILLED SURFACE-MOUNTED WAVEGUIDE, the benefits of the filing dates of which are hereby claimed and the disclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field 
     The present disclosure relates to waveguide devices and methods for microwave applications. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     In some microwave applications, a signal can be routed and/or processed between two nodes. In some situations, such routing and/or processing of the signal can be facilitated by a radio-frequency waveguide. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with a number of implementations, the present disclosure relates to a radio-frequency (RF) waveguide that includes a dielectric block having a first edge that joins a mounting surface and a first adjacent surface. The RF waveguide further includes a conductive coating that substantially covers the dielectric block. The conductive coating defines a wrap-around opening that exposes the dielectric block along the first edge. The wrap-around opening includes a strip on the first adjacent surface along the first edge and a strip on the mounting surface along the first edge. 
     In some embodiments, the mounting surface can include a bottom surface when the RF waveguide is oriented to be mounted. The dielectric block can have a rectangular box shape. The adjacent surface can include an end wall surface. The conductive coating can further define a second wrap-around opening along a second edge that joins the bottom surface and a second end wall surface that is opposite the first end wall surface. The second wrap-around opening can expose the corresponding portion of the dielectric block. 
     In some embodiments, the adjacent surface can include a side wall surface. The wrap-around opening can be implemented near a corresponding end of the rectangular box shape. The conductive coating can further define a second wrap-around opening along the first edge near the other end of the rectangular box shape. The second wrap-around opening can expose the corresponding portion of the dielectric block. 
     In some embodiments, the wrap-around opening can be configured to allow a signal trace on a surface of a circuit board to extend underneath the wrap-around opening and couple to the wrap-around opening. The wrap-around opening can allow coupling with the signal trace without shorting with another portion of the conductive coating about the wrap-around opening. The wrap-around opening can be configured to allow one or more grounding connections to be made on the surface of the circuit board. The wrap-around opening can be dimensioned to allow the grounding connections to be made at both ends of the strip on the bottom surface along the first edge. 
     In some embodiments, the dielectric block can include, for example, ceramic material. 
     In some teachings, the present disclosure relates to a method for fabricating a radio-frequency (RF) waveguide. The method includes forming or providing a dielectric block having a first edge that joins a mounting surface and a first adjacent surface. The method further includes covering the dielectric block with a conductive material to define a wrap-around opening that exposes the dielectric block along the first edge. The wrap-around opening includes a strip on the first adjacent surface along the first edge and a strip on the mounting surface along the first edge. 
     In some embodiments, the covering includes masking an area corresponding to the wrap-around opening, metallizing the dielectric block, and removing the mask to yield the wrap-around opening. In some embodiments, the covering includes metallizing the dielectric block, and removing the metallization at an area corresponding to the wrap-around opening. 
     According to some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a radio-frequency (RF) device that includes a substrate configured to receive one or more components, and an RF waveguide mounted on the substrate. The RF waveguide includes a dielectric block having a first edge that joins a mounting surface and a first adjacent surface. The RF waveguide further includes a conductive coating that substantially covers the dielectric block. The conductive coating defines a wrap-around opening that exposes the dielectric block along the first edge. The wrap-around opening includes a strip on the first adjacent surface along the first edge and a strip on the mounting surface along the first edge. 
     In some embodiments, the RF device can further include a signal trace implemented substantially on a surface of the substrate. The signal trace can have an end configured to form a direct electrical contact with the conductive coating of the RF waveguide at or near an edge of the strip on the mounting surface of the RF waveguide. In some embodiments, the RF device can further include one or more ground traces implemented substantially on the surface of the substrate. Each ground trace can have an end configured to form a direct electrical contact with the conductive coating at or near an end of the strip on the mounting surface of the RF waveguide. 
     In some embodiments, the substrate can include, for example, a circuit board. In some embodiments, the RF device can be, for example, an RF filter. 
     In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to a wireless device that includes a transceiver configured to process radio-frequency (RF) signals, and an antenna in communication with the transceiver and configured to facilitate either or both of transmitting of an amplified RF signal and receiving of an incoming signal. The wireless device further includes an RF component implemented between the transceiver and the antenna. The RF component includes a substrate and an RF waveguide mounted on the substrate. The RF waveguide includes a dielectric block having a first edge that joins a mounting surface and a first adjacent surface. The RF waveguide further includes a conductive coating that substantially covers the dielectric block. The conductive coating defines a wrap-around opening that exposes the dielectric block along the first edge. The wrap-around opening includes a strip on the first adjacent surface along the first edge and a strip on the mounting surface along the first edge. 
     In accordance with some implementations, the present disclosure relates to circuit board that includes a substrate having a surface and configured to receive a radio-frequency (RF) waveguide. The circuit board further includes a signal trace implemented substantially on the surface. The signal trace has an end configured to form a direct electrical contact with a conductive coating of the waveguide at or near a bottom edge of a wrap-around opening at a bottom edge at a first end of the waveguide. The circuit board further includes ground traces implemented substantially on the surface and having ends configured to form a direct electrical contact with the conductive coating at or near opposing ends of the wrap-around opening at the bottom edge. 
     In some embodiments, the signal trace can be dimensioned to include a portion that extends in a direction having a component parallel with a longitudinal axis of the waveguide such that the portion crosses the bottom edge of the wrap-around opening. The direction of the portion of the signal trace can be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. Each of the ground traces can be dimensioned to include a portion that extends in a direction having a component parallel with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. The direction of the portion of each ground trace can be substantially parallel with the longitudinal axis of the waveguide. 
     In some teachings, the present disclosure relates to a method for fabricating a circuit board. The method includes forming or providing a substrate having a surface and configured to receive a radio-frequency (RF) waveguide. The method further includes implementing a signal trace substantially on the surface, with the signal trace having an end configured to form a direct electrical contact with a conductive coating of the waveguide at or near a bottom edge of a wrap-around opening at a bottom edge at a first end of the waveguide. The method further includes laying out ground traces substantially on the surface and having ends configured to form a direct electrical contact with the conductive coating at or near opposing ends of the wrap-around opening at the bottom edge. 
     For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the inventions have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a waveguide device having a block shaped dielectric material and a conductive coating. 
         FIG. 2  shows an example electric field pattern that can form when a radio-frequency (RF) current is diverted by a slot implemented on the conductive coating. 
         FIG. 3  shows the waveguide device of  FIG. 1  mounted on a substrate. 
         FIG. 4  shows that a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein can be configured to be mounted to a surface of a mounting substrate. 
         FIG. 5A  shows an example configuration of a waveguide device having a surface-mounting capability. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a more detailed perspective view of one end of the waveguide device of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5C  shows an end view of the waveguide device of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5D  shows a bottom view of the same end of the waveguide device of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 5E  shows a sectional view of the waveguide device of  FIG. 5A . 
         FIG. 6  shows a plan view of a circuit board having conductive traces and their respective contact pads. 
         FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein, positioned on the circuit board of  FIG. 6 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a process that can be implemented to fabricate a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein. 
         FIG. 9  shows examples of various stages corresponding to the process of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  shows another process that can be implemented to fabricate a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein. 
         FIG. 11  shows examples of various stages corresponding to the process of  FIG. 10 . 
         FIG. 12  shows a process that can be implemented to fabricate or configure a circuit board for receiving a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein. 
         FIG. 13  shows examples of various stages corresponding to the process of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a process that can be implemented to mount a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein. 
         FIG. 15  shows examples of various stages corresponding to the process of  FIG. 14 . 
         FIG. 16  shows that in some embodiments, a waveguide device can include one or more wrap-around openings along an edge that joins a side wall surface and a lower surface. 
         FIG. 17  shows that in some embodiments, a waveguide device can include a plurality of wrap-around openings implemented anywhere along the four edges associated with a lower surface of the waveguide device. 
         FIG. 18  shows that in some embodiments, one or more features of the present disclosure can be implemented in a radio-frequency (RF) component. 
         FIG. 19  shows that in some embodiments, a packaged device can include an RF component having one or more features as described herein. 
         FIG. 20  shows that in some embodiments, an RF component having one or more features as described herein can be implemented in a wireless device. 
         FIG. 21  shows that in some embodiments, an RF component having one or more features as described herein can be implemented in an RF device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS 
     The headings provided herein, if any, are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed invention. 
     Dielectric-filled (e.g. ceramic) waveguide devices such as filters are typically designed with connectors having center conductor pins which penetrate the ceramic volume. Such a configuration typically cannot be surface-mounted without cables from the connectors. 
     In some implementations, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods that can eliminate or reduce the need for connectors for a dielectric waveguide so as to provide a true surface-mount device mountable on, for example, a printed circuit board. One or more of such surface-mount dielectric waveguide devices can be utilized as, for example, radio-frequency (RF) filters, waveguide components, dielectric-filled cavity resonators, etc. 
       FIGS. 1-3  show a waveguide device  10  having a block shaped dielectric material  12  and a conductive coating  14 . A slot  16  is shown to be formed approximately at the center of each end  18  to expose the dielectric material  12 . Accordingly, the waveguide device  10  can provide radio-frequency (RF) waveguide functionality between the two end slots  16 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an example electric field pattern  20  that can form when an RF current is diverted by the slot  16  of the waveguide device  10  of  FIG. 1 . Based on such an electric field, a voltage can be produced as shown across the slot  16  between “+” and “−” polarities. Conversely, if an RF voltage is impressed across the slot  16 , an RF current can be produced in the waveguide. 
       FIG. 3  shows the waveguide device  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  mounted on a substrate  22 . The bottom portion of each end of the waveguide device  10  is shown to be coupled to a grounding trace  30  through a grounding pad  32 . To generate the foregoing RF excitation at the slot  16 , a conductor  28  (which is electrically connected to a signal trace  26 ) typically needs to be in contact with the conductive coating  14  above the slot  16 . In the example of  FIG. 3 , such a raised height of the conductor  28  and the signal trace  26  can be facilitated by a dielectric layer  24 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 3 , one can see that the waveguide device  10  typically requires connection features that are raised above the mounting surface. Accordingly, the example waveguide device  10  is not a pure surface mount device in which couplings between a waveguide device and a mounting substrate can be achieved through connection features that are generally on or below the surface of the mounting substrate. 
       FIG. 4  shows that a waveguide device  100  having one or more features as described herein can be configured to be mounted to a surface  104  of a mounting substrate  102  such as a packaging substrate, a printed circuit board, etc. As described herein, such a waveguide ( 100 ) can be configured so as to be coupled to the mounting substrate  102  through connection features that are generally on or below the surface  104 . 
       FIG. 5A  shows an example configuration of a waveguide device  100  having the foregoing surface-mounting capability.  FIGS. 5B-5E  show closer details of one end of the waveguide device  100  of  FIG. 5A . More particularly,  FIG. 5B  shows a more detailed perspective view of one end,  FIG. 5C  shows an end view of the same end,  FIG. 5D  shows a bottom view of the same end, and  FIG. 5E  shows a sectional view indicated as “ 5 E- 5 E” in  FIG. 5A . Although the waveguide device  100  is described in the context of a block shape, it will be understood that one or more features of the present disclosure can also be implemented in other shaped waveguide devices. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5E , the waveguide device  100  is shown to include a dielectric block  122  mostly covered by a conductive layer  118 , so as to define respective upper and lower surfaces  110   a  ( FIG. 5A ),  110   b  ( FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5D ), side wall surfaces  112   a  ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ),  112   b  ( FIG. 5A ), and end wall surfaces  114   a  ( FIGS. 5A-5C ),  114   b  ( FIG. 5A ). An opening  120  in the conductive layer  118  is shown to include a strip  126  ( FIGS. 5B, 5C and 5E ) along the bottom edge of the end wall  114   a , and a similar strip  124  ( FIGS. 5B, 5C and 5D ) along the end edge of the lower surface  110   b . In some embodiments, such strips ( 126 ,  124 ) can be generally contiguous, such that the opening  120  is a single opening. Accordingly, and as shown in a sectional view of  FIG. 5E , the opening  120  is shown to expose the dielectric block  122  along the lower end edge in a wrap-around manner. A similar opening is shown to be implemented along the lower edge of the other end. 
     In the example shown in  FIGS. 5A-5E , the strips  126 ,  124  of the opening  120  are depicted as generally having same lengths. It will be understood that such strips may or may not have same lengths. It will also be understood that widths of such strips may or may not be the same. It will also be understood that dimensions of openings  120  implemented at two ends of the waveguide device  100  may or may not be the same. 
     In some embodiments, a wrap-around opening  120  of  FIGS. 5A-5E  can be coupled to an RF line as shown in an example of  FIGS. 6 and 7 .  FIG. 6  shows a plan view of a circuit board  102  having conductive traces  154 ,  160  and their respective contact pads  156 ,  162 . An outline  150  of the waveguide device and an outline  152  of the wrap-around slot ( 120  in  FIG. 7 ) are shown to indicate how the wrap-around slot  120  can be positioned relative to the contact pads  156 ,  162 .  FIG. 7  shows a perspective view of the waveguide device  100  positioned on the circuit board  102  in the foregoing manner. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the trace  154  can be a signal trace. Such a signal trace can extend under the bottom wall portion (e.g., the strip  124  of  FIGS. 5B, 5D and 5E ) of the wrap-around opening  120  ( FIG. 7 ) so as to allow the contact pad  156  to form an electrical connection with the conductive layer  118  ( FIG. 7 ) of the bottom wall  110   b  ( FIGS. 5A and 5B ). Because the wrap-around opening  120  is not covered by the conductive layer  118 , such a connection through the signal trace  154  can be achieved without shorting issues. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the traces  160  on both sides of the signal trace  154  can be grounding traces. Each of the grounding traces  160  can couple to the conductive layer  118  of the bottom wall  110   b  at or near the end of the wrap-around opening  120 , through the corresponding contact pad  162 . 
     In some embodiments, grounding features can be implemented so as to form electrical contact with the conductive layer  118  of the end wall (e.g.,  114   a  in  FIGS. 5B and 5C ) at or near the end of the wrap-around opening  120 . Although such grounding features may be raised above the surface of the circuit board  102 , such heights can be kept at a minimum or a reduced value, since the wrap-around opening  120  is along the lower edge of the end wall. 
     Accordingly, the foregoing contact pads for the signal ( 156 ) and the ground ( 162 ) can provide coupling with the underside of the waveguide device  100  at locations generally indicated as  140  and  142  in  FIG. 5D . Thus, one can see that the waveguide device  100  can be functionally mounted on a substrate such as a circuit board in a true surface-mount manner without necessarily having to rely on raised features. 
     In some embodiments, the dimensions of the wrap-around slots can be selected to, for example, determine the degree of coupling to and/or from the waveguide device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, a waveguide device  100  having one or more features as described herein in reference to  FIGS. 4, 5A-5E, 6 and 7  can eliminate or significantly lower costs associated with connectors and/or connection features. Further, use of such a waveguide device can eliminate or significantly reduce a difficult problem of penetrating the dielectric and affixing the connector(s) to the waveguide. 
     In various examples described herein, a dielectric block or the corresponding waveguide device itself is sometimes described in terms of a lower or bottom side, surface, edge, etc. It will be understood that such a usage assumes that the waveguide device is in its mounting or mounted orientation relative to a substrate facing upward. Accordingly, it will be understood that such terms can include relative orientation of the waveguide device with the corresponding substrate. For example, if a waveguide device is mounted on a substrate facing downward, the “lower” or “bottom” terms used herein can be understood to include an upper or top portion of the waveguide device oriented in such a manner. 
     As described herein, a term “adjacent surface” is sometimes used. It will be understood that such an adjacent surface can include a surface that is joined to another surface by an edge. For example, in the context of a rectangular block shape, each of four side walls (two along the length of the block, and two ends) can define an adjacent surface relative to a bottom surface. If the bottom surface is a mounting surface, then each of the four side wall surfaces can be an adjacent surface relative to the mounting surface. 
       FIG. 8  shows a process  200  that can be implemented to fabricate a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein.  FIG. 9  shows examples of various stages corresponding to the process  200  of  FIG. 8 . 
     In  FIG. 8 , at block  202 , a dielectric block can be provided or formed. In  FIG. 9 , such a dielectric block is indicated as  122 . In  FIG. 8 , at block  204 , a mask can be formed at an area that includes strips on both sides of an edge between a side surface and a bottom surface. In  FIG. 9 , such a mask is indicated as  210 . In  FIG. 8 , at block  206 , the dielectric block can be metalized. In  FIG. 9 , such metallization is indicated as  118 . In  FIG. 8 , at block  208 , the mask can be removed to expose the dielectric block at the masked area. In  FIG. 9 , such an exposed area of the dielectric block is indicated as an opening  120 . Although not shown in  FIG. 9 , it will be understood that a similar opening can be formed at the other end of the waveguide device. 
       FIG. 10  shows another process  220  that can be implemented to fabricate a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein.  FIG. 11  shows examples of various stages corresponding to the process  220  of  FIG. 10 . 
     In  FIG. 10 , at block  222 , a dielectric block can be provided or formed. In  FIG. 11 , such a dielectric block is indicated as  122 . In  FIG. 10 , at block  224 , the dielectric block can be metalized substantially completely. In  FIG. 11 , such metallization is indicated as  118 . In  FIG. 10 , at block  226 , metallization can be removed to expose the dielectric block at an area that includes strips on both sides of an edge between a side surface (e.g., an end surface) and a bottom surface. In  FIG. 11 , such an exposed area of the dielectric block is indicated as an opening  120 . Although not shown in  FIG. 11 , it will be understood that a similar opening can be formed at the other end of the waveguide device. 
       FIG. 12  shows a process  230  that can be implemented to fabricate or configure a circuit board for receiving a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein.  FIG. 13  shows examples of various stages corresponding to the process  230  of  FIG. 12 . 
     In  FIG. 12 , at block  232 , a circuit board having an area for receiving a waveguide can be provided or formed. In  FIG. 13 , such a receiving area on a circuit board  102  is indicated as  150 . In  FIG. 12 , at block  234 , a signal trace can be formed on the surface of the circuit board. In  FIG. 13 , such a signal trace is indicated as  154 . In  FIG. 12 , at block  236 , one or more ground traces can be formed on the surface of the circuit board. In  FIG. 13 , such ground traces are indicated as  160 . Although not shown in  FIG. 13 , it will be understood that similar signal and ground traces can be formed at the other end of the receiving area. 
       FIG. 14  shows a process  240  that can be implemented to mount a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein on a circuit board such as the example of  FIGS. 12 and 13 .  FIG. 15  shows examples of various stages corresponding to the process  240  of  FIG. 14 . 
     In  FIG. 14 , at block  242 , a circuit board configured for surface mounting of a waveguide can be formed or provided. In  FIG. 15 , such a circuit board is indicated as  102 . As described herein, and as shown in  FIG. 15 , such a circuit board can include a receiving area  150  for mounting of a waveguide, as well as signal and ground traces  154 ,  160 . In  FIG. 14 , at block  244 , a waveguide can be surface-mounted on the circuit board. In  FIG. 15 , such a waveguide is indicated as  100 . 
     In the various examples associated with  FIGS. 5A-5E and 6-15 , it is assumed that a waveguide device  100  has a wrap-around opening  120  at each of either or both ends of the waveguide device  100 . It will be understood that a waveguide device having one or more features as described herein can include one or more wrap-around openings implemented in different configurations. 
     For example,  FIG. 16  shows that in some embodiments, a waveguide device  100  can include one or more wrap-around openings  120  through a conductive layer  118  and along an edge that joins a side wall surface (e.g.,  112   a ) and a lower surface  110   b  (opposite from an upper surface  110   a ). Such wrap-around openings  120  can allow the waveguide device  100  to be configured to be surface-mounted to a mounting substrate (such as a circuit board) as described herein. For example, each of the two example openings  120  can couple with conductor traces and contact features as described in reference to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , except such conductor traces and contact features can be configured to accommodate the side-facing openings  120 . In the example of  FIG. 16 , an edge that joins the other side wall surface  112   b  and the lower surface  110   b  does not include any wrap-around opening. 
     In the example of  FIG. 16 , the wrap-around openings  120  can be implemented such that each opening is formed near the corresponding end (e.g.,  114   a  or  114   b ) of the waveguide device  100 . A separation distance between such wrap-around openings can be selected to yield one or more desired waveguide properties. 
     In the examples of  FIGS. 5A-5E, 6-15 and 16 , various wrap-around openings having one or more features as described herein are depicted as being implemented relative to one or more ends, or relative to one or more sides of the corresponding waveguide devices. 
       FIG. 17  shows that in some embodiments, a waveguide device  100  can include a plurality of wrap-around openings  120  through a conductive layer  118  and implemented anywhere along the four edges associated with a lower surface  110   b  (opposite from an upper surface  110   a ) of the waveguide device  100 . In the example of  FIG. 17 , one or more wrap-around openings  120  are shown to be implementable on each of such four lower-surface edges. For example, in  FIG. 17 , one wrap-around opening  120  is shown to be implemented along an edge that joins an end wall  114   a  and the lower surface  110   b , and another wrap-around opening is shown to be implemented along an edge that joins the other end wall  114   b  and the lower surface  110   b . Further, two wrap-around openings  120  are shown to be implemented along an edge that joins a side wall surface  112   a  and the lower surface  110   b , and two wrap-around openings are shown to be implemented along an edge that joins the other side wall surface  112   b  and the lower surface  110   b.    
     For example, and as described in reference to  FIGS. 5A-5E and 6-15 , a wrap-around opening  120  can be implemented on each of the two end edges associated with the lower surface  110   b.    
     In another example, and as described in reference to  FIG. 16 , a wrap-around opening  120  can be implemented near each end along a side edge associated with the lower surface  110   b.    
     In yet another example, one wrap-around opening  120  can be implemented on an end edge of the lower surface  110   b , and another wrap-around opening  120  can be implemented near an opposite end of a side edge of the lower surface  110   b.    
     In yet another example, one wrap-around opening  120  can be implemented near an end of one side edge of the lower surface  110   b , and another wrap-around opening  120  can be implemented near an opposite end of the other side edge of the lower surface  110   b.    
     It will be understood that other configurations involving one or more wrap-around openings  120  can also be implemented. It will also be understood that while various examples are described herein in the context of the waveguide  100  having a rectangular block shape, one or more features of the present disclosure can also be implemented in waveguides having other shapes with a surface-mountable lower surface and side walls. For example, an L-shaped waveguide or a curved waveguide having features to accommodate one or more wrap-around openings can be benefit from one or more features as described herein. 
       FIG. 18  shows that in some embodiments, one or more features of the present disclosure can be implemented in a radio-frequency (RF) component  300 . Such a component can include, for example, an RF filter, an RF waveguide, an RF resonator, etc. Such a component can be implemented in a number of products, devices, and/or systems. 
     For example,  FIG. 19  shows that in some embodiments, a packaged device  310  can include an RF component  300  configured to be coupled to respective input and output connections  312 ,  314  to facilitate surface-mounting features as described herein. Such a packaged device can be configured to provide one or more of the foregoing functionalities associated with the RF component  300  of  FIG. 18 . 
       FIG. 20  shows that in some embodiments, an RF component  300  having one or more features as described herein can be implemented in a wireless device  320 . Such a wireless device can include an antenna  328  in communication with the RF component  300  (line  326 ). The wireless device  320  can further include a circuit  322  configured to provide transmit (Tx) and/or receive (Rx) functionalities. The Tx/Rx circuit  322  is shown to be in communication with the RF component  300  (line  324 ). 
       FIG. 21  shows that in some embodiments, an RF component  300  having one or more features as described herein can be implemented in an RF device  330 . Such a device can include an input component  332  that provides an input RF signal to the RF component  300  (line  334 ), and an output component  338  that receives a processed RF signal (e.g., a filtered RF signal) from the RF component  300  (line  336 ). The RF device  330  can be a wireless device such as the example of  FIG. 20 , a wire-based device, or any combination thereof. 
     In some implementations, an RF component having one or more waveguide devices as described herein can be utilized in a number of applications involving systems and devices. Such applications can include but are not limited to cable television (CATV); wireless control system (WCS); microwave distribution system (MDS); industrial, scientific and medical (ISM); cellular systems such as PCS (personal communication service), digital cellular system (DCS) and universal mobile communications system (UMTS); and global positioning system (GPS). Other applications are also possible. 
     In the various examples described herein, terms “microwave” and “radio-frequency (RF)” are sometimes utilized interchangeably. It will be understood that one or more features of the present disclosure can be implemented with the broadest interpretation associated with either or both of such terms related to electromagnetic spectrum. 
     Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of “including, but not limited to.” The word “coupled”, as generally used herein, refers to two or more elements that may be either directly connected, or connected by way of one or more intermediate elements. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the above Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list. 
     The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while processes or blocks are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps, or employ systems having blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may be deleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified. Each of these processes or blocks may be implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes or blocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processes or blocks may instead be performed in parallel, or may be performed at different times. 
     The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements and acts of the various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     While some embodiments of the inventions have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.