Patent ID: 12237828

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description of certain embodiments presents various descriptions of specific embodiments. However, the innovations described herein can be embodied in a multitude of different ways, for example, as defined and covered by the claims. In this description, reference is made to the drawings where like reference numerals can indicate identical or functionally similar elements. It will be understood that elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Moreover, it will be understood that certain embodiments can include more elements than illustrated in a drawing and/or a subset of the elements illustrated in a drawing. Further, some embodiments can incorporate any suitable combination of features from two or more drawings.

FIG.1is a schematic diagram of one example of a mobile device100.

The mobile device100includes a baseband system101, a transceiver102, a front end system103, antennas104, a power management system105, a memory106, a user interface107, and a battery108.

The mobile device100can be used communicate using a wide variety of communications technologies, including, but not limited to, 2G, 3G, 4G (including LTE, LTE-Advanced, and LTE-Advanced Pro), 5G, WLAN (for instance, Wi-Fi), WPAN (for instance, Bluetooth and ZigBee), WMAN (for instance, WiMax), and/or GPS technologies.

The transceiver102generates RF signals for transmission and processes incoming RF signals received from the antennas104. It will be understood that various functionalities associated with the transmission and receiving of RF signals can be achieved by one or more components that are collectively represented inFIG.1as the transceiver102. In one example, separate components (for instance, separate circuits or dies) can be provided for handling certain types of RF signals.

The front end system103aids in conditioning signals transmitted to and/or received from the antennas104. In the illustrated embodiment, the front end system103includes power amplifiers (PAs)111, low noise amplifiers (LNAs)112, filters113, switches114, and duplexers115. However, other implementations are possible.

For example, the front end system103can provide a number of functionalities, including, but not limited to, amplifying signals for transmission, amplifying received signals, filtering signals, switching between different bands, switching between different power modes, switching between transmission and receiving modes, duplexing of signals, multiplexing of signals (for instance, diplexing or triplexing), or some combination thereof.

In certain implementations, the mobile device100supports carrier aggregation, thereby providing flexibility to increase peak data rates. Carrier aggregation can be used for both Frequency Division Duplexing (FDD) and Time Division Duplexing (TDD), and may be used to aggregate a plurality of carriers or channels. Carrier aggregation includes contiguous aggregation, in which contiguous carriers within the same operating frequency band are aggregated. Carrier aggregation can also be non-contiguous, and can include carriers separated in frequency within a common band and/or in different bands.

The antennas104can include antennas used for a wide variety of types of communications. For example, the antennas104can include antennas associated transmitting and/or receiving signals associated with a wide variety of frequencies and communications standards.

In certain implementations, the antennas104support MIMO communications and/or switched diversity communications. For example, MIMO communications use multiple antennas for communicating multiple data streams over a single radio frequency channel. MIMO communications benefit from higher signal to noise ratio, improved coding, and/or reduced signal interference due to spatial multiplexing differences of the radio environment. Switched diversity refers to communications in which a particular antenna is selected for operation at a particular time. For example, a switch can be used to select a particular antenna from a group of antennas based on a variety of factors, such as an observed bit error rate and/or a signal strength indicator.

The mobile device100can operate with beamforming in certain implementations. For example, the front end system103can include phase shifters having variable phase controlled by the transceiver102. Additionally, the phase shifters are controlled to provide beam formation and directivity for transmission and/or reception of signals using the antennas104. For example, in the context of signal transmission, the phases of the transmit signals provided to the antennas104are controlled such that radiated signals from the antennas104combine using constructive and destructive interference to generate an aggregate transmit signal exhibiting beam-like qualities with more signal strength propagating in a given direction. In the context of signal reception, the phases are controlled such that more signal energy is received when the signal is arriving to the antennas104from a particular direction. In certain implementations, the antennas104include one or more arrays of antenna elements to enhance beamforming.

The baseband system101is coupled to the user interface107to facilitate processing of various user input and output (I/O), such as voice and data. The baseband system101provides the transceiver102with digital representations of transmit signals, which the transceiver102processes to generate RF signals for transmission. The baseband system101also processes digital representations of received signals provided by the transceiver102. As shown inFIG.1, the baseband system101is coupled to the memory106of facilitate operation of the mobile device100.

The memory106can be used for a wide variety of purposes, such as storing data and/or instructions to facilitate the operation of the mobile device100and/or to provide storage of user information.

The power management system105provides a number of power management functions of the mobile device100. The power management system105ofFIG.1includes an envelope tracker160. As shown inFIG.1, the power management system105receives a battery voltage form the battery108. The battery108can be any suitable battery for use in the mobile device100, including, for example, a lithium-ion battery.

The mobile device100ofFIG.1illustrates one example of an RF communication system that can include power amplifier(s) implemented in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure. However, the teachings herein are applicable to RF communication systems implemented in a wide variety of ways.

FIG.2Ais a schematic diagram of a carrier aggregation system40. The illustrated carrier aggregation system40includes power amplifiers42A and42B, switches43A and43B, duplexers44A and44B, switches45A and45B, diplexer46, and antenna47. The power amplifiers42A and42B can each transmit an amplified RF signal associated with a different carrier. The switch43A can be a band select switch. The switch43A can couple an output of the power amplifier42A to a selected duplexer of the duplexers44A. Each of the duplexers can include a transmit filter and receive filter. Any of the filters of the duplexers44A and44B can be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages discussed herein. The switch45A can couple the selected duplexer of the duplexers44A to the diplexer46. The diplexer46can combine RF signals provided by the switches45A and45B into a carrier aggregation signal that is transmitted by the antenna47. The diplexer46can isolate different frequency bands of a carrier aggregation signal received by the antenna47. The diplexers46is an example of a frequency domain multiplexer. Other frequency domain multiplexers include a triplexer. Carrier aggregation systems that include triplexers can process carrier aggregation signals associated with three carriers. The switches45A and45B and selected receive filters of the duplexers44A and44B can provide RF signals with the isolated frequency bands to respective receive paths.

FIG.2Bis a schematic diagram of a carrier aggregation system50. The illustrated carrier aggregation system50includes power amplifiers42A and42B, low noise amplifiers52A and52B, switches53A and53B, filters54A and54B, diplexer46, and antenna47. The power amplifiers42A and42B can each transmit an amplified RF signal associated with a different carrier. The switch53A can be a transmit/receive switch. The switch53A can couple the filter54A to an output of the power amplifier42A in a transmit mode and to an input of the low noise amplifier52A in a receive mode. The filter54A and/or the filter54B can be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages discussed herein. The diplexer46can combine RF signals from the power amplifiers42A and42B provided by the switches53A and53B into a carrier aggregation signal that is transmitted by the antenna47. The diplexer46can isolate different frequency bands of a carrier aggregation signal received by the antenna47. The switches53A and53B and the filters54A and54B can provide RF signals with the isolated frequency bands to respective low noise amplifiers52A and52B.

FIG.2Cis a schematic diagram of a carrier aggregation system60that includes multiplexers in signal paths between power amplifiers and an antenna. The illustrated carrier aggregation system60includes a low band path, a medium band path, and a high band path. In certain applications, a low band path can process radio frequency signals having a frequency of less than 1 GHz, a medium band path can process radio frequency signals having a frequency between 1 GHz and 2.2 GHz, and a high band path can process radio frequency signals having a frequency above 2.2 GHz.

A diplexer46can be included between RF signal paths and an antenna47. The diplexer46can frequency multiplex radio frequency signals that are relatively far away in frequency. The diplexer46can be implemented with passive circuit elements having a relatively low loss. The diplexer46can combine (for transmit) and separate (for receive) carriers of carrier aggregation signals.

As illustrated, the low band path includes a power amplifier42A configured to amplify a low band radio frequency signal, a band select switch43A, and a multiplexer64A. The band select switch43A can electrically connect the output of the power amplifier42A to a selected transmit filter of the multiplexer64A. The selected transmit filter can be a band pass filter with pass band corresponding to a frequency of an output signal of the power amplifier42A. The multiplexer64A can include any suitable number of transmit filters and any suitable number of receive filters. One or more of the transmit filters and/or one or more of the receive filters can be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages discussed herein. The multiplexer64A can have the same number of transmit filters as receive filters. In some instances, the multiplexer64A can have a different number of transmit filters than receive filters.

As illustrated inFIG.2C, the medium band path includes a power amplifier42B configured to amplify a medium band radio frequency signal, a band select switch43B, and a multiplexer64B. The band select switch43B can electrically connect the output of the power amplifier42B to a selected transmit filter of the multiplexer64B. The selected transmit filter can be a band pass filter with pass band corresponding to a frequency of an output signal of the power amplifier42B. The multiplexer64B can include any suitable number of transmit filters and any suitable number of receive filters. One or more of the transmit filters and/or one or more of the receive filters can be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages discussed herein. The multiplexer64B can have the same number of transmit filters as receive filters. In some instances, the multiplexer64B can have a different number of transmit filters than receive filters.

In the illustrated carrier aggregation system60, the high band path includes a power amplifier42C configured to amplify a high band radio frequency signal, a band select switch43C, and a multiplexer64C. The band select switch43C can electrically connect the output of the power amplifier42C to a selected transmit filter of the multiplexer64C. The selected transmit filter can be a band pass filter with pass band corresponding to a frequency of an output signal of the power amplifier42C. The multiplexer64C can include any suitable number of transmit filters and any suitable number of receive filters. One or more of the transmit filters and/or one or more of the receive filters can be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages discussed herein. The multiplexer64C can have the same number of transmit filters as receive filters. In some instances, the multiplexer64C can have a different number of transmit filters than receive filters.

A select switch65can selectively provide a radio frequency signal from the medium band path or the high band path to the diplexer46. Accordingly, the carrier aggregation system60can process carrier aggregation signals with either a low band and high band combination or a low band and medium band combination.

FIG.2Dis a schematic diagram of a carrier aggregation system70that includes multiplexers in signal paths between power amplifiers and an antenna. The carrier aggregation system70is like the carrier aggregation system60ofFIG.2C, except that the carrier aggregation system70includes switch-plexing features. Switch-plexing can be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages discussed herein.

Switch-plexing can implement on-demand multiplexing. Some radio frequency systems can operate in a single carrier mode for a majority of time (e.g., about 95% of the time) and in a carrier aggregation mode for a minority of the time (e.g., about 5% of the time). Switch-plexing can reduce loading in a single carrier mode in which the radio frequency system can operate for the majority of the time relative to a multiplexer that includes filters having a fixed connection at a common node. Such a reduction in loading can be more significant when there are a relatively larger number of filters included in multiplexer.

In the illustrated carrier aggregation system70, duplexers64B and64C are selectively coupled to a diplexer46by way of a switch75. The switch75is configured as a multi-close switch that can have two or more throws active concurrently. Having multiple throws of the switch75active concurrently can enable transmission and/or reception of carrier aggregation signals. The switch75can also have a single throw active during a single carrier mode. As illustrated, each duplexer of the duplexers44A coupled to separate throws of the switch75. Similarly, the illustrated duplexers44B include a plurality of duplexers coupled to separate throws of the switch75. Alternatively, instead of duplexers being coupled to each throw the switch75as illustrated inFIG.2D, one or more individual filters of a multiplexer can be coupled to a dedicated throw of a switch coupled between the multiplexer and a common node. For instance, in some applications, such a switch could have twice as many throws as the illustrated switch75.

The filters discussed herein can be implemented in a variety of packaged modules. Some example packaged modules will now be discussed in which any suitable principles and advantages of the filters discussed herein can be implemented.FIGS.3A and3Bare schematic block diagrams of illustrative packaged modules according to certain embodiments.

FIG.3Ais a schematic block diagram of a module80that includes a power amplifier42, a switch83, and filters84in accordance with one or more embodiments. The module80can include a package that encloses the illustrated elements. The power amplifier42, a switch83, and filters84can be disposed on a common packaging substrate. The packaging substrate can be a laminate substrate, for example. The switch83can be a multi-throw radio frequency switch. The switch83can electrically couple an output of the power amplifier42to a selected filter of the filters84. The filters84can include any suitable number of surface acoustic wave filters. One or more filters of the filters84can be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein.

FIG.3Bis a schematic block diagram of a module85that includes power amplifiers42A and42B, switches83A and83B, and filters84A and84B in accordance with one or more embodiments, and an antenna switch88. One or more filters of the filters84A and/or84B can be implemented in accordance with any suitable principles and advantages disclosed herein. The additional RF signal path includes an additional power amplifier42B, and additional switch83B, and additional filters84B. The different RF signal paths can be associated with different frequency bands and/or different modes of operation (e.g., different power modes, different signaling modes, etc.).

Radio-frequency (RF) filters, for example, based on SAW resonators on piezoelectric materials such as LiNbO3 or LiTaO3 have been widely used in mobile communications owing to their excellent characteristics, including small size, low insertion two SAW resonators connected in series and parallel arms, and is designed such that the anti-resonance frequency (fa) of the parallel arm resonator and the resonance frequency (fr) of the series arm resonator nearly coincide, while notches are located at frof the parallel resonator and faof the series resonator.

The bandwidth of a SAW filter is governed by its mechanical-electrical coupling coefficient, K2. The value of K2, as a measure of the electro-acoustic energy conversion efficiency of a resonator, can be estimated using the following Formula 1 derived from equivalent circuit analysis:
K2=(πfr/2fa)/tan(πfr/2fa)  [Formula 1]

Therefore, a large K2indicates a large difference between frand fa, which is of great importance for achieving wideband SAW filters.

However, the value of K2is limited by the choice of substrate material. To obtain a wider passband without using new materials, the peripheral coil inductor is usually cascaded with a SAW resonator to provide additional inductance so that the distance between SAW resonance and anti-resonance frequency increases.

FIG.4is a schematic diagram of a filter module. The filter module includes an input node402, an output node404, a series resonator406, a shunt resonator408, and a coil inductor410disposed between the shunt resonator408and a ground412.

However, the coil inductor402occupies large size and is difficult to integrate. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a filter module with wider passband (K2) that does not require change of materials and does not occupy more space.

FIG.5is a schematic diagram of an exemplary comparative filter module100. As shown inFIG.5, the filter module100includes an input node102, an output node104, and a ground node106.

The filter module100may further include a filter (not shown) disposed along a signal path extending from the input node102to the output node104. The filter may have a structure illustrated inFIG.4. For example, the filter may include a series resonator and a shunt resonator disposed between the series resonator and the ground.

FIG.6is a schematic diagram of a filter module200including a strip line disposed on a single layer. As shown inFIG.6, the filter module200includes an input node202, an output node204, a first ground node206-1, a second ground node206-2, and a strip line208.

The filter module200may further include a filter (not shown) disposed along a signal path extending from the input node202to the output node204. The filter may have a structure as illustrated inFIG.4. For example, the filter may include a series resonator and a shunt resonator disposed between the series resonator and the ground. The ground may be at least one of the first ground node206-1and the second ground node206-2.

The strip line208is configured to generate an inductance between the filter and the ground. The inductance generated by the strip line208is configured to increase the difference between a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency of the filter. More specifically, the inductance increases the difference between a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency of the series resonator and/or the shunt resonator included in the filter. The increased difference between a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency contributes to achieve a wider passband of the filter module200.

The strip line208is disposed to connect the first ground node206-1and the second ground node206-2. The strip line208includes a plurality of pulse-shaped portions210. The pulse shape may be a rectangle pulse shape or a curved pulse shape.

According to the filter module200including a strip line disposed on a single layer, the bandwidth of passband is increased by 1-10% of the desired value (increased by 0.7% compared to the comparative filter module ofFIG.4without a strip line). Therefore, a filter module with an even more widened passband is provided according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS.7A-7Care schematic diagrams of a filter module300including a single strip line disposed on multiple layers. According to an embodiment, a bandwidth of passband of the filter module can be efficiently increased by adding additional inductive strip lines, which are formed on multiple copper layers of the package.

FIG.7Ais a schematic diagram of a lowest layer (first layer) of the strip line308included in the filter module300. As shown inFIG.7A, the filter module300includes an input node302, an output node304, and a strip line308. The strip line308is disposed between a first ground node306-1and a second ground node306-2. InFIG.7A, since it is a first layer of the strip line308, the strip line308is drawn to be connected only to the first ground node306-1, but not to the second ground node306-2. The first ground node306-1and the second ground node306-2have a voltage value same as the ground. It goes without saying that the strip line308is not shorted itself at a point along the strip line308.

The filter module300may further include a filter (not shown) disposed along a signal path extending from the input node202to the output node204. The filter may have a structure as illustrated inFIG.4. For example, the filter may include a series resonator and a shunt resonator disposed between the series resonator and the ground. The ground may be at least one of the first ground node306-1and the second ground node306-2. However, the inner structure of the filter is not limited thereto. For example, the filter is a ladder type filter such to include a plurality of series resonators and a plurality of shunt resonators.

The strip line308is configured to generate an inductance between the filter and the ground. The strip line308may be formed of copper. The inductance generated by the strip line308is configured to increase difference between a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency of the filter. More specifically, the inductance increases the difference between a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency of the series resonator and/or the shunt resonator included in the filter. The increased difference between a resonance frequency and an anti-resonance frequency contributes to achieve a wider passband of the filter module300.

The strip line308includes a plurality of pulse-shaped portions310. The pulse shaped portion of the strip line308may be a rectangular pulse shape or a curved pulse shape. The arrangement of the strip line308can be determined to use the whole available space inside the filter module. More specifically, the strip line308is arranged such that at least a part of the outer boundary of the plurality of pulse-shaped portions310is disposed in the vicinity of a frame of the filter module300. In other words, the area occupied by the strip line308may be selected to be as large as possible.

The term ‘layer’ in this description can be defined by a plurality of pulse-shaped portions310of the strip line308disposed on a single plane. In other words, a single plane includes the pulse shaped portions310of the strip line308can be defined as a layer.

The width of the strip line308may be constant in at least one portion of the strip line308. For example, a width of the strip line308in a same straight line may be constant. For example, the width of the whole strip line308may be constant. The width of the strip line308on each location may be adjusted depending on the desired performance of the filter module300.

The gap distance between a straight line and an adjacent straight line, e.g. adjacent parallel lines, may be constant. Alternatively, the gap distance between the adjacent parallel lines may be different depending on its location inside the filter module300. The gap distance on each location may be adjusted depending on the desired performance of the filter module300.

According to an embodiment, the strip line308is arranged such that at least a part of the outer boundary of the plurality of pulse-shaped portions310is disposed in the vicinity of a frame of the filter module300. For example, as illustrated inFIG.7A, the strip line308starts from the first ground node306-1, and extends towards an −y direction. Once there is no more space to extend due to other elements (such as for example input node302) inside the filter module300or a frame of the filter module300, the strip line308turns towards the +x direction. The strip line308extends towards +x direction until it is far enough to have the predetermined gap distance with adjacent parallel line, and then it turns again towards the +y direction such to draw the adjacent parallel line. In this manner, the strip line308may be arranged to fully use the whole available area inside the filter module300. InFIG.7A, it is illustrated that the strip line308in arranged in x or y direction, but it is not limited thereto.

The strip line308includes at least one connecting portion. The connection portion312connects one layer of the strip line308to another adjacent layer of the strip line308. The connecting portion312of the strip line308is a vertical copper strip. The connecting portion312may be formed of same material to that of the pulse shaped portions310. Alternatively, the connecting portion312may be formed of different material from that of the pulse shaped portions310of the strip line308. In this case, the material can be selected depending on its location and its purpose, for example enhancing durability. InFIG.7, the connecting portion312of the strip line308connects to the second layer of the strip line308.

FIG.7Bis a schematic diagram of a second layer of strip line included in the filter module300. As shown inFIG.7B, the strip line308starts from the connecting portion312. For the purpose of clear distinction, the connecting portion312is now referred to as a first connecting portion. The strip line308, on the second layer, extends from the first connecting portion312to a second connecting portion314.

The arrangement of the strip line308on second layer is identical to that of the first layer. The alignment of the strip line308on the second layer with respect to the strip line on the first layer is also not limited, as long as the strip line308uses substantially the whole available area inside the filter module300. In more detail, the strip line308can be disposed on upper side of the first ground node306-1in order to occupy the space as much as possible.

InFIG.7B, since it is a second layer, the strip line is drawn not to be connected any one of the first ground node306-1and the second ground node306-2. The second connecting portion314connects the strip line308to a third layer.

FIG.7Cis a schematic diagram of a third layer of strip line included in the filter module300. On the third layer, the strip line308starts from the second connecting portion314which is connected from the second layer.

The arrangement of the strip line308on third layer is identical to that of the second layer. The alignment of the strip line308on the third layer with respect to the strip line on the second layer is also not limited, as long as the strip line308uses the whole available area inside the filter module300. In more detail, the strip line308can be disposed on upper side of the first ground node306-1in order to occupy the space as much as possible.

The strip line308is eventually connected to the second ground node306-2. In this description, the number of the multiple layers is 3, but the number of the layers is not limited thereto. Once the chip has a margin, more layers can be added.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the filter module300has a bandwidth of passband increased by 3% without changing the chip size (x and y direction). The multiple layers of the strip line provides unlimited inductance once the chip has margin in height direction (perpendicular to both x and y directions).

FIG.8Ais a measured bandwidths of filter module100without strip line, a filter module200with a strip line on a single layer, and a filter module300with a single strip line on multiple layers.

As shown inFIG.8A, the filter module200with a strip line on a single layer has a wider bandwidth of passband (95.32 MHz) than that of filter module100without strip line (96.02 MHz). The filter module300with a single strip line on a multiple layers has a wider bandwidth of passband (98.22 MHz) than that of filter module200with a strip line on a single layer has a wider bandwidth of passband (95.32 MHz).

FIG.8Bis an enlarged graph of dash-lined area ofFIG.8A. FromFIG.8B, the advantage of the filter module300with a single strip on multiple layers is more outstanding.

FIG.9is a schematic diagram represented in 3D view of the filter module with a single strip line on multiple layers.

According to an embodiment, even the height (h, z direction) of the chip does not need to be extended. Therefore, the size of the chip can be maintained while the bandwidth of pass band of the filter module is enhanced.

FIG.10Ais a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a packaged module800.FIG.10Bis a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the packaged module800ofFIG.10Ataken along the lines10B-10B.

The packaged module800includes an IC or die801, surface mount components803, wirebonds808, a package substrate820, and encapsulation structure840. The package substrate820includes pads806formed from conductors disposed therein. Additionally, the die801includes pads804, and the wirebonds808have been used to electrically connect the pads804of the die801to the pads806of the package substrate801.

The die801includes a filter module, which can be implemented in accordance with any of the embodiments herein.

The packaging substrate820can be configured to receive a plurality of components such as the die801and the surface mount components803, which can include, for example, surface mount capacitors and/or inductors.

As shown inFIG.10B, the packaged module800is shown to include a plurality of contact pads832disposed on the side of the packaged module800opposite the side used to mount the die801. Configuring the packaged module800in this manner can aid in connecting the packaged module800to a circuit board such as a phone board of a wireless device. The example contact pads832can be configured to provide RF signals, bias signals, power low voltage(s) and/or power high voltage(s) to the die801and/or the surface mount components803. As shown inFIG.10B, the electrically connections between the contact pads832and the die801can be facilitated by connections833through the package substrate820. The connections833can represent electrical paths formed through the package substrate820, such as connections associated with vias and conductors of a multilayer laminated package substrate.

In some embodiments, the packaged module800can also include one or more packaging structures to, for example, provide protection and/or facilitate handling of the packaged module800. Such a packaging structure can include overmold or encapsulation structure840formed over the packaging substrate820and the components and die(s) disposed thereon.

It will be understood that although the packaged module800is described in the context of electrical connections based on wirebonds, one or more features of the present disclosure can also be implemented in other packaging configurations, including, for example, flip-chip configurations.

FIG.11is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a phone board900.

The phone board900includes the module800shown inFIGS.10A-10Battached thereto. Although not illustrated inFIG.11for clarity, the phone board800can include additional components and structures.

Applications

Some of the embodiments described above have provided examples in connection with wireless devices or mobile phones. However, the principles and advantages of the embodiments can be used for any other systems or apparatus that have needs for filter modules.

Such filter modules can be implemented in various electronic devices. Examples of the electronic devices can include, but are not limited to, consumer electronic products, parts of the consumer electronic products, electronic test equipment, etc. Examples of the electronic devices can also include, but are not limited to, memory chips, memory modules, circuits of optical networks or other communication networks, and disk driver circuits. The consumer electronic products can include, but are not limited to, a mobile phone, a telephone, a television, a computer monitor, a computer, a hand-held computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a microwave, a refrigerator, an automobile, a stereo system, a cassette recorder or player, a DVD player, a CD player, a VCR, an MP3 player, a radio, a camcorder, a camera, a digital camera, a portable memory chip, a washer, a dryer, a washer/dryer, a copier, a facsimile machine, a scanner, a multi-functional peripheral device, a wrist watch, a clock, etc. Further, the electronic devices can include unfinished products.

CONCLUSION

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. Likewise, the word “connected”, 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 Detailed 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.

Moreover, conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,” “might,” “can,” “e.g.,” “for example,” “such as” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally intended to convey that certain embodiments include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features, elements and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, elements and/or states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding, with or without author input or prompting, whether these features, elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any particular embodiment.

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 certain 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.