MECHANICALLY TUNABLE PRINTED RESONATOR
A mechanically tunable printed resonator is provided. The mechanically tunable printed resonator includes a tuning element support maintaining a tuning element a distance above the printed resonator.
1 . A tunable oscillator comprising:
a printed resonator; and
a tuning element support maintaining a tuning element a distance above the printed resonator.
2 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tuning element comprises a ceramic rod.
3 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tuning element comprises an engagement portion having a threaded metal holder.
4 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 3 wherein the threaded metal holder comprises about sixty-four threads per inch.
5 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a cover having an opening configured to receive therein the tuning element.
6 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tuning element comprises an engagement portion having a notch on a top surface.
7 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 further comprising a cover configured to maintain the tuning element substantially perpendicular to the printed resonator.
8 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the printed resonator comprises a plurality of transmission lines.
9 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tuning element is mechanically adjustable.
10 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 9 wherein the mechanical adjustment comprises one of screwing and turning the tuning element.
11 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tuning element comprises an alumina rod.
12 . A tunable oscillator in accordance with claim 1 wherein the tuning element support comprises a cover and further comprising an engagement portion that secures the tuning element in the cover.
13 . A tuning element for an oscillator comprising:
an engagement portion configured to engage a cover for the oscillator; and
a ceramic rod attached to the engagement portion, the engagement portion configured to maintain the ceramic rod a distance above a printed resonator of the oscillator.
14 . A tuning element in accordance with claim 13 wherein the ceramic rod is bonded to the engagement portion.
15 . A tuning element in accordance with claim 13 wherein the ceramic rod is press fit into the engagement portion.
16 . A tuning element in accordance with claim 13 wherein the ceramic rod comprises alumina.
17 . A tuning element in accordance with claim 13 wherein the ceramic rod comprises a predetermined dielectric value and diameter.
18 . A tuning element in accordance with claim 13 wherein the engagement portion comprises a threaded metal holder having threads configured to secure the engagement portion within a passage of the cover, the passage above the printed resonator.
19 . A tuning element in accordance with claim 13 wherein the engagement portion includes one of a slot, notch and socket configured to engage one of a screwdriver, a manual tooling device and an automated tooling device.
20 . A method of mechanically tuning a printed resonator:
maintaining a ceramic rod above the printed resonator; and
adjusting a distance between the ceramic rod and the printed resonator, the adjustment performed mechanically.