Stamped metal interdigital bandpass rf filter
A bandpass filter can be configured, which includes a filter structure that includes a filter chamber and a group of tuned elements including first tuned elements and last tuned elements, wherein the first tuned elements and the last tuned elements include a pin that joins a connection medium to connect to a radio frequency (RF) signal path. An outer perimeter can connect to a ground plane present on the connection medium. The ground plane can form a bottom of the filter chamber. The group of tuned elements can be folded into a shape that occupies a space midway between a top lid and the ground plane. Alternatively, the group of tuned elements can be located above the ground plane on a single side of the filter structure.
1 . A bandpass filter, comprising:
a filter structure including a filter chamber and a plurality of tuned elements including first tuned elements and last tuned elements, wherein the first tuned elements and the last tuned elements comprise a pin that joins a connection medium to connect to a radio frequency (RF) signal path; and
an outer perimeter that connects to a ground plane present on the connection medium, wherein the ground plane forms a bottom of the filter chamber, and wherein the plurality of tuned elements is located above the ground plane on a single side of the filter structure.
2 . The bandpass filter of claim 1 wherein the ground plane comprises a bottom ground plane.
3 . The bandpass filter of claim 1 wherein the connection medium comprises a printed circuit board (PCB).
4 . The bandpass filter of claim 1 wherein the filter structure is configured to mitigate RF signal interferences.
5 . The bandpass filter of claim 1 wherein the filter structure is configured to mitigate interference between signals in a range of approximately 902-928 MHz and signals in a range of approximately 824-894 MHz.
6 . The bandpass filter of claim 1 wherein the filter structure is mostly enclosed and less susceptible to incoming noise while avoiding signals radiating outward causing interference with other signals.
7 . The bandpass filter of claim 1 wherein the plurality of tuned elements is folded into a shape using progressive-die stamping.
8 . The bandpass filter of claim 1 wherein the top lid encloses the filter chamber and the plurality of tuned elements.
9 . The bandpass filter of claim 1 wherein the filter structure is configured to be implemented in a meter gatekeeper.
10 . A method of forming a bandpass filter, comprising:
providing a filter structure including a filter chamber and a plurality of tuned elements including first tuned elements and last tuned elements, wherein the first tuned elements and the last tuned elements comprise a pin that joins a connection medium to connect to a radio frequency (RF) signal path;
connecting an outer perimeter to a ground plane present on the connection medium, wherein the ground plane forms a bottom of the filter chamber;
folding the plurality of tuned elements into a shape using progressive-die stamping; and
locating the plurality of tuned elements above the ground plane on a single side of the filter structure.
11 . The method of claim 10 wherein the plurality of tuned elements is folded into the shape, wherein the shape occupies a space midway between the top lid and the ground plane.
12 . The method of claim 10 wherein the connection medium comprises a printed circuit board (PCB).
13 . The method of claim 10 wherein the filter structure mitigates RF signal interferences.
14 . The method of claim 10 further comprising configuring the filter structure to be mostly enclosed and less susceptible to incoming noise while avoiding signals radiating outward causing interference with other signals.
15 . The method of claim 10 further comprising implementing the filter structure in a meter gatekeeper.
16 . A method of operating a bandpass filter, comprising:
receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal at a filter structure comprising a filter chamber and a plurality of tuned elements including first tuned elements and last tuned elements;
coupling the RF signal to the first tuned elements and the last tuned elements through respective pins joined to a connection medium;
filtering the RF signal by resonating the plurality of tuned elements above a ground plane of the connection medium, the ground plane forming a bottom of the filter chamber, wherein the plurality of tuned elements is located above the ground plane on a single side of the filter structure;
passing frequency components of the RF signal within a designated passband through the filter structure; and
attenuating frequency components of the RF signal outside of the designated passband, wherein the filter structure is implemented in a meter gatekeeper.
17 . The method of claim 16 further configuring the filter structure to be mostly enclosed and less susceptible to incoming noise while avoiding signals radiating outward causing interference with other signals, wherein the filter structure mitigates RF signal interferences.
18 . The method of claim 16 wherein the meter gatekeeper comprises an intelligent interface between a head-end and a local area, including at least one of: electric endpoints, water endpoints, gas endpoints, or smart grid-sensing and control devices.