Patents by Inventor Balam A. Willemsen

Balam A. Willemsen has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20140197905
    Abstract: An RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and an output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and the output, and a plurality of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The non-resonant elements comprise at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in a selected one of the sub-band(s). The RF filter further comprises an electrical controller configured for receiving an operating temperature, and adjusting the variable non-resonant element(s) based on the received operating temperature, thereby selectively moving the reflection zero(es) along the stop band to move the pass band within the selected sub-band.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: RESONANT LLC
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 8716187
    Abstract: The films of this invention are high temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films specifically optimized for microwave and RF applications. In particular, this invention focuses on compositions with a significant deviation from the 1:2:3 stoichiometry in order to create the films optimized for microwave/RF applications. The RF/microwave HTS applications require the HTS thin films to have superior microwave properties, specifically low surface resistance, Rs, and highly linear surface reactance, Xs, i.e. high JIMD. As such, the invention is characterized in terms of its physical composition, surface morphology, superconducting properties, and performance characteristics of microwave circuits made from these films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Moeckly, Viktor Gliantsev, Shing-jen (Luke) Peng, Balam Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20120038437
    Abstract: A tunable RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and output, and a set of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The set of non-resonant elements comprises a first plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in parallel with the resonant elements, and a second plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in series with the resonant elements. The first plurality of non-resonant elements comprises at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the one sub-band(s) without varying any of the second plurality of non-resonant elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 8063714
    Abstract: A tunable RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and output, and a set of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The set of non-resonant elements comprises a first plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in parallel with the resonant elements, and a second plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in series with the resonant elements. The first plurality of non-resonant elements comprises at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the one sub-band(s) without varying any of the second plurality of non-resonant elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20110230356
    Abstract: The films of this invention are high temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films specifically optimized for microwave and RF applications. In particular, this invention focuses on compositions with a significant deviation from the 1:2:3 stoichiometry in order to create the films optimized for microwave/RF applications. The RF/microwave HTS applications require the HTS thin films to have superior microwave properties, specifically low surface resistance, Rs, and highly linear surface reactance, Xs, i.e. high JIMD. As such, the invention is characterized in terms of its physical composition, surface morphology, superconducting properties, and performance characteristics of microwave circuits made from these films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Brian Moeckly, Viktor Gliantsev, Shing-jen (Luke) Peng, Balam Willemsen
  • Patent number: 7924114
    Abstract: A method of constructing a band-stop filter comprises designing a band-stop filter including a signal transmission path, resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path, and non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stopband having transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements. The method further comprises changing the order in which the resonant elements are disposed along the signal transmission path to create different filter solutions, computing a performance parameter for each filter solution, comparing the performance parameters to each other, selecting one of the filter solutions based on this comparison, and constructing the band-stop filter using the selected filter solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20110068879
    Abstract: A tunable RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and output, and a set of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The set of non-resonant elements comprises a first plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in parallel with the resonant elements, and a second plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in series with the resonant elements. The first plurality of non-resonant elements comprises at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the one sub-band(s) without varying any of the second plurality of non-resonant elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 7894867
    Abstract: A narrowband filter comprises an input terminal, an output terminal, and an array of basic resonator structures coupled between the terminals to form a single resonator having a resonant frequency. The resonator array may be arranged in a plurality of columns of basic resonator structures, with each column of basic resonator structures having at least two basic resonator structures. The basic resonator structures in each column may be coupled between the terminals in parallel or in cascade. Two or more resonator arrays may be coupled to generate multi-resonator filter functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Matthaei, Balam A. Willemsen, Eric M. Prophet, Genichi Tsuzuki
  • Patent number: 7867950
    Abstract: The films of this invention are high temperature superconducting (HTS) thin films specifically optimized for microwave and RF applications. In particular, this invention focuses on compositions with a significant deviation from the 1:2:3 stoichiometry in order to create the films optimized for microwave/RF applications. The RF/microwave HTS applications require the HTS thin films to have superior microwave properties, specifically low surface resistance, Rs, and highly linear surface reactance, Xs, i.e. high JIMD. As such, the invention is characterized in terms of its physical composition, surface morphology, superconducting properties, and performance characteristics of microwave circuits made from these films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Moeckly, Viktor Gliantsev, Shing-jen (Luke) Peng, Balam Willemsen
  • Patent number: 7863999
    Abstract: A tunable RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and output, and a set of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The set of non-resonant elements comprises a first plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in parallel with the resonant elements, and a second plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in series with the resonant elements. The first plurality of non-resonant elements comprises at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the one sub-band(s) without varying any of the second plurality of non-resonant elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 7825743
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for filter design, analysis and adjustment are provided. Various embodiments may include, for example, methods, systems and apparatus for electric signal filter tuning. Embodiments may also include design techniques for planar electric signal (e.g., RF signals) filter tuning. In at least an embodiment of the present invention a technique for filter tuning is provided which may include parameter extraction, optimization and tuning recipes techniques that may require only a single permanent filter tuning. In at least another embodiment a system and method of filter design, analysis and adjustment according to the present invention includes use of tuning that may be set using a mechanical scribing tool or a laser trimming device. In at least one other embodiment, a filter tuning technique may be provided and include providing trimming tabs on a resonator edge that may be disconnected or trimmed for filter tuning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Matthew P. Hernandez, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 7719382
    Abstract: A tunable radio frequency (RF) filter is provided. The RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and an output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and the output, and a plurality of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together. The resonant elements are coupled together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The non-resonant elements comprise at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the sub-bands(s). The variable non-resonant element(s) may be configured for displacing the reflection zero(es) along the stop band to selectively move the pass band within the one sub-band or within selected ones of the sub-bands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20100073107
    Abstract: A filter comprises a substrate, and one or more resonator structures formed on a planar side of the substrate. Each of the one or more resonator structures has a resonant frequency and comprises a folded transmission line that is patterned to form a plurality of adjacent line segments and a plurality of gaps disposed between the adjacent line segments. The ratio of a sum of an average width of the adjacent lines and an average width of the gaps to a thickness of the substrate is equal to or less than 0.50. The filter further comprises an input terminal coupled to one end of the one or more resonator structures, and an output terminal connected to another end of the one or more resonator structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Eric M. Prophet, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20100060380
    Abstract: A tunable RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and output, and a set of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The set of non-resonant elements comprises a first plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in parallel with the resonant elements, and a second plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in series with the resonant elements. The first plurality of non-resonant elements comprises at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the one sub-band(s) without varying any of the second plurality of non-resonant elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 7639101
    Abstract: A tunable RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and output, and a set of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The set of non-resonant elements comprises a first plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in parallel with the resonant elements, and a second plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in series with the resonant elements. The first plurality of non-resonant elements comprises at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the one sub-band(s) without varying any of the second plurality of non-resonant elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20090121802
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for filter design, analysis and adjustment are provided. Various embodiments may include, for example, methods, systems and apparatus for electric signal filter tuning. Embodiments may also include design techniques for planar electric signal (e.g., RF signals) filter tuning. In at least an embodiment of the present invention a technique for filter tuning is provided which may include parameter extraction, optimization and tuning recipes techniques that may require only a single permanent filter tuning. In at least another embodiment a system and method of filter design, analysis and adjustment according to the present invention includes use of tuning that may be set using a mechanical scribing tool or a laser trimming device. In at least one other embodiment, a filter tuning technique may be provided and include providing trimming tabs on a resonator edge that may be disconnected or trimmed for filter tuning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Matthew P. Hernandez, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Patent number: 7482890
    Abstract: Methods, systems and apparatus for filter design, analysis and adjustment are provided. Various embodiments may include, for example, methods, systems and apparatus for electric signal filter tuning. Embodiments may also include design techniques for planar electric signal (e.g., RF signals) filter tuning. In at least an embodiment of the present invention a technique for filter tuning is provided which may include parameter extraction, optimization and tuning recipes techniques that may require only a single permanent filter tuning. In at least another embodiment a system and method of filter design, analysis and adjustment according to the present invention includes use of tuning that may be set using a mechanical scribing tool or a laser trimming device. In at least one other embodiment, a filter tuning technique may be provided and include providing trimming tabs on a resonator edge that may be disconnected or trimmed for filter tuning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Matthew P. Hernandez, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20090002102
    Abstract: A method of constructing a band-stop filter comprises designing a band-stop filter including a signal transmission path, resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path, and non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stopband having transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements. The method further comprises changing the order in which the resonant elements are disposed along the signal transmission path to create different filter solutions, computing a performance parameter for each filter solution, comparing the performance parameters to each other, selecting one of the filter solutions based on this comparison, and constructing the band-stop filter using the selected filter solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20080309430
    Abstract: A tunable RF filter comprises a signal transmission path having an input and output, a plurality of resonant elements disposed along the signal transmission path between the input and output, and a set of non-resonant elements coupling the resonant elements together to form a stop band having a plurality of transmission zeroes corresponding to respective frequencies of the resonant elements, and at least one sub-band between the transmission zeroes. The set of non-resonant elements comprises a first plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in parallel with the resonant elements, and a second plurality of non-resonant elements respectively coupled in series with the resonant elements. The first plurality of non-resonant elements comprises at least one variable non-resonant element for selectively introducing at least one reflection zero within the stop band to create a pass band in one of the one sub-band(s) without varying any of the second plurality of non-resonant elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Genichi Tsuzuki, Balam A. Willemsen
  • Publication number: 20080278262
    Abstract: A narrowband filter comprises an input terminal, an output terminal, and an array of basic resonator structures coupled between the terminals to form a single resonator having a resonant frequency. The resonator array may be arranged in a plurality of columns of basic resonator structures, with each column of basic resonator structures having at least two basic resonator structures. The basic resonator structures in each column may be coupled between the terminals in parallel or in cascade. Two or more resonator arrays may be coupled to generate multi-resonator filter functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: George L. Matthaei, Balam A. Willemsen, Eric M. Prophet, Genichi Tsuzuki