Abstract: A monolithic coupled-dual resonator crystal filter coupled to improve switching arrangements is tested using both resonator ports to quickly measure selected resonator parameters useful in frequency adjustment, production and test systems as well as accurately measuring other filter crystal parameters, all without requiring removal of the crystal structure from the test fixture.

Abstract: In coupled-dual resonator crystals, key parameters, such as resonator frequencies and synchronous peak separation frequency, are determined using a four frequency measuring process and apparatus wherein additional impedance is connected in parallel with the driving point impedance of the input resonator so as to allow the measurement of the critical frequencies above about 45 MHz.

Abstract: A monolithic coupled-dual resonator crystal filter is produced for operation with wide bandwidths (especially at high center frequencies) by providing an ultra-small gap between juxtaposed resonator electrodes. A gap width of substantially less than 0.006 inch is obtained by laser-machine trimming the gap. An initial single electrode may thus be divided into a pair of such juxtaposed resonator electrodes. Further metallic plate-back is provided on the electrodes for center-frequency control. Although this typically may decrease the coupling bandwidth somewhat, an increased thickness of metallic plate-back material on the ground electrode, opposite the ultra-thin gap area on the active side of the crystal wafer, provides precisely controlled extra wide bandwidth.

Abstract: A dual-coupled resonator crystal is fine-tuned by frequency balancing the input and output resonators and thereafter plating a coupling adjust spot on the grounded side shadowing the unelectroded region of the front side of the crystal to produce a change in synchronous peak separation frequency. Thereafter, the front side electrodes are sequentially plated to bring plateback and synchronous peak separation frequency to their target values. Interim adjustments in synchronous peak separation frequency may be made during the tuning process to compensate for misalignment of the plating elements.

Abstract: A dual-coupled resonator crystal is fine-tuned by frequency balancing the input and output resonators and thereafter plating a coupling adjust spot on the grounded side shadowing the unelectroded region of the front side of the crystal to produce a change in synchronous peak separation frequency. Thereafter, the front side electrodes are sequentially plated to bring plateback and synchronous peak separation frequency to their target values. Interim adjustments in synchronous peak separation frequency may be made during the tuning process to compensate for misalignment of the plating elements.

Abstract: A system for plating resonator electrodes or the like by the vapor deposition process employs one or more shutters between the deposition material source and a plating mask. At least one of the shutters has a pair of apertures aligned with different apertures in the plating mark. In one embodiment comprising a two shutter, four position system, the two shutters may be positioned such that either, both or neither of the resonators can be plated. Because each shutter is either ON or OFF, a simple binary analogy for control of the shutters results.

Abstract: Signal level control for an amplifier or the like is provided by a binary counter which counts upward when first operated, and which thereafter counts up and down if continually operated. If the operated counter is stopped after counting up, it counts up when operated again. If the operated counter is stopped after counting down, it counts up when operated again. A digital to analog converter can provide a single control signal from the counter. The user is always assured that the single control signal will increase when the counter is operated again following a prior operation in either direction.