Functionality for secure client authentication and service authorization in a shared communication network are disclosed. A managing network device of a communication network causes a securely connected client network device to perform an account authorization process with an accounting network device in parallel with a service matching process with the managing network device and one or more service providers of the communication network. The managing network device executes the service matching process and securely matches the client network device with one of the service providers. The accounting network device executes the account authorizing process with the client network device and provides a service voucher to the managing network device authorizing one or more of the service providers to service the client network device. The managing network device transmits the service voucher to the matched service provider to prompt the matched service provider to service the client network device.

Secure client authentication and service authorization in a shared communication network

Several MEMS-based methods and architectures which utilize vibrating micromechanical resonators in circuits to implement filtering, mixing, frequency reference and amplifying functions are provided. A method and apparatus are shown for generating a signal having at least one desired output frequency such as LO frequency in an RF subsystem in response to a tuning voltage and without the need for a phase-locking circuit. One of the primary benefits of the use of such architectures is a savings in power consumption by trading power for high selectivity (i.e., high Q). Consequently, the present invention relies on the use of a large number of micromechanical links in SSI networks to implement signal processing functions with basically zero DC power consumption.

Method and apparatus for generating a signal having at least one desired output frequency utilizing a bank of vibrating micromechanical devices

A flexural-mode, micromechanical resonator utilizing a non-intrusive support structure to achieve measured Q's as high as 8,400 at VHF frequencies from 30-90 MHz is manufactured using polysilicon surface micromachining technology. Also, a method for extending the operating frequency of the resonator as well as other types of micromechanical resonators is disclosed. One embodiment of the method is called a differential-signaling technique. The other embodiment of the method is called a dimple-down technique. The support structure includes one or more torsional-mode support springs (16) in the form of beams that effectively isolate a resonator beam from its anchors (18) via quarter-wavelength impedance transformations, minimizing anchor dissipation and allowing the resonator to achieve high Q with high stiffness in the VHF frequency range. The resonator also includes one or more spacers (26) in the form of dimples formed on the flexural resonator beam (12) or the substrate. In operation, the dimples (26) determine a capacitive-transducer gap of the resonator. When a large DC-bias voltage is applied between a drive electrode (20) and the resonator beam (12), the dimples (26) provide a predetermined minimum distance between the flexural resonator beam (12) and the drive electrode (20).

Device including a micromechanical resonator having an operating frequency and method of extending same

Several MEMS-based architectures which utilize vibrating micromechanical resonators in circuits to implement filtering, mixing, frequency reference and amplifying functions are provided A method and apparatus are provided for upconverting and filtering an information signal utilizing a vibrating micromechanical device based on an AC signal having a desired frequency One of the primary benefits of the use of such architectures is a savings in power consumption by trading power for high selectivity (ie, high Q) Consequently, the present invention relies on the use of a large number of micromechanical links in SSI networks to implement signal processing functions with basically zero DC power consumption

Method and apparatus for upconverting and filtering an information signal utilizing a vibrating micromechanical device

Several MEMS-based methods and architectures which utilize vibrating micromechanical resonators in circuits to implement filtering, mixing, frequency reference and amplifying functions are provided. For example, a method and apparatus for selecting at least one desired channel in an RF receiver subsystem is shown. One of the primary benefits of the use of such architectures is a savings in power consumption by trading power for high selectivity (i.e., high Q). Consequently, the present invention relies on the use of a large number of micromechanical links in SSI to VLSI networks to implement signal processing functions with basically zero DC power consumption.

Method and apparatus for selecting at least one desired channel utilizing a bank of vibrating micromechanical apparatus

A dielectric notch filter for attenuating frequencies of relatively narrow bandwidth in comparison to the center frequency of operation, and particularly for attenuating such narrow bandwidths in the ultra-high frequency electromagnetic spectrum. The dielectric notch filter comprises a plurality of dielectric notch resonators coupled to a transmission line at slightly less than the quarter wavelength of the center frequency of the attenuation frequency bandwidth so as to minimize interaction between the individual dielectric notch resonators. Each dielectric notch resonator comprises a dielectric resonator, an associated housing and a coupling reactance element which in turn comprises an inductive wire and a variable capacitor so as to null the reactive component of the dielectric resonator, thereby resulting in a highly attenuated resonant frequency having little imaginary component about said center frequency. By use of a plurality of such dielectric notch resonators, a bandwidth of frequencies can be attenuated through coupling of each resonator to the transmission line.

Dielectric notch filter

A multi-cavity dielectric filter 30 having a single housing 32 for a plurality of resonant cavities 65. The dielectric filter 30 has a plurality of dielectric resonators 42 placed inside housing 32, instead of in individual housings, wherein the resonators 42 are spaced a quarter wave apart and are electrically isolated from one another by conductive isolation plates 44 positioned therebetween. The isolation plates 44 do not make continuous mechanical contact with the interior conducting surface of housing 32, but rather are spaced from the inner surface 77 of housing 32, thereby making assembly of the filter much simpler than if a solid RF connection had to be made. The resonators 42 are positioned inside the housing 32 between the isolation plates 44 and are supported by low loss, low dielectric constant spacers 46. End walls 59 complete the cavity formation at the termination ends 79 of housing 32. For a band reject filter, the cavities are joined by coupling loops connected to a transmission line while for a bandpass filter, apertures are placed in the isolation plates (44') so as to couple electromagnetic energy between adjacent cavities (65).

Multi-cavity dielectric filter

A dielectric notch resonator particularly suitable for use in a band reject filter operable at ultra-high frequencies comprises a dielectric resonator and an associated housing which results in a reactance having an imaginary component effectively nulled by a coupling reactance mechanism forming part of the dielectric notch resonator so as to present a relatively low resistive impedance load at a given center frequency and frequencies in a narrow bandwidth thereabout. The coupling reactive mechanism comprises an inductive wire and a serially connected variable capacitor so as to null the reactive component of the dielectric resonator at a particular center frequency and to modify the symmetry of the rejected frequency bandwidth by adjusting the capacitance of the variable capacitor.

Dielectric notch resonator

Improved multi-cavity dielectric filter

of EP0445587Modular resonant cavities particularly for use in applications associated with high frequency electromagnetic energy each comprise a shell defining an aperture formed therethrough, and either end plates and/or divider closure plates, each having stepped-down regions for interfitting at perimeter ends of adjacent shells so as to form a resonant cavity. The modular resonant cavities include support rods passing through the corner regions of each closure plate. Fastening means at each end of the rods mechanically secure the modular resonant cavities together. The modular resonant cavities are particularly suited for forming dielectric notch resonators and in particular, such dielectric notch resonators having a centrally positioned resonators within the aperture defined by each shell and a coupling reactance mechanism formed by an inductive coupling wire and a capacitive element connected in series thereto so as to form a dielectric notch resonator with a relatively narrow bandwidth and with a small imaginary component about its operating center frequency. Dielectric notch filters using a plurality of such dielectric notch resonators further comprise a coupling transmission line which connects to each dielectric notch resonator resulting in an overall filter having a shorter overall length than comparable filters formed by prior art dielectric notch resonators. The resulting dielectric notch filter has a lower electrical loss than previous dielectric notch filters using longer coupling transmission lines.

Salvatore Bentivenga

Papers

Dielectric notch filter

Multi-cavity dielectric filter

Dielectric notch resonator

Improved multi-cavity dielectric filter

Modular dielectric notch filter