Date of Award

4-2016

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Jeffrey F. Rhoads

Committee Chair

Jeffrey F. Rhoads

Committee Member 1

Charles M. Krousgrill

Committee Member 2

George T.-C. Chiu

Abstract

Exploiting knowledge gained from previous investigations of channelized and trans-versal filters, signal interference filters use transmission line differences to generate transmission zeros through phase-shifted combinations of signals at the output of a device. The transmission lines used in these circuits are straightforward to design, but are limited to high-frequency signals (on the order of a few gigahertz) due to the necessity for spatial compactness and low loss. More recent studies have used electromechanical resonators to achieve phase shifting and quality factor improvements at slightly-lower frequencies. These concepts may prove useful if extended to micro- and nanoscale resonators.

To explore signal interference topologies outside of purely-electrical, high-frequency filtering domains, a generic system model is proposed herein, which is based upon high quality factor resonant elements and continuously-tunable amplitude and phase components. The mathematical models developed in this work are generalized to apply the concept of signal interference to a variety of linear resonant systems. With this approach, frequency response behaviors can be quickly modified from amplification to cancellation through appropriate tuning of the phase and gain components.

The analytical models are simulated and implemented in electromechanical circuitry as a first step towards system integration. The prototypical circuits qualitatively match the desired frequency response and tuning behaviors, proving the use of the mathematical models in the design of linear resonant signal interference systems.

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