The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for controlling a
Q-factor for a filter. The method comprises stabilizing an active
feedback to provide a variable feedback in a filter, varying the active
feedback based on an input signal to the filter, and producing a desired
Q-factor for the filter at a first frequency band, in response to the
variable feedback. The method further comprises reconfiguring a center
frequency and a bandwidth of the filter based on a channel bandwidth of
the input signal to the filter to adjust the Q-factor for the filter in
response to a second frequency band different than the first frequency
band. By reconfiguring a center frequency and a bandwidth of a filter,
the Q-factor for the filter, such as a flexible or reconfigurable filter,
may be controlled across a multiplicity of frequency band signals. Using
software, for example, a common signal path may be provided for the
multiplicity of frequency band signals within a frequency agile radio of
a base station by tuning the radio based on a variable feedback through
realization of a negative parallel resistance. Thus, tuneability of the
Q-factor may provide frequency agile radios that include flexible or
reconfigurable filters in a base station to serve different frequency
bands without changing hardware. In this way, significant savings
associated with frequency agility may be obtained.