A 1.4–2.3-GHz Tunable Diplexer Based on Reconfigurable Matching Networks

Abstract

An idea for implementing reconfigurable matching networks to realize a tunable diplexer is investigated and demonstrated. The reconfigurable matching networks ensure that the rejection band impedance of every filter is transformed to an open circuit over a wide range of frequencies, allowing two tunable filters to be connected together to form a tunable diplexer without affecting each other. The tunable diplexer is built using Schottky diodes and combline resonators on Duroid substrates, and can operate from 1.4 to 2.3 GHz with a closest frequency separation of 110 MHz. Measurements show virtually no difference in the frequency response between a standalone filter and a filter placed in the tunable diplexer. The work shows that a wideband tunable diplexer can therefore be realized using tunable bandpass filters and reconfigurable matching networks.