A New Family of Reconfigurable Waveguide Filters and Diplexers for High-Power Applications

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss how the use of the recently developed modified tuning pin (MTP) can be extended to the design of filters and diplexers implemented in rectangular waveguide, that can be reconfigured in a number of discrete states, and that can be used in high-power payloads. As an application example, the design of two reconfigurable filters and a reconfigurable diplexer is fully described. The high-power behavior of these components (in particular, with respect to corona and multipaction effects) is also studied in detail, in order to demonstrate that the structures that we discuss can operate correctly under high-power conditions. Furthermore, comparisons between simulations and measurements of several prototypes are also included, showing an excellent agreement between simulated and experimental data, thereby fully validating both the design approach and the filter reconfiguration strategy.