Low-loss tunable tri-pole band-pass filter using crossed resonator

Abstract

A low-loss tunable tri-pole band-pass filter is presented in this study. To achieve tri-pole response, the tri-mode crossed resonator is adopted in the design. Resonant property is analyzed based on the transmission line theory. Analysis reveals that the first three resonant frequencies and two inherent transmission zeros (TZs) of the proposed resonator can be tuned by the suitable loading capacitances. To decrease the passband insertion loss, the varactor diodes and dc block capacitors are in series connected between the feeds and resonator. Furthermore, to achieve high skirt selectivity, source-load coupling is also introduced to create a TZ near the lower edge of the passband. A demonstration tunable tri-pole filter is designed, fabricated, and measured. The measured results show that the new filter has the wide passband frequency tuning range of 33.3%, low insertion loss of less than 1.6 dB, and high selectivity.