New approach to a fast and accurate design of microwave circuits with complex topologies

Abstract

A robust simulation-driven design methodology of microwave circuits with complex topologies has been presented. The general method elaborated is suitable for a wide class of N-port unconventional microwave circuits constructed as a deviation from classic design solutions. The key idea of the approach proposed lies in an iterative redesign of a conventional circuit by a sequential modification and optimisation of its atomic building blocks. The speed and accuracy of the method presented has been acquired by solving a number of simple optimisation problems through surrogate-based optimisation (SBO) techniques, which offer a satisfactory approximation of the optimal design solution. Two exemplary designs have been supplied to verify the method introduced. An abbreviated wideband quarter-wave impedance matching transformer and a miniaturised hybrid branch–line coupler have been developed. Diminished dimensions of the circuits under construction have been achieved by means of compact microstrip resonant cells. As an SBO engine, an implicit space mapping technique has been utilised. The final results have been acquired in only a fraction of time that is necessary for a direct electromagnetic (EM) optimisation to generate competitive results. An experimental validation of the method proving its high utility has been provided.