Common-mode Suppression Research Articles

Balanced tri- and quad-band BPFs based on SIR with improved passbands selectivity

Abstract In this paper, balanced tri- and quad-band bandpass filters (BPFs) with high selectivity and controllable center frequencies and bandwidths are proposed. In the tri-band BPF design, two differential-mode (DM) passbands are formed by utilizing a stub-loaded resonator (SLR) and a uniform impedance resonator (UIR). The coupling structure of the proposed BPF realizes the third DM passband. Moreover, the center frequencies and bandwidths of the three DM passbands can be controlled by the lengths of resonators and the gaps between the resonators. In order to improve the DM selectivity further, the source-load-coupled structure is introduced. In addition, common-mode (CM) suppression is achieved by using L-shaped balanced microstrip line to slotline transition structures, achieving the independence between CM responses and DM ones. Therefore, the design procedure can be simplified greatly. In order to validate the practicability, one balanced tri-band BPF operating at 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 GHz is designed and fabricated. Moreover, by adding a short stub to the UIR located in the symmetrical plane, one flexible resonance frequency is generated, which is used to design the balanced quad-band BPF. By manufacturing and measurement, the measurement and simulation are in good agreement.

Dual-tuned floating solenoid balun for multi-nuclear MRI and MRS

Common-mode currents can degrade the RF coil performance and introduce potential safety hazards in MRI. Baluns are the standard method to suppress these undesired common-mode currents. Specifically, floating baluns are preferred in many applications because they are removable, allow post-installation adjustment and avoid direct soldering on the cable. However, floating baluns are typically bulky to achieve excellent common-mode suppression, taking up valuable space in the MRI bore. This is particularly severe for multi-nuclear MRI/MRS applications, as two RF systems exist. In this work, we present a novel dual-tuned floating balun that is fully removable, does not require any physical connection to the coaxial cable, and has a significantly reduced footprint. The floating design employs an inductive coupling between the cable solenoid and a floating solenoid resonator rather than a direct physical connection. Unlike the previous floating solenoid balun, this balun employs a two-layer design further to improve the mutual coupling between the two solenoids. A pole-insertion method is used to suppress common-mode currents at two user-selectable frequencies simultaneously. Bench testing of the fabricated device at 7 T demonstrated high common-mode rejection ratios at Larmor frequencies of both 1H and 23Na, even with a compact dimension (diameter 18 mm and length 12 mm). This balun's removable, compact, and multi-resonant nature enables light-weighting, allows more coil elements, and improves cable management for advanced multi-nuclear MRI/MRS systems.

A bandwidth-tunable balanced filter with a broad tuning range and a wide minimum bandwidth

A bandwidth-tunable balanced filter (BTBF) is proposed, which utilizes the quarter-wavelength coupled lines with multi-point loaded varactors and half-wavelength transmission lines. The varactor-loaded coupled lines combined with the pair of the half-wavelength transmission lines provide the basic wideband differential-mode (DM) passband and common-mode (CM) suppression, and the loaded varactors can tune the lower edge, the upper edge and the impedance matching (IM) of the passband. Thus, tunable bandwidth with almost constant center frequency can be achieved by controlling the bridged varactor C v1 and the series varactors C v2 and C v3. Compared to the state-of-the-art designs, the proposed design offers significant advantages of broad tuning range of DM bandwidth, wide minimum DM bandwidth, low insertion loss, and simple structure. For demonstration, a prototype is designed with the DM bandwidth tuning range of 24.7%, the minimum DM fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 46.5%, the maximum insertion loss inside the IM bandwidth of 2.3 dB.

High‐performance balanced dual‐band bandpass filter with controllable bandwidth and frequency ratio

AbstractIn this study, a novel high‐performance balanced dual‐band bandpass filter (BPF) with controllable bandwidth and frequency ratio is proposed. The symmetrical dual‐band bandpass characteristics on both sides of the center frequency f0 can be achieved by cascading two one‐wavelength edge‐coupled ring resonators through coupling. To suppress the common‐mode (CM) noises, a high‐performance balanced dual‐band BPF is designed and analyzed. The elements affecting the controllable filtering bandwidth and frequency ratio are discussed. For practical verification, a microstrip prototype for GPS applications is manufactured and measured with great out‐of‐band rejection and excellent CM suppression.

Balanced bandpass filter with common-mode reflectionless and linear-phase characteristics based on negative group delay circuit

In this paper, a balanced bandpass filter (BPF) with common-mode reflectionless and linear-phase characteristics is proposed, which consists of a balanced 3-order bandpass filtering network and two common-mode absorptive networks to obtain the common-mode reflectionless and suppression performance. The negative group delay circuits are loaded on the proposed balanced BPF to realize the full-passband linear-phase filtering performance. The flatter the group delay of the BPF (the fluctuation of the group delay within the passband tends to 0), the better the phase-frequency linearity, which will realize the undistortion transmission of the communication systems. For demonstration, a balanced linear-phase BPF prototype operating at 1.5 GHz is designed, simulated, and manufactured. The results demonstrate that the group delay fluctuation is reduced from 1.20 ns to 0.11 ns by 90.8 %, the differential-mode insertion loss is 1.04 dB, the minimum common-mode suppression is 59.3 dB within the passband and the common-mode reflectionless band is 1.22–1.91 GHz. The developed topology requires high precision in the processing, and the proposed balanced BPF can be applied to digital microwave communication systems to improve the transmission quality and reduce the bit error rate.

General rotationally symmetric coupled feeding structure and its application to single- and dual-band balanced filters

This paper proposes a new general rotationally symmetric coupled feeding structure and its applications to the design of single- and dual-band balanced filters for high common-mode (CM) suppression. The balanced feeder consists of two coupling lines coupled with a ring resonator, which can be either a uniform impedance ring resonator or a stepped impedance ring resonator. Under differential-mode (DM) excitation, the voltage distributions of the coupling-line and resonator are both rotationally even-symmetric and the total coupling coefficient adds up, which indicates that the proposed feeding structure can achieve DM transmission characteristic. Under CM excitation, their voltage distributions are rotationally even- and odd-symmetric, respectively, so the total coupling coefficient cancels out to zero and CM suppression property is achieved. For demonstration, four single- and dual-band balanced filters with wide range of CM and harmonic suppression are designed, fabricated, and measured, and the simulation and measured results match well.

A new technique for improving performance of conventional CRLH resonators using IDC/UISs with enhanced harmonic suppression in balanced dual-band BPFs

Abstract The design of balanced filters based on composite right/left hand (CRLH) structure is well developed. Among those, few designs exist which although they provide some good responses, suffer from narrow stopbands and interdependent passbands. This paper proposes a new technique for improving the characteristics of dual-band balanced bandpass filters (B-BPFs) based on planar CRLH. Using unequal inductive stubs (UISs) attached to the interdigital capacitor (IDC) unit cell, we were able to achieve outstanding harmonic suppression and passband controllability. This structure offers higher degrees of freedom compared to conventional designs and provides better control over the filter specifications. Mathematical modeling, analysis, simulation, fabrication, and performance measurement of the proposed technique in a dual-band B-BPF are also provided. Our work resulted in an independent and controllable dual-band B-BPF with ultra-wide upper differential-mode (DM) stopband of 5.9f 1 and common-mode (CM) suppression of 40.4 and 32.6 dB for the first and second bands, respectively.

Multi-functional balanced-to-single-ended filtering power divider with all-band output reflectionless and common-mode suppression

In this paper, a multi-functional balanced-to-single-ended (BTSE) filtering power divider (FPD) with reflectionless response is proposed. The attractive multi-functional features, including filtering, power dividing, common-mode (CM) suppression, isolation, as well as output reflectionless can be realized without introducing additional circuits. It consists of a half-wavelength coupling line (CL) loaded with two unequal-width three-coupled lines (TCLs), an auxiliary resistor (AR), and an isolation-absorption composite network (IACN). Meanwhile, the theoretical analysis and parametric study of this design are provided. To validate this design, a sample of the proposed balanced-to-single-ended reflectionless filtering power divide (BTSE-RFPD) is fabricated and measured for verification. The 10-dB reflectionless bandwidth, 17.1-dB isolation, and 17.4-dB CM suppression can cover 0–5 GHz, achieving a wide bandwidth of 250 %. The experimental results show good agreement with the simulated.

Design of highly selective balanced bandpass filter with wide differential-mode stopband and high common-mode suppression

A highly selective and wide stopband bandpass filter (BPF) with multiple transmission poles (TPs) and transmission zeros (TZs) has been proposed. The BPF employs a box-like coupling structure consisting of two half-wavelength resonators and a dual-mode open stub loaded resonator, enabling the generation of two TZs and four TPs. Three controllable TZs are obtained by adding an annular spiral open stub to the terminal of the input and output coupling lines, which significantly improves the selectivity of the BPF. To achieve a wide stopband characteristic, a wide stopband unit with three additional TZs is cascaded within the structure. A balanced BPF is realized by introducing a microstrip-slotline-microstrip balun structure to the input and output ports of the proposed BPF. Experimental results validate the feasibility of the proposed BPF and balanced BPF applied in 2.45 GHz ISM band. The introduction of eight TZs gives the BPF a 20 dB rectangular coefficient of 1.3 with an upper stopband exceeding than 12 GHz. The balanced BPF can achieve 40 dB of high common-mode(CM) suppression in the passband, while differential-mode (DM) transmission is close to the performance of the proposed BPF. The minimum insertion loss for BPF and balanced BPF is 0.8 dB and 1.3 dB, respectively.

Broadband Balanced-to-Balanced Filtering Power Divider Using HMSIW-SSPP Transmission Line.

In this paper, a novel broadband balanced-to-balanced (BTB) filtering power divider (FPD) utilizing the half-mode substrate-integrated waveguide and spoof surface plasmon polariton (HMSIW-SSPP) hybrid transmission line is introduced. Initially, a new HMSIW-SSPP unit cell is proposed, demonstrating a lower upper cut-off frequency compared to the classical HMSIW-SSPP unit cell. Building upon this unit cell, a bandpass BTB FPD is devised employing dual-layer stacked substrates, enabling independent control over the passband's lower and upper cut-off frequencies through specific physical dimensions. Additionally, the incorporation of isolation resistors and defected ground structures in the BTB FPD enhances differential-mode isolation and common-mode (CM) suppression between output ports. A manufactured and tested BTB FPD prototype validates this design method, showcasing a broad fractional bandwidth of 52.31% (6.72-11.48 GHz), output port isolation surpassing 14.25 dB, and transmitted CM suppression exceeding 34.05 dB.

A Novel Compact Dual-Functional Circuit With Differential-Mode Equalization and Broadband Common-Mode Suppression Using Patterned Ground Plane

A Novel Compact Dual-Functional Circuit With Differential-Mode Equalization and Broadband Common-Mode Suppression Using Patterned Ground Plane

Broadband balanced filter with high common-mode suppression and wide stopband based on SIW and SSPP

Broadband balanced filter with high common-mode suppression and wide stopband based on SIW and SSPP

Compact dual‐band balanced bandpass filter with controllable passbands using coplanar waveguide spiral cross resonators

AbstractIn this article, a novel coplanar waveguide (CPW) spiral cross resonators (SCRs) is introduced for creating a dual‐band balanced bandpass filter (BPF) with adjustable passbands. The resonant properties of the SCRs in both the differential mode (DM) and common mode (CM) are scrutinized. Furthermore, DM bisection offers two distinct parameters for internal coupling adjustment, enabling independent passband width control. A novel grounding wire feeding arrangement matches the external Q factor of the dual DM passbands. An additional stepped‐impedance short‐circuited conducting stub between resonators prevents excessive coupling while obtaining moderate bandwidths. Inherent CM suppression can be attained by distinguishing CM resonant frequencies distinct from the DM frequencies. To validate the design, a dual‐band balanced BPF designed and fabricated to operate at 2.42 and 5.2 GHz exhibits closely matching measured results compared to the simulated ones.

Balanced Filtering Power Divider based on Odd-mode Hybrid Microstrip and Slotline Spoof Surface Plasmon Polaritons

In this paper, an ultra-wideband balanced filtering power divider (B-FPD) with high common mode (CM) suppression level is proposed. The B-FPD is designed based on the odd mode spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs), which are constructed by the hybrid folded microstrip and slotline (HFMS) structure. Firstly, the dispersion characteristic and electric field distribution of the HFMS SSPP unit cell are investigated, which can decrease the upper cut-off frequency for size reduction of nearly 50%. Next, an equal balanced power divider with low cut-off frequency is proposed based on the microstrip-to-slotline transition structure and slotline Y-junction. Then, the balanced power divider is used to excite the odd mode of HFMS SSPP structure. An equal B-FPD with center frequency of 4.0 GHz is implemented, and the 3-dB bandwidth covers 0.9 to 7.0 GHz. Finally, the B-FPD with advantages of high CM suppression level and compact size is fabricated and measured.

Measurement of the Optical Path Difference Caused by Steering Mirror Using an Equal-Arm Heterodyne Interferometer

In space gravitational wave detection, the inter-satellite link-building process requires a type of steering mirror to achieve point-ahead angle pointing. To verify that the background noise does not drown out the gravitational wave signal, this paper designed a laser heterodyne interferometer specifically designed to measure the optical path difference of the steering mirror. Theoretically, the impact of angle and position jitter is analyzed, which is called tilt-to-length (TTL) coupling. This interferometer is based on the design concept of equal-arm length. In a vacuum (10−3 Pa), vibration isolation (up to 1 Hz), and temperature-controlled (approximately 10 mK) experimental environment, the accuracy is increased by about four orders of magnitude through a common-mode suppression approach and can reach 390 pm/Hz when the frequency is between 1 mHz and 1 HZ. By analogy, the optical path difference caused by the steering mirror reaches 5 pm/Hz in the 1 mHz to 1 Hz frequency band. The proposed TTL noise model is subsequently verified.

A tunable balanced phase shifter with wide operating bandwidth

Abstract A wideband tunable balanced phase shifter is achieved by utilizing varactor-loaded coupled lines (VLCLs)-embedded multistage branch-line structure. The tunable phase shift with low in-band phase deviation is attributed to the regulation in phase shift of the VLCLs and the horizontal microstrip lines in series. The wideband differential-mode (DM) impedance matching and common-mode (CM) suppression are due to multiple DM transmission poles and CM transmission zeros, which are brought about by the cascade of VLCLs and a microstrip line with short-circuited stubs in the DM-equivalent circuit and open-circuited stubs in the CM-equivalent circuit, respectively. Compared with the state-of-the-art tunable balanced phase shifters, the proposed design not only has the advantages of wide operating bandwidth (BW) with low in-band phase deviation but also has low insertion loss and easily fabricated structure. Theoretical analysis and design procedure were conducted, resulting in a prototype covering the frequency of 1.8 GHz. This prototype offers a tunable phase shift capability ranging from 0° to 90°. The prototype exhibits an operating BW of 45%, with a maximum phase deviation of ±6°. It also achieves a 10 dB DM return loss and CM suppression, while maintaining a maximum insertion loss of 2.5 dB.

Miniaturized Single-Ended-to-Balanced Filtering Power Divider With High Selectivity Based on Tri-Mode Resonator

In this brief, a filtering power divider (FPD) based on a novel tri-mode resonator (TMR) is proposed firstly. Characteristic mode analysis (CMA) method is utilized to analyze the three modes of TMR in detail. Meanwhile, two transmission zeros (TZs) are generated due to TMR, which can improve the passband selectivity greatly. Then for the purpose of meeting the connecting requirement between single-ended and balanced components, a single-ended-to-balanced (SETB) FPD is realized on the basis of the FPD. In order to realize the miniaturization, a multilayer microstrip-slotline (M-S) transition structure is applied. As a result, the additional half-wavelength transmission slotline is not required. To validate the design method, the prototype has been manufactured and measured. The overall size is about 0.38 λg×1.04λg and the common-mode (CM) suppression level is better than 28.5 dB at all frequencies (the fractional bandwidth is 200%). Furthermore, the in-band insertion loss is lower than 1.2 dB and the isolation is higher than 17.6 dB in the passband.

Compact balanced filter with high common mode suppression using hybrid microstrip and slotline spoof surface plasmon polaritons

Compact balanced filter with high common mode suppression using hybrid microstrip and slotline spoof surface plasmon polaritons

Near-zero-power infrared relay based on microfluidic switch and metamaterial absorber

Internet of Things sensor nodes, which integrate information acquisition, processing, exchange, and execution modules, have widely been used for unattended industrial production, environmental monitoring, and other fields. However, limited battery power constrains the lifespan of the sensor nodes. In this paper, we propose a near-zero-power infrared relay consists of microfluidic switches and a metamaterial absorber (MA). When target appears, the MA absorbs the infrared energy emitted from the target and uses it to turn on the microfluidic switch. When valid information is not present, the microfluidic switch is in “off” state with a high resistance of over 109 Ω. The infrared relay with a pair of microfluidic switches shows common mode suppression capability against environmental temperature variation. We further demonstrate a sensor node consists of the infrared relay and a MoS2 photodetector. In a standby mode, the sensor node shows near-zero power consumption. As target infrared signal occurs, the photodetector is wakened by the infrared relay and illustrates excellent optical sensing performance. The simplicity of this approach provides a route for significantly extending the lifespan of sensor nodes powered by batteries, especially the sensor nodes for detecting infrequent but critical events.

A single‐layered balanced filtering crossover with high selectivity based on square patch resonator

AbstractA new design of single‐layered balanced filtering crossover with high selectivity based on square patch resonator is proposed. Originated from the degenerate modes, that is, TM12 and TM21 on square patch resonators, the feasibility of intrinsic common‐mode (CM) suppression and channel isolation is conceived. For demonstration, a first‐order balanced crossover prototype is designed. Afterwards, to enhance selectivity, a square patch resonator is subtly divided into two identical parts and then introduced into the prototype. Hence, a balanced filtering crossover with a fifth‐order Chebyshev response is formed. Furthermore, stubs are deployed between adjacent patch resonators to introduce mixed couplings. Thus, two controllable transmission zeros are obtained, and better out‐of‐band suppression is achieved. Ultimately, the proposed crossover is fabricated and measured. High performance in terms of differential‐mode filtering response, in‐band CM suppression and channel isolation demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed method.