Parallel-coupled line filters with enhanced stopband performances

A new class of parallel-coupled line filters with broad stopband response is introduced. The design is based on the synthesis of bandpass prototypes with pre-defined upper stopband characteristics. The new filters have uniform- and stepped-impedance resonators, some of which are loaded by open-circuited stubs at their open-circuited ends. A seventh-order filter implementation is presented with a fundamental passband centered at 1 GHz. The measured wide-band transmission characteristic of the filter demonstrated a broad upper stopband and was in agreement with simulations. The performance of the new filter is also compared with the characteristic of a conventionally designed filter to highlight the advantages of the proposed design method.