Miniature broadband bandpass filters using double-layer coupled stripline resonators

A novel double-layer coupled stripline resonator structure is introduced to realize miniature broadband bandpass filters. Filters with relative bandwidth up to 60% and size less than /spl lambda//8/spl times//spl lambda//8/spl times/h (/spl lambda/ is wavelength at the midband frequency; h is the substrate height, which is much smaller than /spl lambda//8) can be fulfilled using such resonators. Two possible filter configurations are proposed in this paper: combline and interdigital. The filter synthesis procedure follows the classical coupling matrix approach that generates very good initial responses. Optimization by the mode-matching method and fine tuning in Ansoft's High Frequency Structure Simulator are combined to improve the filter performance. Two filter design examples are given to validate the feasibility. Low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology is employed to manufacture the filters. Experimental results of the two manufactured filters are presented. The effects of LTCC manufacturing procedure on the filter performance are also discussed.