Frequency-Variant Double-Zero Single-Pole Reactive Coupling Networks for Coupled-Resonator Microwave Bandpass Filters

In this work, a family of frequency-variant reactive coupling (FVRC) networks is introduced and discussed as new building blocks for the synthesis of coupled-resonator bandpass filters with real or complex transmission zeros (TZs). The FVRC is a type of nonideal frequency-dependent inverter that has nonzero elements on the diagonal of the impedance matrix, along with a nonlinear frequency-variation profile of its transimpedance parameter. The distinctive feature of these new FVRCs is that they can be modeled with a simple bridged-T network consisting of four reactive elements. Such FVRCs can introduce one pole and up to two TZs—so that they are referred to as double-zero single-pole (DZSP) networks. DZSP networks allow the pole to be located above, below, or in-between the TZs. Depending on the choice of the elements in the bridged-T circuit, the position of the TZs and the pole can be controlled independently. The coupling matrix for filters with DZSP networks can be found by solving an inverse-structured nonlinear eigenvalue problem (ISNEVP). Examples of possible implementations of DZSP coupling networks are provided for both lumped and quasi-lumped-element circuits, as well as for transmission-line-based and waveguide technologies. The application of DZSP coupling networks to the design of microwave bandpass filters with generalized Chebyshev-type characteristics is illustrated by means of the synthesis of three microstrips and two waveguide coupled-resonator bandpass filters. The waveguide filters are verified through electromagnetic (EM) simulations and the microstrip filters are manufactured and characterized for proof-of-concept demonstration purposes, showing a fairly close agreement between EM simulations and measurements.