Design of microwave waveguide filters with effects of fabrication imperfections

This paper presents results of a study on a bandpass and bandstop waveguide filter design using printed-circuit discontinuities, representing resonating elements. These inserts may be implemented using relatively simple types of resonators, and the amplitude response may be controlled by tuning the parameters of the resonators. The proper layout of the resonators on the insert may lead to a single or multiple resonant frequencies, using single resonating insert. The inserts may be placed in the E-plane or the H-plane of the standard rectangular waveguide. Various solutions using quarter-wave resonators and split-ring resonators for bandstop filters, and complementary split-ring resonators for bandpass filters are proposed, including multi-band filters and compact filters. They are designed to operate in the X-frequency band and standard rectangular waveguide (WR-90) is used. Besides three dimensional electromagnetic models and equivalent microwave circuits, experimental results are also provided to verify proposed design. Another aspect of the research represents a study of imperfections demonstrated on a bandpass waveguide filter. Fabrication side effects and implementation imperfections are analyzed in details, providing relevant results regarding the most critical parameters affecting filter performance. The analysis is primarily based on software simulations, to shorten and improve design procedure. However, measurement results represent additional contribution to validate the approach and confirm conclusions regarding crucial phenomena affecting filter response.