Design and Implementation of a Miniature X-Band Edge-Coupled Microstrip BPF Using AWR Software
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Simulation Model and Results
Circuit Schematic Implementation
Models can be created for many basic components (transmission lines, coupled lines, MCROSSX, MTEEX$, MSTEPX, and
more). The EM-based X model elements and "$"-based intelligent models were found to be more accurate based on confir-
mation with EM simulation. Simulation, tuning, and parameter sweeps were possible without compromising the accuracy
using these circuit models. The schematic in Figure 4 was created by using the AWR Microwave Office elements library
MACLIN asymmetric edge-coupled microstrip line model, which consists of the parameters W1, W2 (strip widths), S (gap
between strips), and L (line length). Figure 4 provides the N = 6 order implementation on the Rogers RO4003 board, with ER =
3.66, H = 8 mil, and T = 1.
Figure 4: Layout of the BPF in AWR Microwave Office software.
The final dimensions for the schematic design in the completed TX-LINE were W1 = 0.0121 in., W2 = 0.0124 in., W3 = 0.0124 in.,
and W4 = 0.0124 in. Figure 5 shows the integrated layout generation in AWR Microwave Office software, with the 2D represen-
tation on the left and the 3D representation on the right.
Figure 5: Edge-coupled BPF layout.
Circuit Simulation Results
The circuit schematic was simulated in AWR Microwave Office software based on the S-parameters. Figure 6 shows the
results for insertion loss and return loss based on circuit analysis using the MACLIN asymmetric edge-coupled line models to
define the filter network. The insertion loss in the frequency range of 8.4GHz to 9.3GHz was approximately 5dB with return
loss well below 12dB. It can also be seen from the S-parameter results that the roll-off transition between the passband and
stopband is relatively sharp, thus avoiding interference from adjacent channels (stopband rejection).
Figure 6: Circuit simulation S-parameter results
