Design of E-Plane Filter for Ka-band Ground Stations

Abstract

A high performance, waveguide E-Plane filter has been designed for Ka-band Ground Station Applications to restrict the band of frequencies. E-plane filter with all metal insert configuration has been selected for the application to obtain low insertion loss. Inductive irises are fabricated on thin metallic structure with high degree of fabrication accuracy and the strip is sandwiched between two waveguide halves form the E-plane filter assembly. Fabrication accuracy of 10 microns is demanded by the high frequency filter to meet the stringent electrical requirements of the Ground Station system. Silver plating has been carried out interior surfaces of the waveguide filter to reduce the insertion loss. Low loss of 0.25 dB is aimed at 26.25 GHz center frequency with 1.5 GHz pass band. Stopband rejection of 80 dB is obtained at 30 GHz frequency, at which high power uplink signals are transmitted from the Ground station for communicating with GEO Stationary Satellites.