Flexible ku/k band frequency reconfigurable bandpass filter

Abstract

The proposed reconfigurable BPF satisfies the International Telecommunication Unionos (ITU) region 3 spectrum requirement. In transmit mode, the frequency range 11.41-12.92 GHz is used by the direct broadcast service (DBS) and the fixed satellite service (FSS). Direct broadcast service (DBS) in reception mode employs 11.7-12.2 GHz and 17.3-17.8 GHz frequency ranges. Frequency reconfigurable filters are popular because they can cover wide range of frequencies, reducing system cost and space. Another emerging trend is electronic component flexibility or conformability, which allows them to be mounted on non-planar objects and are used in wearable applications. This project contains a frequency-reconfigurable BPF that has been entirely printed on a flexible polimide substrate. Frequency reconfigurability is obtained by using a pin diode HSCH 5318 and it is used to switch between 12 GHz and 18 GHz. The prototype reconfigurable BPF is highly compact and low-cost due to the flexible polimide substrate and the measured results are promising and match the simulated results well.