Multilayer signal-interference fourth-order high-selectivity dual-band bandpass filter with multiple transmission zeros

Abstract A type of signal-interference fourth-order dual-band bandpass filter (BPF) with multiple out-of-band transmission zeros (TZs) is reported. A second-order dual-band BPF block is firstly discussed, which is composed of two microstrip-to-slotline vertical transitions that are back-to-back connected by means of an in-parallel asymmetrical microstrip-line-based closed loop. It exhibits spectrally symmetrical passbands regarding the design frequency f D and three TZs at the inter-band region. Subsequently, by using stepped-impedance-line segments at the longest path of the transversal signal-interference closed loop, its dual-band BPF counterpart with second-order spectrally asymmetrical dual passbands is presented. Next, in order to increase the filter order as well as the number of out-of-band TZs for augmented stopband attenuation, a fourth-order dual-band BPF circuit is conceived. To this aim, two Y-shaped stepped-impedance microstrip stubs are loaded at the input and output ports of the previously devised second-order frequency-symmetrical dual-band BPF block. The RF operational principles of all these dual-band BPFs are detailed through their associated transmission-line-based equivalent circuits. Moreover, for experimental-demonstration purposes, a 1.154-/2.818-GHz two-layer microstrip proof-of-concept prototype of a fourth-order sharp-rejection dual-band BPF is designed, simulated, and characterized. It features inter-band power-rejection levels higher than 28.68 dB and lower-/upper-stopband attenuation levels above 40.92 dB from DC to 4.64 GHz.