Stéphane Bila

Direct electromagnetic optimization of microwave filters

This article explores an optimization procedure for microwave filters and multiplexers. The procedure is initialized by a classical filter synthesis based on a segmented electromagnetic synthesis that provides the basic dimensions of the structure. The optimization loop, which combines a global electromagnetic analysis and a coupling identification, improves the structure response compared to an empirical optimization.

Synthesis and design of asymmetrical dual-band bandpass filters based on equivalent network simplification

Although the synthesis of symmetrical dual-band bandpass filters has been studied, little seems to be known about the general asymmetrical case. In this paper, a procedure for the synthesis of general asymmetrical dual-band bandpass filters implemented with inline dual-mode cavities is proposed. The inline architecture, as well as the asymmetrical nature of the response, lead naturally to the choice of an extended box topology or generalizations of the latter. It was recently shown that these topologies possess the property of multiple solutions, meaning that the related coupling matrix synthesis problem admits several solutions. On one hand, this multiplicity offers some flexibility to the designer, but on the other hand, working with multiple solutions may lead to ambiguities during the tuning process. Our procedure takes the best of both worlds: using the list of equivalent coupling matrices, simplifications of the original topology can be obtained by canceling some particular couplings. The locations of cancelled couplings are chosen so as to preserve the electrical response and to provide some hardware simplifications. It is also shown that the resulting simplified topology no longer has the multiple solution property, therefore solving ambiguity problems. The procedure is detailed and demonstrated on two examples.

Mutual Synthesis of Combined Microwave Circuits Applied to the Design of a Filter-Antenna Subsystem

A mutual-synthesis approach is presented for the design of subsystems combining two microwave circuits. In this paper, we are focused on subsystems combining a filter and an antenna. In a first step, the methodology consists of synthesizing the global subsystem, which realizes both filtering and radiation functions, with respect to overall specifications. Considering circuits interactions within the subsystem, the resulting constraints are distributed optimally between the two circuits. The latter mutual synthesis then leads, on one hand, to a set of optimal impedances for their connection and, on the other hand, to the corresponding ideal characteristics of each circuit. A solution can then be selected by carrying out a compromise between the simplicity of achieving the characteristics of each circuit and the performances and compactness of the subsystem. In a second step, the circuits are designed independently with respect to the synthesized characteristics. Compared to a classical synthesis approach, where circuits are synthesized independently with respect to a common reference impedance (generally 50 or 75 Omega), the proposed mutual synthesis allows to simplify the global subsystem since interactions between the two circuits are considered and used optimally. The technique is illustrated with the design of a filter-antenna at Ku-band.

Extraction of coupling parameters for microwave filters: determination of a stable rational model from scattering data

We present a method to derive a rational model from scattering data for electrical parameter extraction. Unlike other methods, the stability and the MacMillan degree of the rational approximation are guaranteed. In order to improve the usability of our method in computer-aided tuning, we also present an algorithm performing automatic reference plane adjustment. Results obtained on a 10/sup th/ order dual mode IMUX filter are presented.

General synthesis techniques for coupled resonator networks

This article presented general techniques for the synthesis and design of coupled resonator filters. The synthesis of the prototype circuit focuses on the compatibility between the coupling topology and the filtering function to be realized, providing some guidelines to select a proper coupling topology and to solve the coupling matrix synthesis problem. The dimensioning of the distributed filter is centered on parameter extraction techniques.

Flip Chip Based on Carbon Nanotube–Carbon Nanotube Interconnected Bumps for High-Frequency Applications

This paper presents a flip-chip structure based on carbon nanotube (CNT) interconnected bumps for high-frequency applications. The CNT bumps are grown directly on gold coplanar lines using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition approach, and the CNT bumps are interconnected using a flip-chip bonder. DC and high-frequency measurements from flip-chip input to output are characterized and compared against electromagnetic simulation of CNT bumps and gold bumps. S-parameter transmission of -2.5 dB up to 40 GHz was obtained using CNT bumps in this experiment. Experimental transmission across the CNT bumps demonstrates the feasibility of using CNT bundles for future interconnects at smaller scale (few micrometers) and at even higher frequencies. This is the first work using CNT bumps for flip-chip structures and serves as a platform for future studies of CNT interconnects above 40 GHz.

Certified Computation of Optimal Multiband Filtering Functions

In this paper, we focus on the problem of computing multiband filtering characteristics with a guarantee on their global optimality with respect to a Zolotarev-like criterion. An iterative algorithm based on linear programming is presented. This algorithm ensures quadratic convergence to the optimal solution. We also provide an equiripple-like criterion that allows one to check in a very simple manner whether a computed filtering function is optimal or not. The latter is used to analyze two practical design examples based on asymmetric dual-band specifications. In particular, it is shown that the selectivity of the dual-band response does not necessarily increase with the filters order. This study yields some striking results when compared to the usual single-band situation, and introduces the idea that for certain asymmetric specifications some of the filter order values are more suitable than others. Finally, the practical implementations of the filtering devices in inline dual-mode cavities and stacked single-mode cavities are detailed.

Bulk acoustic wave filters synthesis and optimization for multi-standard communication terminals

This article presents a design methodology for bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters. First, an overview of BAW physical principles, BAW filter synthesis, and the modified Butterworth-van Dyke model are addressed. Next, design and optimization methodology is presented and applied to a mixed ladder-lattice BAW bandpass filter for the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) TX-band at 1.95 GHz and to ladder and lattice BAW bandpass filters for the DCS1800 TX-band at 1.75 GHz. In each case, BAW filters are based on AlN resonators. UMTS filter is designed with conventional molybdenum electrodes whereas DCS filters electrodes are made with innovative iridium.

Synthesis of Vertical Interdigital Filters Using Multilayered Technologies

Taking advantage of multilayer technologies, a vertical evolution of the interdigital topology is proposed with its associated synthesis method. In order to validate this filter topology, a 4-pole filter, centered at 10 GHz, and an 11-pole filter, centered at 6 GHz, have been designed and fabricated using low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. Two other multipole filters have also been designed showing a large surface reduction with respect to equivalent interdigital filters. LTCC technology has been chosen for fabricating the filters, but the proposed topology can also be implemented with other multilayer technologies.

DCS Tx filters using AlN resonators with iridium electrodes

In this paper we present the design, fabrication technology, and characterization of BAW filters for the Digital Cellular System (DCS) Tx-band at 1.75 GHz. The filters are fabricated with AlN-based solidly mounted resonators (SMR) using iridium electrodes, in an attempt to increase the effective electromechanical coupling factor of the BAW devices and achieve the bandwidth requirements of DCS filters. The design and optimization of the filters is performed with a simulation tool that uses a circuit model to compute the filter frequency response. Tx filters with balanced inputs and outputs and different topologies are designed and fabricated. The experimental filter response is compared with the simulations to determine the suitability of each design. DCS bandwidth requirements are fulfilled by using Ir/AlN/Ir stacks.