Novel Passive Intermodulation Measurement Platform for Planar Microwave Circuit

—This paper presents a novel test platform for passive intermodulation measurement on planar microwave circuits using a filter design strategy. A finger planar band-pass filter is proposed and optimized to have an evenly distributed stimulation field on the surface. The layout is optimized with symmetrical coupling lines from two directions, and the feed line is with a tapered transformer. A pair of T-type resonators is adopted to improve the flatness of the field distribution. In the application of this test platform, print circuit boards with different layouts are tested, and the passive intermodulation difference of different layouts can be differentiated. As this platform is an open space, the device under test can be easily replaced without suspending the passive intermodulation test system, which can be applied in the production line to speed up the production quality inspection. © 2023, Electromagnetics Academy. All rights reserved.