Intersecting Parallel-Plate Waveguide Loaded Cavities for Dual-Mode and Dual-Band Filters

Dual-mode and/or dual-band microwave filters often employ high quality factor (Q), physically large, and frequency static cavity resonators or low Q, compact, and tunable planar resonators. While each resonator type has advantages, choosing a dual-mode and/or dual-band resonator type is often limited by these extremes. In this paper, a new dual-mode and/or dual-band resonator is shown with Q (360-400) that is higher than that of planar resonators while being frequency tunable (6.7% tuning range) and compact relative to standard cavity resonators. In addition, both degenerate modes of the resonator are tunable using a single actuator. The resonator is used in a single-resonator two-pole filter design and a double-resonator dual-band filter design. An analytical model is developed and design techniques are given for both designs. Measured results confirm that the proposed resonator fits between the design spaces of established dual-mode and/or dual-band resonator types and could find application in systems that require a combination of relatively high, Q tuning capability, and ease of integration.