The fundamentals of the ceramic resonator RF and microwave filter design are critical to support applications from UHF to C-Band. Smiths Interconnect experts will address the key components of ceramic resonator filter designs that provide the specific electrical performance of these components.
Overview
RF and microwave filter technology is available in multiple topologies to meet the requirements of signal processing in multiple applications. Filter topologies are selected based on the frequency range, fractional bandwidth, incident power, size and weight and cost restrictions. Ceramic resonator filters are available in the UHF to C-Band frequency spectra as a low-cost, high-performance solution for many markets and applications.
The design of the ceramic resonator filter incorporates the TEM mode resonance of the ceramic resonators. The resonances of the ceramic are defined by the cross area of the resonator, the dielectric constant of the material and the length of the ceramic. RF filter design utilizes these high Q resonators which are capacitively coupled to provide RF filter responses.
The RF filter designs with ceramic resonators are optimized for electrical performance and manufacturing operations. The more common designs incorporate a mounting printed wiring board ideal for surface mount technology (SMT) and applicable for pick and place manufacturing techniques. The key electrical performance characteristics are the loss within the passband, stop band rejection levels, fractional bandwidth and group delay variation within the passband, among others.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the advantages of ceramic resonator RF filters
- Discover the key design principles for ceramic RF filters
- Balance the tradeoffs of performance, size and weight
Speakers
Ron Douglas has more than 30 years of RF experience and extensive knowledge in RF and microwave filter testing, design, production, and process control. His expertise lies in coaxial cavity, printed circuit board, and dielectric resonator filters.
Mike Schweyer has over 25 years of RF filter technology and is currently responsible for interpreting all key RF filter market trends, developing strategies, and providing direction into product roadmap and strategy and penetration into key and target accounts.