Reliable full-wave EM simulation of a single-layer SIW interconnect with transitions to microstrip lines

We present a procedure to obtain reliable EM responses for a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) interconnect with microstrip line transitions. The procedure focuses on two COMSOL configuration settings: meshing sizes and simulation bounding box. Once both are properly configured, the implemented structure is tested by perturbing the simulation bounding box to assure it has no effect on the EM responsesITESO, A.C

Sintonización automática de filtros de microondas mediante motores a pasos

Este artículo describe un sistema para sintonizar filtros de microondas de manera automática. Se presentan los resultados obtenidos de la sintonización automática de un resonador de microondas mediante un sistema diseñado específicamente para tal propósito. Este sistema es extrapolable a filtros de microondas que requieren múltiples tornillos de sintonización. El sistema diseñado se encarga de pedir al usuario los datos necesarios, procesar las medidas realizadas y finalmente hacer girar un motor a pasos para conseguir el ajuste deseado de frecuencia de resonancia. El tornillo de sintonización está unido al motor a pasos, y al girar el motor se hace variar la frecuencia del resonador. Dependiendo del paso del motor se podrá conseguir mayor precisión en el ajuste, pero lo que se mejora sustancialmente es el tiempo invertido en la sintonía y la velocidad a la que se puede cambiar la respuesta del dispositivo.Peer Reviewe

Filtros para un cabezal de comunicaciones entre vehículos

In this paper two reconfigurable bandpass filters able to switch between WiFi and UMTS for transmit and receive band standards are presented. The filters are designed in such a way that center frequency and bandwidth specifications are precisely met by defining two switchable filter topologies. Design specifications require two center frequency states, one at 2.440 GHz with an 80 MHz bandwidth and a second center frequency state at 1.955 GHz with a 140 MHz bandwidth for the WiFi and UMTS transmit bands. The second filter is able to have one center frequency at 2.440 GHz with an 80 MHz bandwidth and a second center frequency state at 2.165 GHz with a 110 MHz bandwidth for the WiFi and UMTS receive bands, respectively. Filter simulations were performed to match the required filters specifications. Measured results on the transmit filter show a very good agreement with the simulations where a 2.428 GHz center frequency with a 71 MHz bandwidth was obtained for the WiFi state, and a 1.939 GHz center frequency with a 144 MHz bandwidth was obtained for the UMTS filter state. Simulated results on the receive filter show a very good agreement with the specified parameters. The filters specifications were successfully matched with the proposed filter topologies.Postprint (published version

EM simulation of a low-pass filter based on a microstrip defected ground structure using COMSOL

We perform EM simulations of a lowpass microstrip filter consisting of a crossjunction open stub and two unit sections implemented as defected ground structures (DGS). The defect introduced by unit sections corresponds to an etched lattice on the copper backside ground plane. The filter presents wide and deep attenuation characteristics in the stopband. Different model implementations were carried out with the aim at evaluating the computational costs versus accuracy. Simulations of a high-fidelity model are in good agreement with experimental data reported in a previous paper. COMSOL simulation settings, enclosing box, computational costs, and simulation times for the considered models are provided.ITESO, A.C.Intel Guadalajara Design Cente

A Novel High-Performance Length Matching Element for High-Speed Interconnect Differential Channels

Length matching elements (LME) are used for intra-pair length matching and inter-pair skew reduction to get high data rates in high-speed differential channels. Although these structures are widely used in printed circuit boards (PCB), the effectiveness of the structure depends on its geometry and dimensions, allowing different design alternatives. In this work, a novel LME for PCB designs is proposed. It is formed by three sub-structures, such that the insertion and impedance profile can be parametrically controlled by the geometry of the proposed LME without affecting the length matching. Mixed-mode parameters, extracted from simulation data, shows that the proposed LME presents lower insertion loss and less electromagnetic interference (EMI), than trapezoidal LME. In addition, time domain reflected analysis (TDR) shows better impedance profile for the proposed LME than for the trapezoidal shape. Both frequency- and time-domain results indicate that the proposed LME can be a good alternative for length matching compensation in high-speed channels