Advanced Techniques for the Design and Optimization of Multi-Band and Reconfigurable Microwave Waveguide Filters

[ES] El creciente número de dispositivos intercambiando datos ha empujado a las empresas del sector espacial a utilizar bandas de frecuencia cada vez más altas, como Ku, K y Ka, ya que permiten emplear canales de frecuencia más anchos. A medida que disminuye la longitud de onda, el tamaño de los filtros se reduce y, por tanto, son más sensibles a las desviaciones de fabricación. Para compensar estos errores, es necesario emplear elementos de sintonía en la etapa de diseño. En este contexto presentamos una estrategia de diseño que permite incluir todos los factores no ideales, como elementos de sintonía o esquinas redondeadas, en las simulaciones finales de filtros y multiplexores. Una vez se han fabricado los filtros es necesario ajustar manualmente los elementos de sintonía hasta recuperar la respuesta objetivo. Sin embargo, para realizar esta tarea con éxito es necesario tener mucha experiencia previa y, aún así, conlleva un tiempo considerable. Por tanto, también proponemos un procedimiento de sintonización eficiente y sistemático que permite a cualquier persona, independientemente de su experiencia previa en sintonización, realizar esta tarea con éxito. Además del aumento de las tasas de transmisión, otros desafíos del sector espacial son reducir el tamaño y peso de sus componentes, así como dotarlos de capacidad dereconfiguración. Emplear dispositivos multifunción como filtros multibanda o dispositivos reconfigurables es una posible solución. En este contexto, proponemos una nueva familia de filtros multibanda en guía de ondas que puede adaptarse a las futuras necesidades del sector espacial. Con el mismo objetivo, también proponemos una familia de dispositivos reconfigurables de varios estados discretos que pueden modificar su comportamiento de forma remota.[CA] El creixent nombre de dispositius intercanviant dades ha empés a les empreses del sector espacial a utilitzar bandes de freqüència cada vegada més altes, com Ku, K i Ka, ja que permeten fer servir canals de freqüència més amples. A mesura que la longitud d'ona disminueix, la mida dels filtres es redueix i, per tant, són més sensibles a les desviacions de fabricació. Per compensar aquests errors, és necessari fer servir elements de sintonia en l'etapa de disseny. En aquest context presentem una estratègia de disseny que permet incloure tots els factors no ideals, com a elements de sintonia o cantonades arrodonides, en les simulacions finals de filtres i multiplexors. Una vegada s'han fabricat els filtres és necessari ajustar manualment els elements de sintonia fins a recuperar la resposta objectiu. Però, per realitzar aquesta tasca amb èxit és necessari tenir molta experiència prèvia i, així i tot, comporta un temps considerable. Per tant, també proposem un procediment de sintonització eficient i sistemàtic que permet a qualsevol persona, independentment de la seua experiència prèvia en sintonització, realitzar aquesta tasca amb èxit. A més de l'augment de les taxes de transmissió, altres desafiaments de el sector espacial són reduir la mida i pes dels seus components, així com dotar-los de capacitat de reconfiguració. Emprar dispositius multifunció com filtres multibanda o dispositius reconfigurables és una possible solució. En aquest context, proposem una nova família de filtres multibanda en guia d'ones que pot adaptar-se a les futures necessitats del sector espacial. Amb el mateix objectiu, també proposem una família de dispositius reconfigurables de diversos estats discrets que poden modificar el seu comportament de forma remota.[EN] The need for ever increasing data rate of modern communication systems has motivated companies in the space sector to exploit higher frequency bands, such as Ku, K and Ka, in order to offer wider bandwidths to their customers. However, as the frequency increases, the wavelength decreases, and all waveguide hardware becomes smaller and more sensitive to deviations from the ideal dimensions that normally occur when manufacturing the devices. In order to compensate for these deviations (or errors), tuning elements must then be added to the hardware and included in the design process. In this context, therefore, we focus on the investigation of novel design strategies for filters and multiplexers with the objective of including all necessary non-ideal factors in the design process. It is important to note in this context that, once the filters are manufactured, the tuning elements are usually adjusted manually until the desired target performance has been achieved. However, successfully performing this task requires a considerable amount of time and very significant previous experience in tuning microwave filters. Consequently, an additional goal of our research work is to propose efficient and systematic tuning procedures so that anyone, regardless of their previous tuning experience, can successfully perform this difficult task. In addition to the increasing data rates, another current challenge of advanced communication systems is the ability to be reconfigured remotely to adjust to changes in costumer demands. The use of multi-function or reconfigurable devices is then an attractive possible solution. In this context, therefore, we also investigate new families of multi-band waveguide filters that can be used to accommodate several pass bands in the same filtering device. Furthermore, we also propose a new family of reconfigurable devices with several discrete states that can be easily controlled remotely.Melgarejo Lermas, JC. (2021). Advanced Techniques for the Design and Optimization of Multi-Band and Reconfigurable Microwave Waveguide Filters [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/172728TESI

A New Family of Reconfigurable Waveguide Filters and Diplexers for High-Power Applications

In this paper, we discuss how the use of the recently developed modified tuning pin (MTP) can be extended to the design of filters and diplexers implemented in rectangular waveguide, that can be reconfigured in a number of discrete states, and that can be used in high-power payloads. As an application example, the design of two reconfigurable filters and a reconfigurable diplexer is fully described. The highpower behavior of these components (in particular, with respect to corona and multipaction effects) is also studied in detail, in order to demonstrate that the structures that we discuss can operate correctly under highpower conditions. Furthermore, comparisons between simulations and measurements of several prototypes are also included, showing an excellent agreement between simulated and experimental data, thereby fully validating both the design approach and the filter reconfiguration strateg

Space mapping filter design and tuning techniques

A common strategy to reduce the cost of a filter is to use a manufacturing technique with an intermediate accuracy and use tuning elements to compensate for the manufacturing errors. However, including tuning elements in the final EM simulations, and tuning the filters after manufacturing, can be quite challenging. In this context, therefore, we review in this paper two powerful filter design procedures based on Aggressive Space Mapping (ASM), and two semi-automatic tuning techniques. As a validation, we describe in detail the design and tuning of two types of filters that are commonly used for both space and ground applications, namely, a six-pole inductive filter in rectangular waveguide, and a more complex five-pole filter based on dual-mode resonator

Waveguide Quadruplet Diplexer for Multi-Beam Satellite Applications

[EN] The objective of this paper is to describe the design of an innovative and low-cost diplexer for Ka-band multi-beam satellite applications. The device is based on the use of two quadruplets to implement a number of transmission zeros (TZs) thus obtaining high-selectivity quasi-elliptic transfer functions. The resulting diplexer structure is particularly flexible in terms of layout, does not require tuning and has an excellent high-power behavior. In addition to theory, we compare the results of our simulations with the measurements obtained with a manufactured breadboard. The comparison shows excellent agreement thereby fully validating both the design procedure, and the new diplexer structure.This work was supported in part by the MINECO (Spanish Government) through Research and Development Project under Grant TEC2016-75934-C4-1-R, and in part by the Research and Development Technicians under Grant PTA2015-10839-I.Ossorio García, J.; Melgarejo Lermas, JC.; Cogollos, S.; Boria Esbert, VE.; Guglielmi, M. (2020). Waveguide Quadruplet Diplexer for Multi-Beam Satellite Applications. IEEE Access. 8:110116-110128. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2020.3002818S110116110128

On the Alignment of Low-Fidelity and High-Fidelity Simulation Spaces for the Design of Microwave Waveguide Filters

© 2018 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permissíon from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertisíng or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.[EN] The objective of this paper is to advance the state of the art of aggressive space mapping (ASM) by demonstrating how, for resonant structures, and microwave filters in particular, an ASM-based optimization procedure may converge to the desired target performance in just one step. This behavior is first justifed in physical terms, using the electromagnetic cavity perturbation theory, and is then investigated numerically. Several practical filter design demonstrations are also presented. This paper is concluded with a conceptual definition of Space Alignment in the context of ASM.This work was supported by MINECO (Spanish Government) under R&D Project TEC2016-75934-C4-1-R and R&D Technicians Grant PTA2015-10839-I.Ossorio-García, J.; Melgarejo-Lermas, JC.; Boria Esbert, VE.; Guglielmi, M.; Bandler, J. (2018). On the Alignment of Low-Fidelity and High-Fidelity Simulation Spaces for the Design of Microwave Waveguide Filters. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques. 66(12):5183-5196. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2018.2871022S51835196661

On Space Mapping Techniques for Microwave Filter Tuning

[EN] Space mapping (SM) and aggressive SM (ASM) techniques are widely used in the synthesis and design of microwave filters. Their popularity stems from the inherent simplicity of the procedures and from their effectiveness. The objective of this article is to extend the state of the art of these techniques by discussing how they can also be used very effectively to tune microwave filters. In addition to the theory, the successful tuning of a six-pole inductive waveguide filter is discussed in detail, thereby fully validating the proposed SM techniques.This work was supported by funds from the "La Caixa" Foundation (Code: B004442) and Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (AEI) and Union Europea through Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional-FEDER-"Una manera de hacer Europa" (AEI/FEDER, UE), under Research Project TEC2016-75934-C4-1-RMelgarejo-Lermas, JC.; Ossorio-García, J.; Cogollos, S.; Guglielmi, M.; Boria Esbert, VE.; Bandler, JW. (2019). On Space Mapping Techniques for Microwave Filter Tuning. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques. 67(12):4860-4870. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2019.2944361S48604870671

Multipactor Effect Characterization of Dielectric Materials for Space Applications

[EN] The objective of this paper is to advance the state of the art in the characterization of the multipactor effect in dielectric materials. The materials studied are the most commonly used dielectrics in space applications, namely, Alumina, Rexolite, Rogers RT5870, Rohacell, Teflon, and Ultem 1000. In this paper, a new family of coaxial waveguide components, covering the L- and S-bands, with a wideband, low-pass response has been designed, and six different prototypes have been specifically optimized and manufactured. The six prototypes have then been used to simulate and measure the multipactor breakdown susceptibility charts for the six dielectric materials investigated. Finally, the simulation results are compared with the results of the measurement campaign indicating good agreement.This work was supported in part by the European Space Agency through Research Project "Novel Investigation in Multipactor Effect in Ferrite and Other Dielectrics Used in High Power RF Space Hardware" under Grant AO 1-7551/13/NL/GLC and in part by MINECO (Spanish Government) through Research and Development Project under Grant TEC2016-75934-C4-1-R. This paper is an expanded version from the IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Workshop Series on Advanced Materials and Processes IMWS-AMP 2017, Pavia, Italy, September 20-22, 2017.Vague Cardona, JJ.; Melgarejo-Lermas, JC.; Guglielmi, M.; Boria Esbert, VE.; Anza Hormigo, S.; Vicente Quiles, CP.; Moreno Cambroreno, MDR.... (2018). Multipactor Effect Characterization of Dielectric Materials for Space Applications. IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques. 66(8):3644-3655. https://doi.org/10.1109/TMTT.2018.2845869S3644365566

Experimental validation of multipactor effect for ferrite materials used in L- and S-band nonreciprocal microwave components

This paper reports on the experimental measurement of power threshold levels for the multipactor effect between samples of ferrite material typically used in the practical implementation of L- and S-band circulators and isolators. For this purposes, a new family of wideband, nonreciprocal rectangular waveguide structures loaded with ferrites has been designed with a full-wave electromagnetic simulation tool. The design also includes the required magnetostatic field biasing circuits. The multipactor breakdown power levels have also been predicted with an accurate electron tracking code using measured values for the secondary electron yield (SEY) coefficient. The measured results agree well with simulations, thereby fully validating the experimental campaign.This work was supported by European Space Agency (ESA) through research project "Novel Investigation in Multipactor Effect in Ferrite and other Dielectrics used in High Power RF Space Hardware" (ref. AO 1-7551/13/NL/GLC), and by MINECO (Spanish Government) under R&D projects TEC2016-75934-C4-1-R, TEC2016-75934-C4-2-R and the ERDF co-funded project TEC2014-55463-C3-3-P

Diseño de un filtro de espúreos y un diplexor embarcados en satélite

[ES] El objetivo de este trabajo es diseñar dos componentes de microondas para un satélite real en banda K: un filtro de espúreos y un diplexor. Ambos componentes fueron encargados al Departamento de Comunicaciones por la empresa Thales Alenia Space-España (TAS-E). Los diseños presentados en este trabajo fueron fabricados por TAS-E y actualmente están embarcados en un satélite en órbita.[EN] The objective of this work is to design two microwave components for a real K-band satellite: a spurious filter and a diplexer. Both components were commissioned to the Department of Communications by Thales Alenia Space-Spain (TAS-E). The designs presented in this work were manufactured by TAS-E and are currently shipped on an orbiting satellite.Melgarejo Lermas, JC. (2019). Diseño de un filtro de espúreos y un diplexor embarcados en satélite. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/133825TFG

Diseño de un filtro tribanda empleando una topología doblada

[ES] El objetivo de este trabajo es diseñar un filtro tribanda empleando una nueva topología de filtros doblados. Esta topología permite reducir el tamaño del filtro e introducir ceros de transmisión en cada canal. En este trabajo se describen detalladamente todos los pasos de diseño. Tanto la nueva topología como sus métodos de diseño han sido validados experimentalmente.[EN] The goal of this work is to design a complex tri-band filter with a new folded topology. The folded topology can reduce the size of the filter and it allows us to introduce transmission zeros in every channel. All stages of the design are extensively discussed. Both, the design method and the folded topology are validated with the measured results.Melgarejo Lermas, JC. (2019). Diseño de un filtro tribanda empleando una topología doblada. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/133814TFG