Many systems require multi function capability in the filter aspects of systems; the method currently used is filter banks which take up a lot of board space. It is thought that reconfigurable filters hold the key to replacing filter banks in order to save board space and thus potentially increasing functionality of the systems. The aim of this research is to develop electronically reconfigurable microwave filters for future communication systems. The project investigates some key design issues of reconfigurable filters. Circuits were modelled and full-wave electromagnetic simulations were performed for the investigation. Experimental work was carried out to demonstrate advanced reconfigurable microwave devices. The components used in each concept investigated were pin diodes due to their superior performance in wideband and high frequency applications. Firstly a single coupled line concept was looked at for bandwidth reconfigurability. This concept was then further developed for industrial applications by simply cascading these sections to obtain a high selective filter. A design method was developed for any number of cascades both with and without an impedance transformer; the use of LCP was used to increase flexibility due to its desirable characteristics. The most desirable outcome would be filter to simultaneously control bandwidth and frequency. In order to tackle this issue the coupled line concept was adapted to incorporate frequency tunability, along with a design method being presented. Furthermore, a cascaded highpass/ lowpass filter was also explored for this concept for added flexibility in the design of a filter capable of control of both bandwidth and center frequency
