Application Note: Model-Based Design Of A Varactor-Tuned Filter: A Look At Layout Methods For Ensuring Simulation Accuracy

This application note discusses layout and simulation tradeoffs that impact the physical size of a hybrid, varactor-tuned microwave band-pass filter, and more significantly the ability to accurately predict its performance using circuit simulation tools. The motivation for the work stems from modeling discrepancies that surfaced during the preliminary development of the filter design. In the initial prototype the circuit configuration and interconnect dimensions were selected during the design/simulation phase in order to optimize filter performance. However, these steps inadvertently limited the ability to accurately predict the frequency response, and the resulting design did not meet expectations. In the second generation design, approaches were followed to better ensure correlation between simulated and measured performance. The simulations in this note were performed using Agilent Advanced Design System (ADS).

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