Approximation of complex IIR bandpass filters without arithmetic symmetry

Complex transfer functions are not restricted to having complex-conjugate symmetry in the frequency-domain, as is the case for real filters. This gives them more flexibility when they are used in communication systems with complex signals, such as intermediate frequency signals of wireless communication systems. This paper describes a set of algorithms and procedures that can be used in solving the approximation problem involved in deriving complex infinite-impulse-response bandpass transfer functions directly, without the requirement of first designing a real-transfer-function prototype filter, which is then frequency translated. Because the requirement for a real prototype filter is eliminated, the filters need not have arithmetic symmetry; this results in superior stopbands with smaller filter orders. The procedures can be used for both continuous and discrete-time filters, can allow for arbitrary stopband specifications, and can be used for either equi-ripple or monotonic passbands.