Novel compact parallel-coupled microstrip bandpass filters with lumped-element K-inverters

Novel compact parallel-coupled microstrip bandpass filters are proposed by using additional lumped inductors to realize K-inverters between coupled-line sections to achieve an equivalent to the quarter-wavelength (λ/4) resonator filters. As a result, the filter order can be doubled without increasing the circuit area, and no repeated passband is observed at twice the center frequency. In addition, by introducing the cross-coupling effect, two transmission zeros at upper and lower stopbands may be created. Simple equivalent-circuit models are also established as effective design tools. Specifically, several compact fourth-order microstrip bandpass filters with good stopband rejection are implemented and carefully examined.