Microstrip filter design using direct EM field simulation

For the first time, we present minimax filter design with electromagnetic (EM) simulations driven directly by a gradient-based optimizer. Challenges of efficiency, discretization of geometrical dimensions, and continuity of optimization variables are overcome by a three-stage attack: 1) efficient on-line response interpolation with respect to geometrical dimensions of microstrip structures simulated with fixed grid sizes; 2) smooth and accurate gradient evaluation for use in conjunction with the proposed interpolation; and 3) storing the results of expensive EM simulations in a dynamically updated database. Simulation of a lowpass microstrip filter illustrates the conventional use of EM simulation for design validation. Design optimization of a double folded stub bandstop filter and of a millimeter-wave 26-40 GHz interdigital capacitor bandpass microstrip filter illustrates the new technique