Novel circuit models of arbitrary-shape line: application to parallel coupled microstrip filters with suppression of multi-harmonic responses

Following a hierarchical approach, several models are built in microwave-circuit design software to simulate and design many configurations of arbitrary-shape line. The global shape is controlled by a cubic spline interpolation; our purpose is, indeed, to make easier the handling of nonuniform structure for microwave device designers. To illustrate the potentialities of these new components, we designed a third-order bandpass coupled-line filter at 5.5 GHz. A sinusoidal strip-width perturbation is applied by using the new model of nonuniform symmetrical coupled-line. Associated to over-coupling of the resonator end, the first three spurious passbands are then suppressed.