RGW Technology: Pioneering UWB Filters in the Ku & K Band Frequency Spectrum

This article introduces a novel design for an ultra-wideband bandpass filter operating in the Ku and K bands utilizing ridge gap waveguide (RGW) technology. The proposed filter features a straightforward structure comprising two parallel metal plates with a periodic arrangement of pins and a ridge. The pins function as artificial magnetic conductors (AMCs), forming an electromagnetic bandgap (EBG) structure that confines the electromagnetic wave to the ridge. The filter is designed by inserting the ridge in the cutoff region of the gap waveguide. The simulated and measured results show that the proposed filter has a wide bandwidth of 12 GHz, an insertion loss of less than 0.11 dB, and a return loss of greater than 15 dB. The filter is also very compact, with a size of only 75 mm × 40.25 mm × 7 mm. The proposed filter is superior to conventional waveguide filters in several ways. The new design is more compact and lightweight, has a wider bandwidth, lower insertion loss, and is easier to fabricate. The RGW technology used in this filter has several advantages over other technologies, such as microstrip and coaxial lines. RGW is a planar technology, which makes it easy to fabricate and integrate with other microwave components. RG W also has lower losses than microstrip and coaxial lines, making it ideal for high-performance microwave applications. The proposed filter is suitable for a variety of Ku/k-band applications, such as satellite communication systems, radar systems, and radIo astronomy systems.