3-way equal filtering power divider using compact folded-arms square open-Loop resonator

Abstract

Microstrip three-way (that is, 4.8 dB) integrated filtering power divider (FPD) is presented in this paper. The proposed FPD evenly distributes an input power signal into three equal output signals. The design incorporates balanced signal power division, and filtering technology for the removal of unwanted frequency elements and aimed at enhancing signal quality and efficiency in the radiofrequency (RF) front-end of communication systems. Microstrip folded-arms square open-loop resonator (FASOLR) is employed in the design implementation to achieve compact size. The proposed FPD features a 2.6 GHz centre frequency, with a 0.03 fractional bandwidth. The implementation is carried out on Rogers RT/Duroid 6010LM substrate with a dielectric constant of 10.7, a thickness of 1.27 mm and a loss tangent of 0.0023. The good agreement between the theoretical and practical results verifies the effectiveness of the FPD in delivering equal power outputs at the three output ports, and at the same time filtering out unwanted frequencies. The practical results of the prototype FPD indicate a good return loss of better than 15.5 dB and an insertion loss of better than 4.77+0.34 dB. The design prototype achieved compact size of 0.31 λg x 0.18 λg. λg is the guided wavelength for the microstrip line impedance at the centre frequency of the 3-way equal filtering power divider.