volume | PIER Journals

Abstract

This paper describes a frequency-tunable phase inverter based on a slot-line resonator for the first time. The control circuit is designed and located on the defected ground. None of dc block capacitors are needed in the microstrip line. A wide tuning frequency range is accomplished by the use of the slot-line resonator with two varactors and a single control voltage. A 180-degree phase inverter is achieved by means of reversing electric field with two metallic via holes connecting the microstrip and ground plane. The graphic method is used to estimate the operation frequency. For verification, a frequency-tunable phase inverter is fabricated and measured. The measured results show a wide tuning frequency range from 1.1 GHz to 1.75 GHz with better than 20-dB return loss. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones.

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Dr. Zhenheng Liao

Dr. Xu-Chun Zhang