TANMAY AND YASH: CONSTANT K PASS ULTRA WIDE-BANDPASS FILTER USING IMPEDANCE MATCHING 1

Exploring Impedance Matching Techniques for

Ultra-Wide-Bandpass Filter (UWB) Design and
its Integration into Communication Systems
Tanmay Sahu, ECE-B, and Yashasva Bafna, ECE-B

Abstract—This project explores applying impedance matching II. CONSTANT K-PASS FILTERS
techniques to implement a band-pass and a band-reject filter. By
cascading these two filters, a broad band-pass filter can be
Constant K pass filters are the first and original types of
created for a transmission line, commonly called ultra-wide- filters. They are designed using image method. [2] The circuit
bandpass (UWB) technology. The UWB filter is designed to allow is very simple and minimalistic involving just a ladder
a wide range of frequencies to pass through, which is helpful for network of L and C components.
applications that require high-speed data transfer or signal
processing. Furthermore, the feasibility of the UWB filter and its
simplicity in executing traditional circuits will be analyzed to
determine its practicality and scalability. This project aims to
develop a robust UWB filter that can be easily integrated into
existing communication systems and significantly improve signal
processing and data transfer. (a) (b)

Index Terms—Ultra wide-bandpass (UWB), impedance

matching, data transfer

I. INTRODUCTION
The demand for high-frequency communication systems is
increasing day by day. The design of ultra-wideband filters (c) (d)
with high performance and compact size has become a
Figure 1. a) T type bandpass filter, b) Pi type bandpass filter, c) T type
significant challenge in RF and microwave engineering. Ultra- bandreject filter, d) Pi type bandreject filter
wide-bandpass filters have bandwidths ranging from 3.1 Ghz
to 10.6 Ghz and we have taken 6Ghz as the bandwidth of our
filter. This project aims to design the same by cascading [1] a The values of L and C can be realized using the following
constant K pass bandpass with cutoff frequencies 3Ghz and formulae;
9Ghz and a constant K pass band-reject filter with cutoff 1. For bandpass filter,
𝑍𝑜 𝑍 (𝑓2−𝑓1)
frequencies 4.5Ghz and 7.5Ghz which together result in 6Ghz. L1= L2= 𝑜
𝜋(𝑓2−𝑓1) 4𝜋(𝑓2.𝑓1)
To achieve this objective, we need to calculate the values of L 𝑓2−𝑓1 1
and C in the circuit for both the bandpass and band-reject C1= C2=
𝑍𝑜 .4.𝜋(𝑓2.𝑓1) 𝜋𝑍𝑜 (𝑓2−𝑓1)
filters. These values will be used to create the filter circuit and
then plotted on the Smith Chart. For impedance matching, the 2. For bandreject filter,
Smith Chart is typically used to map a load impedance to r = 1 L1=
𝑍𝑜
L2=
𝑍𝑜 (𝑓2−𝑓1)
and move following our L and C values. Our goal in this 𝜋(𝑓2−𝑓1) 4𝜋(𝑓2.𝑓1)
𝑓2−𝑓1 1
research is to reverse impedance match, however. To make the C1= C2=
𝑍𝑜 .4.𝜋(𝑓2.𝑓1) 𝜋𝑍𝑜 (𝑓2−𝑓1)
r=1 point on the Smith Chart analogous to our circuit, we must
adjust the r=1 point till we reach a point of load impedance Where ZO is the load impedance, f1 is the lower
that can be realized on a transmission line. A compact, high- cutoff frequency and f2 is the upper cutoff frequency.
performing ultra-wideband pass filter that can be employed in
radar systems, wireless communication systems, and high- Constant K pass filters were chosen for this project because
frequency communication systems would result from the they are easier to implement and have strong attenuation at
accomplishment of this research. The design and construction unnecessary frequencies.
of the filter will be covered in detail in this paper, along with
the simulation and measurement results.

.
TANMAY AND YASH: CONSTANT K PASS ULTRA WIDE-BANDPASS FILTER USING IMPEDANCE MATCHING
III. PLOTTING ON A SMITH CHART
In general, impedance matching involves matching an
impedance to r = 1 on the Smith chart using lumped elements
or stub matching to achieve optimal power transmission or
minimal signal reflection. [3] This technique is used to design
source and load impedances for different filters. However, in
this project, we have designed a bandpass filter. We use
reverse impedance matching to move from the point of r = 1 to
the source impedance using the impedance values of the
circuit elements. Figure 2 illustrates how a T-type bandpass
and a T-type band-reject filter can be realized on a Smith chart
with a bandwidth of 7.5 GHz.
(a)
(b)
Figure 2. (a) T-type bandpass filter, (b) T-type bandreject filter
2
Design Steps
• We design the whole circuit from Z0 = 1
point(origin), so the concept is in designing the
reverse.
• For example, moving clockwise on the r circle gives
us a capacitor in series; moving anticlockwise on the
same gives us an inductor in series.
• Then, moving anticlockwise on the G circle gives us
a capacitor in parallel; moving clockwise on the same
gives us an inductor in parallel.
IV. CIRCUIT DESIGN
Using the formulae for L and C given above we can
successfully design a circuit for a bandpass and a bandreject
frequency having bandwidths of 3Ghz each. Let f1 and f2 of
bandpass filter be 3Ghz and 9Ghz respectively, and f1 and f2
of bandreject filter be 4.5Ghz and 7.5Ghz respectively. We are
only considering T type for the design.
L1 = 2.65nH, L2 = 0.88nH, C1 = 0.35pF, C2 = 1.06pF
(bandpass)
L1 = 5.3nH, L2 = 0.35nH, C2 = 0.14pF, C2 = 2.1pF
(bandreject)
Figure 3. Circuit design of the UWB
V. SIMULATION
The required filter and smith chart were plotted successfully
using MATLAB simulations as shown down below.
TANMAY AND YASH: CONSTANT K PASS ULTRA WIDE-BANDPASS FILTER USING IMPEDANCE MATCHING 3

VI. IMPROVEMENTS
This implementation of impedance matching on the Smith
chart does not consider negative impedances and needs a
specific quality factor, rendering it not fully practical. While
constant K pass filters are relatively easier to implement, their
behavior at high frequencies deviates from predictions. [4] In
transmission line theory, Q circles are essential to design and
analyzing filters. They are circular arcs representing a constant
Q value on the Smith chart, a graphical representation of
impedance and reflection coefficients. The Q value represents
the quality factor of a circuit and is defined as the ratio of the
energy stored to the energy dissipated per cycle. The Q circle
ensures the filter is stable and does not suffer unwanted effects
such as spurious responses or oscillations. It also helps
optimize the filter's performance by ensuring the circuit
elements have a specific impedance or reflection coefficient
within the Q circle. These circles have predefined Q values,
and during impedance matching, any plotted points outside of
these circles may compromise the stability of the transmission
line.

(a)

(b)
Figure 5. Smith Chart which shows constant Q circles
Source:-
https://eng.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Electrical_Engineering/Electronics/Mic
rowave_and_RF_Design_III_-
_Networks_(Steer)/07%3A_Chapter_7/7.3%3A_Constant_(Q)_Circles

VII. APPLICATIONS OF ULTRA WIDE-BANDPASS FILTERS

(c)
Figure 4. (a) MATLAB code for the UWB filter, (b) Frequency response of the
required UWB filter, (c) Smith Chart output of the UWB filter
Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology is commonly utilized for
short-range, high-data rate communication. This technology is
aided by using UWB filters, which help eliminate unwanted
noise, thus ensuring high-quality signal transmission. UWB
pulses of RF energy can also detect and locate objects, with
the filters becoming increasingly selective in eliminating
unwanted noise. Furthermore, the ability of UWB filters to be
highly frequency-selective makes them effective in detecting
cancers and tumors by generating accurate images. In
addition, UWB filters have applications in geophysical
exploration systems, such as ground penetrating radar (GPR)
and seismic exploration. They can improve the system's
accuracy and filter out unwanted signals and noise. In
conclusion, the UWB technology, with the aid of filters, has
diverse applications, ranging from communication systems to
medical imaging and geophysical exploration, and can play a
pivotal role in enhancing signal quality and accuracy.
TANMAY AND YASH: CONSTANT K PASS ULTRA WIDE-BANDPASS FILTER USING IMPEDANCE MATCHING 4

VIII. CONCLUSION
An ultrawide bandpass filter was successfully developed
using impedance matching techniques and plotted on the
Smith Chart. The calculated values of inductance (L) and
capacitance (C) helped design the circuit required. MATLAB
simulation was utilized to obtain the filter's frequency
response and plot it on the Smith Chart. The final impedance
on the Smith Chart was used to realize a transmission line that
can implement the ultrawide bandpass filter. Although the
filter may not be ideal for realization on a physical
transmission line, plotting it on the Smith Chart within
specific Q circles can make this project viable for practical
implementation. The presented methodology provides an
efficient way to design and simulate ultrawide bandpass
filters, which can be extended to other filter designs.

REFERENCES
[1]. C.W. Tang and M.G. Chen, A Microstrip Ultra-Wideband
Bandpass Filter With Cascaded Broadband Bandpass and
Bandstop Filters, IEEE Transactions On Microwave Theory
and Techniques, Vol. 55, no. 11, November 2007.

[2].https://www.electronics-notes.com/articles/radio/rf-
filters/what-is-constant-k-filter.php

[3]. Electronic Applications of Smith Chart, Thomas H. Smith

[4].https://eng.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Electrical_Engineeri
ng/Electronics/Microwave_and_RF_Design_III_-
_Networks_(Steer)/07%3A_Chapter_7/7.3%3A_Constant_(Q)
_Circles