#Filter designer software software#

As mentioned, FD3D features what’s known as coupling matrix extraction, which involves importing the S-parameters of a filter. These are the S-parameter plots from the initial schematic simulation.īefore continuing, it’s helpful to first explain FD3D in some detail. Figure 4 shows the resulting S-parameter plots, which are clearly unsatisfactory. After exporting the filter from FD2D, a filter schematic is generated in CST Studio Suite.Ī circuit analysis can be executed by right-clicking FD2D Simulation in the navigation tree and then clicking Update. As shown, the filter consists of various blocks that represent the microstrip interdigital filter elements.ģ. Figure 3 reveals the generated filter schematic in CST Studio Suite. Now, the filter can be exported to CST Studio Suite in just seconds by clicking the CST Design Studio icon, shown at the top left corner of Figure 2. S-parameters are generated in FD2D based on the parameters specified. The thin traces represent an ideal response, while the darker traces depict more realistic S-parameters that account for parasitic effects.Ģ. Shown is the FD2D interface with the entered parameters.įigure 2 reveals the bottom portion of the FD2D user interface, with the S-parameters of the filter shown on the right. It should be noted that the Enable Extensions checkbox is checked to enable resonator length extensions for optimization.ġ.

The rest of the parameters can be seen in Figure 1. Furthermore, the substrate for this filter is 30-mil-thick alumina.

In addition, the Pass Band Width is specified to be 250 MHz, while the Stop Band Width is set to 700 MHz. FD2D allows users to select several Shape Types. The example presented here is a microstrip interdigital bandpass filter with a center frequency of 1.5 GHz. Once a new schematic is open, FD2D can be opened by clicking Filter Synthesis in the ribbon bar and then selecting Filter Designer 2D.įigure 1 shows the top portion of the FD2D user interface. One can get started from the splash page by clicking the Circuits & Systems dropdown and then selecting Schematic. Once exported, filters can be quickly analyzed and optimized with circuit simulation methods. After a filter is created in FD2D, it can be directly exported to CST Studio Suite. By taking advantage of FD3D, the 3D simulation model can subsequently be optimized to achieve the desired performance goals.Īs stated, the first step in the design process involves using FD2D to synthesize the filter. Hence, the second step of the design process involves performing an EM analysis of the 3D simulation model of the optimized circuit schematic. Designers will likely want to perform an EM analysis as well. The schematic is then optimized with the help of FD3D.Ī schematic-level (i.e., circuit-level) simulation is typically only part of the process when designing filters for use at high frequencies. The first step involves using FD2D to synthesize the filter based on a set of parameters followed by the creation of a filter schematic. The process can be summarized in two steps. This article presents the design process of a microstrip interdigital filter using CST Studio Suite in combination with FD2D and FD3D. The FD3D tool is integrated into CST Studio Suite’s built-in optimizers. Coupling matrix extraction allows for fast tuning of filter designs, helping designers quickly achieve performance goals. In addition, diplexers with coupled resonators are supported, provided that the common port connects to the channels via a star or resonator junction. It features a unique coupling-matrix-extraction capability for any type of filter that employs coupled resonators. With FD2D, designers can synthesize filters based on a set of parameters.įD3D is a synthesis tool for bandpass filters and diplexers. The FD2D tool, based on Nuhertz Technologies’ software, can be employed for the design of lumped-element and distributed filters and more. The CST Studio Suite contains two tools intended to facilitate the filter design process: Filter Designer 2D (FD2D) and Filter Designer 3D (FD3D). CST Studio Suite is a 3D electromagnetic (EM) analysis software package intended for designing, analyzing, and optimizing EM components and systems.

#Filter designer software software#

One such software tool is CST Studio Suite, a product of Dassault Systèmes. Whatever the filter, whether lumped-element, distributed, cavity, or some other kind, simulation software is readily available to help do the job at hand. No question, the task of designing high-frequency filters can be made much easier by taking advantage of the capabilities of today’s design software tools.