Rigorous Multimode Equivalent Network Representation of Multilayer Planar Circuits

The objective of this paper is to extend the use of the Multimode Equivalent Network formulation, originally developed to analyze waveguide junctions, to the analysis of planar circuits that include arbitrary rectangular printed, zero thickness metallizations together with internal and external ports in the transverse plane. The theoretical derivations lead to an accurate and computationally efficient tool for the analysis of boxed, multilayer microwave printed circuits. In addition to theory, the tool developed is used here to analyze two practical examples: a dual-bandpass and a 4-pole bandpass boxed microstrip filters. Good agreement with respect to commercial software tools and measurem…