Rigorous COM and P-matrix approaches to the simulation of third-order intermodulation distortion and triple beat in SAW filters

In this work a set of nonlinear coupled COM equations at interacting frequencies is derived on the basis of nonlinear electro-elasticity. The formalism is presented with the aim of describing intermodulation distortion of third-order (IMD3) and triple beat. The resulting COM equations are translated to the P-matrix formalism, where care is taken to obtain the correct frequency dependence. The scheme depends on two frequency-independent constants for an effective third-order nonlinearity. One of these two constants is negligibly small in the systems considered here. The P-matrix approach is applied to single filters and duplexers on LiTaO₃ (YXl)/42° operating in different frequency ranges. Both IMD3 and triple beat show good agreement with measurement.