Distortion Mechanisms in Varactor Diode-Tuned Microwave Filters

This paper examines the broadband distortion behavior in flexible filters employing varactor-diode tuning elements. Series- and parallel-resonant varactor-loaded transmission-lines, both commonly used in bandpass and bandstop microwave filters, are analyzed. Nonlinear Volterra-series analysis is employed to determine the second- and third-order distortion ratios dependent on the frequencies of the incident signals. It is shown that in a bandpass filter (employing parallel tuned resonators), maximum distortion occurs in the passband, while in a bandstop filter (employing series tuned resonators), minimum distortion occurs at the minimum-loss passband. The analysis is verified by practical measurement of filters employing the two modes of resonators