Dielectric-loaded L-band filters for high-power space applications

The design and first experimental results of Tx and Rx L-band bandpass filters for a high-power satellite diplexer are presented in this paper. Designed in the framework of an ESA ARTES AT project, the filters are based on TM010 mode dielectric resonators. These resonators allow for better results in terms of volume occupation with respect to other dielectric resonators still maintaining high Q-factor values (>2000). Volume saving above 30% is achieved with respect to standard coaxial filters. The filter geometries and materials have been chosen in order to improve the power-handling and to cope with related critical issues for space applications (i.e. avoid any multipactor discharge in the operating RF power range and low-PIM response). Measurements of Tx filter show good correlation with the design in terms of central frequency, BW, and unloaded Q-factor (almost 3000). Measurements of Rx filter show a worse correlation with the design in terms of filter response shape. This is ascribed to size tolerances of one of the filter resonators. Multiple analyses are ongoing to remove this degradation in the final engineering model.