Ku band response of Ag thick film microstripline to Ni_xZn_1−xFe₂O₄ overlay

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study tuning effects on thick film microstripline due to ferrite thick film overlay.

Design/methodology/approach

The possibility of obtaining tuning characteristics in the Ku band microwave region in the absence of external magnetic field by a simple process of using Ni_xZn_1−xFe₂O₄ thick film and bulk as in‐touch overlay over Ag thick film microstripline was investigated. The microstripline is basically a non‐resonant component with high‐transmission at a large microwave frequency band. The ferrite was synthesized by precursor method and the thick films were deposited by screen printing.

Findings

It was found that tuning characteristics were observed and composition, thickness and precursor dependent changes occurred. The changes with composition are more prominent in the 14.5‐16.5 GHz range. Also, the ferrite thick film overlay produces a deep notch at 15.7 GHz. It is observed that the pellet overlay also makes the microstripline very dispersive with a high‐insertion loss in the 16‐17 GHz range. The presence of permeability‐related effects interfering with the normal propagation of the microstrip circuits might be causing the changes in the circuits.

Originality/value

Owing to the Ni_xZn_1−xFe₂O₄ overlay the simple microstripline can be tuned to have narrow band filter type of characteristics. Thick film Ni_xZn_1−xFe₂O₄ overlay gives the added advantage of planer configuration along with cost‐effectiveness in the absence of magnetic field.

Citation

Lonkar, U.B. and Puri, V. (2007), "Ku band response of Ag thick film microstripline to Ni_xZn_1−xFe₂O₄ overlay", Microelectronics International, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 55-59. https://doi.org/10.1108/13565360710779208