LDS Realization of High-Q SIW Millimeter Wave Filters with Cyclo-Olefin Polymers

Abstract

In this paper, we present narrow-band substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) millimeter wave band-pass filters, designed using cyclo-olefin polymers (COP). The structures were molded, drilled, and metalized with a laser direct structuring (LDS) process. COP are a type of thermoplastic with low dielectric losses in the millimeter waveband, typically 7.5 × 10−4 at 40 GHz for the COP RS420-LDS from Zeon®. The body of the filter was realized using a molding process that facilitates the combination of thin 50 Ω microstrip access lines with high thickness microwave cavities through 3D transitions, thus making high quality factors attainable. The simulations and experimental results are presented and discussed.

Keywords

• substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) filter
• cyclo-olefin polymers (COP)
• LDS metallization
• molding process