A reconfigurable, multi-gigahertz pulse shaping circuit based on distributed transversal filters

A distributed transversal filter (DTF) is a good candidate for ultrafast pulse shaping in wideband systems like UWB. This paper presents the circuit analysis of DTFs based on transmission line theory. We also show the detailed design procedure of DTFs. A 5-tap prototype DTF is designed and fabricated using microwave PCB substrate and pHEMT discrete transistors. Simulation and initial measurement results demonstrate its pulse shaping capability.