Bulk acoustic wave filters synthesis and optimization for multi-standard communication terminals

This article presents a design methodology for bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filters. First, an overview of BAW physical principles, BAW filter synthesis, and the modified Butterworth-van Dyke model are addressed. Next, design and optimization methodology is presented and applied to a mixed ladder-lattice BAW bandpass filter for the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) TX-band at 1.95 GHz and to ladder and lattice BAW bandpass filters for the DCS1800 TX-band at 1.75 GHz. In each case, BAW filters are based on AlN resonators. UMTS filter is designed with conventional molybdenum electrodes whereas DCS filters electrodes are made with innovative iridium.