Reconfigurable Matching Network for Wideband Frequency and Impedance Tuning

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a tunable impedance matching network that offers continuous Smith-chart coverage between 1.2-2.7 GHz. High and low frequency characteristics of the hyperabrupt varactors utilized in the network are experimentally measured and presented. By carefully considering the characteristics of these tuning elements and optimizing the design parameters accordingly, the proposed tunable impedance matching network demonstrates superior frequency tunable bandwidth, insertion loss, and noise figure compared to existing approaches. The tunable matching network exhibits less than 1 dB of insertion loss, 0.4 dB of noise figure, and a Q factor exceeding 26 under different reverse bias conditions operating within the frequency tunable band. The 1-dB compression point is observed at an input power of 23 dBm, while the third-order intermodulation intercept point is determined to be 25.66 dBm.