Circulator integrated in low temperature co-fired ceramics technology

Abstract

We present a demonstration of an integrated circulator for TR modules using low temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology. Two different circulators have been realised to be used in TR modules in two different frequency bands, C- and Ku-band. The circulator is a three-port junction microstrip type device. The ferrite disc is embedded in the LTCC substrate and the composition is exposed to an external magnetic field, to provide the circulator as an integrated LTCC substrate circulator. Technological development, design and characterization of the circulator are reported.