Abstract: A multiband microwave filter that can selectively transmit a broadband signal or any discret or combination of predefined frequency bands. The filter has two transmission lines, with an output port at one end of a first one of the transmission lines. A switch selectively transmits an input signal to one of the transmission lines. The filter also has a plurality of narrowband directional filters, each of which is used to transmit signals in a corresonding frequency band from one of the transmission lines to the other. Each directional filter includes at least one diode for enabling and disabling the operation of the direction filter in accordance with a bias voltage applied to the diodes. By controlling the switch and applying appropriate bias voltages to each of the diodes, the microwave filter can selectively transmit a broadband signal or any discret or combination of the frequency bands transmitted by the directional filters.

Abstract: A high power, high frequency attenuator which provides attenuation steps ch are switchable at very high speed, the attenuator implementing a method by which the input signal is split into two separate signals which are then subjected to impedance mismatches in the signal path, so that a portion of the split signals are reflected back to the signal splitter for dissipation there and the remaining portions of the split signal are transmitted to a summing circuit for recombination and output. The value of mismatch imposed determines the degree of attenuation obtained. The splitting of the signal reduces the stress upon the mismatched components as well as permits high switching speeds of the mismatches in and out of the circuit. In one embodiment of the invention directional couplers are used to provide the signal splitting and recombination functions, with the result that high isolation is achieved between the input port and the reflected signal caused by the mismatches.