Abstract: An ultrawide bandwidth z-axis interconnect which has a z-axis lap joint structure with embedded ground planes that self compensate for the interface misalignment and impedance mismatch. The structure acts as a low pass filter that can be tailored to meet performance requirements from DC to in excess of 100 GHz. The area required for the interface is reduced while increasing the alignment tolerance range. The interconnect structure is easily modeled as a multi-element low pass filter with interfacing transmission lines (microstrip or stripline) to allow for rapid design efforts and reduction in cycle time for a program.

Abstract: A directional coupler designed to operate in a predetermined frequency range which includes a first electrical conductor of predetermined length and width, a second electrical conductor having the same length as the first electrical conductor, which is narrower than the first electrical conductor and fully underlies or overlies the first conductor. A dielectric is disposed between the first and second conductors. The width of the first electrical conductor is selected to be 2.DELTA.1 wider than the second electrical conductor, where .DELTA.1 is wider than the layer to layer alignment tolerance of the fabrication process being used. The length of each conductor is less than .gamma./8.epsilon..sub.r.sup.1/2, where .gamma. is the free space wavelength at the designed frequency of the coupler. The coupler can further include a slot disposed within the first electrical conductor for reduced coupling values.