Multi-band and multi-mode radios are becoming prevalent and necessary in order to provide optimal data rates across a network with a diverse and spotty landscape of coverage areas (3G, HSPA, LTE, etc.). As the number of required bands and modes increases, the aggregate cost of discrete RF signal chains justi es the adoption of tunable solutions. Tunable fi lters are one of the pieces crucial to signal chain amalgamation. The main requirements for a tunable fi lter are high unloaded quality factor, wide tuning range, high tuning speed, high linearity, and small size. MEMS technology is the most promising in terms of tuning range, quality factor, linearity and size. In addition, a fi lter that maintains a constant passband bandwidth as the center frequency is tuned is preferred since the analog baseband processing circuitry tends to be tailored for a particular signal bandwidth. In this work, a novel design technique for tunable fi lters with controlled and predictable bandwidth variation is presented. The design technique is presented alongside an analysis and modeling method for predicting the final filter response during design optimization. The method is based on the well known coupling matrix model. In order to demonstrate the design and modeling technique, a novel coupling structure for stripline fi lters is presented that results in substantial improvements in coupling bandwidth variation over an octave tuning range when compared to combline and interdigitated coupled line fi lters. In order for a coupled resonator filter to produce an equal ripple Chebyshev response, each resonator of the fi lter must be tuned to precisely the same resonant frequency. Production tuned fi lters are routinely tuned in the lab and production environments by skilled technicians in order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. However, integrated tunable filters cannot be tuned by traditional means since they are integrated into systems on circuit boards or inside front end modules. A fixed tuning table for all manufactured modules is inadequate since the required tuning accuracy exceeds the tolerance of the tuning elements. In this work, we develop tuning techniques for the automatic in-circuit tuning of tunable filters using scalar transmission measurement. The scalar transmission based techniques obviate the use of directional couplers. Techniques based on both swept and single frequency scalar transmission measurement are developed. The swept frequency technique, based on the Hilbert transform derived relative groupdelay, tunes both couplings and resonant frequencies while the single frequency technique only tunes the center frequency. High performance filters necessitate high resonator quality factors. Although fi lters are traditionally treated as passive devices, tunable fi lters need to be treated as active devices. Tuning elements invariably introduce non-linearities that limit the useful power handling of the tunable fi lter. RF MEMS devices have been a topic of intense research for many years for their promising characteristics of high quality factor and high power handling. Control and reliability issues have resulted in a shift from continuously tunable devices to discretely switched devices. However, fi lter tuning applications require fine resolution and therefore many bits for digital capacitor banks. An analog/digital hybrid tuning approach would enable the tuning range of a switched capacitor bank to be combined with the tuning resolution of an analog tunable capacitor. In this work, a device-level position control mechanism is proposed for piezoresistive feedback of device capacitance over the device's tuning range. It is shown that piezoresistve position control is ef ective at improving capacitance uncertainty in a CMOS integrated RF MEMS variable capacitor.

Microwave tunable filters are key components in radar, satellite, wireless, and various dynamic communication systems. Compared to a traditional filter, a tunable filter is able to dynamically pass the required signal and suppress the interference from adjacent channels. In reconfigurable systems, tunable filters are able to adapt to dynamic frequency selection and spectrum access. They can also adapt to bandwidth variations to maximize data transmission, and can minimize interferences from or to other users. Tunable filters can be also used to reduce size and cost in multi-band receivers replacing filter banks. However, the tunable filter often suffers limited application due to its relatively low Q, noticeable return loss degradation, and bandwidth changing during the filter tuning. The research objectives of this thesis are to investigate the feasibility of designing high Q tunable filters based on dielectric resonators (DR) and coaxial resonators. Various structures and tuning methods that yield relatively high unloaded Q tunable filters are explored and developed. Furthermore, the method of designing high Q tunable filters with a constant bandwidth and less degradation during the tuning process has been also investigated. A series of novel structures of dielectric resonators have been proposed to realize in a high Q miniature tunable filters. The first type of TME mode DR filter is designed to be tuned by piezoelectric bending actuators outside the cavity, and has achieved a tuning range from 4.97 to 5.22 GHz and unloaded Q better than 536 over the tuning range. The second type of TME mode tunable filters are integrated with various tuning elements: GaAs varactors, MEMS switches, and MEMS capacitor banks are employed. The designed filter with MEMS switches operates at 4.72 GHz, and has achieved a tuning ratio of 3.5% with Q better than 510 over the tuning range. The designed filter with GaAs varactors operates at 4.92 GHz, and has achieved a tuning ratio of 2% with Q better than 170 over the tuning range. Finally, the designed filter with MEMS capacitor bank operates at 5.11 GHz, delivering a tuning ratio of 3.5% with Q better than 530 over the tuning range. Cavity combline/coaxial resonators are also used in the design of high Q tunable filters. This thesis presents a novel approach to design a tunable cavity combline filter tuned by a MEMS switched capacitor bank. Instead of mechanically moving the tuning disk, the cavity combline filter is tuned with capacitances loading on the tuning disks, which are electrically adjusted by MEMS switched capacitor bank. The assembled 2-pole filter operates at 2.5 GHz with a bandwidth of 22 MHz, a tuning range of 110 MHz and a Q better than 374 over the tuning range. The assembled 6-pole filter operates at 2.6 GHz with a bandwidth of 30 MHz and has a tuning range of 44 MHz. Finally, the design of high Q tunable filter with constant bandwidth is explored. A 4-pole high Q cavity combline tunable filter with constant bandwidth is demonstrated. The tuning has been realized manually and by using a piezoelectric motor respectively. The designed filter operates at 2.45 GHz and has achieved a stable bandwidth of 30 ??1.1 MHz over a tuning range of 400 MHz and an unloaded Q better than 3000. This design method for a constant bandwidth filter is applicable to both cavity combline filters and dielectric resonator filters.

Multi-band and multi-mode radios are becoming prevalent and necessary in order to provide optimal data rates across a network with a diverse and spotty landscape of coverage areas (3G, HSPA, LTE, etc.). As the number of required bands and modes increases, the aggregate cost of discrete RF signal chains justi es the adoption of tunable solutions. Tunable fi lters are one of the pieces crucial to signal chain amalgamation. The main requirements for a tunable fi lter are high unloaded quality factor, wide tuning range, high tuning speed, high linearity, and small size. MEMS technology is the most promising in terms of tuning range, quality factor, linearity and size. In addition, a fi lter that maintains a constant passband bandwidth as the center frequency is tuned is preferred since the analog baseband processing circuitry tends to be tailored for a particular signal bandwidth. In this work, a novel design technique for tunable fi lters with controlled and predictable bandwidth variation is presented. The design technique is presented alongside an analysis and modeling method for predicting the final filter response during design optimization. The method is based on the well known coupling matrix model. In order to demonstrate the design and modeling technique, a novel coupling structure for stripline fi lters is presented that results in substantial improvements in coupling bandwidth variation over an octave tuning range when compared to combline and interdigitated coupled line fi lters. In order for a coupled resonator filter to produce an equal ripple Chebyshev response, each resonator of the fi lter must be tuned to precisely the same resonant frequency. Production tuned fi lters are routinely tuned in the lab and production environments by skilled technicians in order to compensate for manufacturing tolerances. However, integrated tunable filters cannot be tuned by traditional means since they are integrated into systems on circuit boards or inside front end modules. A fixed tuning table for all manufactured modules is inadequate since the required tuning accuracy exceeds the tolerance of the tuning elements. In this work, we develop tuning techniques for the automatic in-circuit tuning of tunable filters using scalar transmission measurement. The scalar transmission based techniques obviate the use of directional couplers. Techniques based on both swept and single frequency scalar transmission measurement are developed. The swept frequency technique, based on the Hilbert transform derived relative groupdelay, tunes both couplings and resonant frequencies while the single frequency technique only tunes the center frequency. High performance filters necessitate high resonator quality factors. Although fi lters are traditionally treated as passive devices, tunable fi lters need to be treated as active devices. Tuning elements invariably introduce non-linearities that limit the useful power handling of the tunable fi lter. RF MEMS devices have been a topic of intense research for many years for their promising characteristics of high quality factor and high power handling. Control and reliability issues have resulted in a shift from continuously tunable devices to discretely switched devices. However, fi lter tuning applications require fine resolution and therefore many bits for digital capacitor banks. An analog/digital hybrid tuning approach would enable the tuning range of a switched capacitor bank to be combined with the tuning resolution of an analog tunable capacitor. In this work, a device-level position control mechanism is proposed for piezoresistive feedback of device capacitance over the device's tuning range. It is shown that piezoresistve position control is ef ective at improving capacitance uncertainty in a CMOS integrated RF MEMS variable capacitor.

Hyperspectral imaging is the collection, processing and analysis of spectral data in numerous contiguous wavelength bands while also providing spatial context. Some of the commonly used instruments for hyperspectral imaging are pushbroom scanning imaging systems, grating based imaging spectrometers and more recently electronically tunable filters. Electronically tunable filters offer the advantages of compactness and absence of mechanically movable parts. Electronically tunable filters have the ability to rapidly switch between wavelengths and provide spatial and spectral information over a large wavelength range. They involve the use of materials whose response to light can be altered in the presence of an external stimulus. While these filters offer some unique advantages, they also present some equally unique challenges. This research work involves the design and development of a multichannel imaging system using electronically tunable Liquid Crystal Fabry-Perot etalons. This instrument is called the Liquid Crystal Hyperspectral Imager (LiCHI). LiCHI images four spectral regions simultaneously and presents a trade-off between spatial and spectral domains. This simultaneity of measurements in multiple wavelengths can be exploited for dynamic and ephemeral events. LiCHI was initially designed for multispectral imaging of space plasmas but its versatility was demonstrated by testing in the field for multiple applications including landscape analysis and anomaly detection. The results obtained after testing of this instrument and analysis of the images are promising and demonstrate LiCHI as a good candidate for hyperspectral imaging. The challenges posed by LiCHI for each of these applications have also been explored.

In this dissertation, the synthesis of the triplet absorptive topology is presented in detail. The coupling matrix of this topology is derived. The synthesis theory extends to arbitrary phase of the transmission line used in the topology. A new FSL that yields the state-of-the-art performance is proposed. It employs the triplet absorptive filter topology, which enables absorptive response in a wider tuning range, to achieve high isolation (70 dB) everywhere in its octave tuning range. This was not possible with any existing FSLs. This triplet filter topology also gives bandstop-to-all-pass response, which enables controlled attenuation, or variable-attenuation control. The filter is implemented in high-Q evanescent-mode cavity technology, which yields low insertion loss in all-pass response. The proposed FSL is integrated with feedback control loops to enable in-field operations. For one step further, the FSL system is redesigned for optimization of robustness and reliability without compromising the state-of-the-art RF performance.

O objetivo desta tese é o projeto e a síntese de filtros passa-faixa sintonizáveis em frequências de micro-ondas utilizando ressoadores planares tipo patch. As características dos filtros projetados, tais como frequência central, largura de banda e/ou seletividade, são eletronicamente ajustadas por uma tensão de controle DC. Uma metodologia para a concepção e síntese de filtros sintonizáveis patch é desenvolvida e aplicada a dois filtros com topologias triangular e circular. A metodologia fornece técnicas para extrair o esquema de acoplamento que modela o comportamento do filtro e as equações necessárias para calcular a matriz de acoplamento. Então, a resposta teórica do filtro resultante da análise dos coeficientes da matriz de acoplamento é comparada com os resultados das simulações completas. As simulações completas combinam os resultados da simulação eletromagnética 3D do layout do filtro com os resultados da simulação elétrica dos dispositivos de ajuste, representados por seu modelo elétrico equivalente de elementos discretos. Isso permite o correto modelamento das características do ajuste e a definição de seus limites. A fim de validar a metodologia, os filtros patch sintonizáveis são fabricados usando tecnologia de micro-ondas de circuito Integrado (MIC) sobre substratos flexíveis. As dimensões mínimas são maiores do que 0,5 mm, garantindo um processo de fabricação de baixo custo. O primeiro filtro é um filtro patch dual-mode sintonizável que utiliza um ressonador triangular com duas fendas perpendiculares. A frequência central e a largura de banda do filtro podem ser ajustadas individualmente por um controle independente de cada modo fundamental degenerado. O controle dos modos é feito através de diodos varactor montados nas fendas do ressoador patch. O filtro apresenta variação de 20 % de frequência central de 2,9 GHz a 3,5 GHz. A banda relativa de 3 dB varia de 4 % a 12 %. Duas tensões de polarização DC diferentes variando de 2,5 V a 22 V são usadas para ajustar este filtro. O segundo filtro é um filtro patch triple-mode sintonizável que utiliza um ressoador circular com quatro fendas radiais, nas quais são conectados os diodos varactor. A frequência central e a largura de banda deste filtro variam simultaneamente. O filtro apresenta 27 % de variação da frequência central de 1,8 GHz a 2,35 GHz com variação concomitante da largura de banda relativa de 8,5 % para 26 %. Apenas uma única tensão de polarização DC variando de 0,5 V a 20 V é usada para sintonizar este filtro. Ambos os filtros são capazes de lidar com níveis de potência de no mínimo +14,5 dBm (filtro com ressoador triangular) e +12,9 dBm (filtro com ressoador circular). / The objective of this thesis is the design and synthesis of tunable bandpass filters at microwave frequencies using planar patch resonators. The characteristics of the designed filters, such as center frequency, bandwidth, and/or selectivity, are electronically adjusted by a DC voltage control. A methodology for the design and synthesis of tunable patch filters is developed and applied to two filters with triangular and circular topologies. The methodology provides techniques to extract the coupling scheme that models the filter behavior and the necessary equations for calculating the corresponding coupling matrix. Then, the theoretical filter response resulting from the analysis of the coupling matrix coefficients is compared to the results of complete simulations. The complete simulations combine the results of the 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation of the filter layout with the results of the electrical simulation of the tuning devices, represented by their lumped elements equivalent model. This allows the correct model of the tuning effect and the definition of the tuning possibilities and limits. In order to validate the methodology, the tunable patch filters are fabricated using Microwave Integrated Circuit (MIC) technology on flexible substrates. The minimum dimensions are greater than 0.5 mm, ensuring a low cost fabrication process. The first filter is a tunable dual-mode patch filter using a triangular resonator with two perpendicular slots. The central frequency and the bandwidth of the filter are individually tuned by independently controlling each degenerate fundamental mode. The topology with uncoupled modes allows the control of each resonant mode frequency by varactor diodes mounted across the slots of the patch resonator. This filter presents a center frequency tuning range of 20 %, varying from 2.9 GHz to 3.5 GHz. The FBW 3dB can be varied from 4 % to 12 %. Two different DC bias voltages ranging from 2.5 V to 22 V are used to tune this filter. The second filter is a tunable triple-mode patch filter using a circular resonator with four slots, across which the varactor diodes are connected. The center frequency and bandwidth of this filter vary simultaneously. This filter presents a center frequency tuning range of 27 %, varying from 1.8 GHz to 2.35 GHz, changing concomitantly with the bandwidth from 8.5 % to 26 %. Only a single DC bias voltage ranging from 0.5 V to 20 V is used to tune the filter. Both filters are able to handle power levels as high as +14.5 dBm (triangular patch filter) and +12.9 dBm (circular patch filter).

O objetivo desta tese é o projeto e a síntese de filtros passa-faixa sintonizáveis em frequências de micro-ondas utilizando ressoadores planares tipo patch. As características dos filtros projetados, tais como frequência central, largura de banda e/ou seletividade, são eletronicamente ajustadas por uma tensão de controle DC. Uma metodologia para a concepção e síntese de filtros sintonizáveis patch é desenvolvida e aplicada a dois filtros com topologias triangular e circular. A metodologia fornece técnicas para extrair o esquema de acoplamento que modela o comportamento do filtro e as equações necessárias para calcular a matriz de acoplamento. Então, a resposta teórica do filtro resultante da análise dos coeficientes da matriz de acoplamento é comparada com os resultados das simulações completas. As simulações completas combinam os resultados da simulação eletromagnética 3D do layout do filtro com os resultados da simulação elétrica dos dispositivos de ajuste, representados por seu modelo elétrico equivalente de elementos discretos. Isso permite o correto modelamento das características do ajuste e a definição de seus limites. A fim de validar a metodologia, os filtros patch sintonizáveis são fabricados usando tecnologia de micro-ondas de circuito Integrado (MIC) sobre substratos flexíveis. As dimensões mínimas são maiores do que 0,5 mm, garantindo um processo de fabricação de baixo custo. O primeiro filtro é um filtro patch dual-mode sintonizável que utiliza um ressonador triangular com duas fendas perpendiculares. A frequência central e a largura de banda do filtro podem ser ajustadas individualmente por um controle independente de cada modo fundamental degenerado. O controle dos modos é feito através de diodos varactor montados nas fendas do ressoador patch. O filtro apresenta variação de 20 % de frequência central de 2,9 GHz a 3,5 GHz. A banda relativa de 3 dB varia de 4 % a 12 %. Duas tensões de polarização DC diferentes variando de 2,5 V a 22 V são usadas para ajustar este filtro. O segundo filtro é um filtro patch triple-mode sintonizável que utiliza um ressoador circular com quatro fendas radiais, nas quais são conectados os diodos varactor. A frequência central e a largura de banda deste filtro variam simultaneamente. O filtro apresenta 27 % de variação da frequência central de 1,8 GHz a 2,35 GHz com variação concomitante da largura de banda relativa de 8,5 % para 26 %. Apenas uma única tensão de polarização DC variando de 0,5 V a 20 V é usada para sintonizar este filtro. Ambos os filtros são capazes de lidar com níveis de potência de no mínimo +14,5 dBm (filtro com ressoador triangular) e +12,9 dBm (filtro com ressoador circular). / The objective of this thesis is the design and synthesis of tunable bandpass filters at microwave frequencies using planar patch resonators. The characteristics of the designed filters, such as center frequency, bandwidth, and/or selectivity, are electronically adjusted by a DC voltage control. A methodology for the design and synthesis of tunable patch filters is developed and applied to two filters with triangular and circular topologies. The methodology provides techniques to extract the coupling scheme that models the filter behavior and the necessary equations for calculating the corresponding coupling matrix. Then, the theoretical filter response resulting from the analysis of the coupling matrix coefficients is compared to the results of complete simulations. The complete simulations combine the results of the 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation of the filter layout with the results of the electrical simulation of the tuning devices, represented by their lumped elements equivalent model. This allows the correct model of the tuning effect and the definition of the tuning possibilities and limits. In order to validate the methodology, the tunable patch filters are fabricated using Microwave Integrated Circuit (MIC) technology on flexible substrates. The minimum dimensions are greater than 0.5 mm, ensuring a low cost fabrication process. The first filter is a tunable dual-mode patch filter using a triangular resonator with two perpendicular slots. The central frequency and the bandwidth of the filter are individually tuned by independently controlling each degenerate fundamental mode. The topology with uncoupled modes allows the control of each resonant mode frequency by varactor diodes mounted across the slots of the patch resonator. This filter presents a center frequency tuning range of 20 %, varying from 2.9 GHz to 3.5 GHz. The FBW 3dB can be varied from 4 % to 12 %. Two different DC bias voltages ranging from 2.5 V to 22 V are used to tune this filter. The second filter is a tunable triple-mode patch filter using a circular resonator with four slots, across which the varactor diodes are connected. The center frequency and bandwidth of this filter vary simultaneously. This filter presents a center frequency tuning range of 27 %, varying from 1.8 GHz to 2.35 GHz, changing concomitantly with the bandwidth from 8.5 % to 26 %. Only a single DC bias voltage ranging from 0.5 V to 20 V is used to tune the filter. Both filters are able to handle power levels as high as +14.5 dBm (triangular patch filter) and +12.9 dBm (circular patch filter).

Post-fabrication tuning of filters is usually realized by adding number of elements for tuning the frequency and/or controlling the couplings between the resonators. The task of these tuning elements is to control resonators center frequency, inter-resonators coupling and input/output couplings. While the most common tool for the post-fabrication tuning is to use tuning screws and rods, it is not usually practical to tune a planar filter with these tools. This thesis introduces a novel method for global post-fabrication tuning of microwave filters by designing and adding a passive distributed-element circuit in parallel to the detuned filter. The idea, which is demonstrated by experimental results, has several advantages over traditional techniques for filter tuning that use screws. The quality factor of resonator reduces significantly after adding the tuning screws while the proposed method does not affect the Q of resonators. The most important advantage of the proposed compensator circuit is that it can be employed without knowing details of the detuned filters. Since the compensator circuit will be added in parallel to the detuned filter, it will not affect the elements of filter individually. So whether the filter is planar or cavity, the proposed circuit can be used for the tuning. The experimental results obtained demonstrate the validity of this method. The dissertation also presents a novel concept for designing a center frequency and bandwidth tunable microstrip filter by using GaAs varactors. The proposed isolated coupling structure which is used in this filter makes the bandwidth tuning possible by reducing the loading effect of coupling elements on the resonators. The center frequency of this filter can be also tuned by using a different set of varactors connected to resonators. A 3-pole filter based on this concept has been designed and simulated. The concept can be expanded to higher order filters.

We study specific aspects of the relationship between the stellar content and the intracluster media (ICM) of galaxy clusters. First, we attempt to solve the long-standing difficulty in explaining the highly enriched ICM by including a previously unaccounted for stellar component: the intracluster stars. To determine the relative contributions of galactic and intracluster stars to the enrichment of the intracluster medium (ICM), we present X-ray surface brightness, temperature, and Fe abundance profiles for a set of twelve galaxy clusters for which we have extensive optical photometry. Assuming a standard IMF and simple chemical evolution model scaled to match the present-day cluster early-type SN Ia rate, the stars in the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) plus the intracluster stars (ICS) generate 31⁺¹¹₋₉%, on average, of the observed ICM Fe within r₅₀₀(∼ 0.6 times r₂₀₀, the virial radius). Because the ICS typically contribute 80% of the BCG+ICS Fe, we conclude that the ICS are significant, yet often neglected, contributors to the ICM Fe within r₅₀₀. However, the BCG+ICS fall short of producing all the Fe, so metal loss from stars in other cluster galaxies must also contribute. By combining the enrichment from intracluster and galactic stars, we can account for all the observed Fe. These models require a galactic metal loss fraction (0.84(−0.14)^(+0.11)) that, while large, is consistent with theoretical models of Fe mass not retained by galactic stars. The SN Ia rates, especially as a function of galaxy environment and redshift, remain a significant source of uncertainty in further constraining the metal loss fraction. Second, we study the effects of ram-pressure stripping on infalling galaxies using a warm molecular hydrogen (H₂) as a tracer by carrying out a Spitzer infrared spectrograph (IRS) survey of four galaxies with signatures of ram-pressure stripping. We have discovered two galaxies, ESO 137-001 and NGC 4522, with warm H₂ tails stretching 20 kpc and 4 kpc in length, respectively. In the case of ESO 137-001 where we measure a warm H₂ mass loss rate of ∼ 2 − 3 M⊙ yr⁻¹, we estimate that the galaxy will lose all of its gas in a single pass through the cluster core. Strong warm H₂ emission is detected in one other galaxy, CGCG 97-073, which a region within its tail that is mainly dominated by H₂ emission. The warm H₂ observed in these three galaxies share similar temperature and column density properties with warm H₂ masses ranging from 10⁶ − 10⁸ M⊙. From a comparison with the SINGS warm H₂ sample, our results indicate that these galaxies experiencing significant ram-pressure stripping show anomalously high warm H₂ emission that cannot be explained purely from star formation. This adds credence to the hypothesis that H₂ within these galaxies is being shock-heated from the interaction with the ICM. We also discover that stripping of warm and hot dust, as measured at 8 μm and 24 μm, is a common feature of the galaxies observed in our sample. In the case of NGC 4522, we capture the turbulent nature of the stripping process. We measure the star formation rates using published Hα and measured 24 μm luminosities for all of our galaxies and find that some of them have suppressed star formation rates compared to similar mass counterparts in the field. We find a possible association between Hα and warm H₂ emission in three of the four galaxies observed. We conclude that the variation of H₂ properties observed in our sample is likely due to the galaxies being in different stages of ram-pressure stripping. Finally, we report on our efforts to improve the performance of the Lochkeed Arizona Infrared Spectrometer (LAIRS), a near-IR, tunable filter imager. We have made significant progress in identifying the sources of key issues such as the a highly asymmetric line profile and the unstable performance of the servo controller at the MMT. Solutions have been implemented for these issues, such as a revised mounting strategy for the tunable filter plates and a completely new controller with higher bandwidth. Significant progress has been made towards resolving these issues, but a few issues remain before LAIRS meets all of its requirements.

Post-fabrication tuning of filters is usually realized by adding number of elements for tuning the frequency and/or controlling the couplings between the resonators. The task of these tuning elements is to control resonators center frequency, inter-resonators coupling and input/output couplings. While the most common tool for the post-fabrication tuning is to use tuning screws and rods, it is not usually practical to tune a planar filter with these tools. This thesis introduces a novel method for global post-fabrication tuning of microwave filters by designing and adding a passive distributed-element circuit in parallel to the detuned filter. The idea, which is demonstrated by experimental results, has several advantages over traditional techniques for filter tuning that use screws. The quality factor of resonator reduces significantly after adding the tuning screws while the proposed method does not affect the Q of resonators. The most important advantage of the proposed compensator circuit is that it can be employed without knowing details of the detuned filters. Since the compensator circuit will be added in parallel to the detuned filter, it will not affect the elements of filter individually. So whether the filter is planar or cavity, the proposed circuit can be used for the tuning. The experimental results obtained demonstrate the validity of this method. The dissertation also presents a novel concept for designing a center frequency and bandwidth tunable microstrip filter by using GaAs varactors. The proposed isolated coupling structure which is used in this filter makes the bandwidth tuning possible by reducing the loading effect of coupling elements on the resonators. The center frequency of this filter can be also tuned by using a different set of varactors connected to resonators. A 3-pole filter based on this concept has been designed and simulated. The concept can be expanded to higher order filters.