S-PARAMETERS OF A LOW
)PASS FILTER (LPF
اعداد الطلبة:
عمار أنور حسن
عبد الرحمن ياسين
عمر حميد يوسف
DECEMBER 3, 2025
1
Introduction
In this experiment, students will design and
simulate a low-pass Butterworth filter using
lumped
elements in ADS (Advanced Design System). The
main objective is to analyze the filter’s
frequency response through S-parameters (S11
and S21). The Butterworth filter is chosen because
it provides a maximally flat response in the
passband. The first part of the experiment is
based on
a cutoff frequency of 1 GHz. Later, the design will
be modified for a cutoff frequency of 2.4 GHz
by applying frequency scaling formulas.
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Theory and Mathematical Guidelines
A low-pass Butterworth filter as shown in Figure 1 can
be designed using normalized
prototype values (g-values). For a 3rd-order
Butterworth filter, the prototype values are:
g1 = 1, g2 = 2, g3 = 1, which are taken from Table 1
Scaling formulas are used to convert these normalized values into
practical inductance
and capacitance values for the desired cutoff frequency (fc) and
reference impedance
(𝑍𝑜= 50 Ω).
The formulas are:
For series inductors:
𝑘 = (𝑍𝑜 × g𝑘) / 𝜔𝑐
For shunt capacitors:
𝑘 = g𝑘 / (𝑍𝑜 × 𝜔𝑐)
where 𝜔𝑐 = 2π𝑓𝑐.
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Case 1: fc = 1 GHz
Step 1: Calculate ωc using the given cutoff frequency.
Step 2: Use the formulas to calculate L1, C2, and L3.
Step 3: Design the circuit in ADS with the calculated values.
Step 4: Run an S-parameter simulation (0.01 GHz – 3 GHz).
Step 5: Plot |S21| (in dB) and |S11| (in dB) versus frequency.
Step 6: Identify the −3 dB cutoff frequency.
L1=(Zo*g1)/(2π*f)
L1=7.9nH
C=g2/Zo* 𝜔𝑐
C=6.366pF
L2=(Zo*g3)/(2π*f)
L2=7.9nH
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Case 2: fc = 2.4 GHz
Step 1: Recalculate ωc for the new cutoff frequency.
Step 2: Use the same formulas to recalculate L1, C2, and L3.
Step 3: Update the ADS schematic with the new values.
Step 4: Run the simulation again and plot |S21| and |S11|.
Step 5: Compare the cutoff frequency and filter response
with the 1 GHz case.
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L1=(Zo*g1)/(2π*f)
L1=3.31nH
C=g2/Zo* 𝜔𝑐
C=2.65pF
L2=(Zo*g3)/(2π*f)
L2=3.31nH
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Simulation Procedure
1. Open ADS and create a new schematic.
2. Place the lumped elements: two inductors (series) and one
capacitor (shunt).
3. Connect input and output ports with reference impedance
𝑍𝑜 = 50 Ω.
4. Insert an S-parameter simulation block and set frequency
sweep (0.01 – 3 GHz for 1 GHz
design, 0.01 – 4 GHz for 2.4 GHz design).
5. Run the simulation.
6. Plot |S11| (in dB) and |S21| (in dB).
7. Record the −3 dB cutoff frequency.
8. Compare measured cutoff with theoretical design value.
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Report Questions
1. Draw the circuit schematic used in ADS for the 1 GHz
Butterworth low-pass filter.
Sol/
2. Show the mathematical steps used to calculate L and C
values for the 1 GHz design.
Sol/
L1=(Zo*g1)/(2π*f)
L1=7.9nH
C=g2/Zo* 𝜔𝑐
C=6.366pF
L2=(Zo*g3)/(2π*f)
L2=7.9nH
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3. Plot the simulated |S11| and |S21| versus frequency and
mark the −3 dB cutoff.
4. Repeat the design for 2.4 GHz, showing the recalculated L
and C values.
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5. Compare the two responses (1 GHz and 2.4 GHz). How do
the component values change with cutoff frequency?
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6. Discuss why increasing cutoff frequency leads to smaller
component values.
Sol/
Increasing the cutoff frequency leads to smaller component
values because the cutoff frequency is inversely proportional
to the reactive components (C and L).
So, when you increase the cutoff frequency, you must
decrease the capacitance or inductance to achieve that
higher frequency.
In short: Higher cutoff frequency → smaller C and smaller L.
7. Comment on the advantages and limitations of lumped-
element low-pass filters at high frequencies.
Sol/
Advantages
1. Simple and easy to design using basic formulas.
2. Small size and low cost at moderate frequencies.
3. Easy to implement using standard L and C components.
Limitations
1. Strong parasitic effects at high frequencies, reducing
accuracy.
2. Self-resonant frequency limits the usable range of
inductors and capacitors.
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3. Transmission-line effects appear at very high
frequencies, so components no longer behave as
lumped elements.
8. Design 4th-order Butterworth Low Pass Filter (LPF) at
frequencies 1GHz and 2.4 GHz.
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