Multilayer resonators and a bandpass filter fabricated from a novel low-temperature Co-fired ceramic

The main objective of this study was to make components from a novel lowloss, low-temperature Co-fired ceramic (LTCC) dielectric, which was also compatible with a high-conductivity silver paste. The multilayer-component fabrication procedure is presented together with a composition for a tape-casting slurry, choice of conductor paste, and LTCC process parameters. A good Q factor, >100 at 2 GHz, using the novel material system has been achieved for lambda/2 resonators operating in the frequency range 1.7-3.7 GHz. An excellent frequency response for a 2 GHz bandpass filter has also been achieved; the insertion losses in the passband were less than -2 dB (bandwidth 60 MHz) and the attenuation more than 25 dB in the stopband located 190 MHz higher.