Adjustable filter provides lowpass response

The adjustable lowpass filter is in a 3.625-in.-long×1.5-in.-wide×1.0625-in.-high Bud CU-123 die-cast aluminum box with input and output BNCs. Miniature toggle switches for the individual filter sections are accessible at the enclosure's exterior. Internal ground returns use solder lugs. The four filter sections have 50Ohm characteristic impedance and nominal 3-dB cutoff, from left to right in Figure 1, of 3.083, 6.586, 14.491, and 21.310 MHz. Table 1 shows the measured amplitude response for the box alone and for the four individual filter sections. The low-cost, adjustable lowpass filter delivers reasonable performance. As the frequency approaches 100 MHz, the transmission performance of the enclosure deteriorates with all filter sections switched to the off position. The interconnections between switched sections use available bus wire without any precautions to minimize parasitic circuit elements. Stray series inductance, estimated at approximately 55 nH, arises from the 3.5-in. physical length of the enclosure, plus 2 in. for the four switches.