Stamped metal interdigital bandpass rf filter

A method of forming a bandpass filter, comprising:

• providing a filter structure including a filter chamber and a plurality of tuned elements including first tuned elements and last tuned elements, wherein the first tuned elements and the last tuned elements comprise a pin that joins a connection medium to connect to a radio frequency (RF) signal path;
• connecting an outer perimeter to a ground plane present on the connection medium, wherein the ground plane forms a bottom of the filter chamber;
• folding the plurality of tuned elements into a shape using progressive-die stamping;
• and
• locating the plurality of tuned elements above the ground plane on a single side of the filter structure.

A method of operating a bandpass filter, comprising:

• receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal at a filter structure comprising a filter chamber and a plurality of tuned elements including first tuned elements and last tuned elements;
• coupling the RF signal to the first tuned elements and the last tuned elements through respective pins joined to a connection medium;
• filtering the RF signal by resonating the plurality of tuned elements above a ground plane of the connection medium, the ground plane forming a bottom of the filter chamber, wherein the plurality of tuned elements is located above the ground plane on a single side of the filter structure;
• passing frequency components of the RF signal within a designated passband through the filter structure;
• and
• attenuating frequency components of the RF signal outside of the designated passband, wherein the filter structure is implemented in a meter gatekeeper.