Tunable hybrid EBG-based electronic filter with discrete reactive elements

An apparatus comprising:

• a ground plane;
• a top conductor overlying the ground plane, the top conductor having an input and an output for receiving and outputting signals, respectively;
• at least one discrete reactive element connected to the top conductor and arranged in a shunt configuration with the top conductor;
• and
• a plurality of unit cells arranged in series along the top conductor, wherein each of the plurality of unit cells includes:
• a planar structure disposed between the top conductor and the ground plane;
• and
• a pair of vias connecting the planar structure to the ground plane;
• wherein a first end of the at least one discrete reactive element is connected to a portion of the top conductor that overlies one of the planar structures and a second end of the at least one discrete reactive element is connected to the ground plane.

A method of filtering a signal, the method comprising:

• receiving the signal at an input of a top conductor, the top conductor overlying a ground plane, wherein at least one discrete reactive element is connected to the top conductor and is arranged or a shunt configuration with the top conductor;
• passing the signal through a plurality of unit cells arranged in series along the top conductor, wherein each of the plurality of unit cells includes:
• a planar structure disposed between the top conductor and the ground plane;
• and
• a pair of vias connecting the planar structure to the ground plane;
• and
• outputting the signal at an output of the top conductor;
• wherein a first end of the at least one discrete reactive element is connected to a portion of the top conductor that overlies one of the planar structures and a second end of the at least one discrete reactive element is connected to the ground plane.