The general approach to a design of miniature
microwave devices based on a combination of transmission line sections with
positive and negative dispersion is considered. Such lines, which are also
known as right- and left-handed transmission lines, exhibit different
dispersion characteristics. Using combination of these lines gives
additional degrees of freedom for improvement of microwave device
performance. At the same time, there is a possibility to decrease dimensions
of the devices drastically. The following passive devices are under
consideration: broadband digital phase shifters, directional couplers,
dual-band resonators and filters exhibiting no spurious response.
The potential benefit of this approach to the design of microwave devices is
discussed.