The NCT instruments Microstrip Filter Tool is a piece of software which can calculate the geometry of 3rd, 5th or 7th order elliptic filters made out of microstrip PCB traces (microstrip PCB traces are PCB traces with a specific width so they have a specific impedance at high frequencies).
The problem when designing elliptic microstrip filters is that the resonators need to be compensated for the 'parasitic' inductance and capacitance of the traces which form the capacitors and inductors. The resulting equations are difficult to solve even with the help of a computer. Another way is using trial & error but that is a lengthy process and may not yield optimal results.
The Micostrip Filter Tool uses component values from a lumped element filter and together with the parameters for the PCB it works out the lenghts of the traces in a few seconds.
The Microstrip Filter Tool has been tested with Windows XP and Windows 7. It should work under other versions of Windows and under Linux using Wine.
The manual and the program itself (an installer) can be downloaded. The program works in demo mode until a license is purchased.
The Microstrip Filter Tool costs €35,- (including 21% VAT) for a personal license. If you want to order a license please send and email to mailto:nctinst@nctdev.nl . Wire transfer and Paypal can be used to pay. If you want to pay with Paypal let us know and we send a payment request. After we have received payment we will send you a license file to activate your copy of the Stripline Filter Tool.
Fine print:
All sales are final. Licenses are personal and cannot be transferred to other persons or entities. The Software is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including without limitation any implied warranties of condition, uninterrupted use, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.