Modular reciprocal multiplexers

This article presents a modular reciprocal multiplexer in which the number of channels can be reduced or expanded. The proposed configuration is based on reactive loads designed to substitute channel filters. This is at the same time easy to manufacture and easy to reconfigure as reactive loads are conceived, so as not to modify the characteristics of the active channels if a channel is added or removed. Additional filter tuning after a reconfiguration is not required. The proposed reciprocal design allows for both low costs and low losses since it does not require circulators or additional components, such as hybrid junctions, usually present in reconfigurable multiplexers, although maintaining a good degree of flexibility. A prototype of the proposed design has been fabricated and measured.