This paper describes a frequency-tunable phase inverter based on a slot-line resonator for the first time. The control circuit is designed and located on the defected ground. None of dc block capacitors are needed in the microstrip line. A wide tuning frequency range is accomplished by the use of the slot-line resonator with two varactors and a single control voltage. A 180-degree phase inverter is achieved by means of reversing electric field with two metallic via holes connecting the

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... p and ground plane. The graphic method is used to estimate the operation frequency. For verification, a frequency-tunable phase inverter is fabricated and measured. The measured results show a wide tuning frequency range from 1.1 GHz to 1.75 GHz with better than 20-dB return loss. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones.