A FUCOM–CoCoSo-Based Decision-Making Framework for Microwave Filter Technology Selection in Sub-6 GHz Wireless Communication Systems

The increasing performance and implementation requirements of modern wireless communication systems have created a need for systematic decision-support approaches for selecting microwave filter technologies under multiple and often conflicting design requirements. This study proposes a comprehensive multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) framework for the evaluation and selection of microwave filter technologies operating in the sub-6 GHz frequency range. Four representative microwave filter technologies—Microstrip, Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW), Dielectric Resonator (DR), and Waveguide filters—were selected to represent widely used filter technologies within the considered frequency range. The candidate technologies were evaluated using eight criteria encompassing both electrical performance and implementation-related characteristics. The electrical performance criteria were derived from the selected literature dataset, whereas the implementation-related criteria were evaluated through structured expert judgment. Criterion weights were determined using the Full Consistency Method (FUCOM), and the candidate technologies were subsequently ranked using the Combined Compromise Solution (CoCoSo) method. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) was then employed as a comparative method to assess the consistency of the ranking obtained from CoCoSo. The stability of the proposed framework was further assessed through a sensitivity analysis based on variations in criterion weights. The results consistently identified the SIW filter as the most suitable technology, followed by the Microstrip, Waveguide, and Dielectric Resonator filters. CoCoSo and TOPSIS produced identical rankings, providing additional evidence of the consistency of the obtained decision outcomes. Moreover, complete rank preservation was observed across all weight variation scenarios, confirming the stability of the ranking results. Overall, the proposed framework provides a transparent, reproducible, and effective decision-support tool for technology-level comparison and selection of microwave filter technologies within the considered sub-6 GHz scope.