Pasternack Blog

For many RF test applications in the higher frequencies, such as millimeter-waves, or for high power use cases, rectangular waveguides are the interconnect solution of choice. In a similar wave to short-open-load-through (SOLT) calibration standards used for vector network analyzer (VNA) calibration with coaxial interconnect, VNA using waveguide interconnect requires waveguide calibration standards. Even with ..

Loss, whether due to radiation leakage or conduction resonance, is a common problem in RF microwave transmission lines, especially when high-powered frequency transmissions are involved. The solution? Waveguides. Waveguide Basics A waveguide is an electromagnetic feed line used for high frequency microwave signals in high-power transmitters and receivers and is used in radar equipment, in ..

Waveguide interconnect and assemblies are used in a wide variety of microwave and millimeter-wave applications. These applications include military, aerospace, Satcom, radar, microwave/millimeter-wave imaging, industrial heating/cooking, and more. In several of the applications and specific cases, a rigid waveguide assembly, or interconnect routing, must be done in a geometry which would require a waveguide structure ..

Though many failure modes cannot be predicted or avoided, many of the common failure modes of waveguide assemblies can be avoided by properly accounting for the applications demands and running preventative maintenance programs. If the outer coating/jacket of a waveguide cable run is important in preventing environmental ingress, visual and chemical inspections can be performed ..

Depending upon the frequencies, power levels, and physical requirements, either coaxial or waveguide interconnects are used for high power RF and Microwave applications. Both technologies vary in size as a function of frequency and require higher precision materials and manufacturing processes to handle higher power levels. Generally, as a product of the way the RF ..

Waveguides are predominantly constructed entirely with conductive metals, with the exception of pressure windows, some gaskets  and jacketing materials. Generally, this means that waveguides are constructed in machining facilities by technicians knowledgeable in waveguide construction. Some of this knowledge is based in physics, such as the proper bend radius and lengths of bends, and some ..

Following from the name, a waveguide is a hollow conductive structure that guides an EM wave along a path. The conductive inner walls of the waveguide bounce EM energy along the path with low-loss and close to light speed. Waveguides are commonly cylindrical, elliptical, or rectangular. In a rectangular waveguide, transverse electric (TE), or H-wave, ..

Though there are many reputable and high quality waveguide vendors, some vendors, specifically offshore vendors, may use machining techniques that reduce time and cost of manufacture. These short-cuts could have dramatic impact on a waveguide component and system performance. Any misalignments or machined geometries beyond specified levels can reduce the VSWR performance of a waveguide, ..

The quality of the construction and materials used can have a large impact on the performance of a waveguide system, especially in microwave frequencies and high power applications. This can become difficult to manufacture and evaluate, as the waveguide tolerances are extremely small at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. For instance, with millimeter-wave components and interconnects, ..

Though waveguide components and interconnects tend to be formed of relatively sturdy metals, some aluminum and copper waveguides, for higher frequency and aerospace applications, can easily be dinged and dented. Sometimes these dings and dents are a useful tuning technique; generally, they could dramatically change the performance of a waveguide or waveguide component. Ensuring that ..