Microwave s

referres to
frequency
between 300
Guided Waves MHz-300GHz.

At low frequency
wavelength is
large compared to
the component so
phase change
Dr Ivor L. Morrow neglible.
Room: MH145A
At high
Email: I.L.Morrow@Cranfield.ac.uk frequencies the
wavelength is
smaller than the
component

•Waveguides
•Microstrip
•Coaxial Line
•Strip line, Co-planar waveguide, fine line,
image line (as time permits)

•Transitions

1
Waveguides

•Free space propagation

•Rectangular waveguides
•Circular waveguides
•Dispersion
•Losses & Power handling
•Irises, posts and screws

Field theory can

Maxwell’s Equations provide a
complete
description but
curl E = ∇ × E = -jωμH (M1) this is generally
curl H = ∇ × H = jωεE + J (M2) more information
div D = ∇ · D = ρ (M3) than is need.
div B = ∇ · B = 0 (M4)
Typically more
Note also the following relationships between fields and fluxes: interested in
Electric D = εE terminal
Magnetic B = μH
quantities such as
J = current density = 0 in a vacuum (M2) power, impedance,
ρ = charge density (M3) voltage and
The propagation constant γ = α + jβ
current.
α = attenuation constant (= 0 in a loss-less medium)
β = phase constant

2
 Dielectrics

Permittivity ε = εr.ε0 where ε0 = 8.85419 x 10-12 F/m

the permittivity of free space
and εr = relative permittivity
Permeability μ = μr.μ0 where μ0 = 4π x 10-7 H/m It is quite useful
the permeability of free space to also define for
and μr = relative permeability microwave
materials tan d
along with the
Permittivity and permeability are COMPLEX quantities.
relative dielectric
Permeability of non-magnetic material = μ0
constant.
ε = ε/ - jε//
ε/ = dielectric constant Typically tan
ε// = dielectric loss factor
tan δ = ε///ε/ = the loss tangent of a medium
d=0.0001 for
ε// = σ/ω where σ = conductivity of medium good RF
dielectrics .

Field solution to
TEM Mode in Free Space this equation
provide us with
TEM modes are characterised by having no field components in the wave
d.o.p. thus Ez=Hz=0. eigenmodes.
By combining Maxwell’s equations and applying the above we can
find a general solution to Maxwell’s equations which is given by the
wave equation (or Helmholtz equation) below:

∂2
∇ 2 (E, H ) + με . (E, H ) = 0
∂t 2
From this we obtain:
1
phase velocity Vp =
με

1
which, in free space, is written c = (= 3 x 108 ms-1)
μoεo
Ex ⎛ E ⎞
And, by definition, the characteristic impedance ZTEM = ⎜= − y ⎟
⎜ H ⎟
Hy ⎝ x ⎠
η = ZTEM =
μ = 377 Ω in free space
ε

3
 K is the free-space
TEM Mode in Free Space
wavenumber.

β is the wave
Furthermore, we define a quantity Kc such that = KC2 = K2 – β2 number in usually
where Kc is the cut-off wave number specified in the
K is the wave number (the number of radian wavelengths per metre) waveguide.
and β is the phase constant (number of radians phase change per metre)

For TEM modes, there is no distinction between K and β.

K=β= ω με (=ω./Vp)

=
2π
λ

Thus Kc = 0 and there is no lower frequency limit on a TEM mode (in free
space or any other medium) of propagation.

The waveguide
Boundary Conditions contains metal
walls and
The requirement to adhere to Maxwell’s equations at the interface between
media gives rise to boundary conditions. These are summarised below:
possibly
dielectric or
At the boundary between a dielectric and a conductor:- metal obstacles.
ƒBC1 The component of the E field tangential to the interface must be zero.
Thus, where they exist, lines of E field enter and leave a conductor at right
angles.
ƒBC2 The component of the H field normal to the interface must be zero.
Thus, where they exist, lines of H field run parallel to the surface of a
conductor.

At the boundary between two dielectrics:-

ƒBC3 The tangential component of E and H are equal across the boundary.
ƒBC4 The normal component of D and B are continuous across the boundary.

These boundary conditions are important constraints on the field patterns

(modes) within wave guiding structures like transmission lines.

Field configurations in the waveguide must satisfy Maxwells equations (or the wave equation) + the
boundary condition. We want to determine WG Kc,guide wavelength. wave impedance, phase,
attenuation constant and quality factor Q of guide.

4
 Transmission
Wire Pair lines can be
classified into
three types, TEM
free-space, TEM
mode and those
with higher order
modes TE,TM.

Wire pair
supports aTEM
mode.

Power flows
along and
•Twin
inbetween
•Twin feeder
feeder satisfies
satisfies these
these conditions
conditions
•Hence
•Hence the
the line
line supports
supports TEM
TEM wave
wave conductors.
•However
•However losses
losses become
become large
large as
as frequency
frequency rises
rises

Coaxial Cable
• Screening the fields as illustrated prevents radiation by containing the EM
fields within a hollow tube to form coaxial cable
• The presence of the central conductor allows the configuration to satisfy
BC’s and hence support TEM propagation

Heating losses grow with frequency

E because:
• Skin effect heating on central
conductor grows with frequency
H • Dielectric losses in spacer material
grow with frequency

Solution:
Solution: remove
remove central
central conductor
conductor and
and
dielectric
dielectric spacer
spacer

5
 Current loops generate
Impossibility of TEM Modes an axial current
with Single Conductor (displacement or
conduction). Since no
•Without
•Without the
the central
central conductor,
conductor, thethe tube
tube cannot
cannot support
support aa TEM
TEM wave
wave inner conductor to
because
because E-fields
E-fields can
can only
only begin
begin and
and endend on
on charges.
charges. No No central
central
conductor
conductor -- nono charges.
charges. carry current then only
•Hence
•Hence the
the field
field pattern
pattern isis impossible.
impossible. E-field
E-field lines
lines must
must either
either be
be closed
closed displacement current
loops
loops or
or must
must end
end on
on the
the metal
metal surface
surface ofof the
the tube
tube could travel. BUT an
•No
•No matter
matter how
how this
this is
is organised
organised atat least
least one
one of
of the
the fields
fields must
must have
have an
an
axial
axial component
component (hence
(hence not not TEM)
TEM) axial E-field in the
d.o.p is forbidden.

For higher order

Rectangular Waveguide modal
propagation the
Comes in wide variety of standard sizes with a large variety of most common
components available waveguide shape
is rectangular.
y

Other shapes are

also possible
b
elliptic, triangular
and hexagonal.

o x Rectangular is
a
probably the
z inner broad dimension = a
ealiest type of
inner narrow dimension = b waveguide and
direction of propagation = z-axis still used today
Propagation occures using higher order modes TE or TM from 1 GHz - 220
GHz

6
 This is the field
TE Modes in Rectangular Waveguide solution for the
TE modes others
jωμnπAmn ⎛ mπx ⎞ ⎛ nπy ⎞ − jβz where
exist for the TM
Ex = . cos⎜ ⎟. sin ⎜ ⎟e modes.
2
Kc b ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ m = 0,1,2,….
n = 0,1,2,….
and define the mode TEmn
jωμmπAmn ⎛ mπx ⎞ ⎛ nπy ⎞ − jβz You can see we
Ey = . sin ⎜ ⎟. cos⎜ ⎟e
2
Kc b ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ and Amn is an arbitrary have and Ex and Ey
amplitude term field but no Ez
Ez = 0
NOTE TEoo (m = n = 0)
jβmπAmn ⎛ mπx ⎞ ⎛ nπy ⎞ − jβz results in no fields TE stands for
Hx = 2
. sin ⎜ ⎟. cos⎜ ⎟e transverse electric
Kc a ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ β = K 2 − K c2
or standing
jβnπAmn ⎛ mπx ⎞ ⎛ nπy ⎞ − jβz electric field
2 2
β= ⎛ mπ ⎞ ⎛ nπ ⎞
K2 −⎜ ⎟ −⎜ ⎟
Hy = . cos⎜ ⎟. sin ⎜ ⎟e ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠
2
Kc a ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ travelling H-field.
β is real for all propagating
modes.
⎛ mπx ⎞ ⎛ nπy ⎞ − jβz
H z = Amn . cos⎜ ⎟. cos⎜ ⎟e
⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ β<K

This defines the

Cut-Off lower limit for
the propagation
2 2

K > Kc =
⎛ m π ⎞ ⎛ nπ ⎞
⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
frequency in the
⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠ waveguide.
K
Since K = ω με and ω = 2πf =
με
Kc
This defines cut-off frequency fc =
2π με

2 2
1 ⎛ mπ ⎞ ⎛ nπ ⎞
So for each mode fc = ⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
2π με ⎝ a ⎠ ⎝ b ⎠

Below fc, β is imaginary and the mode is termed ’evanescent’ and the fields An evanescent
are subject to a rapid exponential attenuation with waveguide length and so, for
all intents and purposes, do not propagate. field carries no
power.

7
 Example of Cut-Off for WR 90 TE10 is our
preferred mode
since it possess
the most
bandwidth.
E.G. WR 90, a = 22.86mm, b = 10.16mm or (0.9”x0.4”) in inches

Mode fc /GHz

TE10 6.562 DOMINANT MODE

TE20 13.123
TE01 14.764
TE11 16.156 supporting
TE21 19.753 resonace in
TE12 30.248
orthogonal plane

Dominant Mode

Field equations:

Ex = 0 π
Kc =
jωμaA10 ⎛ πx ⎞ a
Ey = . sin ⎜ ⎟.e − jβz
π ⎝ a⎠
Ez = 0 β = K 2 − (π / a) 2
jβaA10 ⎛ πx ⎞
Hx = . sin ⎜ ⎟.e − jβz c
π ⎝ a⎠ f C10 =
Hy = 0
2a
⎛ πx ⎞
λC10 = 2a
H z = A10 . cos⎜ ⎟.e − jβz
⎝ a⎠

8
 H-field is
Surface Currents
circulating in loop
in side the WG
H-fields E-fields
space.

E-field is flowing
only in x-
direction.

TE10 (H10)

One way to
envisage the mode
Mode Formation setup is to consider
it the superposition
of two plane waves
at some launch
angles.

Waveguide walls
are placed to meet
boundary
conditions and we
enclose one loop of
H-field.

Within the WG we
can imagine
propagation
occuring by two
plane waves zig-
zagging down the
guide.

9
 The angle of
Mode Formation incidence
decreases as
wavelength
increases.

There comes a
limit when the
angle of
incidence is 0
degs (guide cut-
off).

We note the field

pattern repeats
over a distance
known as the
guide wavelength
which is > free-
space wavelength.

Thus an open
TE10
10 (H10
10) MODE – WAVE IMPEDANCE ended waveguide
present a partial
λg/2
mismatch (but not
an o/c).

Flaring the
λ0/2 a waveguide
matches its
impedance to 377
Ohms and is the
θi basis of the horn
Transverse E − field E Z0 antenna.
Zw = = =
Transverse H − field H sin θ i sin θ i Multi-modes are
avoided since the
Thus waveguide is mismatched to free space WG has different
impedances for
different modes.

10
 We can also write
TE10
10 (H10
10) MODE – WAVE IMPEDANCE WG impedance
interms of
λg/2
wavelengths.
θi

Z0 a
Zw = λ0/2
sin θ i

θi
λ0 a 2a λ0
But cosθ i = and tan θ i = = Hence sin θ i =
2a λg / 2 λg λg

Giving λg
Zw = Z0
λ0

WAVEGUIDE EQUATION - GENERAL

The relationship between λg, λo, waveguide dimensions and mode

is given by the waveguide equation.

2 2
1 1 ⎛m⎞ ⎛ n ⎞
= −⎜ ⎟ −⎜ ⎟
λ2g 2
λ o ⎝ 2a ⎠ ⎝ 2b ⎠

11
 Here we see half of
the wave in half of
Geometric Derivation of Wave Equation the waveguide.

AB is one of the
components of the
travelling wave.
In the time for the
wavefront to move
A to C the
wavefront point D
has moved to point
λo / 4 λo C.
Δ BCD sin α = = cos2 α + sin2 α = 1
a/2 2a
2 2
The waveguide
⎛ λo ⎞
⎜ ⎟ + ⎛⎜ λ o ⎞⎟ = 1 equation is most
λo /4 λo ⎜ λg ⎟ ⎝ 2a ⎠
Δ ADC cos α = = ⎝ ⎠ important it relates
λg /4 λg
1 1 1
guide dimensions
= − and free-space
λ2g λ2o (2a )2
wave length to
guide wavelength

We can also derive

the phase velocities

It appears that wave

pattern propagates
at speed greater
than speed of light!

BUT energy of
wave cannot
Δ ADC cos α =
c propagate at that
Vp Vp Vg = c2 speed.
c λg
∴ Vp = =c Vg < c < Vp
cos α λo There is another
Δ ECD cos α =
Vg velocity which is
λo
c seen in the zig-
∴ Vg = c.cos α = c zagging path.
λg

The resultant propagation of energy is ALWAYS less than c and represented by group velocity.

12
 TE10 Increasing free-
10 (H10
10) MODE – WAVEGUIDE EQUATION
space wavelength
λg/2 increases angle of
incidence to
θi eventually 90
degs.
λ0/2
a
Then the wave is
reflected back and
forth without
θi advancing down
λ0 λ0 the guide.
Also cosθ i = , sin θ i = and cos2 θ i + sin 2 θ i = 1
2a λg

1 1 1
Gives = −
λ2g λ20 ( 2a ) 2

Alternatively
TE10
10 (H10
10) MODE – CUT-OFF WAVELENGTH interms of
λg/2 wavelengths

λ0/2
a

θi
Cut-off: • From eqn (or from geometry) it is clear The wavelength
λ0 = λc = 2a that as λ00 approaches 2a, λgg goes to ∞. for which this
occurs is known
1
=
1
−
1 • This is the condition of cut-off (λcc) and as the critical
λ2g λ20 ( 2a ) 2 propagation down the guide ceases wavelength.

13
 TE10 mode has an
Usable Bandwidth octaves
bandwidth. To
guard against
For TE10 dominant mode propagation overmoding we
Cut-off: λ0 = 2a operate away from
fc and TE20
For TE20 mode propagation
Cut-off: λ0 = a
Nominal For WR90 the
Nominal operating frequency/wavelength: operating nominal
λ0 = √2.a frequency is when operating
fnom = c/ √2.a
waveguide losses frequency is
are minimum and 9.28 GHz but
angle of incidence the guide can
on WG walls is 45 be used over
degs. 8.2-12.4 GHz.

Waveguide is
TE10
10 (H10
10) MODE – PHASE VELOCITY dispersive.
The velocity at which the FIELD patterns move along the guide.
Different
frequencies
λg/2 travel with
different phase
velocities.

a λ/2 Vp Transmission
modes tends to
by pulsed
packets.
ω λg Vp → ∞ as f → fc
Phase Velocity, V p = =c = fλ g (approaching cut-off)
β λ0
UWB signals
c Vp and
Frequency, f = = may use multiple
λ0 λg Vp → c as f → ∞
bandwidths.
(well away from cut-off)
V p > c, since, β < K
Vp is frequency dependent so
waveguide is DISPERSIVE

14
 The group
TE10
10 (H10
10) MODE – GROUP VELOCITY velocity is the
velocity the pulse
The velocity at which the ENERGY/INFO moves along the guide.
modulated
λg/2 packet travels
with.

Thus it appears
a λ/2 that the carrier
Vg
of an amplitude
c moduled signal
⎛ dβ ⎞
−1 travels at the
Group Velocity, Vg = ⎜ ⎟ Vg → 0 as f → fc phase velocity
⎝ dω ⎠ (energy does not propagate at cut-off)
by definition but the
and
λ
modulated
Vg = c o Vg → c as f → ∞ amplitude
λg well away from cut-off)
(envelope)
Furthermore, V p .Vg = c 2 Vg is also frequency dependent and is
less than c.
travels at the
group velocity.
This occurs because the system wavelength is not inversely proportional
to frequency.

A few TM Higher order modes

Surface Currents
modes are supported
(i )Generally
H-fields E-fields propagation
(i) standing H-field
travelling E-field. in higher modes
avoided.
(ii) From field configs
it is apparent no (ii) A few exceptions
m=n=0 fields can such as for the Riblet
exist; i.e TM00,TM01, coupler exist.
TM10 or TM01.

(ii) The cut off freqs

for other TM modes
are
TM11= fc=16.15GHz TM11 (E11)
TM21=fc=19.75GHz
TM12=fc=30.28GHz

15
 TM11
11 (E11
11) MODE – WAVE IMPEDANCE

λg/2

λ/2
a

θi
Transverse E − field E sin θ i
Zw = = = Z 0 sin θ i
Transverse H − field H
Wave impedance
ZTM=(β/k)η is below the free-
Ζtm=(λο/λg )377 Ohms space impedance.

TE11 field config.

looks similar to
TM11 except the
Surface Currents field forms are
interchanged.
H-fields E-fields

TE11 (H11)

16
 TEMN
MN (HMN
MN) MODE – WAVEGUIDE EQUATION

λg/2

θi

λ/2
a

TE10 TEMN
θi Summary
1 1 1 1
2
1 ⎛M⎞ ⎛ N ⎞
2
= − = −⎜ ⎟ −⎜ ⎟ waveguide
λ2g λ2 (2a )2 becomes
λ2g λ2 ⎝ 2a ⎠ ⎝ 2b ⎠ equations for
arbitrary higher
2 2
1 ⎛M⎞ ⎛ N ⎞ TE modes
Hence =⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
λ2c ⎝ 2a ⎠ ⎝ 2b ⎠

TE10
10 (H10
10) MODE – DOMINANT MODE

2 2
1 ⎛M⎞ ⎛ N ⎞
= ⎜ ⎟ +⎜ ⎟
λ2c ⎝ 2a ⎠ ⎝ 2b ⎠
E.g. Waveguide a=8 cm, b=4 cm

If a signal is
launched at 5.66
cm or 7.75 GHz
then ALL modes
are excited!

17
 (i) Currents in
CURRENTS
waveguide walls
can be used as
radiating sources.

(ii) RF field
penetrate WG
walls to a depth
known as the -
skin depth.

(iii) Slots cut lines

of H-field at right
angles to form
strong radiating
dipoles.

CHOKE JOINT – REMOVAL OF LOSSES Very important at

high power to
achieve good WG
joints with low loss.

(i) current flow to

skin depth in metal
and RF can leak out.

(ii) A gasket or
choke flange is
usually employed.

(iii) The choke

works by
transforming a
s/c (low impedance
point) from the T-
line to a closed
section s/c.

18
 Another simple
CIRCULAR WAVEGUIDE
WG is the circular
tube.
y
(i) Not easy to fit
togeather plane
radius = a ρ
φ waves in such
x
a away as
rectangular tube.
z
(ii) Modes are
referenced using
cylindrical coordinates (ρ, φ, z) the cylindrical co-
ordinate frame.
Variety of TE and TM modes exist.
TEm0 & TMm0 modes do not exist.
Can support any polarisation.

It is not difficult
CIRCULAR WAVEGUIDE to imagine a
square tube
deformed into a
circle.
DOMINANT
Here we see two
1.841c two rectangular
FC11 =
2πa modes distorted
TE10 TE11
into circular
modes.
CIRCULAR
SYMMETRY
The properties of
circular modes are
2.405c similar to
FC 01 =
2πa rectangular,
guide, free space
TM11 TM01
and cut-off
wavelengths
waveguide cut-off is related to tube diameter.

19
 (i) H11 is the
CIRCULAR WAVEGUIDE fundamental mode
Circular WG does not have a having the longest
wide range of applications critical
but they are important. wavelength.

(ii) Field
components vary
sinusoidially
around the
circumference.

(iii) E-field is zero

at 0o and 180o.

Maxima at 90oand
DOMINANT
270o.

The H11 can support any plane of polarisation and circular polarisation . This is useful for
Tx and Rx aerials that are randomly orientated towards each other.

CIRCULAR WAVEGUIDE This mode is

important
because of its
circular
symmetry.

Widely used in
the design of
rotating joints
and coupling
with waveguide
systems were
movement is
required e.g.
CIRCULAR connection to a
SYMMETRY roating aerial.

20
 H01 has similar
CIRCULAR WAVEGUIDE properties but is
not widely used.

(i) Difficult to
generate pure
mode.

(i) One of the

LOSSES desirable features
of waveguides is
Dielectric Losses the low losses.

The attenuation per unit length for TE and TM modes is given by (ii) The
attenuation is
K 2 tan δ composed of both
αd =
2β dielectric and
and increases with frequency. conductor loss
Conductor Losses factor.
This is determined by the conductivity of the wall material, mode and
frequency, since these in turn determine: α = αc + α d

• the attenuation per reflection from the walls

• the number of reflections from the walls per unit length
• the resistance experienced by the currents flowing in the walls.

21
 (i) Conductor
CONDUCTOR LOSSES losses minimised
thro use of high
conductivity
skin depth =
2 polised walls.
ωμσ
(ii) Need only be a
Material σ(S/m) f(GHz) skin depth (μm) few skin depths
thick.
Ag 61.58 x 106 10 0.64
35 0.34
1 2.03 (iii) V. Good WG
Cu 58 x 106 10 0.66 kits are silver .
Al 35.36 x 106 10 0.85
Fe 10.2 x 106 10 1.57 Only six silver kits
in the UK. I have a
αc =
(
R s 2bπ 2 + a 3 K 2 ) Pl = ωμa
3 2
bA10 β silver one.
a 3 bβKη 4π 2
TE10 mode in rectangular waveguide. αc increases with frequency.

Waveguide is
CIRCULAR WAVEGUIDE LOSSES essentially band-
pass filter in
nature.

(i) Attenuation
increases with
increasing
frequency.

(ii) Attenuation
increases near
guide cut-off due
to multiple
reflection and
path loss.

a=2.54 CM

22
 Again a high pass
RECTANGULAR WAVEGUIDE LOSSES filter response.

(i) Similar trend

as observed for
rectangular
waveguide.

(ii) Losses are

lower for
rectangular than
circular.

(i) Coaxial cables

are easier to
handle, connect
RECTANGULAR WAVEGUIDE LOSSES and mode free
over octaves of
bandwidth.
(ii) Comparison
of equal area WG
and coax
illustrates no
sharp cut of
point in either
useage.
(iii) For
wavelengths less
than 3cm higher
attenuation than
WG.
(iv) For
wavelengths
above 15 cm WG
losses greater and
size large.
(v) Coax is low
power handling.

23
 (i) WG has
POWER HANDLING excellent power
handling
capability.
Power flow down a guide is given by the Poynting Vector:

1 a b
P = ℜ ∫ ∫ E × H . z dy dx
2 x =0 y = 0

For the TE10 mode in rectangular waveguide:

ωa 3bμA102 ℜ(β )
P10 = This is
4π 2
− jωμA10 electrostatic
Since the maximum E field component is Ey = = 3 x 106 V/m
ωμ
max
π breakdown
And ZTE = WR90 voltage in air. If
β
Dry air, 1 atm WG filled with
abE y2
Then P10 = max
= 980kW (or 245kW for Eymax= 1.5 x 106 V/m) dielectric (inert
max
4 ZTE gases) can achieve
a higher voltage.

Normal to back off the voltage by a factor of 1/2. Dust, moisture can cause catastropic breakdown.

RIDGED WAVEGUIDE For the TE01

mode this
distortion does
not affect the
field mode.

Ridged waveguide:
•Increased bandwidth
•Reduced power handling
For applications in which savings of space must be made. Filling the
interior with high dielectric constant material allows the WG cross
-section to be reduced.
Alternatively one can introduce a ridge down the broad wall of the
guide.

24
 Insertion of a
POSTS & IRISES component,
Lumped components resemble metal obstacles. coupler etc.
introduces a
certain amount of
mismatch.

Matching in
waveguides can
be effected using
stubs (as in two
conductor
systems) or as
more usually
using lumped
reactive
components.

Calculation of the dimensions of these obstacles is involved . Since the element is electrically thin it does
not distrub the transverse electric fields very much. The componet can be presented as a complex
reactance connected in shunt across the transmission line.

RESONANT WINDOW

Hybrid reactance are also possible to synthesis. for e.g. the

waveguide aperture

From their construstion they are not readily adjustable so must be

determine by iterative calculation and obervation of mismatch
using a VSWR meter i.e. a lot of trial and error.

25
 A rod projected
SCREW MATCHING into the WG cavity
has a capacitive
reactance when it
intersection is
small.

The capacitance
increases with
increasing depth
into WG.

Eventually it
Often have two or more changes sign and
screw tuners on a spacing between
tuners 3λg/8. becomes inductive.
section of WG run.
The "three stub"
screw tuning is an
adjustable form of
this matching
technique.

An important
MICROSTRIP develpment in the
1960s was
Although simple •Easy to incorporate/adjust
microstrip both
construction devices such as diodes, FETs transmission line
and geometry. •Can be trimmed and antennas.
•Vp not linearly dependent
Field configurations on frequency…dispersive Substrate thickness
are complex and •Quasi-TEM mode << λg/10.
must be solved •Losses increase towards
numerically mmw band
•Substrates: alumina, Si,
GaAs, sapphire, quartz
•Conductors: Cu, Al, Au

26
 Characteristics of
MICROSTRIP – DESIGN FORMULAE u-strip are
difficult to
Note effective permittivity evaluate exactly.

A lot of analytic
expressions based
Vp = c / εe
on fixed
geometries and
β = K0 ε e
W/h ratio were
General expression for Zo
−1
ε r + 1 ε r −1 developed in the
120π ⎡W 1 ⎞ ⎤ 1
6
h ⎛ εe ≈ +
Z0 = ⎢ + 2.42 − (0.44) + ⎜1 − ⎟ ⎥ 2 2 12
1+ h 70s. Advent of
ε r ⎢⎣ h W ⎝ W / h ⎠ ⎥⎦ W
full-wave
R gZ methods makes
60 ⎛ 8h 1 W ⎞ α= + o
Z0 = log e ⎜ + ⎟ for W ≤ 1 2Z o 2
design
εe ⎝W 4 h ⎠ h
optimisation
120π
Z0 = for W ≥ 1 easier - but still
ε e ((W / h ) + 1.393 + 0.667 log e (W / h + 1.444 )) h
use basic
expressions for
initial design.

Dielectric losses
MICROSTRIP - LOSSES are neglible.

Note the volume filling factor

Dielectric loss attenuation
which accounts for some
K oε r (ε e − 1) tan δ field in air and some in
αD = Np/m
2 ε e (ε r − 1) dielectric

Conductor loss attenuation (usually most significant)

Rs
αc = Np/m
Z oW
where

RS =
ωμ 0 surface conductivity of the top conductor
2σ

Generally conductor losses are more significant than dielectric losses.

27
 MICROSTRIP – DESIGN CHART

These charts can

be calculated using
computer codes.

shape ratio
(W/h)

Characteristic Impedance Nomograph

Coaxial with inner

COAXIAL CABLE
metal pin support
TEM waves over
Primary line constants (TEM mode) several octaces of
μ
bandwidth.
⎛b⎞
L= log e ⎜ ⎟
2π ⎝a⎠
TE and TM modes
2πε ' are also possible
C=
log e (b / a ) but the dimensions
are are often
R=
Rs ⎛ 1 1 ⎞ relatively small and
⎜ + ⎟
2π ⎝ a b ⎠ therefore the
modes are
2πωε " evanescent.
G=
log e (b / a )

28
 Again these field
COAXIAL CABLE - FIELDS solutions come
from soultion of
the wave equation
Vo ρˆ
E= e −γz metallic
ρ log e (b / a ) boundary
conditions.
I o φ −γz
H= e
2πρ Impedance is
ratio of outer to
inner radii.
Vo = voltage on inner conductor
Io = current in inner conductor

60 ⎛b⎞
Z0 = log e ⎜ ⎟
εr ⎝a⎠

Strip line is
STRIPLINE essentially shielded
Also known as high Q triplate. u-strip.

Note the
•Inconvenience introduction of the
•No radiated losses
metal plate has
restored a TEM
wave mode (two
conductors).
•Reduced dielectric
•Reduced losses Sidewalls are also
sometimes
•Increased Q
introduced for
•Used in micowave filters
and mode suppresion. circuital isolation.

29
 The wavelength is
INVERTED & TRAPPED INVERTED STRIPLINE
longer in this
configuration than
A ground plane is now inserted above the printed circuit.
conventional
microstrip.

This implies it can

operate at very
high frequencies.

Uses wider
transmission lines
that conventional
the capped version suppresses
u-strip to achieve
higher spurious modes.
same impedance.

Can be used up to
95 GHz
Main limitation is difficult to insert active devices and post trimming.

Metallisation is
COPLANAR WAVEGUIDE
formed on only
one side.
signal Ground screen

The planar circuit

is located between
ground planes.

Stable quasi-TEM
mode formed.

•Easy to incorporate devices

FETS, BJT and
•Used into MMW band diodes easy to
attach and more
importantly bias
the circuit.

30
 Circuit completely
FINELINE or E-PLANE CIRCUITS enclosed in metal
box.

Circuit deposited
on one side of the
substrate and a slot
pattern in the metal
form the finline
circuit.

•Enclosed in box but avoids waveguide modes A continuous s/c

•Low losses (about 1/3rd that of microstrip)
between the upper
and lower plates is
•Used to 100GHz.
essential.

At frequencies of
IMAGE LINE 100 GHz and
above wavelength
Dielectric slab e.g. is mm's. Therefore
boron nitride,
alumina, a cheap low cost
Si. waveguide is the
Metal backing
"dielectric slab"
sheet (grounded) guide.

One placed on
•Dielectric waveguide, TE and TM modes
metal ground
•Used to 100s GHz
plane becomes
•Very high Q imageline.
•Incompatible with active devices
•Mutual coupling problems Modes supported
•Radiation losses from discontinuities severe in dielectric
•Closed dielectric filled waveguides may be better

31
End

32