Waveguide Connections

Avery satisfactory low-loss connection can be made between two waveguides by machining their ends perfectly square and clamping them together. However, the RF loss of such a joint depends critically upon joint accuracy. Significant losses can result if two waveguides are not clamped tightly together, if the joint is even slightly misaligned, or if the ends are not finished-off perfectly smooth and square. Losses as high as 1 dB can been measured with a waveguide butt joint that is slightly misaligned, but that is aligned close enough to look superficially perfect. 1 dB may not seem very significant, but 1 dB per joint with many joints obviously can be very significant. ©2005 Martek International All rights reserved.

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