The Wonders of Waveguide

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Waveguide-based high-frequency systems often require some control of amplitude or signal level. Waveguide attenuators can deliver that means of control, with fixed attenuators providing a single value attenuation setting and variable attenuators providing a range of attenuation control across a desired frequency range.

 Waveguide can provide outstanding electrical performance in terms of low insertion loss and low VSWR at microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies, but it may often be necessary to transition between waveguide and coaxial components. Doing so requires the right Waveguide-to-coaxial adapter and knowledge of how to integrate it into a design without introducing un-wanted chaos. The right adapter can provide convenience as well as performance. 

Rotary joints based on rigid waveguide can provide high-performance, dependable connections in many commercial and military RF/microwave systems. But matching the right waveguide rotary joint to a particular application can call for a bit of “rotary joint know-how” beyond simply selecting proper waveguide sizes. These are precision components that can help keep high-frequency signals connected under a variety of conditions, and are available in different waveguide sizes as well as compact, coaxial versions as needed.

Waveguide is a technology uniquely synonymous with high-frequency RF/microwave electronics. Described simply, it is a form of hollow conductive metal tube that carries energy from one point to another. For RF/microwave use, it handles electromagnetic (EM) energy; forms of waveguide have also been used to carry acoustical and optical energy. Waveguide can be used to fashion a wide range of RF/microwave and even millimeter-wave components, including transmission lines, couplers, power dividers, and filters.