A High Power Single-Bridge SP4T Waveguide Reciprocal Ferrite Switch

Abstract

Bridge-type waveguide switches using vector-rotation elements can extend the number of switched ports from two to four by incorporating orthogonal mode transducers prior to a pair of final combining hybrid tees. Rotatable ferrite half-wave plates allow efficient selection of any desired amount of reciprocal vector rotation.This paper describes the operating principle of an SP4T switch using rotatable ferrite half-wave plates in a waveguide bridge, and analyzes bandwidth vs. isolation considerations. Measured data are presented for an X-Band engineering model switch capable of handling up to 100 Kw. peak rf power.

A 12–20 GHz Wideband High-Power SP2T Switch Based on Gap Waveguide Technology

“…Only Ref. [ 10 ] has a higher power handling capacity than the proposed switch, due to its lower working frequency and larger dimensions.…”

“…However, they suffer from high insertion loss, low isolation between switch ports, and low power handling. RF micro-electromechanical systems (RF-MEMS) are also considered to be good candidates to design microwave switches [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The RF-MEMS structures have several advantages and features in both mechanical and solid-state technologies.…”

“…Mechanical waveguide switches are attractive and efficient in microwave frequency bands. They provide low insertion loss, good shielding with high isolation levels, and high-power handling capabilities [ 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Despite their excellent microwave performance, their complicated and expensive fabrication process is their main weakness since accurate and high precision technologies are required for manufacturing, especially at high-frequency bands.…”