DEP50043

MICROWAVE
DEVICES

CHAPTER 2
MICROWAVE
TRANSMISSION
SYSTEM
 CHAPTER 2
MIROWAVE TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
Upon completion of this chapter, the students would be
able to:
2.1. Remember types of microwave transmission line
2.2. Understand electromagnetic wave propagation in
rectangular waveguide
2.3 Apply transmission line equation in
rectangular waveguide
2.4. Investigate attenuation factor
2.5. Investigate microstrip transmission line equation
2.1. Types of microwave transmission line

a. Waveguide
i. Rectangular Waveguide
ii. Circular Waveguide
iii. Flexible Waveguide
iv. Ridge Waveguide

b. Coaxial line

c. Printed circuit line

i. Strip line
ii. Microstrip
 2.1. Types of microwave transmission line

a. WAVEGUIDE
• Used to transport
electromagnetic waves in
frequency of gigahertz (GHz),
from a point to another.
• A hollow conductor material
with a dielectical material
inside, usually air.
• The goal is to transport high
power electromagnetic waves
with minimum irradiation
loss, because the wave
propagation is limited by
conductor material.
 2.1. Types of microwave transmission line
a.(i). Rectangular waveguide
• It consists of a hollow rectangular waveguide (rectangular cross section)
that can propagate TM and TE modes but not TEM since only one
conductor is present.
• The wall of the guides are conductors and therefore reflection from them
may take place.
• It is a standard convention to have the longest side of the waveguide along
x-axis [a (width) > b (length)]

Length, x
Height, b

Width, a
 2.1. Types of microwave transmission line
a.(ii). Circular waveguide
• It consists of a hollow, round (circular cross section) metal pipe that
supports TE and TM waveguide modes.

Length, x
Radius, r
2.1. Types of microwave transmission line

a.(iii). Flexible waveguide

• It is used for bends, twists or in applications where certain criteria may not
be fulfilled by normal waveguides.

• H bend is used to turn a 90° corner.

• E bend also completes a 90° turn in
either an upward or downward
direction.
• Twist is used to effect a shift in the
polarization of the wave.
2.1. Types of microwave transmission line

a.(iv). Ridge waveguide

• It is formed with a rectangular ridge projecting inward from one or
both of the wide walls in a rectangular waveguide.
• Ridge is used to concentrate the electric field across the ridge and
to lower the cutoff frequency of TE10 mode.

Ridged Waveguide Using Singled Ridged Waveguide

Metal Bar Double Ridged Waveguide
2.1. Types of microwave transmission line
b. Coaxial line
• An electrical cable with an inner conductor surrounded by a
flexible insulating layer, surrounded by a conducting shield (outer
conductor).
• Microwaves travel through the flexible insulation layer.
2.1. Types of microwave transmission line
c. (i). Strip line
• It consists of a thin conducting strip of width W that is centered
between two wide conducting ground planes.
• Dielectric material is placed on both sides of the strip conductor.

Outer
Conductor
E-field
Dielectric
Ground
plane

w Inner Conductor H-field

2.1. Types of microwave transmission line
c.(ii). Microstrip
• It consists of a conducting strip separated from a ground plane by
a dielectric layer known as the substrate.
• A conductor of width W is printed on a thin, grounded dielectric
substrate of thickness h and relative permittivity ᵋr.
2.1. Types of microwave transmission line
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

• In an electromagnetic wave propagation through a

medium, changing magnetic field will induce an electric
field and vice-versa.
• The propagation characteristics of electromagnetic waves
in general depend on the electrical parameters (σ, ε, μ) of
the medium and the presence of the boundaries or
interfaces between two media.

Note : σ (conductivity)
: ε (permittivity)
: μ (permeability)
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide
• A rectangular waveguide is characterized by its width (a)
and height (b)

• There are two types of modes the waveguide can support:

TM mode
TE mode
• TEM wave will not propagate in a rectangular waveguide
because certain boundary conditions apply.
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide
Boundary conditions
• Energy travelling down a waveguide is similar to the electromagnetic
waves travel in free space. The difference is that the energy in a
waveguide is bounded by the walls of the waveguide.
• The Boundary Conditions for waveguide are as follows:
i. For an electric field to exist at the surface of a conductor, it must
be perpendicular to the conductor. An electric field CANNOT exist
parallel to a perfect conductor.
ii. For a varying magnetic field to exist, it must form closed loops in
parallel with the conductors and be perpendicular to the electric
field.
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Boundary conditions (cont.)

• Since E-field causes a current flow that in turn produces H-field,
both fields always exist at the same time in a waveguide.
• If one field satisfies one of these boundary conditions, it must also
satisfy the other since neither field can exist alone.
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Propagation of electromagnetic wave inside rectangular

waveguide
• Electromagnetic waves are launched into the waveguide
by loop antenna or probe antenna and will propagate in
zig-zag manner.
• These electromagnetic waves will bounce from wall to wall
in zig-zag wave path.
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Propagation of electromagnetic wave inside rectangular

waveguide (cont.)
• The conducting walls of the waveguide keeps within limit
the electromagnetic field and guide the wave.
• Propagation pattern of the electromagnetic fields within a
waveguide depends upon the:
i. Method of energy coupling (TEm,n or TMm,n)
ii. Frequency of operation
iii. Size of waveguide
• Since multiple reflections occur between the walls, a
number of distinct field configurations can exist in
waveguides – called MODE.
2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide
Fields pattern of the fundamental mode, TE1,0
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide
• Consider a rectangular waveguide
with interior dimensions are a x b.

• The order of the mode refers to

the field configuration in the guide,
and is given by m and n integer
subscripts, TEm,n and TMm,n.
Rectangular Waveguide
m n
 Integer number.  Integer number.
 Denotes the number of half  Denotes the number of half
wavelength of the field in the x wavelength of the field in the y
direction. direction.
 Refers to the width or dimension  Refers to the narrow dimension ‘b’
‘a’ of the rectangular waveguide. of the rectangular waveguide.
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Permittivity and
permeability of the
medium inside
waveguide

Permittivity:
 Measures the ability
of a material to store
energy within the
material.
 It is represented by
symbol ε.
 Permittivity of free
space :
εo ≈ 8.85x10-12
Faraday/meter.
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Permittivity and permeability of the medium inside

waveguide

Permeability:
Measures the ability of a material to support the formation
of a magnetic field within the material.
It is represented by μ.
Permeability of free space (μ0) ≈ 4π × 10- 7 Henry/meter.
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide
Relative permeability of selected material
Material µr Material µr
Bismuth 0.999833 Titanium 1.00018
Gold 0.99996 Platinum 1.0003
Mercury 0.999968 Palladium 1.0008
Silver 0.9999736 Manganese 1.001
Lead 0.9999831 Cast Iron 150
Copper 0.9999912 Cobalt 250
Water 0.9999912 Nickel 600
Paraffin 0.99999942 Nickel-zine Ferrite (Ni-Zn-Fe2O3) 650
Wood 0.9999995 Manganese-zine Ferrite (Mn-Zn-Fe2O3) 1200
Vacuum 1 Steel 2000
Air 1.00000037 Iron (0.4% impurity) 5000
Beryllium 1.0000007 Silicon Iron (4% Si) 7000
Oxygen 1.000002 Permalloy (78.5% Ni, 21.5% Fe) 7 x 104
Magnesium 1.000012 Mu-Metal (78% Ni, 14% Fe, 5% Cu, 4% Mo, 2% Cr) 105
Aluminum 1.00002 Iron (Purified – 0.04% impurity) 2 x 105
Tungsten 1.00008 Supermalloy (79.5% Ni, 15% Fe, 5% Mo, 0.5% Mn) 106
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide
Characteristics of waveguide
• Free space velocity, c (m/s):
1 1 𝜀 = 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟
𝑐= =
𝜀𝜇 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 𝜇𝑜 𝜇𝑟 𝜇 = 𝜇 𝑜 𝜇𝑟

For free space; 𝜖𝑟 = 1 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝜇𝑟 = 1, then,

1
𝑐=
𝜀𝑜 1 . 𝜇𝑜 (1)
1
=
8.85 𝑥 10−12 4𝜋 𝑥 10−7
= 3 x 108 𝑚/𝑠
2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Characteristics of waveguide (cont.)

• Cutoff (critical) frequency, fc (Hz): the lowest frequency

for which a mode will propagate in a waveguide.

2 2
𝜀 = 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟
1 𝑚 𝑛
𝑓𝑐𝑚,𝑛 = +
2 𝜀𝜇 𝑎 𝑏 𝜇 = 𝜇𝑜 𝜇𝑟
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide
Dominant modes excitation
• Cutoff frequency, fc shows that physical size of waveguide will determine
propagation of the modes of the specific orders determined by m and n.
• Minimum fc is obtained for a guide with dimension a > b, for m = 1 and n
= 0.
• For TMm,n modes, m ≠ 0 or n ≠ 0.
• Thus, TE1,0 (lowest order mode possible) = dominant mode.

Location of modes
2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Characteristics of waveguide (cont.)

• Group velocity, Vg (m/s):
i. The velocity at which a wave propagates.
ii. Refers to the velocity of a group of waves.
iii. It is also the velocity at which information signals or energy is
propagated.
iv. Always less than c (3 x 108 m/s).

2 2
𝑓𝑐 𝜆𝑜
𝑉𝑔 = 𝑐 1 − OR 𝑉𝑔 = 𝑐 1 −
𝑓𝑜 𝜆𝑐

• In theory: c < Vg ≤ Vp.

 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Characteristics of waveguide (cont.)

• Phase velocity, Vp (m/s):
i. The velocity at which the wave changes phase.
ii. It is the apparent velocity of the wave (i.e.: max electric intensity
point).
iii. Vp always equal to or greater than Vg (Vp ≥ Vg).
iv. It may exceed the velocity of light (velocity in free space).

𝑐 𝑐
𝑉𝑝 = OR 𝑉𝑝 =
2 2
𝑓 𝜆
1− 𝑐 1− 𝑜
𝑓𝑜 𝜆𝑐
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Characteristics of waveguide (cont.)

• Free space wavelength, λo (m):

𝑐 = 𝜆𝑜 𝑓𝑜

• Cutoff (critical) wavelength, λc (m): the largest wavelength

that can propagate in the waveguide without any/ minimum
attenuation (or the smallest free space wavelength that is
just unable to propagate in the waveguide).

𝑐 = 𝜆𝑐 𝑓𝑐
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Characteristics of waveguide (cont.)

• Guide wavelength, λg (m):
i. Wavelength of travelling wave that propagates down the
waveguide.
ii. λg will be greater in the waveguide than in free space
(λo).

𝜆𝑜 𝜆𝑜
𝜆𝑔 = OR 𝜆𝑔 =
2 2
𝑓𝑐 𝜆𝑜
1− 1−
𝑓𝑜 𝜆𝑐
 2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

Characteristics of waveguide (cont.)

• Transmission characteristic impedance, Zo (Ω):
i. It depends on the cut-off frequency, which in turn is
determined by the guide dimension.
ii. It is also closely related to the characteristic
impedance of free space (ƞo = 377 Ω).
iii. Generally, Zo > 377 Ω.

𝜇𝑟
𝜂 = 377
𝜀𝑟
2.2. Propagation Of Electromagnetic Wave In
Rectangular Waveguide

• Waveguide characteristic impedance, ZTE and ZTM (Ω):

𝜂
𝑍𝑇𝐸 = 2
2 𝑓𝑐
𝑓𝑐 𝑍𝑇𝑀 =𝜂 1−
1− 𝑓𝑜
𝑓𝑜

OR OR
𝜂
𝑍𝑇𝐸 = 2
2
𝜆𝑜
𝜆 𝑍𝑇𝑀 =𝜂 1−
1− 𝑜 𝜆𝑐
𝜆𝑐
 2.3 Apply the transmission line equations

Example 1:
For a rectangular waveguide with a wall separation of 3 cm
and a desired frequency of operation of 6 GHz at dominant
mode free space, determine:
a) Cutoff frequency.
b)Cutoff wavelength.
c) Group velocity.
d)Phase velocity.
 2.3 Apply the transmission line equations
Solution:
Given : width, a = 3cm = 0.03m , f0 = 6GHz , Dominant mode – TE1,0 ,
free space : r = 1 , µr = 1 . Constant value : 0 = 8.85 x 10-12F/m , µ0 = 4 x 10-7 H/m
(a) The cutoff frequency,
2 2 2 2
1 𝑚 𝑛 1 1 0
𝑓𝑐𝑚,𝑛 = + = + = 𝟒. 𝟗𝟗𝟖 𝑮𝑯𝒛
2 𝜀𝜇 𝑎 𝑏 2 (8.85 𝑥 10−12 )(1)(4𝜋 𝑥 10−7 )(1) 0.03 𝑏

(b) The cutoff wavelength,

𝑐 = 𝜆𝑐 𝑓𝑐
𝑐 3 𝑥 108
𝜆𝑐 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝒎
𝑓𝑐 4.998 𝑥 109

(c) The phase velocity,

𝑐 3 × 108 𝑚/𝑠 𝒎
𝑣𝑝 = = = 𝟓𝟒𝟐. 𝟕𝟐𝑴 = 𝟓. 𝟒𝟐𝟕 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟖 𝒎/𝒔
2 4.998 𝐺𝐻𝑧 2 𝒔
𝑓 1−
1− 𝑐 6 𝐺𝐻𝑧
𝑓0

(d) The group velocity,

2 2
𝑐2 𝑓𝑐 8
4.998 𝐺𝐻𝑧 𝒎
𝑣𝑔 = =𝑐 1− = 3 × 10 1− = 𝟏𝟔𝟓. 𝟗𝟖𝟐𝑴 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟓 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟖 𝒎/𝒔
𝑣𝑝 𝑓0 6 𝐺𝐻𝑧 𝒔
 2.3 Apply the transmission line equations
Example 2:
Based on the information given:
 RG-52/U; mode is TE10
 Internal dimensions 22.9 by 10.2 mm
 Frequency operation = 12.5 GHz
Find : cutoff frequency (fc),free space wavelength, group velocity (vg) , phase
velocity (vp) , guide wavelength (λg) , characteristic impedance (Z0TE) and cutoff
wavelength (c)
 2.3 Apply the transmission line equations
Solution:
Given : 22.9 x 10.2 mm : a = 22.9mm = 0.0229m, b = 10.2mm = 0.0102m ; f0 = 12.5GHz , Dominant mode – TE1,0 ,
free space : r = 1 , µr = 1 . Constant value : 0 = 8.85 x 10-12F/m , µ0 = 4 x 10-7H/m
The cutoff frequency,
2 2 2 2
1 𝑚 𝑛 1 1 0
𝑓𝑐𝑚,𝑛 = + = + = 𝟔. 𝟓𝟒𝟕 𝑮𝑯𝒛
2 𝜀𝜇 𝑎 𝑏 2 (8.85 𝑥 10−12 )(1)(4𝜋 𝑥 10−7 )(1) 0.0229 0.0102

Free space wavelength,

𝑐 = 𝜆0 𝑓0
𝑐 3 𝑥 108
𝜆0 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟒𝒎
𝑓0 12.5 𝑥 109

The group velocity,

2 2
𝑐2 𝑓𝑐 8
6.547 𝐺𝐻𝑧 𝒎
𝑣𝑔 = =𝑐 1− = 3 × 10 1− = 𝟐𝟓𝟓. 𝟓𝟓𝟗 𝑴 = 𝟐. 𝟓𝟓𝟔 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟖 𝒎/𝒔
𝑣𝑝 𝑓0 12.5 𝐺𝐻𝑧 𝒔

The phase velocity,

𝑐 3 × 108 𝑚/𝑠 𝒎
𝑣𝑝 = = = 𝟑𝟓𝟐. 𝟏𝟔𝟖𝑴 = 𝟑. 𝟓𝟐𝟐 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟖 𝒎/𝒔
2 2 𝒔
𝑓 6.547 𝐺𝐻𝑧
1− 𝑐 1−
𝑓0 12.5 𝐺𝐻𝑧
 2.3 Apply the transmission line equations
Solution (cont.):
The guide wavelength,
𝜆0 0.024
𝜆𝑔 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟖𝟐 𝒎
2 2
𝑓𝑐 6.547 𝐺𝐻𝑧
1− 1−
𝑓0 12.5 𝐺𝐻𝑧

Characteristic impedance,
𝜇𝑟 1
𝜂 = 377 = 377 = 377
𝜀𝑟 1

𝜂 377
𝑍𝑜𝑇𝐸 = = = 𝟒𝟒𝟐. 𝟓𝟓𝟖 𝜴
2 2
𝑓𝑐 6.547 𝐺𝐻𝑧
1− 1−
𝑓0 12.5 𝐺𝐻𝑧

Cutoff wavelength,
𝑐 = 𝜆𝑐 𝑓𝑐
𝑐 3 𝑥 108
𝜆𝑐 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟒𝟓𝟖𝒎
𝑓𝑐 6.547 𝑥 109
Exercise 2.1
1. A rectangular waveguide having an inner dimension of (3.5 × 1.5) cm is used for propagating a
microwave signal at mode TE11. If the microwave frequency given is 13.8 GHz, calculate the
cut-off frequency (fc), cut-off wavelength (λc), guide wavelength (λg) and velocity inside
waveguide (Vg) of this waveguide.
2. An air-filled rectangular waveguide with a dimension of 7 cm × 3.5 cm operates in the TE11
mode with the frequency of 6 GHz. Determine cut-off frequency, guide wavelength, velocity of
the signal inside the waveguide and wave characteristic impedance.
3. An rectangular waveguide having an inner dimension of (4.0 × 2.0) cm is used for propagating a
microwave signal at mode TE11. If the microwave frequency given is 12 GHz, calculate the cut-
off frequency, cut-off wavelength, guide wavelength and velocity inside waveguide of this
waveguide.
4. An rectangular air-filled copper waveguide with a dimension of (3.1 × 2.0) cm is operated at
9.5 GHz with a dominant mode. Calculate:
i. Cut-off frequency, fc
ii. Guide wavelength, λg
iii. Phase velocity, Vp
iv. Characteristic impedance, Zo(TE)
v. Velocity inside waveguide, vg
Exercise
5. The WG-16 waveguide recommended for X-band (8 - 12GHz) transmission has dimension a = 5 cm and b = 2
cm. Calculate the frequency range over which the dominant mode propagates.

6. For a rectangular waveguide with a width of 3 cm and a desired frequency of operation of 6 GHz (for
dominant mode), determine:

a) Cut-off frequency

b) Cut-off wavelength

c) Group velocity

d) Phase velocity

e) Guide wavelength

f) Waveguide characteristic impedance

Exercise – Answer
1. fc = 10.873GHz, λc = 0.0276m, λg = 0.0353m, Vg = 1.848 x 108 m/s.
2. fc = 4.788GHz, , λg = 0.083m, Vg = 1.808 x 108 m/s,
ZTE1,,1 = 625.66
3. fc = 8.379GHz, λc = 0.0358m, λg = 0.0349m , Vg = 2.147 x 108 m/s.
4. fc = 4.836GHz, λg = 0.0367m, Vp = 3.485 x 108 m/s ,
ZTE1,,0 = 437.98 , Vg = 2.582 x 108 m/s.
5. fc = 2.998GHz
6. fc = 4.996GHz, λc = 0.06m, Vg = 1.661 x 108 m/s,
Vp = 5.419 x 108 m/s, λg = 0.0903m, ZTE1,,0 = 681
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor

The Attenuation of Electromagnetic Wave In

Waveguide
 Due to energy dissipated within the device as heat
and is defined as the reduction of power through the
device.

 Insertion loss of the device due to mismatch.

 Powerloss – loss that is reflected back down the line

and not dissipated within the device as heat.

42
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor
Sources of Attenuation
 The effect of losses is to dissipate as heat some of the
electromagnetic energy flowing along the transmission line or
waveguide.
 Consider a short length, δz, of waveguide carrying power P, as in
Figure below.

43
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor

Sources of Attenuation
 Losses arise from two sources:
imperfect dielectric
finite wall conductivity

 The former is specified by the loss angle (δ), the

latter by the conductivity (σ).

44
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor
Attenuation in Rectangular Waveguide
 Only ideal waveguides have been considered is rectangular waveguide.
Characterized by a perfect conductor filled with a perfect insulator.
 The propagating waves in an ideal waveguide suffer no attenuation as the
travel down the waveguide.
 Two loss mechanisms exist in a realistic waveguide: conductor loss and
dielectric loss.
 The fields associated with the propagating waveguide modes produce
currents that flow in the walls of the waveguide.
 Given that the waveguide walls are constructed from an imperfect
conductor (σc < ∞), the walls act like resistors and dissipate energy in the
form of heat.
 Also, the dielectric within the waveguide
is not ideal (σd > 0) so that dielectric also
dissipates energy in the form of heat.
45
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor

Attenuation in Rectangular Waveguide

 The overall attenuation constant α (in units of Np/m) for a
realistic waveguide can be written in terms of the two loss
components as

𝛼𝑚𝑛 = 𝛼𝑐𝑚𝑛 + 𝛼𝑑𝑚𝑛

where,
αc- attenuation constant due to conductor loss
αd- attenuation constant due to dielectric loss.

46
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor
Attenuation in Rectangular Waveguide
 For either TE or TM modes in a rectangular waveguide, the attenuation
constant due to dielectric loss is given by
𝜎𝑑 𝜂′
𝛼𝑑𝑚𝑛 =
2
𝑓𝑐𝑚𝑛
2 1−
𝑓
whereby;
𝜇 𝜇𝑜 𝜇𝑟
𝜂′ = =
𝜀 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟
’ – intrinsic impedance of uniform plane in medium
d – dielectric conductor
 The attenuation constant due to conductor loss in a rectangular
waveguide depends on the mode type (TE or TM) due to the different
components of field present in these modes. 47
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor
Attenuation in Rectangular Waveguide
 The attenuation constant due to conductor losses for the TMmn
mode in a rectangular waveguide is given3by2 3 𝑛2
2𝑅𝑠 𝑏 𝑚 + 𝑎
𝛼𝑐𝑇𝑀
𝑚𝑛
= 2 2 3 2
2 𝑎𝑏 𝑚 + 𝑎 𝑛
𝑓𝑐𝑚𝑛
𝑏𝜂′ 1 −
𝑓
1
Surface resistance of the waveguide walls,𝑅𝑠 =
𝜎𝑐 𝛿
whereby;
 - skin depth
c - waveguide/medium conduction losses
𝛿 - Skin depth of the waveguide walls at the
operating frequency,
1
𝛿=
𝜋𝑓𝜇𝜎𝑐 48
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor

Attenuation in Rectangular Waveguide

 It is assumed that the waveguide wall thickness is several
skin depths such that the wall currents are essentially
surface currents.
 This is an accurate assumption at the typical operating
frequencies of waveguides ( ~GHz) where the skin depth of
common conductors like aluminum and copper are on the
order of µm.

49
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor

Attenuation in Rectangular Waveguide

 The attenuation constant due to conductor losses for the TEmn mode in a
rectangular waveguide with (n ≠ 0) is given by

 For the special case of (n = 0), the attenuation constant due to conductor losses
for the TEm0 mode in a rectangular waveguide is
2
𝑇𝐸
2𝑅𝑠 1 𝑏 𝑓𝑐mn
𝛼𝑐m0 = +
2 2 𝑎 𝑓
𝑓
𝑏𝑛′ 1 − 𝑐mn
𝑓

 The equation above applies to the dominant rectangular waveguide mode [TE10].

50
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor

Attenuation (dB) Measurement

𝑨𝒅𝑩 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒍𝒐𝒈𝟏𝟎 𝒆−𝜶𝒛

If;
α= 2π/λc
Z = waveguide length
Therefore,
𝟓𝟒. 𝟓 𝒁
𝑨𝒅𝑩 = 𝒅𝑩
𝝀𝒄

51
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor
Example 3
Calculate the attenuation in the waveguide whose length is 25 cm and given that a
= 1 cm, b = 0.5 cm and signal frequency of 1 GHz propagating with dominant mode.

Solution:
Given : Z = 25 cm; a = 1 cm = 0.01m; b = 0.5 cm = 0.005m ; f0= 1 GHz; TE10
2 2 2 2
1 𝑚 𝑛 1 1 0
𝑓𝑐1,0 = + = + = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟗𝟗 𝑮𝑯𝒛
2 𝜀𝜇 𝑎 𝑏 2 (8.85 𝑥 10−12 )(1)(4𝜋 𝑥 10−7 )(1) 0.01 0.005

𝑐 = 𝜆0 𝑓0
𝑐 3 𝑥 108 Therefore,
𝜆0 = = = 𝟎. 𝟑𝒎
𝑓0 1 𝑥 109 Z=25cm=0.25m
𝑐 3 𝑥 108
𝜆𝑐 = = = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝒎 𝟓𝟒. 𝟓 𝒁 𝟓𝟒. 𝟓 𝒙 𝟎. 𝟐𝟓
𝑓𝑐 14.99 𝑥 109 𝑨𝒅𝑩 = =
𝝀𝒄 𝟎. 𝟎𝟐
0>c – thus attenuation occur = 𝟔𝟖𝟏. 𝟐𝟓𝒅𝑩
because the guide operates
below cutoff
 2.4. Investigate attenuation factor

Example 4
An aluminum waveguide (a = 4.2 cm, b = 1.5 cm, σc = 3.5 × 107
mhos/m) filled with teflon (µr = 1, εr = 2.6, σd = 1 × 10-15 mhos
/m) operates at 4 GHz. Determine:
(a) αc and αd for the TE10 mode
(b) the waveguide loss in dB over a distance of 1.5 m.

53
Solution

1 𝑚 2 𝑛 2 1 𝑚 2 𝑛 2
𝑓𝑐𝑚,𝑛 = + = +
2 𝜇𝜀 𝑎 𝑏 2 (𝜇𝑜 𝜇𝑟 )(𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 ) 𝑎 𝑏
2 2
1 1 0
𝑓𝑐1,0 = + = 2.213𝐺𝐻𝑧
2 (4𝜋 𝑥 10−7 𝑥 1)(8.854 𝑥 10−12 𝑥 2.6) 0.042 0.015

1 1
𝛿= = = 1.35𝜇𝑚
𝜋𝑓𝜇𝜎𝑐 𝜋(4 𝑥 109 )(4𝜋 𝑥 10−7 𝑥 1)(3.5 𝑥 107 )

𝜇 𝜇𝑜 𝜇 𝑟 (4𝜋 𝑥 10−7 𝑥 1)
𝜂′ = = = −12
= 233.6Ω
𝜀 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 (8.854 𝑥 10 𝑥 2.6)
Solution (cont.)
TE10;
1 1
𝑅𝑠 = = = 0.02116Ω
𝜎𝑐 . 𝛿 (3.5 𝑥 107 )(1.35 𝑥 10−6 )

2
2𝑹𝒔 1 𝑏 𝑓𝑐𝟏,𝟎
𝜶𝑻𝑬
𝒄𝟏,𝟎 = +
2 2 𝑎 𝑓
𝑓
𝑏𝜂′ 1 − 𝑐𝟏,𝟎
𝑓

2
2(0.02116) 1 0.015 2.213 𝑥 109
𝜶𝑻𝑬
𝒄𝟏,𝟎 = +
2.213 𝑥 109
2 2 0.042 4 𝑥 109
(0.015)(233.6) 1 −
4 𝑥 109

𝜶𝑻𝑬
𝒄𝟏,𝟎 = 0.0145 0.5 + 0.1093 = 8.835 𝑥 10
−3 𝑁𝑝/𝑚
Solution (cont.)

𝑇𝐸 𝜎𝑑 𝜂′ (10−15 )(233.6)
𝛼𝑑10 = = = 1.403 𝑥 10−13 𝑁𝑝/𝑚
2 2
𝑓 2.213 𝑥 109
2 1− 𝑐 2 1−
𝑓 4 𝑥 109

𝛼𝑚𝑛 = 𝛼𝑐𝑚𝑚 + 𝛼𝑑𝑚𝑛 = 8.835 𝑥 10−3 + 1.403 𝑥 10−13 = 8.835 𝑥 10−3 𝑁𝑝/𝑚

For this problem, we see that the dielectric losses are negligible in
comparison to the conductor losses.
𝛼𝑚𝑛 ≈ 𝛼𝑐𝑚𝑛 = 8.835 × 10−3 𝑁𝑝/𝑚
Solution (cont.)

(b). Waveguide propagation loss at z=1.5m distance

𝑁𝑝
− 8.835 𝑥 10−3 𝑚 1.5
𝑒 −𝛼.𝑧 = 𝑒 = 0.9868

𝑑𝐵 = 20 log 𝑒 −𝛼.𝑧 = 20 log 0.9868 = −0.1154𝑑𝐵

Exercise 2.2
1. A copper-plated waveguide with medium losses 5.8 x 107 S/m, permeability of
medium 1 and operating at 4.8GHz is supposed to deliver maximum power to
antenna. If the guide is filled with polystyrene losses 10-17S/m, permittivity =2.55o
and its dimension are 4.2x2.6 cm at mode transverse electric 1,0; calculate:
a) attenuation conductor loss, c
b) attenuation dielectric loss, d
c) attenuation losses, 
d) losses in dB for 60cm long of waveguide
2. A brass waveguide (a = 4.2 cm, b = 1.5 cm, σc = 1.1 × 107 S/m) filled with Teflon (εr =
2.6, σd = 10-15 S/m) operates at 9 GHz. For the TE1,0 mode determine:
a. αc and αd.
b. The waveguide loss in dB over a distance of 40 cm.
3. Calculate the attenuation when a waveguide with dimensions 2 cm × 1 cm and 25 cm
in length is given a signal of 15 GHz propagates in dominant mode. Material used
same as Question 1.
4. A 9 GHz signal propagates inside the rectangular waveguide 22.94 x 10 mm that is
filled with lossy dielectric material with dielectric conductivity 3.655 × 10-4 S/m and
conductor losses 1.05 x 107 S/m, dielectric permittivity 2.1 and dielectric permeability
1.0. Use the appropriate formula to determine the guide attenuation factor if the cut-
off frequency is 4.5 GHz at TE dominant mode.
Solution Exercise 2.2
Question 1
Given;
Medium losses, c = 5.8 x 107 S/m
Permeability of medium, r = 1
f =4.8GHz
Polystyrene losses, d = 10-17S/m
Permittivity of dielectric, r = 2.55
a = 4.2cm = 0.042m
b = 2.6cm = 0.042m
TE10
Solution Exercise 2.2 (cont.)

𝜇 = 𝜇𝑜 𝜇𝑟 = 4𝜋 𝑥 10−7 𝑥 1 = 1.2566 𝑥 10−6

𝜀 = 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 = 8.854 𝑥 10−12 𝑥 2.55 = 2.258 𝑥 10−11

1 𝑚 2 𝑛 2
𝑓𝑐 = +
2 𝜇𝜀 𝑎 𝑏
2 2
1 1 0
= + = 2.234𝐺𝐻𝑧
2 (1.2566𝑥10−6 )(2.258𝑥10−11 ) 0.042 0.026
1 1
𝛿= = = 0.954𝜇𝑚
𝜋𝑓𝜇𝜎𝑐 𝜋(4.8 𝑥 109 )(1.2566 𝑥 10−6 )(5.8 𝑥 107 )

′
𝜇 𝜇𝑜 𝜇 𝑟 (1.2566 𝑥 10−6 )
𝜂 = = = = 236.1Ω
𝜀 𝜀𝑜 𝜀𝑟 (2.258 𝑥 10−11 )
Solution Exercise 2.2 (cont.)

TE10;
1 1
𝑅= = = 0.01808
𝜎𝑐 .𝛿 (5.8 𝑥 107 )(9.5387 𝑥 10−7 )

2
2𝑅 1 𝑏 𝑓𝑐
𝛼𝑐 = +
2 2 𝑎 𝑓
𝑓
𝑏𝜂′ 1 − 𝑐
𝑓
2
2(0.01808) 1 0.026 2.234 𝑥 109
𝛼𝑐 = +
2 2 0.042 4.8 𝑥 109
2.234 𝑥 109
(0.026)(236.1) 1 −
4.8 𝑥 109

𝛼𝑐 = 6.6553 𝑥 10−3 0.5 + 0.1341 = 4.22 𝑥 10−3 𝑁𝑝/𝑚

Solution Exercise 2.2 (cont.)
𝜎𝑑 𝜂 ′ (10−17 )(236.1)
𝛼𝑑 = = = 1.334 𝑥 10−15 𝑁𝑝/𝑚
2 2
𝑓 2.234 𝑥 109
2 1− 𝑐 2 1−
𝑓 4.8 𝑥 109

𝛼 = 𝛼𝑐 + 𝛼𝑑 = 4.22 𝑥 10−3 + 1.334 𝑥 10−15 = 4.22 𝑥 10−3 𝑁𝑝/𝑚

(b). Waveguide propagation loss at z=60cm distance

𝑁𝑝
− 4.22 𝑥 10−3 0.6𝑚
𝑒 −𝛼.𝑧 = 𝑒 𝑚 = 0.9975
𝑑𝐵 = 20 log 𝑒 −𝛼.𝑧 = 20 log 0.9975 = −0.022𝑑𝐵
Exercise – Answer
2. (a). c = 0.0175Np/m , d = 1.206 x 10-13 Np/m,
(b). -0.0606 dB
3. =0.01566 Np/m
4. =8.644 x 10-2 Np/m
2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation

 Microstrip line is one of the most

popular types of planar transmission
line.
 Easy fabrication processes.
 Easily integrated with other passive
and active microwave devices.
 W is the width of printed thin
conductor.
 d is the thickness of the substrate.
 εr is the relative permittivity of the
Microstrip
substrate.
transmission line:
(a) Geometry (b) Electric and
magnetic field lines
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation

 The microstrip structure does not have dielectric above the strip (as in
stripline).
 So, microstrip has some (usually most) of its field lines in the dielectric
region, concentrated between the strip conductor and the ground
plane.
 Some of the fraction in the air region above the substrate.
 In most practical applications, the dielectric substrate is electrically
very thin (d << λ).
 The fields are quasi-transverse electromagnetic (TEM) where the fields
are essentially same as those of the static case.

65
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation

For a given characteristic impedance Z0 and the dielectric constant 𝜀 r, the W/d ratio
can be found as:

 8e A
 for W  2
e 2A
 2
W  d

d  
 r 1  0.61 for W  2
  B  1  ln2 B  1  lnB  1  0.39 
2
 d

  2  r   r 

Where:
Z  r 1  r 1  0.11 
A 0  
 0.23  
60 2  r 1   r 
377
B
2Z 0  r
2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation
Effective dielectric constant, εeff
• The effective dielectric constant can be interpreted as the
dielectric constant of a homogeneous medium that replaces the
air and dielectric regions of the microstrip, as below diagram

Equivalent geometry of quasi-TEM microstrip line.

67
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation

Since the propagation field lines in a microstrip lie partially in air and
partially inside the homogeneous dielectric substrate, the propagation
delay time for a quasi-TEM mode is related to an effective dielectric
constant εeff given by:

2
𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 − 1 1 𝑊
𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 = + + 0.04 1 −
2 2 12𝑑 𝑑
(1 + )
𝑊
for case; 𝑊Τ ≤1
𝑑

𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 − 1 1
𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 = +
2 2 12𝑑
1+
𝑊
For case ; 𝑊Τ >1
𝑑
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation

Characteristic impedance, Z0
The characteristic impedance can be calculated as:

 60  8d W 
 ln   W
1
  eff  W 4 d  ; for
d
Z0  
 120 W
 ; for 1
  eff W d  1.393  0.667 lnW d  1.444 d
2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation

Phase velocity, Vp
The phase velocity and the propagation constant:

c
vp 
 eff
Where εe is the effective dielectric constant of the microstrip line
used to compensate difference between the top and bottom of the
circuit line.

The effective dielectric constant satisfies the relation:

1   eff   r
and is dependent on the substrate thickness, d and conductor width, W
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation
Example 4
Calculate the width, W ; effective dielectric constant, eff and phase velocity, Vp of a microstrip line for a 50 characteristic impendence
and 900 phase shift at 2.5 GHz. The substrate thickness is h = 0.127 cm, with r = 2.20.

Solution
Given : Z0=50, h=d=0.127cm=0.00127m, r=2.20, f=2.5GHz

If let’s say, w/d<2;

𝑍𝑜 𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 − 1 0.11 50 2.2 + 1 2.2 − 1 0.11

𝐴= + 0.23 + = + 0.23 + = 1.16
60 2 𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 60 2 2.2 + 1 2.2
Invalid
𝑊 8𝑒 𝐴 8𝑒 1.16 𝑊
= 2𝐴 = (2)(1.16) = 3.126 ; 𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛′ 𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 < 2,
𝑑 𝑒 −2 𝑒 −2 𝑑

If , w/d>2;

377𝜋 377𝜋
𝐵= = = 7.985
2𝑍𝑜 𝜀𝑟 2𝑥50𝑥 2.20

𝑊 2 𝜀𝑟 − 1 0.61
= 𝐵 − 1 − ln 2𝐵 − 1 + ln 𝐵 − 1 + 0.39 −
𝑑 𝜋 2𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑟
Valid
𝑊 2 2.20 − 1 0.61
= 7.985 − 1 − ln 2(7.985) − 1 + ln 7.985 − 1 + 0.39 −
𝑑 𝜋 2(2.20) 2.20

𝑊 𝑊
𝑑
= 3.081  Proven 𝑑
>2
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation
Solution (cont.)
𝑊
= 3.081
𝑑
Substrate width, 𝑊 = 3.081𝑑 = 3.081𝑥0.00127 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟑𝟗𝟏𝟒𝒎 = 𝟎. 𝟑𝟗𝟏𝟒𝒄𝒎

For case ; 𝑊Τ >1

𝑑

𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 − 1 1 2.2 + 1 2.2 − 1 1
𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 = + = +
2 2 12𝑑 2 2 12𝑥0.00127
1+ 𝑊 1 + 0.003914
𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟕𝟏
𝑐 3𝑥108
𝑉𝑝 = = = 𝟐. 𝟏𝟗𝟑 𝒙 𝟏𝟎𝟖 𝒎/𝒔
𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 1.871
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation

Example 5
Design a microstrip transmission line for 70
characteristic impedance. The substrate thickness is
1.0cm with r=2.50. What is the substrate width and
effective dielectric constant on the transmission line if
the frequency is 3.0GHz?
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation
Solution
Given : Z0=70, d=1.0cm=0.01m, r=2.50, f=3GHz
If let’s say, w/d<2;

𝑍𝑜 𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 − 1 0.11 70 2.5 + 1 2.5 − 1 0.11

𝐴= + 0.23 + = + 0.23 + = 1.661
60 2 𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 60 2 2.5 + 1 2.5
Valid
𝑊 8𝑒 𝐴 8𝑒 1.661 𝑊
= 2𝐴 = = 1.638 ; 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 <2
𝑑 𝑒 − 2 𝑒 (2)(1.661) − 2 𝑑

If , w/d>2;

377𝜋 377𝜋
𝐵= = = 5.353
2𝑍𝑜 𝜀𝑟 2𝑥50𝑥 2.20

𝑊 2 𝜀𝑟 − 1 0.61
= 𝐵 − 1 − ln 2𝐵 − 1 + ln 𝐵 − 1 + 0.39 −
𝑑 𝜋 2𝜀𝑟 𝜀𝑟 Invalid
𝑊 2 2.5 − 1 0.61
= 5.353 − 1 − ln 2(5.353) − 1 + ln 5.353 − 1 + 0.39 −
𝑑 𝜋 2(2.5) 2.50

𝑊 𝑊
= 1.632  𝑑𝑜𝑒𝑠𝑛′ 𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑒𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 > 2,
𝑑 𝑑
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation
Solution

Substrate width, 𝑊 = 1.638𝑑 = 1.638 𝑥 0.01 = 0.01638𝑚 = 𝟏. 𝟔𝟑𝟖𝒄𝒎

Since W/d > 1;
𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 − 1 1 2.5 + 1 2.5 − 1 1
𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 = + = + = 𝟐. 𝟎𝟏
2 2 12𝑑 2 2 12𝑥0.01
1+ 1+
𝑊 0.01638
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation

Example 6
Design a 50 microstrip line on a
0.635mm thick ceramic substrate (r=9.9).
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation
Solution
Given : Z0=50, d=0.635mm=0.000635 , r=9.9
If let’s say, W/d<2;

𝑍𝑜 𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 − 1 0.11 50 9.9 + 1 9.9 − 1 0.11

𝐴= + 0.23 + = + 0.23 + = 2.142
60 2 𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 60 2 9.9 + 1 9.9

𝑊 8𝑒 𝐴 8𝑒 2.142 𝑊
= 2𝐴 = = 0.9657 ; 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 <2
𝑑 𝑒 − 2 𝑒 (2)(2.142) − 2 𝑑

Substrate width, 𝑊 = 0.9657𝑑 = 0.9657 𝑥 0.000635 = 0.000613𝑚 = 𝟎. 𝟎𝟔𝟏𝟑𝒄𝒎

Since W/d < 1;
𝜀𝑟 + 1 𝜀𝑟 − 1 1 𝑊 2
𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 = + + 0.04 1 −
2 2 12𝑑 𝑑
(1 + 𝑊 )
2
9.9 + 1 9.9 − 1 1 0.000613
= + + 0.04 1 − = 𝟔. 𝟔𝟔𝟓
2 2 12(0.000635) 0.000635
(1 + 0.0000613 )
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation
Appendices : Microwave Substrates
Microwave Substrate
Substrate r tan Manufacturer
Foam 1.07 0.0009 Many
PTFE 2.1 0.0004 Many
(Teflon)
RT5880 2.2 0.0009 Rogers
R03003 3.0 0.001 Rogers
R03006 6.15 0.002 Rogers

R03010 10.2 0.0022 Rogers

R04003 3.38 0.0022 Rogers
TLC-32 3.2 0.003 Taconic
DiClad 870 2.33 0.0014 Arlon
Glass-Epoxy 4.4 0.02 Many
 2.5. Investigate Microstrip Transmission Line Equation
Exercise 2.3
1. A microstrip line is composed of zero thickness copper conductors on a substrate having εr = 8.4, tan
ᵟ = 0.0005 and thickness 2.4 mm. If the line width is 1 mm, and operated at 10 GHz, calculate:
a) Effective dielectric constant
b) The characteristic impedance
c) The phase velocity.
(Ans : 𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 5.4282, Zo = 76.635, 1.288 x 108 m/s)
2. A microstrip line with W = 2 mm, d = 0.4 mm has a quartz substrate of εr = 3.8, tan ᵟ = 0.0001. Find
the
a) Effective permittivity𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓
b) Phase velocity at 9 GHz
c) The characteristic impedance
(Ans : 𝜀𝑒𝑓𝑓 = 2.784, 1.798 x 108 m/s, Zo = 27.789)
3. Design a quarter wavelength microstrip impedance transformer to match a patch antenna with
63.246 line. The system is fabricated on a 1.6cm substrate thickness with r = 2.3, that operates at
2GHz.
(Ans : A=1.4635, B=6.176, w/d=2.066, w=33mm, Eeff=1.8991, Vp=2.18x108 m/s)
4. A copper microstrip transmission line is to be designed for 100 characteristic impedance. The
substrate is 0.51mm thick, with r=2.20. At 5GHz, find the substrate widthand phase velocity.
(Ans : W=0.457mm, Eeff=1.7584, Vp=2.262x108m/s)