Waveguide amplifiers are amplifiers specifically designed to be housed within a waveguide assembly. This provides some intrinsic advantages and trade-offs compared with coaxial connectorised amplifier assemblies or pallet amplifiers. Given that waveguide amplifiers are designed to directly mate with a given waveguide size and type, they are innately banded, as the waveguide has a limited frequency range for its preferred mode. The size of a waveguide amplifier assembly directly scales with the operating frequency of the waveguide type, which means that higher-frequency waveguide amplifiers are smaller in size than lower-frequency waveguide amplifiers.
Waveguides offer better power handling capability than coaxial interconnect with lower RF losses, which is why waveguide amplifiers are often used for high power, low noise, small signal energy and other applications where having low losses is ideal. Hence, waveguide amplifiers are common with transmitter subsystems, military communications and test equipment.
Given the relatively large size of low-frequency waveguide amplifiers, millimetre-wave waveguide amplifiers are generally more common, as RF losses tend to increase with increasing frequency. Hence, any steps that can be taken to reduce the RF losses at millimetre-wave frequencies can provide a desirable budget increase for higher-frequency applications.
Other than the waveguide interconnect and feed, waveguide amplifiers are much the same as coaxial connectorised amplifiers. The main difference is that the type of applications that employ waveguide interconnect over coaxial interconnect also have specific needs. These ultimately drive waveguide amplifier design and the trade-offs that are made. This is often military/defence and related applications. Hence, the radar frequency bands designation is often used to describe these amplifiers.
Given that waveguide amplifiers are used in military and defence applications, such as radar and tactical communications, there are waveguide amplifiers available that meet rigorous military standards for reliability and to operate as specified under a variety of environmental conditions. These include altitude, vibration, humidity, shock and wide temperature ranges. Waveguide amplifiers are also often used in space applications and ground station equipment, which have a different and even more stringent requirement for environmental operating conditions and reliability.
Nordic expands nRF Cloud with firmware vulnerability scanning RF Design
Computer/Embedded Technology
nRF Cloud identifies vulnerabilities in firmware and shows exactly which deployed devices are affected, empowering device manufacturers to address EU Cyber Resilience Act requirements.
Read more...RF filters explained RFiber Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
As RF environments become increasingly crowded, RF filters play a critical role in maintaining signal quality, improving system performance, and ensuring reliable operation.
Read more...Industrial connectivity without compromise
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The IR315 combines 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and VPN technologies into a rugged, industrial-grade platform that enables seamless connectivity across a wide range of applications.
Read more...Module provides 4G LTE Cat 1 bis connectivity Dizzy Enterprises
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Mikroe adds 4G LTE Cat 1 bis connectivity where reliable data transmission and low power consumption are critical with the GC02S1-EU2 module.
Read more...Enabling next-generation FPGA and SDR innovation RFiber Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Puzhi Electronic Technology has established itself as a dynamic provider of advanced ARM and FPGA-based solutions, delivering a comprehensive ecosystem of products designed for modern embedded and high-performance computing applications.
Read more...Magnetic mount antenna takes the hassle out of 4G installations iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Designed for fast, tool-free installation, the YECN022CA 4G magnetic mount whip monopole antenna gives wireless devices a dependable cellular link in the field, where installation time and signal reliability both matters.
Read more...Powering smart sensor networks CST Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
NeoCortec’s NeoMesh wireless mesh networking protocol and software stack is ideally suited for powering smart sensor networks where each device is required to send and receive small packets of data infrequently, but with high reliability.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version