Microwave Engineering - Waveguides
Generally, if the frequency of a signal or a particular band of signals is high, the bandwidth
utilization is high as the signal provides more space for other signals to get accumulated.
However, high frequency signals can't travel longer distances without getting attenuated.
We have studied that transmission lines help the signals to travel longer distances.
Microwaves propagate through microwave circuits, components and devices, which act as
a part of Microwave transmission lines, broadly called as Waveguides.
A hollow metallic tube of uniform cross-section for transmitting electromagnetic waves by
successive reflections from the inner walls of the tube is called as a Waveguide.
The following figure shows an example of a waveguide.
A waveguide is generally preferred in microwave communications. Waveguide is a special
form of transmission line, which is a hollow metal tube. Unlike a transmission line, a
waveguide has no center conductor.
The main characteristics of a Waveguide are −
The tube wall provides distributed inductance.
The empty space between the tube walls provide distributed capacitance.
These are bulky and expensive.
Advantages of Waveguides
Following are few advantages of Waveguides.
Waveguides are easy to manufacture.
They can handle very large power inkilowatts.
Power loss is very negligible in waveguides.
They offer very low loss lowvalueof alpha − attenuation.
When microwave energy travels through waveguide, it experiences lower losses
than a coaxial cable.
Types of Waveguides
There are five types of waveguides.
Rectangular waveguide
Circular waveguide
Elliptical waveguide
Single-ridged waveguide
Double-ridged waveguide
The following figures show the types of waveguides.
The types of waveguides shown above are hollow in the center and made up of copper
walls. These have a thin lining of Au or Ag on the inner surface.
Let us now compare the transmission lines and waveguides.
Explore our latest online courses and learn new skills at your own pace. Enroll and
become a certified expert to boost your career.
Transmission Lines Vs Waveguides
The main difference between a transmission line and a wave guide is −
A two conductor structure that can support a TEM wave is a transmission line.
A one conductor structure that can support a TE wave or a TM wave but not a
TEM wave is called as a waveguide.
The following table brings out the differences between transmission lines and waveguides.
Transmission Lines Waveguides
Supports TEM wave Cannot support TEM wave
Only the frequencies that are greater than
All frequencies can pass through
cut-off frequency can pass through
Two conductor transmission One conductor transmission
A wave travels through reflections from
Reflections are less
the walls of the waveguide
It has a characteristic impedance It has wave impedance
Propagation of waves is according to Propagation of waves is according to "Field
"Circuit theory" theory"
Return conductor is not required as the
It has a return conductor to earth
body of the waveguide acts as earth
Bandwidth is not limited Bandwidth is limited
Waves do not disperse Waves get dispersed
Phase Velocity
Phase Velocity is the rate at which the wave changes its phase in order to undergo a phase
shift of 2π radians. It can be understood as the change in velocity of the wave
components of a sine wave, when modulated.
Let us derive an equation for the Phase velocity.
According to the definition, the rate of phase change at 2π radians is to be considered.
Which means, λ / T hence,
λ
V =
T
Where,
λ = wavelength and T = time
λ
V = = λf
T
Since
1
f =
T
If we multiply the numerator and denominator by 2π then, we have
2πλf
V = λf =
2π
We know that and
2π
ω = 2πf β =
f
The above equation can be written as,
2πf ω
V = =
2π
β
λ
Hence, the equation for Phase velocity is represented as
ω
Vp =
β
Group Velocity
Group Velocity can be defined as the rate at which the wave propagates through the
waveguide. This can be understood as the rate at which a modulated envelope travels
compared to the carrier alone. This modulated wave travels through the waveguide.
The equation of Group Velocity is represented as
dω
Vg =
dβ
The velocity of modulated envelope is usually slower than the carrier signal.
