High-power waveguide phase shifters for phased array applications.

Area of Science:

• Microwave Engineering
• Electromagnetics
• Antenna Systems

Background:

• Phased arrays require efficient high-power phase shifters.
• Existing designs may have limitations in power handling capacity.
• Mechanical tunability offers a path to enhanced power handling without lossy materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and evaluate two novel high-power waveguide phase shifters for phased array applications.
• To achieve high power handling capacity (>100 MW) and high transmission efficiency (>99%).
• To demonstrate the feasibility of mechanically tunable phase shifters without dielectrics or semiconductors.

Main Methods:

• Design of a waveguide-inserting-fin phase shifter, adjusting phase by metal fin length.
• Design of a narrow-side slot-waveguide phase shifter, adjusting phase via a metal choke plunger.
• Electromagnetic simulations to verify performance at 9.5 GHz.
• Fabrication and experimental testing of the slot-waveguide phase shifter with a slotted array antenna.

Main Results:

• Both phase shifters achieved a 2π phase shift with transmission efficiencies exceeding 99% at 9.5 GHz.
• Simulated power handling capacity is projected to be over 100 MW.
• Experimental results for the slot-waveguide phase shifter closely matched simulations, confirming feasibility and power capacity.

Conclusions:

• Mechanically tunable waveguide phase shifters are effective for high-power applications.
• The proposed designs offer a viable solution for high-power microwave systems and phased arrays.
• The slot-waveguide phase shifter demonstrates excellent performance and power handling capabilities in experimental validation.