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

Area of Science:

• Electromagnetics and Waveguide Technology
• Microwave Engineering
• RF and Microwave Components

Background:

• Traditional RF switches often face limitations in bandwidth, power handling, and fabrication cost.
• Gap waveguide technology offers a promising alternative for developing high-performance microwave components.
• The need for efficient, wideband, and cost-effective switching solutions in high-power applications is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel wideband, high-power single-pole two-throw (SP2T) switch utilizing gap waveguide technology.
• To demonstrate the advantages of gap waveguide technology for switch design, including contactless operation and suppressed leakage.
• To achieve a low-cost and low-precision fabrication method for RF switches.

Main Methods:

• Design and simulation of an SP2T switch based on gap waveguide principles.
• Utilizing WR62 waveguide ports for the three-port switch structure.
• Leveraging the air gap in gap waveguide technology for contactless switching and free movement of sliding parts.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 50% operating frequency bandwidth from 12-20 GHz.
• Demonstrated superior input return-loss better than 15 dB across the bandwidth.
• Reported low insertion loss (above 0.15 dB) and high isolation (better than 65 dB).

Conclusions:

• The proposed gap waveguide SP2T switch offers excellent wideband and high-power performance.
• The contactless design enables low-cost fabrication and suppresses electromagnetic leakage.
• This technology presents a viable solution for advanced RF and microwave switching applications.