Waveguide Rotary Joints

Waveguide rotary joints, also known as rotating couplers or RF rotary joints, are RF devices used to transmit microwave energy from stationary lines to rotating lines. Waveguide rotary joints are constructed of two waveguide-to-coaxial transitions connected by a coaxial line. Because the coaxial line is circular, the waveguide rotary joint (WRJ) can rotate about the coaxial line without affecting performance. If the inner conductor of the coaxial line is hollow, two coaxial cables can be inserted when building dual channel waveguide rotary joints. Swivel waveguide joints can be rotated +/- 60 degrees (+/-90 degrees mechanically).

Waveguide rotary joint modules can be made of copper, bronze, aluminum, stainless steel, specialty steels, silver, and specially clad or bi-metallic alloys. Important specifications for waveguide rotary joints include: size, lengths, wall thickness, flange size, type and style, voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), the variation of VSWR with rotation, VSWR WOW, insertion loss, insertion loss variation, absolute insertion loss difference, insertion loss tracking, phase variation, absolute phase difference, phase tracking, added noise, peak power capacity, average power capacity, life in number of revolutions before maintenance is required, rotational speed, starting torque, pressurization, mechanical load, operating temperature, and operating humidity (if dry air is not used in the waveguide). Waveguide rotary joints can have both waveguide ports at a right angle to the rotational axis (U-style), one waveguide port at a right angle and one in line (L-style or F-style) or both waveguide ports in line (I-style).

Waveguide rotary joints are manufactured in accordance with U.S. military specifications such as MIL-W-85 and BS 9220 N001, a detail specification for ordinary rectangular (2:1) rigid waveguide tubing. The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) also maintains standards that apply to waveguide rotary joints, such as IEC 60153 regarding hollow metallic waveguides. Depending on the markets that they serve, waveguide rotary joint suppliers may also meet other may also meet other military and civilian specifications.

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