Waveguide-to-Coaxial Adapters

Waveguide-to-coaxial adapters are used to connect waveguide devices to coaxial components. Waveguides are physical devices that control the propagation of electromagnetic waves at microwave frequencies and are usually cylindrical or rectangular hollow metal tubes. A waveguide component of a particular dimension is used to propagate electromagnetic waves of a particular frequency. Some waveguides are also used in integrated circuits.

Waveguide-to-coaxial adapters are configured based on the waveguide size and type, flange type, frequency range, and the connector type of the coaxial component. Waveguide-to-coaxial adapters provide transmission between the waveguide and coaxial devices with minimum insertion loss and quality voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) performance. A waveguide-to-coaxial adapter can be customized to fit specific waveguides.

Waveguide-to-coaxial adapters are composed of a waveguide component that fits the waveguide tubing and ends with a flange, and a coaxial probe assembly with a coaxial adapter and connection hardware. The coaxial cable adapter is typically tapped through one wall of the waveguide adapter housing. On the bottom of the waveguide housing are a set of tuning screws that are used to adjust the waveguide band coverage while minimizing the voltage standing wave ratio. Some waveguide-to coaxial adapters come without the tuning screws and are factory-tuned to a specific bandwidth configuration.

Waveguide-to-coaxial adapters are frequently used to provide transmission between microwave devices and a coaxial component such as an attenuator, switch, or coupler. Waveguide-to-coaxial adapters are commonly used in satellite and terrestrial communications equipment. Adapters are typically constructed of copper alloys, but may also come with stainless steel metallic parts for long life and durability.