Tunable evanescent mode X-band waveguide switch
Date
2005-12
Authors
Sickel, Thomas
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
A tunable X-band PIN diode switch, implemented in evanescent mode waveguide, is
presented. To allow in-situ tuning of resonances after construction, a novel PIN diode
mounting structure is proposed and verified, offering substantial advantages in assembly
costs.
Accurate and time-effective modelling of filter and limiter states of the proposed switch is
possible, using an evanescent mode PIN diode and mount model. The model is developed
by optimizing an AWR Microwave Office model of a first order switch prototype with
embedded PIN diode, to simultaneously fit filter and limiter measurements of four first
order prototypes. The model is then used in the design of a third order switch prototype,
achieving isolation of 62 dB over a 8.5 to 10.5 GHz bandwidth in the limiting state, as
well as reflection of 15.73 dB and insertion loss of 1.23±0.155 dB in the filtering state
over the same bandwidth.
Description
Thesis (PhD (Electric and Electronic Engineering))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Waveguide Switch, PIN Diodes, Evanescent Mode, Tunable Diode Mount, X-Band, Theses -- Electronic engineering