Low-loss reconfigurable phase shifter in gap-waveguide technology for mm-wave applications

Palomares-Caballero, A., Alex-Amor, A., Escobedo, P. , Valenzuela-Valdes, J. and Padilla, P. (2020) Low-loss reconfigurable phase shifter in gap-waveguide technology for mm-wave applications. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs, 67(12), pp. 3058-3062. (doi: 10.1109/TCSII.2020.3000058)

Abstract

In this brief, we present a low-loss mechanically reconfigurable phase shifter implemented in gap-waveguide technology for mm-wave frequencies. The proposed design gives a practical implementation of tuning elements inside the waveguide providing alternatives to the use of the E-plane split waveguide at high frequencies in order to avoid leakage losses. The depicted phase shifter design is based on a H-plane split waveguide. The phase shift is controlled by means of a tuning screw, which exerts pressure on a flexible metallic strip inserted inside the waveguide. The flexible strip bends with different curvature radii and determines the phase shift at the output port. Cost-effective manufacturing and simple implementation of the flexible metallic strip are achieved by means of the gap-waveguide design. A prototype has been manufactured for validation purposes. Good impedance matching is achieved from 64 GHz to 75 GHz providing a 15.8% impedance bandwidth. The results show a maximum phase shift of 250o with a maximum and mean insertion loss (IL) of 3 dB and 1.7 dB, respectively.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Escobedo, Dr Pablo
• Authors: Palomares-Caballero, A., Alex-Amor, A., Escobedo, P., Valenzuela-Valdes, J., and Padilla, P.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs
• Publisher: IEEE
• ISSN: 1549-7747
• ISSN (Online): 1558-3791
• Published Online: 04 June 2020
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2020 IEEE
• First Published: First published in IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems II: Express Briefs 67(12): 3058-3062
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy