W-Band Waveguide Module Design for Power Combining of Linear Microstrip Array

Abstract

A W-band metallic waveguide module capable of spatial power combining of linear microstrip array is presented. The module employs two uniquely devised split-channel blocks to obtain a uniform field distribution in an oversize merged channel and couple an equal amount of power to ten microstrip elements aligned in the direction of the waveguide F-plane. The array of microstrip thru lines, each with a pair of bonding wires, is fabricated on a single dielectric substrate. The measurements indicate that the merged-channel power-combining scheme is properly operating as the two modules separately built to house single and array elements show similar frequency response with fiat insertion losses of 2-3 dB between 90 and 98 GHz.