This article discusses the 5 most common types of waveguide structures used in microwave and millimeter-wave applications. Learn about their advantages and disadvantages for your specific needs.

5 Most Common Types of Waveguide Structures

Waveguides are structures that are designed to confine and guide electromagnetic waves. They are widely used in microwave and millimeter-wave applications, such as in antennas, filters, couplers, and amplifiers. Waveguides come in different shapes and sizes, and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will discuss the five most common types of waveguide structures.

Rectangular Waveguide

The rectangular waveguide is the most widely used type of waveguide structure. It is a hollow metallic pipe with a rectangular cross-section, and it is usually made of brass, copper, or aluminum. The rectangular waveguide supports a single mode of propagation and has a low loss at low frequencies. However, it becomes more lossy at higher frequencies, and it is not suitable for very high-power applications.

Circular Waveguide

The circular waveguide is a cylindrical metallic tube with a circular cross-section. It is commonly used in high-power applications, such as in radar systems and satellite communication. The circular waveguide supports two modes of propagation, and it has a low loss at high frequencies. However, it is more difficult to fabricate than the rectangular waveguide, and it has a higher cutoff frequency.

Coaxial Waveguide

The coaxial waveguide consists of two metallic cylinders, an inner conductor, and an outer conductor. The inner conductor is usually a solid wire, and the outer conductor is a metallic tube. The coaxial waveguide is commonly used in low-frequency applications, such as in cable TV and Ethernet networks. It has a low loss at low frequencies, and it is easy to