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Additive technology applied to the realization of K-band microwave terminations: reproducibility improvement

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 April 2018

Azar Maalouf
Affiliation:
Lab-STICC, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, 6 avenue Victor le Gorgeu, 29238, Brest Cedex 3, France
Ronan Gingat
Affiliation:
Lab-STICC, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, 6 avenue Victor le Gorgeu, 29238, Brest Cedex 3, France
Vincent Laur*
Affiliation:
Lab-STICC, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, 6 avenue Victor le Gorgeu, 29238, Brest Cedex 3, France
*
Corresponding author: V. Laur Email: [email protected]

Abstract

This study examines K-band rectangular waveguide terminations with three-dimensional (3D)-printed loads, and proposes an Asymmetrical Tapered Wedge topology. This geometry shows a good tradeoff between microwave performance and 3D-printing issues (printing directions and support material requirements), thus improving noticeably the reproducibility of the devices. The effect of the density of the 3D-printed load on the reflection parameter of the termination was investigated. Even for a low density, reflection level remained below −27.5 dB between 18 and 26.5 GHz. Reproducibility was demonstrated by the characterization of six loads that were 3D printed under the same conditions. Measurements demonstrate that a maximum reflection parameter level of −33.5 dB can be ensured over the whole frequency band without any post-machining of the 3D-printed devices.

Type
Research Papers
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and the European Microwave Association 2018 

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