A current-matrix model for metallic and dielectric postwall waveguides

Abstract

Waveguide structure integration in planar substrates for use in microwave components has received considerable attention in recent years. Waveguides with side walls consisting of cylindrical posts (postwall waveguides or PWWGs) are of interest, since they are compatible with standard PCB fabrication technology and exhibit low loss. In this paper we present an electromagnetic model for PWWG building blocks, whose characteristics are described entirely in terms of equivalent electric and magnetic surface currents at predefined port interfaces consistent with Lorentz’s reciprocity theorem. Introducing input and output surface currents, we determine the response of a block for a given port excitation. The expansion of the currents in terms of suitable bases results in a matrix that relates input and output currents. The scattering parameters of a building block are determined by expressing waveguide modes in terms of these bases. This facilitates the future integration of PWWG components in a microwave circuit simulator. We validate our model by comparing the results for simulated and measured uniform PWWGs implemented with metallic and dielectric posts.