A Ku-Band Low-Loss Traveling-Wave Power Divider using a Hollow Substrate Integrated Waveguide and Its Microstrip Transition

Abstract

In this paper, we present a Ku-band low-loss traveling-wave power divider that uses a hollow substrate integrated waveguide (HSIW). For easy connection with microstrip-based devices and circuits, a low-loss transition between the microstrip line and the HSIW structure was implemented using C-cut via holes at the discontinuity interface, which reduces radiation and leakage effects and improves mismatch performance. To validate the performance of the transition, a back-to-back microstrip-to-HSIW transition was designed, fabricated, and measured from 12.5 GHz to 15.5 GHz. The measured results showed a return loss of 18 dB or more and an insertion loss of 0.5 ± 0.07 dB. An HSIW-based, low-loss 1:3 traveling-wave power divider was fabricated and measured from 13.5 GHz to 14.5 GHz. The power divider showed a return loss of at least 21 dB, an insertion loss of 0.57 ± 0.03 dB, and a power combining efficiency of 87.1%–88.3%.