On the Accurate Full Characterization of Septum Polarizers Through Simple Amplitude Measurements in Back-to-Back Configuration

Abstract

This article introduces an easy and accurate technique for the full characterization of septum polarizers (SPs) in back-to-back configuration through standard amplitude/power measurements at the rectangular waveguide ports. The proposed calibration algorithm, based on the use of two simple waveguide sections, along with the developed mathematical formulation, allows the complete extraction of the relevant SP parameters: return loss, isolation, cross-coupling (XP) or axial ratio (AR), and copolarization losses (CP). The methodology has been successfully validated for two different designs at Ku-band.