Signal distortions in circular dielectric waveguides at mm-wave frequencies

Andre Meyer,Martin Schneider

doi:10.1017/s1759078721000209

Andre Meyer, Martin Schneider

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1017/s1759078721000209

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Abstract

AbstractDespite the great progress in data transmission systems using dielectric waveguides (DWGs) in the millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequency band (30–300 GHz), the signal distortions caused by DWGs have not yet been fully understood. However, such investigations would help to optimize DWGs as a transmission channel in order to further increase data rate and transmission distance of such systems without the need for more complex transceivers. Therefore, this paper presents a detailed study of the expected signal distortions caused by frequency-dependent attenuation and frequency-dependent group delay of circular DWGs at mm-wave frequencies. Based on a low-complexity digital transmission system, the effects of DWGs on the signal-to-noise ratio and the intersymbol interference at the receiver are evaluated. The figures and equations given in this paper allow the reader to easily calculate the channel properties and signal distortions for a wide range of circular DWGs without the need of finite element method solver or other time-consuming numerical simulations. Finally, design recommendations are given to minimize signal distortions for transmitting signals along DWGs.

Highlights

Since the rediscovery of dielectric waveguides (DWGs) as a medium for high data rate transmission at millimeter-wave frequencies in 2010 [1], a tremendous development has been observed in this field [2, 3]
In addition to signal distortions caused by noise, a broadband signal transmitted along a DWG is disturbed by the frequencydependent propagation characteristics of the DWG channel
Meyer et al [17] have shown that waveguide dispersion caused by frequency-dependent group delay in circular solid and hollow core DWGs can be minimized by appropriate design, it is still unclear how such a reduction would affect a transmission system in detail

Summary

Introduction

Since the rediscovery of dielectric waveguides (DWGs) as a medium for high data rate transmission at millimeter-wave (mm-wave) frequencies in 2010 [1], a tremendous development has been observed in this field [2, 3]. Meyer et al [17] have shown that waveguide dispersion caused by frequency-dependent group delay in circular solid and hollow core DWGs can be minimized by appropriate design, it is still unclear how such a reduction would affect a transmission system in detail. The combined effect of frequency-dependent attenuation and dispersion is considered, and recommendations for a DWG design are given to minimize signal distortions.

Results

Conclusion