W-Band Coupler (75GHz ~ 110GHz)

W‑Band Coupler (75 GHz – 110 GHz)

Product Features

• High frequency, ultra-wide bandwidth

• High coupling, high flatness

• Low loss, high power handling

• Operating temperature: -55℃~85℃

Overview

• Frequency range: 75 GHz to 110 GHz (W‑band)

• Function: Directional coupler for power splitting, sampling, monitoring, and signal injection in millimeter‑wave systems

• Applications: Radar (automotive and short‑range imaging), millimeter‑wave communication links, test & measurement, phased arrays, beamforming networks, and research & development

Key Specifications (typical)

• Frequency band: 75–110 GHz

• Coupling values: available options typically from 3 dB (equal split) up to 30 dB; common choices: 3.0, 6.0, 10.0, 20.0 dB

• Isolation: ≥ 18 dB (commonly 20–30 dB depending on design & frequency)

• Return loss (port match): ≥ 15 dB across band (typical 18–25 dB)

• Insertion loss (through path): minimal excess loss, typically 0.3–1.5 dB depending on coupling and construction

• Directivity: ≥ 15 dB (typical 20–30 dB)

• Power handling: depends on size and cooling; small-signal designs handle several watts CW; larger waveguide implementations handle higher power

• Phase balance: typically ±3° to ±10° across band depending on design

• Amplitude balance: typically ±0.2 to ±1.0 dB across band

Mechanical & Interface Options

• Waveguide types: WR‑10 (2.54 mm × 1.27 mm internal dimensions) is the standard W‑band rectangular waveguide interface

• Flanges: UG‑387/U or custom precision flanges; flange finish and alignment pins for repeatable mating

• Connector zed options: 1.0 mm or 1.85 mm coaxial transitions for connector zed test applications

• Housing: machined metal (aluminum, brass, or stainless) with precision internal geometries; surface treatments and plating available for environmental resilience

• Size and weight: compact millimeter‑wave modules suitable for integration into arrays and test fixtures

Design Types

• Waveguide branch-line coupler: excellent power handling, low loss, high directivity; preferred for high‑performance systems

• Lange/parallel strapline coupler: compact printed circuit option for integration with planar circuitry; may require careful fabrication for W‑band tolerances

• Rat‑race and hybrid ring variants: used for specific phasing and combining/splitting tasks

• Directional couplers with multi‑octave compensation networks: engineered to maintain coupling flatness across 75–110 GHz

Performance Considerations

• Bandwidth: achieving flat coupling and high directivity across the entire 75–110 GHz band requires precision geometry and tight manufacturing tolerances

• Fabrication tolerance: micron‑level dimensional control is often necessary; plating thickness and surface roughness significantly affect loss at W‑band

• Thermal stability: thermal expansion can shift center frequencies and degrade matching; mechanical design should account for operating temperature range

• Integration: transitions between waveguide and planar circuits must be optimized to minimize reflections and insertion loss

• Testing & calibration: vector network analyzer measurements with on‑wafer or waveguide calibration kits are standard to verify S‑parameters and directivity

Typical Use Cases

• Active and passive millimeter‑wave test setups: sample a small portion of power for monitoring or measurement without disrupting the main link

• Phased array beamforming networks: distribute equal or unequal power to sub‑arrays with controlled phase and amplitude balance

• Calibration and diagnostic ports: monitor transmitter output, detect faults, and enable closed‑loop control

• Radio astronomy and sensing: low‑loss sampling of high‑frequency signals in receiver chains

Ordering & Customization Options

• Standard catalog couplers in common coupling values and flange types

• Custom coupling level, directivity, and mechanical interface per system requirements

• Environmental ruggedization: conformal coating, hermetic sealing, and vibration‑hardened mounting

• Integrated transitions: waveguide‑to‑coax or waveguide‑to‑substrate integrated for plug‑and‑play integration

• Screening and testing: performance guaranteed with S‑parameter data, lot traceability, and optional extended temperature testing

Summary W‑band couplers covering 75–110 GHz enable precise splitting and sampling of millimeter‑wave signals for high‑performance radar, communications, and measurement systems. Selecting the right coupler requires balancing coupling value, directivity, insertion loss, and mechanical interface while accounting for tight fabrication tolerances and thermal effects. Customization options make these components adaptable to demanding system architectures and integration constraints.