Open AccessThe aim of this paper is to develop a technique, which takes into consideration the design technology aspects to create a waveguide ferrite Faradays’ phase shifter (WFFPS) of the shortwave part of the millimeter wave range. Only using the calculation and analysis techniques based on the electro-dynamic high-level models for designed devices enables us to solve this task successfully.
In assembling the WFFPS, its individual parts are connected by dint of glue (rod, yokes, dielectric transition transformers). Thus the layers of glue, possible air gaps, and misalignment of individual parts, obviously have effect on the WFFPS characteristics and should be taken into account at the stage of device calculation and design. Therefore, the aim is to analyze the impact of these technology features on the characteristics of WFFPS.
The calculation algorithm of the waveguide transition, which matches WFFPS with the waveguide transmission line or integrated phased array antenna (PAA) element radiator in view of possible air or adhesive gaps apparition is based on the solving problem of diffraction of electromagnetic waves. Eigenvalue problem solution by Galerkin method must be preceded to the electromagnetic waves diffraction on the stepped waveguide transition by method of partial areas (Trefftz method) solution. As a result, a system of linear inhomogeneous equations is determined. Its solution is the basis for the algorithm to define the numerical values of complex amplitudes of waves excited in all longitudinally uniform areas with a laterally nonuniform ferritedielectric filling, into which splits the waveguide ferrite phase shifter.
To take into account the effect of air or glue gap arising when assembling the phase shifter, a designed calculation model is added by the transition step from a material having the same dielectric constant as that of the material filling the gap. The paper presents numerical investigation findings concerning the influence of adhesive and air gaps on the characteristics of WFFPS based on the ferrite rod with a conductive and nonconductive coating of the side surface.
Designed solution of the problem of diffraction of electromagnetic waves could be used as a basis to develop algorithms for calculating the waveguide PAA elements, matched by step transition and dielectric structures: insertions in the waveguides, dielectric rods or dielectric layer before the array aperture. Enumeration of parameters, which characterize matching structures allows us to solve the problem of optimizing performance of the element of waveguide phased array antenna and in a certain bandwidth.