Coupling of NRD-Guide Filled with Low Permittivity Dielectric Between Waveguides

A new version of NRD-guide coupling structure is proposed in which a low permittivity dielectric is filled between the coupling waveguides. It takes full advantage of the common NRD-guide with more flexibility. The choice of different dielectric materials can optimize the required performance. The corresponding coupling characteristics are analyzed. Some examples are given to show the new coupling characteristics. An important feature is the enhanced coupling between the waveguides and increased attenuation in the transverse direction, and this implies a size reduction and enhanced EMC capability. Furthermore, the filling of the low dielectric material between the coupling waveguides makes the structure an integrated unit and especially suitable for realization by micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) or by microwave integrated circuits.