Printed circuit board rectangular waveguide with full band microstrip to waveguide transition

This paper presents the design, fabrication, assembly and performance of a layered printed circuit board (PCB) dielectric rectangular waveguide that operates from 4 to 6 GHz in the H band. Metallized via fences form the waveguide walls by stacking 1.57 mm thick FR408 ( er = 3.66, tan δ = 0.0127) substrates. A microstrip probe transition is used to feed the waveguide. The bandwidth of the demonstrated waveguide is limited by the probe design and is improved with the use of a matching circuit. The feasibility of a low cost technology to realize a dielectric filled rectangular waveguide is demonstrated.