Hybrid waveguide-stripline feeding network for dual polarised arrays at K band

This study demonstrates a hybrid technology for the implementation of efficient feeding networks in K-band arrays. In the proposed hybrid structure, the main part of the distribution network consists of dielectric-loaded E-plane metallic waveguides, whereas stripline circuits that depart from the waveguides are used to feed the radiators. The efficiency of the hybrid feeding network is verified on a 4×4 dual-polarised array of circular waveguides operating in the K band. Details on the characteristics of the loaded waveguide and the array elements, and on the construction of the overall structure are given. Measured results are presented and discussed in order to demonstrate that the hybrid waveguide×stripline structures are a promising technology for the creation of efficient feeding networks at higher frequencies.