Optimization and Tolerance Analysis of Planar Waveguide Components

A full-wave algorithm for the wide-band optimization of arbitrarily shaped E- and H-plane waveguide components is presented. The numerical efficiency of the code implementing the algorithm allows for obtaining optimized design of complicated components in short computing times, thus making the code a valuable tool for the microwave designer. The algorithm has the peculiarity of yielding the error function and its gradient solving a single electromagnetic problem, thanks to the joint use of the BI-RME method and of a variational technique. The same technique allows for performing a sensitivity analysis, to check the effect of the mechanical tolerances on the performances of the component. As an example, the design and testing of a millimeter-wave E-plane coupler is reported.