CASCADE - an advanced computational tool for waveguide components and window design

CASCADE is an advanced design program for 2-port waveguide components, RF windows, and waveguide systems. It provides rapid and user-friendly analysis of waveguide components such as filters, nonlinear tapers, mode converters, microwave cavities, and RF windows. It calculates scattering parameters (transmission/reflection coefficients) for general waveguide structures composed of cylindrical, rectangular, or coaxial waveguides. Transitions between waveguide types are also allowed. The program includes dielectric properties of ceramic and finite conductivity of metal surfaces. A built-in optimizer dramatically reduces design time, and the program can import scattering matrices from other program, such as HFSS or measured data, for total system scattering matrix analysis. Statistical tolerance analysis provides information for reducing manufacturing costs by identifying the impact of dimensional tolerances on performance. The basic theory is described, and a number of examples are presented.