Experimental Analysis of Passive Intermodulation at Waveguide Flange Bolted Connections

Author

Vicente, Carlos ; Wolk, Dieter ; Hartnagel, Hans L. ; Gimeno, Benito ; Boria, Vicente E. ; Raboso, David

Author_Institution

Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG, Backnang

Volume

55

Issue

5

fYear

2007

fDate

5/1/2007 12:00:00 AM

Firstpage

1018

Lastpage

1028

Abstract

In this paper, the generation of passive intermodulation at rectangular waveguide flange bolted connections is investigated. An exhaustive series of tests has been performed in order to provide understanding on the physics lying behind such a phenomenon. In particular, the intermodulation response of the system has been studied as a function of the applied torque to the flange screws. It has been found that, in some situations, the intermodulation response differs from its expected behavior. An interpretation of such discrepancies is given, and practical guidelines for the design of waveguide flanges free of passive intermodulation are provided as well

Keywords

flanges; intermodulation distortion; rectangular waveguides; waveguide junctions; flange screws; intermodulation response; passive intermodulation; rectangular waveguide; waveguide flange bolted connections; Aluminum; Fasteners; Flanges; Performance evaluation; Rectangular waveguides; Satellites; Space technology; Testing; Torque; Waveguide junctions; Intermodulation distortion; intermodulation level; nonlinear systems; waveguide junctions;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Microwave Theory and Techniques, IEEE Transactions on

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9480

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/TMTT.2007.895400

Filename

4195682