Experiment No.
4
MEASUREMENT OF SOURCE FREQUENCY AND GUIDE WAVELENGTH
Course: Experiment No.:
Group No.: Section:
Group Members: Date Performed:
Date Submitted:
Instructor:
1. Objective(s):
This activity aims to introduce to the students the basic concept of wave propagation inside a
waveguide. This activity also intends to familiarize students with the various components used in a
waveguide. This activity will also help the students understand how to characterize the waves
propagating in thefor waveguides.
2. Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):
The students shall be able to:
1. Familiarize with some basic microwave waveguide components and know their use.
2. Measure frequency using cavity meter.
3. Explain how guide wavelength is measured using slotted line.
4. Define cutoff wavelength and frequency.
5. Calculate guide wavelength, cut-off wavelength and free space wavelength and frequency.
3. Discussion:
A waveguide is essentially a pipe through which an electromagnetic wave travels. Unlike
transmission lines that have a maximum frequency of operation, waveguides have a minimum frequency
of operation called the cutoff frequency. The cutoff frequency is an absolute limiting frequency;
frequencies above the cutoff frequency will not propagated by the waveguide. Conversely, waveguides
have a maximum wavelength that can propagate known as the cutoff wavelength and it is defined as the
smallest free-space wavelength that is unable to propagate in the waveguide.
Mathematically:
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λGUIDE =
Where
λGUIDE= 2a (in a dominant mode)
a = dimension of broad wall (in meter(s))
c = speed of light (3×10m/s)
λSPACE WAVELENGTH = c / f
4. Equipment:
Quantity Identifying Letter Component Description
1 ---------------- Control Console
2 A Variable Attenuators
1 B Slotted Line
1 D Cavity Wavemeter
1 K Resistive termination
1 M Diode detector
1 P X band microwave source
1 S Probe Detector Assembly
1 R Short – Circuit Plate
5. Procedure:
Part A: Source Frequency Measurement
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1. Setup the microwave components as shown in figure above and set the switch positions on the
control console as follows:
I. Main green power switch: off;
II. amplifier and detector sensitivity control: turn to mid-position
III. supply for X-band oscillator
A.left-hand keying switch: switch to internal keying
B.Right-hand switch: initially off
2. Set the micrometer position of the cavity wave meter fully out to a reading greater than 15mm. In
this position, the short-circuit plunger terminating the far end of the cavity is also fully out and the
cavity is at its maximum length.
3. Set the angular position of the resistive vane for both attenuators at about 20(degrees). At these
settings, the attenuators reduce the microwave power about 10dB.
4. Now switch on the main green power switch and the right-hand supply switch for the X-band
power source to energize the bench.
5. Adjust the attenuator adjacent to the diode detector to give a meter reading on the microwave
trainer about 4mA. (Note increasing the variable attenuator (source) reduces the microwave
power transmitted in the system.)
6. Turn the micrometer thimble of the wavemeter very slowly clockwise to move the short-circuit
plunger downwards and thus reduce the length of the cavity. Observe the meter deflection while
this is being done.
7. Search for a position at which there is a sharp dip in the meter reading. Such a dip corresponds
to a resonance at which power is absorbed by the wavemeter and so reduces the transmitted
microwave power as detected by the diode-detector and observedc on the meter.
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8. Record the micrometer reading at this resonance and determine the frequency of the microwave
signals using the E011 mode calibration curve.
Recorded Frequency = GHz
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Part B. Guide Frequency Measurement
1. Connect the equipments shown in Figure 2-1-8 with slotted waveguide section terminated in the
metal plate R acting as short circuit and set the switch positions on the control console as
follows:
i. Main green power switch: off
ii. left-hand keying switch of X-band oscillator: to internal keying
iii. Right-hand oscillator switch: switch off
iv. Check also the coax cables if it is properly connected and oscillator output cable
on the microwave trainer.
2. Now switch on power oscillator and adjust attenuators and if necessary the sensitivity control on
the microwave trainer to obtain a detector reading.
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3. Move the probe to locate a position of maximum field and re-adjust sensitivity control and/or
attenuators to provide a meter reading close to full scale about 4mA.
4. Starting from zero on the slotted-line scale move the probe along the slotted waveguide
section and locate and record the positions of electric field nulls. It should be locate 3
consecutive nulls:
x1 =
mm x 2 =
mm x3 =
mm
Then compute for the Guide wavelength:
λG = 2 (x2-x1) =
mm
λG = 2 (x3-x2) =
mm
λG = x3-x1= mm
5. After that, compare the result using ”formula1”. The waveguide used in Microwave
Trainer is standard WG16 whose internal dimensions are:
Broad dimension: a = 22.86mm Narrow dimension:
b = 10.16mm
f (operating frequency) = 10.7 GHz
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6. Observation:
7. Interpretation:
8. Conclusion:
9. Questions and Problems:
1. How does the source frequency affect the guide wavelength?
2. Cite some reasons why we must not look directly in an energized waveguide?
3. Differentiate guide wavelength from free space wavelength?
4. If the guide wavelength is smaller than the cut-off wavelength, what will happen?
5. What factors that would affect the value of the cut-off frequency of a waveguide?
10. Assessment (Rubric for Laboratory Performance):
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