Microwaves and Radar

Microwaves and Radar 10EC54
MICROWAVES AND RADAR
SYLLABUS
Subject Code : 10EC54 IA Marks : 25

No. of Lecture Hrs/Week : 04 Exam Hours: 03
Total no. of Lecture Hrs : 52 Exam Marks: 100
PART - A
UNIT - 1
MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION LINES: Introduction, transmission lines equations and
solutions, reflection and transmission coefficients, standing waves and SWR, line
impedance and line admittance. Smith chart, impedance matching using single stubs,
Microwave coaxial connectors.
7 Hours
UNIT - 2
MICROWAVE WAVEGUIDES AND COMPONENTS: Introduction, rectangular
waveguides, circular waveguides, microwave cavities, microwave hybrid circuits,
directional couplers, circulators and isolators.
7 Hours
UNIT - 3
MICROWAVE DIODES,
Transfer electron devices: Introduction, GUNN effect diodes – GaAs diode, RWH theory,
Modes of operation, Avalanche transit time devices: READ diode, IMPATT diode,
BARITT diode, Parametric amplifiers Other diodes: PIN diodes, Schottky barrier diodes.
7 Hours
UNIT - 4
Microwave network theory and passive devices. Symmetrical Z and Y parameters, for
reciprocal Networks, S matrix representation of multi port networks.
6 Hours
Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 1

PART - B
UNIT - 5
Microwave passive devices, Coaxial connectors and adapters, Phase
shifters, Attenuators, Waveguide Tees, Magic tees.
4 Hours
UNIT - 6
STRIP LINES: Introduction, Microstrip lines, Parallel strip lines, Coplanar strip lines,
Shielded strip Lines.
6 Hours
UNIT - 7
AN INTRODUCTION TO RADAR: Basic Radar, The simple form of the Radar equation,
Radar block diagram, Radar frequencies, application of Radar, the origins of Radar.
8 Hours
UNIT - 8
MTI AND PULSE DOPPLER RADAR: Introduction to Doppler and MTI Radar, delay line
Cancellers, digital MTI processing, Moving target detector, pulse Doppler Radar.
7 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:
1. Microwave Devices and circuits- Liao / Pearson Education.
rd
2. Introduction to Radar systems-Merrill I Skolnik, 3 Ed, TMH, 2001.
3. Microwave Engineering – Annapurna Das, Sisir K Das TMH Publication,
2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:
1. Microwave Engineering – David M Pozar, John Wiley, 2e, 2004
INDEX SHEET
SL.NO TOPIC PAGE NO.
5 to 22
UNIT – 1 MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION LINES
1 Introduction to transmission lines equations and solutions 6 to 10
2 Reflection and transmission coefficients 10 to 15
3 standing waves and SWR 15 to 17
4 line impedance and line admittance 17 to 19
5 Smith chart, impedance matching using single stubs 19 to 22
Recommended questions 23
24 to 58
UNIT - 2: MICROWAVE WAVEGUIDES AND COMPONENTS
1 Introduction rectangular waveguides 25 to 31
2 circular waveguides 32 to 41
3 microwave cavities, microwave hybrid circuits 42 to 50
4 directional couplers, 50 to 52
5 circulators and isolators 52 to 57
UNIT – 3 MICROWAVE DIODES 58 to 90
1 Introduction, GUNN effect diodes – GaAs diode 59 to 63
2 RWH theory, Modes of operation 63 to 70
3 Avalanche transit time devices: READ diode 70 to 72
4 IMPATT diode, BARITT diode 72 to 78
5 Parametric amplifiers 78 to 83
6 Other diodes: PIN diodes, Schottky barrier diodes 83 to 89
UNIT – 4 Microwave network theory and passive devices 91 to 104
1 Symmetrical Z and Y parameters for reciprocal Networks 92 to 94
2 S matrix representation of multi port networks 94 to 97
3 Properties of S-parameter 98 to 103

SL.NO TOPIC PAGE NO.
UNIT – 5 Microwave passive devices 105 to 129

1 Coaxial connectors and adapters, 106 to108
2 Attenuators 108 to 111
3 Phase shifters 111 to 114
4 Waveguide Tees, Magic tees. 118 to 121
5 Directional coupler 122 to 127
UNIT – 6 STRIP LINES 129 to 142
1 Microstrip lines 130 to 131
2 Parallel strip lines 132 to 135
3 Coplanar strip lines 135 to 136
4 Shielded strip Lines 137 to 139
5 Losses 139 to141
UNIT- UNIT -7 AN INTRODUCTION TO RADAR 143 to 158
1 The simple form of the Radar equation 146 to 149
2 Radar block diagram 149 to 151
3 Radar frequencies 151 to 153
4 Origins of Radar 154 to 55
5 Application of Radar 155 to 157
159 to 190
UNIT – 8 MTI AND PULSE DOPPLER RADAR
1 Introduction to Doppler and MTI Radar 160 to 175
2 Delay line Cancellers 175 to 181
3 digital MTI processing 182 to 183
4 Moving target detector, 183 to 188
5 Pulse Doppler Radar 189

UNIT – 1
MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION LINES: Introduction, transmission lines equations and

solutions, reflection and transmission coefficients, standing waves and SWR, line
impedance and line admittance. Smith chart, impedance matching using single stubs,
Microwave coaxial connectors.
7 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:
1.Microwave Devices and circuits- Liao / Pearson Education.
2.Microwave Engineering – Annapurna Das, Sisir K Das TMH Publication, 2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:

UNIT- 1
MICROWAVE TRANSMISION LINES
INTRODUCTION:
Any pair of wires and conductors carrying currents in opposite

directions form transmission lines. Transmission lines are essential
components in any electrical/communication system. They include coaxial
cables, two-wire lines, microstrip lines on printed-circuit-boards (PCB).
The characteristics of transmission lines can be studied by the electric
and magnetic fields propagating along the line. But in most practical
applications, it is easier to study the voltages and currents in the line instead.
Different types of transmission lines

A typical engineering problem involves the transmission of a signal from a

generator to a load. A transmission line is the part of the circuit that
provides the direct link between generator and load.
Transmission lines can be realized in a number of ways. Common
examples are the parallel-wire line and the coaxial cable. For simplicity, we
use in most diagrams the parallel-wire line to represent circuit connections,
but the theory applies to all types of transmission lines.
If you are only familiar with low frequency circuits, you are used to treat all
lines connecting the various circuit elements as perfect wires, with no voltage
drop and no impedance associated to them (lumped impedance circuits). This is
a reasonable procedure as long as the length of the wires is much smaller than
the wavelength of the signal. At any given time, the measured voltage and
current are the same for each location on the same wire.

For sufficiently high frequencies the wavelength is comparable with the length of
conductors in a transmission line. The signal propagates as a wave of voltage
and current along the line, because it cannot change instantaneously at all
locations. Therefore, we cannot neglect the impedance properties of the wires.

TRANSMISSION LINE EQUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS:
A transmission line can be analyzed wither by solution of Maxwells field

equations or by distributed circuit which involves only one space variable
theory in addition to the time variable.
Voltage and Current Waves in general transmission lines
Equivalent circuit of an element section (length z) of the transmission line:

L, R are the distributed inductance and resistance (per unit length) of the
conductor; C,G are the distributed capacitance and conductance (per unit
length) of the dielectric between the conductors.
Relation between instantaneous voltage v and current i at any point along the line:

For periodic signals, Fourier analysis can be applied and it is more

convenient to use phasors of voltage V and current I.
Decoupling the above equations, we get
where γ is called the propagation constant, and is in general complex.
α is the attenuation constant, β is the phase constant
The general solutions of the second-order, linear differential equation for V, I are :

V+, V-, I+, I- are constants (complex phasors). The terms containing e-γz represent
waves traveling in +z direction; terms containing e+γz represent waves traveling in
–z direction.
It can be shown that the ratio of voltage to current is given by:
where Zo is the characteristic impedance of the line, given by
The current I can now be written as:
Lossless transmission lines:
In lossless transmission lines, the distributed conductor resistance R and

dielectric conductance G are both zero. In this case the characteristic
impedance is real and is equal to:
The propagation constant γ is also imaginary with:

Expressing the waves in time-domain
The velocity with which a front of constant phase travels is called the
phase velocity u .
p
In any transmission line
In lossless transmission line
Therefore
In a coaxial cable,

εo – permittivity of vacuum
εr – relative permittivity (dielectric constant) of
dielectric μo – permeability of vacuum
Example: Calculate the characteristic resistance Ro of a RG-58U coaxial

cable which has a inner conductor of radius a=0.406 mm and a braided outer
conductor with radius b=1.553 mm. Assume the dielectric is polyethylene with
dielectric constant of 2.26.
Solution: The distributed capacitance and inductance of the cable can be
calculated to be:
L = 0.268 μH/m
C = 93.73 pF/m
Ro = L / C = 53.47Ω
Reflection and Transmission:
Reflection co-efficient is defined as the ratio of amplitudes of reflected

voltage wave to the incident voltage wave at the receiving end.
E
r0 2 1
E
i0 2 1

Transmission co-efficient is defined as the ratio of transmitted voltage or

current to the incident voltage or current .
E
t0 2 2
E
i0 2 1
A transmission line terminated in its characteristic impedance is called a

properly terminated line. According to the principle of conservation of
energy, the incident power minus the reflected power must be equal to the
power transmitted to the load.
v(z 0) vi (z 0) vr (z 0)
i(z 0) ii (z 0) ir (z 0)
1 [v ( z 0) v ( z 0)]
i r
Zo
v(z 0) Z vi (z 0) vr (z 0) Z
i o L
(z 0) vi (z 0) vr (z 0)
Standing wave ratio:
Dept of ECE/
GCEM Page 14
In a lossless line, the amplitude of the forward (or backward) voltage

remains constant as the wave propagates along z, only with a shift in the
phase angle. The superimposition of the forward wave and backward wave
results in a standing wave pattern.
S E 1 z max 1
E 1
1 z min
• In a standing wave, there are positions at the line where the amplitude of
the resultant voltage has maximum and minimum.
The voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) is the ratio of the maximum and
minimum voltage magnitudes. The distance between two successive
maximums is equal to λ/2.
VSWR is useful to find the maximum voltage magnitude on the line due to
reflection from the load. If Vinc is the incident voltage on the load,

SMITH CHART:
Smith Chart is a convenient graphical means of determining voltages

along transmission lines. It is essentially a plot of the complex reflection
coefficient Γ(-l) at a point with input impedance Zin(-l) looking into the end
of the transmission line.
Let the real and imaginary parts of Γ(-l) be Γr , Γi respectively,and z be the

input impedance normalized by Zo.
In a lossless transmission line, there is no attenuation and a wave traveling

along the line will only have a phase shift. So the reflection coefficient Γ(-l)
at a point of distance l from the load at the end of the line is related to the
load reflection coefficient ΓL by:
It means the reflection coefficient has same magnitude but only a phase
shift of 2 β l if we move a length l along the line ( Γ rotates clockwise on the
Smith Chart when moving away from the load and anti-clockwise when
moving towards the load).
• The Smith Chart is a clever tool for analyzing transmission lines
• The outside of the chart shows location on the line in wavelengths

• The combination of intersecting circles inside the chart allow us to

locate the normalized impedance and then to find the impedance
anywhere on the line
• Impedances, voltages, currents, etc. all repeat every half wavelength
• The magnitude of the reflection coefficient, the standing wave ratio
(SWR) do not change, so they characterize the voltage & current
patterns on the line
• If the load impedance is normalized by the characteristic impedance
of the line, the voltages, currents, impedances, etc. all still have the
same properties, but the results can be generalized to any line with
the same normalized impedances
Explanaiton of smith chart:

Imaginary Impedance
Axis

Real Impedance Axis
• Thus, the first step in analyzing a transmission line is to locate the

normalized load impedance on the chart
• Next, a circle is drawn that represents the reflection coefficient or
SWR. The center of the circle is the center of the chart. The circle
passes through the normalized load impedance
• Any point on the line is found on this circle. Rotate clockwise to
move toward the generator (away from the load)
• The distance moved on the line is indicated on the outside of the
chart in wavelengths
Toward
Generator
Constant Reflection
Coefficient Circle
Away From
Generator
• First, locate the normalized impedance on the chart for ZL = 50 + j100

• Then draw the circle through the point
• The circle gives us the reflection coefficient (the radius of the circle)
which can be read from the scale at the bottom of most charts
• Also note that exactly opposite to the normalized load is its
admittance. Thus, the chart can also be used to find the admittance.
We use this fact in stub matching
• Now the line is matched to the left of the stub because the
normalized impedance and admittance are equal to 1
• Note that the point on the Smith Chart where the line is matched is in
the center (normalized z=1) where also the reflection coefficient
circle has zero radius or the reflection coefficient is zero.
• Thus, the goal with the matching problem is to add an impedance so
that the total impedance is the characteristic impedance.
PROBLEMS:



RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS FOR UNIT 1

1. Discuss different types of transmission lines used in communication
and the frequencies at which they are preferred.
2. Starting from basics obtain the solution of the transmission line equations.
3. Define and derive expressions for attenuation and phase constants,
wavelength and velocity of propagation in a transmission line.
4. What is meant by “ relative phase velocity factor? Obtain the

expression fro the same.
5. Derive an expression for input impedance of microwave transmission line.
6. What is reflection co-efficient? Obtain an expression for the same?
How is it related to SWR?
7. What is transmission co-efficient ? obtain an expression for the same.
8. What are standing waves? How are they formed? Obtain the
expression for VSW.
9. What is line impedance? Derive an expression for line
impedance at any point on the line.
10. Obtain an expression for line impedance in terms of reflection co-efficient.
11. Explain the steps involved in calculation of standing wave ratio
12. What is smith chart ? how is it constructed?
13. Discuss applications and properties of smith chart.
14. Explain how impedance can be converted to admittance using smith chart.
15. Explain the steps involved in single stub matching using smith chart

UNIT - 2
MICROWAVE WAVEGUIDES AND COMPONENTS: Introduction, rectangular
waveguides, circular waveguides, microwave cavities, microwave hybrid circuits,
directional couplers, circulators and isolators.
7 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:
1.Microwave Devices and circuits- Liao / Pearson Education.
2.Microwave Engineering – Annapurna Das, Sisir K Das TMH Publication, 2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:

UNIT- 2
MICROWAVE WAVEGUIDES AND COMPONENTS
INTRODUCITON
A waveguide consists of a hollow metallic tube of either rectangular or
circular cross section used to guide electromagnetic wave. Rectangular
waveguide is most commonly used as waveguide. waveguides are used at
frequencies in the microwave range.
At microwave frequencies ( above 1GHz to 100 GHz ) the losses in the two
line transmission system will be very high and hence it cannot be used at
those frequencies . hence microwave signals are propagated through the
waveguides in order to minimize the losses.
Properties and characteristics of waveguide:
1. The conducting walls of the guide confine the electromagnetic fields and
thereby guide the electromagnetic wave through multiple reflections .
2. when the waves travel longitudinally down the guide, the plane
waves are reflected from wall to wall .the process results in a
component of either electric or magnetic fields in the direction of
propagation of the resultant wave.
3. TEM waves cannot propagate through the waveguide since it
requires an axial conductor for axial current flow .
4. when the wavelength inside the waveguide differs from that outside
the guide, the velocity of wave propagation inside the waveguide
must also be different from that through free space.
5. if one end of the waveguide is closed using a shorting plate and

allowed a wave to propagate from other end, then there will be
complete reflection of the waves resulting in standing waves.
APPLICATION OF MAXWELLS EQUATIONS TO THE

RECTANGULAR WAVEGUIDE:
Let us consider waves propagating along Oz but with restrictions in the x

and/or y directions. The wave is now no longer necessarily transverse.
The wave equation can be written as
In the present case this becomes
and similarly for .electric field.
There are three kinds of solution possible
Boundary conditions:
We assume the guides to be perfect conductors so = 0 inside the
guides. Hence, the continuity of Et at a boundary implies that Et = 0 in the
wave guide at the boundary.
En is not necessarily zero in the wave guide at the boundary as there may
be surface charges on the conducting walls (the solution given below
implies that there are such charges)
It follows from Maxwell's equation that because = 0, is also zero inside the
conductor (the time dependence of is exp(-iTt)). The continuity of Hn
implies that Hn = 0 at the boundary.
There are currents induced in the guides but for perfect conductors these
can be only surface currents. Hence, there is no continuity for Ht. This is to
be contrasted with the boundary condition used for waves reflecting off
conducting surfaces with finite conductivity.
The standard geometry for a rectangular wave guide is given fig 1. A wave
can be guided by two parallel planes for which case we let the planes at x
= 0, a extend to y = ±4.
TE Modes: By definition, Ez = 0 and we start from

as the wave equation in Cartesian coordinates permits the use of the

separation of variables.
TM Modes: By definition, Hz = 0 and we start from
It is customary in wave guides to use the longitudinal field strength as the reference.
For the parallel plate wave guide there is no y dependence so just set Y
TE modes
Using the above form for the solution of the wave equation, the wave
equation can be rewritten as
the minus signs being chosen so that we get the oscillatory solutions
needed to fit the boundary conditions.
Now apply the boundary conditions to determine the restrictions

on Hz. At x = 0, a: Ey = 0 and H x = 0 (Ez is zero everywhere)
For the following Griffith's writes down all the Maxwell equations
specialized to propagation along 0z. I will write just those needed for the
specific task and motivate the choice.
We need to relate Ey, Hx to the reference Hz. Hence, we use the y

component of ME2 (which has 2 H fields and 1 E field)
The first term is ikzHx which is zero at the boundary.
The absence of an arbitrary constant upon integration is justified below.
At y = 0, b: Ex = 0 and Hy = 0 and we now use the x component of ME2
As the second term is proportional Hy we get
However, m = n = 0 is not allowed for the following reason.

When m = n = 0, Hz is constant across the waveguide for any xy plane.
Consider the integral version of Faraday's law for a path that lies in such a
plane and encircles the wave guide but in the metal walls.
As E = 0 in the conducting walls and the time dependence of is given by exp(-iTt)

this equation requires that . We need only evaluate the integral over the guide as =
0 in the walls.

For constant Bz this gives Bzab = 0. So Bz = 0 as is Hz. However, as we

have chosen Ez = 0 this implies a TEM wave which cannot occur inside a
hollow waveguide. Adding an arbitrary constant would give a solution like
which is not a solution to the wave equation ... try it. It also equivalent to
adding a solution with either m = 0 or n = 0 which is a solution with a different
Cut off frequency

This restriction leads to a minimum value for k. In order to get propagation
kz2 > 0. Consequently
Suppose a > b then the minimum frequency is cB/a and for a limited range
of T (dependent on a and b) this solution (m = 1, n = 0, or TE10) is the only
one possible.
Away from the boundaries
where Hzx means that cos k xx has been replaced by sin kxx.
We need another relation between Ey and either Hx or Hz, which must come
from the other Maxwell equation (ME1). We have to decide which component of
ME1 to use. If we choose the z component, the equation involves Ex and Ey,
introducing another unknown field (Ex). However, the x component involves Ey
and Ez. As Ez = 0, this gi ves the req uired rel ati on.

Substituting in the above gives
TM modes
The boundary conditions are easier to apply as it is Ez itself that is zero at the
boundaries.
Consequently, the solution is readily found to be

Note that the lowest TM mode is due to the fact that Ez . 0. Otherwise, along with
Hz = 0, the solution is a TEM mode which is forbidden. The details are not given
here as the TM wave between parallel plates is an assignment problem.
It can be shown that for ohmic losses in the conducting walls the TM
modes are more attenuated than the TE modes.
Rectangular Waveguide:
• Let us consider a rectangular waveguide with interior dimensions are a x b,
• Waveguide can support TE and TM modes.

– In TE modes, the electric field is transverse to the direction of
propagation.
– In TM modes, the magnetic field that is transverse and an
electric field component is in the propagation direction.
• The order of the mode refers to the field configuration in the guide,
and is given by m and n integer subscripts, TEmn and TMmn.
– The m subscript corresponds to the number of half-wave
variations of the field in the x direction, and
– The n subscript is the number of half-wave variations in the y
direction.
• A particular mode is only supported above its cutoff frequency. The
cutoff frequency is given by

Rectangular Waveguide
Location of mode
f 1 m2 n
2
c
2
m n
2
ab
c
mn
2 a b 2 r r
u 1 1 1 1 c
o r o r o o r r r r
We can achieve a qualitative understanding of wave propagation in waveguide
by considering the wave to be a superposition of a pair of TEM waves.
Let us consider a TEM wave propagating in the z direction. Figure shows

the wave fronts; bold lines indicating constant phase at the maximum value
of the field (+Eo), and lighter lines indicating constant phase at the
minimum value (-Eo).
The waves propagate at a velocity uu, where the u subscript indicates

media unbounded by guide walls. In air, uu = c.
Since we know E = 0 on a perfect conductor, we can replace the horizontal

lines of zero field with perfect conducting walls. Now, u+ and u- are
reflected off the walls as they propagate along the guide.
The distance separating adjacent zero-field lines in Figure (b), or separating

the conducting walls in Figure (a), is given as the dimension a in Figure (b).
The distance a is determined by the angle and by the distance between
wavefront peaks, or the wavelength . For a given wave velocity uu, the
frequency is f = uu/ .
If we fix the wall separation at a, and change the frequency, we must then also
change the angle if we are to maintain a propagating wave. Figure (b) shows
wave fronts for the u+ wave.

The edge of a +Eo wave front (point A) will line up with the edge of a –Eo
front (point B), and the two fronts must be /2 apart for the m = 1 mode.
For any value of m, we can write by simple trigonometry
m 2 2a uu
sin a m sin f
The waveguide can support propagation as long as the wavelength is
smaller than a critical value, c, that occurs at = 90 , or
2a uu
c f
m c
Where fc is the cutoff frequency for the propagating mode.
We can relate the angle to the operating frequency and the cutoff frequency by
sin fc
f
c

The time tAC it takes for the wavefront to move from A to C (a distance lAC) is
l m 2
t AC
u u
AC Distance from A to C u u
Wavefront Velocity
A constant phase point moves along the wall from A to D. Calling this
phase velocity up, and given the distance lAD is
m 2
l
AD cos
Then the time tAD to travel from A to D is
t l
AD
AD m2
up cos up
Since the times tAD and tAC must be equal, we have

u
u u
p
cos
The Wave velocity is given by
u 1 1 1 1 c
u
o r o r o o r r r r
The Phase velocity is given by
uu
up
cos
2 2 2
cos cos 1 sin 1 fc f

The Group velocity is given by uG uu cos

The phase constant is given by
f 2
u 1 c
f
The guide wavelength is given by
u
2
1 fc
f
The ratio of the transverse electric field to the transverse magnetic field for
a propagating mode at a particular frequency is the waveguide impedance.
For a TE mode, the wave impedance is
u
ZmTEn ,
fc 2
1
f
For a TM mode, the wave impedance is
2
TM fc
Zmn u 1 .
f
General Wave Behaviors:

The wave behavior in a waveguide can be determined by

(1) TM mode phase velocity always faster than the light speed in the
medium
(2) TM mode group velocity always slower than the light speed in the
medium
(3) Depends on frequency � dispersive transmission systems
(4) Propagation velocity (velocity of energy transport) = group
velocity.

Modes of propagation:
Using phasors & assuming waveguide filled with
 lossless dielectric material and 

 walls of perfect conductor, 
the wave inside should obey…
2 2 2
Ek E0
2
Hk H0
2 2
where k c
2 2
Then applying on the z-component Ez k Ez 0
2 2 2
E E z
E 2
2 z 0 2 2 z k Ez
x y z
Solving by method of Separation of Variables :
Ez (x, y, z) X (x)Y ( y)Z (z)
from where we obtain :
X '' Y '' Z '' 2
X Y Z k
X '' Y '' Z '' k 2
X Y Z
2 2 2 2
k x k y k
which results in the expressions :
'' 2 '' 2
X kx X0Y ky Y0
'' 2
Z Z0
From Faraday and Ampere Laws we can find the remaining four components
E j
Ex z
2
Hz
2
h x h y
E
E y z j Hz
2 2
Dept of ECE/ GCEM h y h x Page 39
j E H
H x z z
Modes of propagation:
From the above equations we can conclude:
 TEM (Ez=Hz=0) can‟t propagate. 


 TE (Ez=0) transverse electric 

 In TE mode, the electric lines of flux are perpendicular to the
axis of the waveguide 

 TM (Hz=0) transverse magnetic, Ez exists 

 In TM mode, the magnetic lines of flux are perpendicular to
the axis of the waveguide. 

 HE hybrid modes in which all components exists. 
TM Mode:
m n jz
Ez Eo sin x sin ye
a b
Hz 0
m mx ny
Ez E 2 E cos sin e z
Ex h2 x x h a o a b
Ez n mx n yz
E 2 E E sin cos e
y h y y h2 b o a b
 The m and n represent the mode of propagation and indicates the

number of variations of the field in the x and y directions 
TM Cutoff:
2 2 2
kx ky k
2 2
m n 2
ab
The cutoff frequency occurs when
2
2 m n 2 then j 0
When c a b
2 2
1 1 m n
b
or f c
2 a
No propagation, everything is attenuated Page 41
2
2 m n2
When and 0
a b
Dept of ECE/ GCEM

Propagation:
2
m n
When 2
2
j and 0
a b
Cutoff
 The cutoff frequency is the frequency below which attenuation
occurs and above which propagation takes place. (High Pass) 
f u' m
2
n
2
c mn
2 a b
The phase constant becomes
2 f 2
2 m n 2' c
1
a b f
Phase velocity and impedance
The phase velocity is defined as
2 up
up
' f
intrinsic impedance of the mode is
2
Ex Ey fc
TM '1
Hy Hx f
MICROWAVE HYBRID CIRCUITS:
A microwave circuit is formed when several microwave components and devices

such as microwave generators , microwave amplifiers, variable attenuators,
cavity resonators, microwave filters, directional couplers, isolators

are coupled together without any mismatch for proper transmission of a

microwave signal.
Scattering matrix :
Let us consider a two port network which represents a number of parameter
All the above listed parameters can be represented as the ratio of either
voltage to current or current or voltage under certain conditions of input
or output ports.

At microwave frequencies it is impossible to measure :

1. total voltage and current as the required equipment is not available.
2. Over a broad band region, it is difficult to achieve perfect open
and short circuit conditions.
3. The active devices used inside the two port network such as
microwave power transistors will tend to become unstable under
open and short circuit conditions.
WAVE GUIDE TEE JUNCTIONS:
A waveguide Tee is formed when three waveguides are interconnected in

the form of English alphabet T and thus waveguide tee is 3-port junction.
The waveguide tees are used to connects a branch or section of
waveguide in series or parallel with the main waveguide transmission line
either for splitting or combining power in a waveguide system.
There are basically 2 types of tees

namely 1.) H- plane Tee junction
2.) E-plane Tee junction
A combination of these two tee junctions is called a hybrid tee or “ Magic Tee”.
E-plane Tee(series tee):

An E-plane tee is a waveguide tee in which the axis of its side arm is
parallel to the E field of the main guide . if the collinear arms are symmetric
about the side arm.
If the E-plane tee is perfectly matched with the aid of screw tuners at the
junction , the diagonal components of the scattering matrix are zero
because there will be no reflection.
When the waves are fed into side arm, the waves appearing at port 1 and port
2 of the collinear arm will be in opposite phase and in same magnitude.

H-plane tee: (shunt tee)
An H-plane tee is a waveguide tee in which the axis of its side arm is
shunting the E field or parallel to the H-field of the main guide.
If two input waves are fed into port 1 and port 2 of the collinear arm, the
output wave at port 3 will be in phase and additive .
If the input is fed into port 3, the wave will split equally into port 1 and port
2 in phase and in same magnitude .
Magic Tee ( Hybrid Tees )

A magic tee is a combination of E-plane and H-plane tee. The
characteristics of magic tee are:
1. If two waves of equal magnitude and same phase are fed into port 1 and
port 2 the output will be zero at port 3 and additive at port 4.
2. If a wave is fed into port 4 it will be divided equally between port 1

and port 2 of the collinear arms and will not appear at port 3.
3. If a wave is fed into port 3 , it will produce an output of equal
magnitude and opposite phase at port 1 and port 2. the output at
port 4 is zero.
4. if a wave is fed into one of the collinear arms at port 1 and port 2, it
will not appear in the other collinear arm at port 2 or 1 because the
E-arm causes a phase delay while H arm causes a phase advance.

Hybrid Rings( Rat Race circuits):

A hybrid ring consists of an annular line of proper electrical length to
sustain standing waves, to which four arms are connected at proper
intervals by means of series or parallel junctions.
The hybrid ring has characteristics similar to those of the hybrid tee. When a
I wave is fed into port 1, it will not appear at port 3 because the difference of
phase shifts for the waves traveling in the clockwise and counterclockwise
direction is 180°. Thus the waves are canceled at port 3. For the same
reason, the waves fed into port 2 will not emerge at port 4 and so on.
The S matrix for an ideal hybrid ring can be expressed as

It should be noted that the phase cancellation occurs only at a designated
frequency for an ideal hybrid ring. In actual hybrid rings there are small leakage
couplings and therefore the zero elements in the matrix are not equal to zero.
WAVE GUIDE CORNERS , BENDS AND TWISTS:

The waveguide corner, bend, and twist are shown in figure below, these
waveguide components are normally used to change the direction of the
guide through an arbitrary angle.
In order to minimize reflections from the discontinuities, it is desirable to
have the mean length L between continuities equal to an odd number of
quarter wave lengths. That is,
where n = 0, 1, 2, 3, ... , and Ag is the wavelength in the waveguide. If the mean
length L is an odd number of quarter wavelengths, the reflected waves from both
ends of the waveguide section are completely canceled. For the waveguide bend,
the minimum radius of curvature for a small reflection is given by Southworth as

DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS:
A directional coupler is a four-port waveguide junction as shown
below. It Consists of a primary waveguide 1-2 and a secondary waveguide
3-4. When all Ports are terminated in their characteristic impedances, there
is free transmission of the waves without reflection, between port 1 and
port 2, and there is no transmission of power between port I and port 3 or
between port 2 and port 4 because no coupling exists between these two
pairs of ports. The degree of coupling between port 1 and port4 and
between port 2 and port 3 depends on the structure of the coupler.
The characteristics of a directional coupler can be expressed in
terms of its Coupling factor and its directivity. Assuming that the wave is
propagating from port to port2 in the primary line, the coupling factor and
the directivity are defined,

where PI = power input to port I

P3 = power output from port 3
It should be noted that port 2, port 3, and port 4 are terminated in their
characteristic impedances. The coupling factor is a measure of the ratio of
power levels in the primary and secondary lines. Hence if the coupling
factor is known, a fraction of power measured at port 4 may be used to
determine the power input at port 1 .
This significance is desirable for microwave power measurements
because no disturbance, which may be caused by the power
measurements, occurs in the primary line. The directivity is a measure of
how well the forward traveling wave in the primary waveguide couples only
to a specific port of the secondary waveguide ideal directional coupler
should have infinite directivity. In other words, the power at port 3 must be
zero because port 2 and portA are perfectly matched. Actually well-
designed directional couplers have a directivity of only 30 to 35 dB.
Several types of directional couplers exist, such as a two-hole direct

couler, four-hole directional coupler, reverse-coupling directional coupler ,
and Bethe-hole directional coupler the very commonly used two-hole
directional coupler is described here.
TWO HOLE DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS:
A two hole directional coupler with traveling wave propagating in it is

illustrated . the spacing between the centers of two holes is
A fraction of the wave energy entered into port 1 passes through the holes
and is radiated into the secondary guide as he holes act as slot antennas.
The forward waves in the secondary guide are in same phase , regardless
of the hole space and are added at port 4. the backward waves in the
secondary guide are out of phase and are cancelled in port 3.
CIRCUALTORS AND ISOLATORS:

Both microwave circulators and isolators are non reciprocal transmission

devices that use the property of Faraday rotation in the ferrite material. A non
reciprocal phase shifter consists of thin slab of ferrite placed in a rectangular
waveguide at a point where the dc magnetic field of the incident wave mode is
circularly polarized. When a piece of ferrite is affected by a dc magnetic field
the ferrite exhibits Faraday rotation. It does so because the ferrite is nonlinear
material and its permeability is an asymmetric tensor.
MICROWAVE CIRCULATORS:
A microwave circulator is a multiport waveguide junction in which the wave
can flow only from the nth port to the (n + I)th port in one direction Although
there is no restriction on the number of ports, the four-port microwave
circulator is the most common. One type of four-port microwave circulator
is a combination of two 3-dB side hole directional couplers and a
rectangular waveguide with two non reciprocal phase shifters.

The operating principle of a typical microwave circulator can be analyzed with the
aid of Fig shown above .Each of the two 3-dB couplers in the circulator
introduces a phase shift of 90°, and each of the two phase shifters produces a
certain amount of phase change in a certain direction as indicated. When a wave
is incident to port 1,the wave is split into two components by coupler I. The wave
in the primary guide arrives at port 2 with a relative phase' change of 180°. The
second wave propagates through the two couplers and the secondary guide and
arrives at port 2 with a relative phase shift of 180°. Since the two waves reaching
port 2 are in phase, the power transmission is obtained from port 1 to port 2.
However, the wave propagates through the primary guide, phase shifter, and
coupler 2 and arrives at port 4 with a phase change of 270°. The wave travels
through coupler 1 and the secondary guide, and it arrives at port 4 with a phase
shift of 90°. Since the two waves reaching port 4 are out of phase by 180°, the
power transmission from port 1 to port 4 is zero. In general, the differential

propagation constants in the two directions of propagation in a waveguide

containing ferrite phase shifters should be
where m and n are any integers, including zeros. A similar analysis

shows that a wave incident to port 2 emerges at port 3 and so on. As a
result, the sequence of power flow is designated as 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 1.
Many types of microwave circulators are in use today. However, their principles of
operation remain the same. .A four-port circulator is constructed by the use of two
magic tees and a phase shifter. The phase shifter produces a phase
shift of 180°.

A perfectly matched, lossless, and nonreciprocal four-port circulator

has an S matrix of the form
Using the properties of S parameters the S-matrix is
MICROWAVE ISOLATORS:
An isolator is a nonreciprocal transmission device that is used to isolate

one component from reflections of other components in the transmission
line. An ideal isolator completely absorbs the power for propagation in one
direction and provides lossless transmission in the opposite direction. Thus
the isolator is usually called uniline.
Isolators are generally used to improve the frequency stability of
microwave generators, such as klystrons and magnetrons, in which the
reflection from the load affects the generating frequency. In such cases,
the isolator placed between the generator and load prevents the reflected
power from the unmatched load from returning to the generator. As a
result, the isolator maintains the frequency stability of the generator.
Isolators can be constructed in many ways. They can be made by
terminating ports 3 and 4 of a four-port circulator with matched loads. On
the other hand, isolators can be made by inserting a ferrite rod along the
axis of a rectangular waveguide as shown below.
The isolator here is a Faraday-rotation isolator. Its operating principle

can be explained as follows . The input resistive card is in the y-z plane, and
the output resistive card is displaced 45° with respect to the input card. The
dc magnetic field, which is applied longitudinally to the ferrite rod, rotates the
wave plane of polarization by 45°. The degrees of rotation depend on the
length and diameter of the rod and on the applied de magnetic field. An input
TEIO dominant mode is incident to the left end of the isolator. Since the TEIO
mode wave is perpendicular to the input resistive card, the wave passes
through the ferrite rod without attenuation. The wave in the ferrite rod section
is rotated clockwise by 45° and is normal to the output resistive card. As a
result of rotation, the wave arrives at the output.

end without attenuation at all. On the contrary, a reflected wave from the
output end is similarly rotated clockwise 45° by the ferrite rod. However,
since the reflected wave is parallel to the input resistive card, the wave is
thereby absorbed by the input card. The typical performance of these
isolators is about 1-dB insertion loss in forward transmission and about 20-
to 30-dB isolation in reverse attenuation.
RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS ON UNIT – 2
1. Discuss the various properties and characteristics of waveguides.

2. Show that waveguide acts as a high pass filter
3. Derive expressions for cutoff wavelength and cutoff frequency for TM
waves propagating through rectangular waveguides.
4. Derive expressions for guide wavelength , phase and group velocity for TM
waves in RWG
5. Draw the field patterns for the dominant TM and TE modes in rectangular
waveguides.

6. Discuss the various types of loses occurring in rectangular waveguides.

7. Obtain an expression for attenuation in co-axial lines.
8. Derive an expression for frequency of oscillation for a
rectangular and cylindrical resonator.
9. List the applications of cavity resonators.
10. Draw a neat diagram of H-plane Tee and explain its operation and
derive the S matrix.
11. Draw a neat diagram of E-plane Tee and explain its operation and
12. Draw a neat diagram of MagicTee and explain its operation and
13. Explain the 2 hole directional coupler with sketch.
14. Explain the operation of a 3 port circulator
15. Explain the working of faraday rotation isolator.
UNIT - 3
MICROWAVE DIODES,
Transfer electron devices: Introduction, GUNN effect diodes – GaAs diode, RWH theory,
Modes of operation, Avalanche transit time devices: READ diode, IMPATT diode,
BARITT diode, Parametric amplifiers ,Other diodes: PIN diodes, Schottky barrier diodes.
7 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:


.
2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:

Unit-3
MICROWAVE DIODES
TRANSFER ELECTRON DEVICES
INTRODUCTION:
The application of two-terminal semiconductor devices at microwave frequencies
has been increased usage during the past decades. The CW, average, and peak
power outputs of these devices at higher microwave frequencies are much larger
than those obtainable with the best power transistor. The common characteristic
of all active two-terminal solid-state devices is their negative resistance. The real
part of their impedance is negative over a range of frequencies. In a positive
resistance the current through the resistance and the voltage across it are in
phase. The voltage drop across a positive resistance is positive and a power of
(12 R) is dissipated in the resistance.
In a negative resistance, however, the current and voltage are out of
phase by 180°. The voltage drop across a negative resistance is negative,
and a power of (-I!R) is generated by the power supply associated with the
negative resistance. In positive resistances absorb. power (passive
devices), whereas negative resistances generate power (active devices).
In this chapter the transferred electron devices(TEDs) are analyzed.
The differences between microwave transistors and transferred electron
devices (TEDs) are fundamental. Transistors operate with either junctions or gates,
but TEDs are bulk devices having no junctions or gates. The majority of transistors
are fabricated from elemental semiconductors, such as silicon or germanium,
whereas 1tDs are fabricated from compound semiconductors, such as

gallium arsenide (r.As),indium phosphide (lnP), or cadmium telluride

(CdTe). Transistors operate
As "warm" electrons whose energy is not much greater than the thermal
energy 0.026eVat room temperature) of electrons in the semiconductors.
GUNN EFFECT DIODES – GaAs diode
Gunn effect are named after J. B. Gunn who is 1963 discovered a periodic
fluctuation of current passing through the n- type gallium arsenide . when
the applied voltage exceeded a certain critical value.
Shockley in 1954 suggested that the two terminal negative resistance devices
using semiconductors had advantages over transistors at high frequencies.
In 1961 , Ridley and Watkins described a new method for obtaining

negative differential mobility in semiconductors. The principle involved is to
heat carriers in a light mass , low mobility , higher energy sub band when
they have a high temperature.
Finally Kroemer stated that the origin of the negative differential mobility is
Ridley Watkins Hilsum‟s mechanism of electron transfer into the valleys
that occur in conduction bands.
Gunn effect:
The below figure shows the diagram of a uniform n-type GaAs diode with ohmic
contacts at the end surfaces. Gunn stated that “ Above some critical voltage ,
corresponding to an electric field of 2000 to 4000 Volts/cm, the current in every

specimen became a fluctuating function of time.

Gunn Diodes
Single piece of GaAs or Inp and contains no junctions
Exhibits negative differential resistance
Applications:
low-noise local oscillators for mixers (2 to 140 GHz).
Low-power transmitters and wide band tunable sources
Continuous-wave (CW) power levels of up to several hundred mill watts

can be obtained in the X-, Ku-, and Ka-bands. A power output of 30 mW
can be achieved from commercially available devices at 94 GHz.

Higher power can be achieved by combining several devices in a power

combiner.
Gunn oscillators exhibit very low dc-to-RF efficiency of 1 to 4%.
Gunn also discovered that the threshold electric field Eili varied with the
length and type of material. He developed an elaborate capacitive probe
for plotting the electric field distribution within a specimen of n-type GaAs
of length L = 210 JLIll and cross-sectional area 3.5 x 10-3 cm2 with a low-
field resistance of 16 n. Current instabilities occurred at specimen voltages
above 59 V, which means that the threshold field is
RIDLEY WATKINS AND HILSUM THEORY:
Many explanations have been offered for the Gunn effect. In 1964
Kroemer [6] suggested that Gunn' s observations were in complete
agreement with the Ridley-Watkins-Hilsum (RWH) theory.
Differential Negative Resistance:
The fundamental concept of the Ridley-Watkins-Hilsum (RWH) theory is

the differential negative resistance developed in a bulk solid-state III-V
compound when either a voltage (or electric field) or a current is applied to
the terminals of the sample. There are two modes of negative-resistance
devices: voltage-controlled and current controlled Modes.

In the voltage-controlled mode the current density can be multivalued,

whereas in the current-controlled mode the voltage can be mu1tivalued. The
major effect of the appearance of a differential negative-resistance region in
the current density field curve is to render the sample electrically unstable. As
a result, the initially homogeneous sample becomes electrically
heterogeneous in an attempt to reach stability. In the voltage-controlled
negative-resistance mode high-field domains are formed, separating two low-
field regions. The interfaces separating low and high-field domains lie along
equi potentials; thus they are in planes perpendicular to the current direction.
Ex ressed mathematically, the negative resistance of the sample at a particul r

region is

If an electric field Eo (or voltage Vo) is applied to the sample, for example, the
current density 10is generated. As the applied field (or voltage) is increased to E1 (or
V2), the current density is decreased to 12. When the field (or voltage) is decr~ to £.
(or VI), the current density is increased to 1, . These phenomena of the voltage
controlled negative resistance are shown in Fig. 7-2-3(a). Similarly, for the current
controlled mode, the negative-resistance profile is as shown below.
TWO VALLEY MODEL THEORY:

Kroemer proposed a negative mass microwave amplifier in 1958 [lO] and 1959
[II]. According to the energy band theory of the n -type GaAs, a high-mobility

lower valley is separated by an energy of 0.36 eV from a low-mobility

upper valley
Electron densities in the lower and upper valleys remain the same under an
Equilibrium condition. When the applied electric field is lower than the electric
field of the lower valley (E < Ee), no electrons will transfer to the upper valley.
When the applied electric field is higher than that of the lower valley and
lower than that of the upper valley (Ee < E < Eu)), electrons will begin to
transfer to the upper valley.
when the applied electric field is higher than that of the upper valley (Eu <
E), all electrons will transfer to the upper valley.
When a sufficiently high field E is applied to the specimen, electrons are
accelerated and their effective temperature rises above the lattice temperature
also increases. Thus electron density/I and are both functions of electric field E.
MODES OF OPERATION OF GUNN DIODE:
A gunn diode can operate in four modes:
1. Gunn oscillation mode

2. stable amplification mode
3. LSA oscillation mode
4. Bias circuit oscillation mode
Gunn oscillation mode: This mode is defined in the region where the product of
frequency multiplied by length is about 107 cm/s and the product of doping
multiplied by length is greater than 1012/cm2.In this region the device is unstable
because of the cyclic formation of either the accumulation layer or the high field
domain.
When the device is operated is a relatively high Q cavity and coupled

properly to the load, the domain I quenched or delayed before nucleating.
2.Stable amplification mode: This mode is defined in the region

where the product of frequency times length is about 107 cmls and the
11 12
product of doping times length is between l0 and 1O /cm2
.3. LSA oscillation mode: This mode is defined in the region where the
7
product of frequency times length is above 10 cmls and the quotient of
4 5
doping divided by frequency is between 2 x 10 and 2 x 10 .
4. Bias-circuit oscillation mode: This mode occurs only when there is either
Gunn or LSA oscillation. and it is usually at the region where the product of
frequency times length is too small to appear in the figure. When a bulk diode is
biased to threshold. the average current suddenly drops as Gunn oscillation begins.
The drop in current at the threshold can lead to oscillations in the bias
circuit that are typically 1 kHz to 100 MHz .
Delayed domain mode (106 cm/s < fL < 107 cm/s). When the transit time is
Chosen so that the domain is collected while E < Eth as shown in Fig. 7-3-4(b), a

new domain cannot form until the field rises above threshold again. In this case,
the oscillation period is greater than the transit time-that is, To > T,. This delayed
mode is also called inhibited mode. The efficiency of this mode is about 20%.
Quenched domain mode (fL > 2 X 107 cm/s).
If the bias field drops below the sustaining field Es during the negative half-cycle as
shown ,the domain collapses before it reaches the anode. When the bias field
swings back above threshold ,a new domain is nucleated and the process repeats.
Therefore the oscillations occur at the frequency of the resonant circuit rather than at
the transit-time frequency, It has been found that the resonant frequency of the
circuit is several times the transit-time frequency, since one dipole does not have
enough time to readjust and absorb the voltage of the other dipoles . Theoretically,
the efficiency of quenched domain oscillators can reach 13%
LSA MODE
When the frequency is very high, the domains do not have sufficient time to form
While the field is above threshold. As a result, most of the domains are maintained
In the negative conductance state during a large fraction of the voltage cycle. Any
Accumulation of electrons near the cathode has time to collapse while the signal is
Below threshold. Thus the LSA mode is .the simplest mode of operation.
AVALANCHE TRANSIT TIEM DEVICES:
READ DIODE:
Read diode was the first proposed avalanche diode. The basic operating
principles of IMPATT diode can be easily understood by first
understanding the operation of read diode.
The basic read diode consists of four layers namely n+ p I p+ layers. The plus
superscript refers to very high doping levels and „i‟ denotes intrinsic layer.A large
reverse bias is applied across diode . the avalanche multiplication occurs in the
thin “p” region which is also called the high field region or avalanche region.
The holes generated during the avalanche process drift through the
intrinsic region while moving towards p+ contact. The region between n+ p
junction and the i-p+ junction is known as space charge region.
When this diode is reverse biased and placed inside an inductive microwave cavity
microwave oscillations are produced due to the resonant action of the capacitive
impedance of the diode and cavity inductance. The dc bias power is converted into
microwave power by that read diode oscillator.

Avalanche multiplication occurs when the applied reverse bias voltage is

greater then the breakdown voltage so that the space charge region extends
from n+p junction through the p and I regions, to the i to p+ junction.
IMPATT DIODE:
lmpatt diodes are manufactured having different forms such as n+pip+,
p+nin+, p+nn+ abrupt junction and p+ i n+ diode configuration. The
material used for manufacture of these modes are either Germanium,
Silicon, Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) or Indium Phosphide (In P).
Out of these materials, highest efficiency, higher operating frequency and lower
noise is obtained with GaAs. But the disadvantage with GaAs is complex
fabrication process and hence higher cost. The figure below shows a reverse
biased n+ pi p+ diode with electric field variation, doping concentration versus
distance plot, the microwave voltage swing and the current variation.
PRINICPLE OF OPERATION:
When a reverse bias voltage exceeding the breakdown voltage is applied,
a high electric field appears across the n+ p junction. This high field
intensity imparts sufficient energy to the valence electrons to raise
themselves into the conduction band. This results avalanche multiplication
of hole-electron pairs. With suitable doping profile design, it is possible to
make electric field to have a very sharp peak in the close vicinity of the
junction resulting in "impact avalanche multiplication". This is a cumulative
process resulting in rapid increase of carrier density. To prevent the diode
from burning, a constant bias source is used to maintain average current at
safe limit 10, The diode current is contributed by the conduction electrons
which move to the n+ region and the associated holes which drift through
the steady field and a.c. field.· The diode ~wings into and out of avalanche
conditions under the influence of that reverse bias steady field and the a.c. field.

Due to the drift time of holes being' small, carriers drift to the end contacts
before the a.c. voltage swings the diode out of the avalanche Due to
building up of oscillations, the a.c. field takes energy from the applied bias
lid the oscillations at microwave frequencies are sustained across the
diode. Due to this a.c. field, the hole current grows exponentially to a
maximum and again decays exponentially to Zero.
During this hole drifting process, a constant electron current is induced in the
external Circuit which starts flowing when hole current reaches its peak and
continues for half cycle Corresponding to negative swing of the a.c. voltage as
shown in figure Thus a 180 degrees Phase shift between the external current and
a.c. microwave voltage provides a negative Resistance for sustained oscillations.
The resonator is usually tuned to this frequency so that the IMPATI diodes
provide a High power continuous wave (CW) and pulsed microwave signals.
Applications of IMPATT Diodes

(i) Used in the final power stage of solid state microwave transmitters for
communication purpose.
(ii) Used in the transmitter of TV system.
(iii) Used in FDM/TDM systems.
(iv) Used as a microwave source in laboratory for measurement purposes.

Page 75
TRAPATT DIODE:
Silicon is usually used for the manufacture of TRAPATT diodes and have a
configuration of p+ n n+ as shown .The p-N junction is reverse biased beyond
the breakdown region, so that the current density is larger. This decreases the
electric field in the space charge region and increases the carrier transit time.
Due to this, the frequency of operation gets lowered to less than 10 GHz. But
the efficiency gets increased due to low power dissipation.
Inside a co-axial resonator, the TRAPATT diode is normally mounted at a
point where maximum RF voltage swing is obtained. When the combined
dc bias and RF voltage exceeds breakdown voltage, avalanche occurs and
a plasma of holes and electrons are generated which gets trapped. When
the external circuit current flows, the voltage rises and the trapped plasma
gets released producing current pulse across the drift space. The total
transit time is the sum of the drift time and the delay introduced by the
release of the trapped plasma. Due to this longer transit time, the operating
frequency is limited to 10 GHz. Because the current pulse is associated
with low voltage, the power dissipation is low resulting in higher efficiency.
The disadvantages of TRAPATT are high noise figure and generation of
strong harmonics due to short duration of the current pulse.
TRAPATT diode finds application in S-band pulsed transmitters for pulsed
array radar systems.

The electric field is expressed as
BARITT DIODE ( Barrier injection transmit time devices ):

BARITT devices are an improved version of IMPATT devices. IMPATT devices
employ impact ionization techniques which is too noisy. Hence in order to
achieve low noise figures, impact ionization is avoided in BARRITT devices. The
minority injection is provided by punch-through of the intermediate region
(depletion region). The process is basically of lower noise than impact ionization
responsible for current injection in an IMPATT. The negative resistance is
obtained on account of the drift of the injected holes to the collector end of the
material.
p-Microwaves and Radar 10EC54

The construction of a BARITT device consisting of emitter, base,
intermediate or drift or depleted region and collector. An essential requirement
for the BARITT device is therefore that the intermediate drift region be entirely
depleted to cause punch through to the emitter-base junction without causing
avalanche breakdown of the base-collector junction.
The parasitic should be kept as low as possible. The equivalent circuit

depends on the type of encapsulation and mounting make. For many
applications, there should be a large capacitance variation, small value of
minimum capacitance and series resistance Rs' Operation is normally limited
to f/l0 [25 GHz for Si and 90 GHz for GaAs]. Frequency of operation beyond (f
/10) leads to increase in R, decrease in efficiency and increase in noise.

PARAMETRIC AMPLIFIERS:
The parametric amplifier is an amplifier using a device whose reactance is varied

to produce amplification. Varactor diode is the most widely used active element
in a parametric amplifier. It is a low noise amplifier because no resistance is
involved in the amplifying process. There will be no thermal noise, as the active
element used involved is reactive (capacitive). Amplification is obtained if the
reactance is varied electronically in some predetermined fashion.
Due to the advantage of low noise amplification, parametric amplifiers are
extensively used in systems such as long range radars, satellite ground stations,

radio telescopes, artificial satellites, microwave ground communication

stations, radio astronomy etc.
Basic Parametric Amplifier

A conventional amplifier uses a variable resistance and a d.c. power supply. For a
parametric amplifier, a variable reactance and an ac power supply are needed.
Pumping signal at frequency fp and a small amplitude signal at frequency fs are

applied simultaneously to the device (varactor). The pump source supplies energy to
the signal (at the signal frequency) resulting in amplification. This occurs at the
active device where the capacitive reactance varies at the pump frequency.
The voltage across the varactor is increased by the pumping signal at each signal
voltage peak as shown above i.e., energy is taken from the pump source and added
to the signal at the signal frequency. With an input circuit and load connected,
amplification results.
One port non-degenerate amplifier is the most commonly used parametric

amplifier. Only three frequencies are involved - the pump, the signal and
the idler frequencies. If pump frequency is fp' the signal frequency is fs'
then idler frequency is fj = fp - fs'
If fi = fs' then it is called Degenerate amplifier and
if fi is not equal to fs' then it is non-degenerate amplifier.
Ls Cs ~ tuned circuit at signal frequency fs

Lj Cj ~ tuned circuit at idler frequency fj (pump frequency tuned circuit is
not shown),
The output can be taken at idler frequency fr Gain is possible with this type
of amplifier. Because the pump source gives more energy
In non-degenerate type, usually fj > fs resulting in gain. The idler circuit

permits energy to be taken from the pump source. This energy is
converted into signal frequency and idler frequency energy and amplified
output can be obtained at either frequency.

MANLEY – ROWE RELATIONS:
For the determination of maximum gain of the parametric amplifier, a set of
power conservation relations known as "Manley-Rowe" relations are quite useful.
two sinusoidal signals fp and fs applied across a lossless time varying non-
linear capacitance Cj (t). At the output of this varying capacitance,
harmonics of the two frequencies fp and fs are generated.
These harmonics are separated using band-pass filters having very narrow
bandwidth.
The power at these harmonic frequencies is dissipated in the respective
resistive loads.
From the law of conservation of energy, we have

The above relations are called "Manley-Rowe" power conservation

equations. When The power is supplied by the two generators, then Pmn
is positive. In this case, power will flow into the non-linear capacitance. If it
is the other way, then Pmn is negative.
As an example, let us consider the case when the power output flow is
allowed at the sum frequency fp + fs only, with all the remaining harmonics
being open circuited. With the above rest ructions, the quantities „m' and „n'
can take on values -1,0 and respectively.
The powers P01and P10 are considered positive, whereas P11 is

considered negative. :. The power gain defined as the power output from
the non-linear capacitor delivered to the load at sum frequency to that
power received by it at a frequency fs is given by

Thus the power gain is the ratio of output to input frequency. This type of
parametric device is called "Sum-frequency parametric amplifier" or "up-
converter".
On the other hand, if the signal frequency is fp + fs and output frequency is
fs' then
This type of parametric device will now be called "parametric down-

converter" and the power gain becomes power attenuation.
PIN DIODE AND ITS APPLICATION:
The PIN diode is a p-type, intrinsic, n-type diode consisting of a narrow

layer of p-type semiconductor and a narrow layer of n-type semiconductor,
with a thicker region of intrinsic or very lightly n-doped semiconductor
material sandwiched between them.
Silicon is the semiconductor normally used because of its power handling capability
and it offers high resistively for the intrinsic region. But, now-a-days Gallium
Arsenide (GaAs) is also being used. Metal layers are attached for contact purposes.
Its main applications are in microwave switching and modulation.

PIN diode acts as a more or less ordinary diode at frequencies upto about 100
MHz. At high frequencies, it ceases to rectify and then acts as a variable
resistance with an equivalent circuit and a resistance-voltage characteristics .In
'the equivalent circuit, Land C represent the package inductance and capacitance
p p respectively. R is the bulk semiconductor layer and contact resistance. R.
and C. represent the respective junction resistance and capacitance of the
intrinsic layer. When the bias is varied on the PIN diode, its microwave resistance
R. changes from a typical value of 6 K under J
negative bias to perhaps 5 Q when the bias is positive .Thus, if the diode is
mounted across a 50 Q co-axial line, it will not significantly load this line
when it is back-biased, so that the power flow will not be interfered with.
However, if the diode is now forward biased, its resistance drops
significantly to 5Q, so that most of the power is reflected and hardly any is
transmitted; the diode is acting as a switch.

APPLICATION OF PIN DIODE AS SINGLE POLE SWITCH:
A PIN diode can be used in either a series or a shunt configuration to form

a single-pole, single-throw RF switch. These circuits are shown with bias
networks below.
In the series configuration the switch is ON when thel diode is forward

Biased and OFF when it is reverse biased. But, in shunt configuration of
forward biasing the diode "cuts-off' the transmission and reverse biasing
the diode ensures transmission from input to output. The DC blocks should
have a very low impedance at RF operating frequency and RF choke
inductors should have very high RF impedance.
Ideally, a switch should have zero insertion loss in the ON state and infinite
attenuation in the OFF state. Realistic switching elements, of course, result in some
insertion loss for the ON state and finite attenuation for the OFF state due to
non-zero forward bias resistance.

Similarly, for reverse bias shunt capacitor is not infinite & non-zero insertion loss
results. Because of the large breakdown voltage (=500 volts) compared to an
ordinary diode, PIN diode can be biased at high negative region so that large a.c.
signal, superimposed on d.c. cannot make the device forward biased.
Forward Bias: When the PIN diode is forward biased, the capacitors C and
C. almost behave as open circuits so that the equivalent circuit can now be
simplified where Rf is the total forward resistance of the PIN diode given by
.. The diode impedance Zd of the PIN diode is given by
Reverse bias: When the PIN diode is reverse biased, the capacitance of
the intrinsic layer C. becomes significant and Rr will be the equivalent
reverse resistance and the simplified equivalent circuit for reverse biased
PIN diode can be constructed as shown.
The diode impedance Zd of the PIN diode under reverse bias, is then given by

Reverse bias: When the PIN diode is reverse biased, the capacitance of
the intrinsic layer C. becomes significant and Rr will be the equivalent
reverse resistance and the simplified equivalent circuit for reverse biased
PIN diode can be constructed ;
The diode impedance Zd of the PIN diode under reverse bias, is then given by
PIN DIODE AS SPDT SWITCH:
Single-pole double throw (SPDT) action can be obtained by using a pair of

PIN diodes either in series configuration or in shunt configuration as shown
.In the series configuration of figure 3.29(a), when DI is forward biased and
Dz reverse biased, connection is established between RF input and output
I and no output at OUTPUT II.
When the biasing condition is reversed (D( reverse biased and Dz forward
biased), connection is established between RF input and output II.

In the shunt configuration when D3 is forward biased, it becomes short

circuited throwing an open circuit at RF input line junction due to (AI 4)
section. D4 is reverse biased so that it becomes open circuit (high
impedance state) and connection is established between RF input and
output II. When D3 is reverse biased and D4 forward biased, connection is
established between RF input and output I.
SCHOTTKY BARRIER DIODE:
Schottky barrier diode is a sophisticated version of the point-contact silicon

crystal diode, wherein the metal-semiconductor junction so formed is a
surface rather than a point contact.
The advantage of schottky diode over point contact crystal diode is the elimination of
minority carrier flow in the reverse-biased condition of the diode. Due to this
elimination of holes, there is no delay due to hole-electron recombination (which is
present in junction diodes) and hence the operation is faster. Because of larger
contact area of rectifying contact compared to crystal diode, the forward resistance is
lower as also noise. Noise figures as low as 3dB have been obtained with these

diodes. Just like crystal diodes, the schottky diodes are also used in
detection and mixing.
The construction of schottky diode is illustrated in figure 3.30(a). The diode

consists of n+ silicon substrate upon which a thin layer of silicon of 2 to 3
micron thickness is epitaxially grown. Then a thin insulating layer of silicon
dioxide is grown thermally. After opening a window through masking process,
a metal-semiconductor junction is formed by depositing metal over SiO2.
schottky diode which is almost identical with that of crystal diode.

RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS ON UNIT- 3
1. What is “ Gunn Effect”? with a neat diagram explain the constructional

details of GUNN diode.
2. Explain the different modes of operation of Gunn diode oscillator.
3. Explain RWH theory for Transfer electron devices.
4. Explain the two valley theory model.
5. What are modes of operation of Gunn diode, explain.
6. With neat diagram explain the construction and operation of READ diode.
7. With neat diagram explain the construction and operation of IMPATT diode.
8. With neat diagram explain the construction and operation of TRAPATT diode.
9. With neat diagram explain the construction and operation of BARITT diode.
10. With neat diagram explain the construction and operation of
SCHOTTKY barrier diode.
11. Explain the operation of a basic parametric amplifier with square
wave pumping.
12. What are MANLEY –ROWE relations? How are they useful in
understanding parametric amplifiers.

UNIT – 4
Microwave network theory and passive devices. Symmetrical Z and Y parameters, for
reciprocal Networks, S matrix representation of multi port networks.
6 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:

2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:

UNIT – 4
MICROWAVE NETWORK THEORY AND PASSIVE DEVICES
INTRODUCTION
A microwave network consists of coupling of various microwave components and

devices such as attenuators, phase shifters, amplifiers, resonators etc., to sources
through transmission lines or waveguides. Connection of two or more microwave
devices and components to a single point results in a microwave junction.
In a low frequency network, the input and output variables are voltage and
current which can be related in terms of impedance Z-parameters, or
admittance Y-parameters or hybrid h-parameters or ABCD parameters. These
relationships for a two-port network of figure 4.1 can be represented by

These parameters, Z, Y,h and ABeD parameters can be easily measured

at low frequencies under short or open circuit conditions and can be used
for analyzing the circuit.
The physical length of the device or the line at microwave frequencies, is
comparable to or much larger than the wavelength. Due to this, the voltage
and current are difficult to measure as also the above mentioned
parameters. The reasons for this are listed as below.
(a) Equipment is not available to measure the total voltage and total current
at any point.
(b) Over a wide range of frequencies, short and open circuits are difficult to
realize.
(c) Active devices such as power transistors, tunnel diodes etc, will
become unstable under short or open circuit conditions.
Therefore, a new representation is needed to overcome these problems at
microwave frequencies. The logical variables are traveling waves rather
than voltages and currents and these variables are labeled as "Scattering
or S-parameters". These parameters for a two port network are
represented as shown in figure 4.2 .

These S-parameters can be represented in an equation form related to the

traveling waves
a1,a2 and b1 b2 through
SYMMETRICAL Z AND Y MATRICES FOR RECIPROCAL NETWORK
In a reciprocal network, the junction media are characterized by scalar electrical

parameters namely absolute permeability I..l and absolute permittivity E . In such
a network, the impedance and the admittance matrices became symmetrical.
This property can be proved by considering an N-port network. Let Ej and Hi be
th
the respective electric and magnetic field intensities at the i port and let the total
voltage Vo = 0 at all ports for n = 0, 1,2 .... except at i1hport.

th
Similarly if E. and H. are considered for the i port with V = 0 at other
ports, then from reciprocity theorem.
S-MATRIX REPRESENTATION OF MULTIPORT NETWORK:
Let us now consider a junction of "n" number of rectangular waveguides as shown

in figure 4.4. In this case, all "a' s" represent the incident waves at respective ports

and all "b's" the reflected waves from the microwave junction coming out of the
respective ports.
In this case also, equations (4.18) and (4.19) are still valid where S.. and
S. have the following meanings:
Sii= Scattering coefficient corresponding to the input power applied
th
at IJ the i1hport and output power coming out of j port and
th
Sjj = Scattering coefficient corresponding to the power applied at the i port
" . and output taken out of i1hport itself. This coefficient is a measure of
th
amount of mismatch between the i port and the junction.
As an example let us consider a two-port network as shown in figure 4:5.

The relationship. between the incident and reflected waves in terms of

scattering coefficients can be written as


PROPERTIES OF S-MATRIX
In general the scattering parameters are complex quantities having the
following Properties:
Property (1) : When any Z1h port is perfectly matched to the junction, then
there are no reflections from that port. Thus S ..= O. If all the ports are
perfectly matched, then the leading diagonal II elements will all be zero.
Property (2) : Symmetric Property of S-matrix:- If a microwave junction
satisfies reciprocity condition and if there are no active devices, then S
parameters are equal to their corresponding transposes.

Property (3):- Unitary property for a lossless junction:-

.This property states that for any lossless network, the sum of the products
of each term of anyone row or anyone column of the [SJ matrix with its
complex conjugate is unity.
Proof:- From the principle of conservation of energy, if the junction is
lossless, then the power input must be equal to power output. The incident
and reflected waves are related to the incident and reflected voltages by
When the junction is lossless, then no real power can be delivered to the network.
Thus, if the characteristic impedances of all the ports are identical and assumed to
be unity (perfectly normalized), the average power delivered to junction is zero.


This property of equation (4.78) on [S] matrix is sometimes called "ZERO

PROPERTY", In words, equation (4.77) states that the product of any
column of [S] with the complex conjugate of that column gives unity, while
equation (4.78) states that the product of any column of [S] with the
complex conjugate of a different column gives zero.
Property (4) :- PHASE-SHIFT PROPERTY

Complex S-parameters of a network are defined with respect to the
positions of the port or reference planes. For a two-port network with
unprimed reference planes 1 and 2 as shown in figure 4.6, the S-
parameters have definite complex values .
When the reference planes 1 and 2 are shifted outward to I' and 2' by
electrical phase shifts,

This property is valid for any number of ports.

.. For "n" number of ports,
The above property is called the "PHASE SHIFT PROPERTY" applicable

to a shift of reference planes.
COMPARISON BETWEEN [S], [Z] AND [Y] MATRICES:
We know that impedance or admittance matrix for an N-port network represent all
the circuit characteristics of the device at any given frequency. Like the impedance
or admittance matrix for an N-port network, the [S] matrix also provides q complete
description of the network as seen at its N ports. While the [Z] and [Y] matrices relate
the total voltages and currents at the ports, the [S] matrix relates the voltage waves
incident on the ports to those reflected from the ports .
From equation (4.52), the scattering matrix [S] is related to the impedance
matrix [Z] by
In a similar way, the relationship between [S] and the admittance [Y] can
also be expressed as

The characteristics common between [S], [Z] and [Y] :
(i) the number of elements in all these matrices are same.

(ii) for reciprocal networks, all the 3 matrices [S], [Z] and [Y] are symmetric
matrices.
(iii) The advantages of scattering matrix [S] over [Z] and [Y] can be listed
as below:
(1) Using microwave measurement techniques, frequency, VSWR, power

and phase of microwave signals can be easily measured. Measurement of
VSWR is nothing but measurement of (b/a), power is measurement of
lal2and measurement of phase is measurement of b2.Such a direct one-to-
one relationship does not exist with [Z] or [Y] parameters.
(2)The power relations of lossless microwave circuits and devices can be

readily Checked by using unitary property of [S] matrix. Such a quick check
is not available with [Z] or [Y] matrices.
(3) The case of [Z] and [Y] matrices, the voltages and currents are functions
of complex impedances and admittances respectively. When the reference
planes are changed, there is change in both magnitude and phase of the
impedances and admittances. But, in the case of [S] matrix, the change in
reference plane changes only the phase of the scattering parameters.

RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS FOR UNIT – 4
1. Explain the relation between incident and reflected waves in

terms of scattering parameters for a two port network. Also
explain physical significance of s-parameters.
2. Which properties are common in S, Z and Y matrices?
3. Two transmission lines of characteristic impedances Zj and Z2 are
joined at plane PP'.Express s - parameters in terms of impedances
4. State and explain the properties of S-parameters
5. Explain S- matrix representation of muiltiport network.
6. What are the advantages of S parameters over Z and y parameters ?

UNIT – 5
Microwave passive devices, Coaxial connectors and adapters, Phase

shifters, Attenuators, Waveguide Tees, Magic tees.
4 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:
.
2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:

UNIT -5
MICROWAVE PASSIVE DEVICES
CO-AXIAL CABLES, CONNECTORS AND ADAPTERS
Coaxial Cables Microwave components and devices are interconnected using

these co-axial cables of suitable length and operated at microwave frequencies.
In this section let us consider some practical aspects of these co-axial cables.
TEM mode is propagated through the co-axial line and the outer conductor
guides these signals in the dielectric space between itself and inner conductor.
The outer conductor also acts as a shield to prevent the external signals to
interfere with the internal signal. It also prevents the internal signal
leakage. The co-axial cables usually possess characteristic impedance of
either 50 ohms or 75 ohms Based on the structure of shielding, coaxial
cables are classified into three basic types.
(i) Flexible co-axial Cable: Figure 5.1 shows the structure of flexible-type of
co-axial cable consisting of low loss solid or foam type polyethylene
dielectric. Electromagnetic shielding is provided for outer single braid or
double braid of the flexible cable as shown, by using knitted metal wire
mesh. The centre conductor usually consists of multi strand wire.

(ii) Semi-rigid co-axial cable: Figure 5.2 shows the cross-sectional view of semi-
rigid co-axial cable. Semi rigid co-axial cables make use of thin outer conductor
made of copper and a strong inner conductor also made of copper. The region
between the inner and outer conductor contains a solid dielectric. These cables
can bent for convenient routing and are not as flexible as the first type.
(ill) Rigid co-axial cable: Figure 5.3 shows the structure of a rigid co-axial
cable consisting of inner and outer conductor with air as dielectric. To support
the inner conductor at the centre dielectric spacers are introduced at regular
intervals as shown. The thickness of these dielectric spacers is made small so
that they do not produce significant discontinuities to the wave propagation.
Co-axial cables can be used upto microwave -range of frequencies. Beyond these
frequencies attenuation becomes very large (since attenuation increases with
frequency) which makes co-axial cables unsuitable at higher frequencies. Some
characteristics of standard coaxial cables with their radio guide (RG) and universal
(U) numbers along with conductor (inner and outer) dimensions .
Coaxial Connectors and Adapters:

Interconnection between co-axial cables and microwave components is achieved
with the help of shielded standard connectors. The average circumference of the
co-axial cable, for mar high frequency operation must be limited to about one
wavelength. This requirement is a VI necessary to reduce propagation at higher
modes and also to eliminate erratic reflection coefficients (VSWR close to unity),
signal distortion and power losses. Several types of co-axial connectors have
been developed and some of them are described below.
(a) APC 3.5 (Amphenol Precision Connector - 3.5 mm)

HP (Hewlett - Packard) originally developed this connector, but it is now being
manufactured by Amphenol. This connector can operate up to a frequency of 34
GHz and has a very low voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR). This connector
provides repeatable connections and has 50 Q characteristic impedance. The male

or female of SMA connector of APC 3.5
Microwaves and Radarcan be connected to the opposite type 10EC54
connector.
(b) APC -7 (Amphenol Precision connector -7 mm)

This connector was also developed by HP but improved later by Amphenol.
This connector provides repeatable connections and used for very accurate
50 ohm measurement applications. This connector provides a coupling
mechanism without male or female distinction (i.e., sexless) andits VSWR is
extremely low, less than 1.02 in the frequency range upto 18 GHz.
(c) BNC (Bayonet Navy Connector)

This connector was developed during World War II and used for military
applications. It has characteristic impedance 50 to 75 Q and is connected to
flexible co-axial cable with diameters upto 0.635 cm. It is extensively used in
almost all electronic measuring equipments upto 1 GHz of frequencies. BNC
can be used even upto 4 GHz frequency and beyond that it
starts radiating electromagnetic energy.
(d) SMA (Sub-Miniature A type)

This type of connector is also called OSM connector as it is manufactured by Omni-
Spectra Inc. SMA connectors are used on components for microwave systems. The
disadvantage with these connectors is that at high frequencies greater than 24 GHz,
it introduces higher ordermodes and hence not used above 24 GHz.


(e) SMC (Sub-Miniature C-type)

This connector is manufactured by Sealectro Corporation and its size is
smaller than SMA connector. It is a 50 Q connector that connects flexible
cables upto a diameter of 0.317 cm and used upto a frequency of 7 GHz.
(0 TNC (Threaded Navy Connector)
This connector is an improved version of BNC in the sense that it is
threaded. This threading prevents radiation at high frequencies so that it
can be used upto about 12 GHz frequency.
(g) Type-N (Type-Navy) connector
It is a 50 Q or 75 Q connector having a very low value of VSWR less than
1.02. This was developed during World War II and extensively used as a
microwave measurement connector up to a frequency of 18 GHz.
ATTENUATORS:
In order to control power levels in a microwave system by partially
absorbing the transmitted microwave signal, attenuators are employed.
Resistive films (dielectric glass slab coated with aquadag) are used in the
design of both fixed and variable attenuators.
A co-axial fixed attenuator uses the dielectric lossy material inside the
centre conductor of the co-axial line to absorb some of the centre
conductor microwave power propagating through it dielectric rod decides
the amount of attenuation introduced. The microwave power absorbed by
the lossy material is dissipated as heat.

In waveguides, the dielectric slab coated with aduadag is placed at the centre of
the waveguide parallel to the maximum E-field for dominant TEIO mode. Induced
current on the lossy material due to incoming microwave signal, results in power
dissipation, leading to attenuation of the signal. The dielectric slab is tapered at
both ends upto a length of more than half wavelength to reduce reflections as
shown in figure 5.7. The dielectric slab may be made movable along the breadth
of the waveguide by supporting it with two dielectric rods separated by an odd
multiple of quarter guide wavelength and perpendicular to electric field. When the
slab is at the centre, then the attenuation is maximum (since the electric field is
concentrated at the centre for TEIO mode) and when it is moved towards
one side-wall, the attenuation goes on decreasing thereby controlling the
microwave power corning out of the other port.
Figure 5.8 shows a flap attenuator which is also a variable attenuator. A semi-
circular flap made of lossy dielectric is made to descend into the longitudinal
slot cut at the centre of the top wall of rectangular waveguide. When the flap
is completely outside the slot, then the attenuation is zero and when it is
completely inside, the attenuation is maximum. A maximum direction of 90 dB
attenuation is possible with this attenuator with a VSWR of 1.05. The
dielectric slab can be properly shaped according to convenience to get a
linear variation of attenuation within the depth of insertion.
A precision type variable attenuator consists of a rectangular to circular transition
(ReT), a piece of circular waveguide (CW) and a circular-to-rectangular transition
(CRT) as shown in figure 5.9. Resistive cards R , Rand R are placed inside these
sections as shown. The centre circular section containing the resistive card Rb
can be precisely rotated by 3600 with respect to the two fixed resistive cards.
The induced current on the resistive card R due to the incident signal is
dissipated as heat producing attenuation of the transmitted signal. TE mode in
RCT is converted into TE in circular waveguide. The resistive cards R and R a
kept perpendicular to the electric field of TEIO mode so that it does not absorb
the energy. But any component parallel to its plane will be readily absorbed.
Hence, pure TE mode is excited in circular waveguide section. II
If the resistive card in the centre section is kept at an angle 8 relative to the E-
field direction of the TEll mode, the component E cos8 parallel to the card get
absorbed while the component E sin 8 is transmitted without attenuation. This
component finally comes out as E sin2θ as shown in figure 5.10.

PHASE SHIFTERS:
A microwave phase shifter is a two port device which produces a variable
shift in phase of the incoming microwave signal. A lossless dielectric slab
when placed inside the rectangular waveguide produces a phase shift.
PRECISION PHASE SHIFTER

The rotary type of precision phase shifter is shown in figure 5.12 which consists of a
circular waveguide containing a lossless dielectric plate of length 2l called "half-wave
section", a section of rectangular-to-circular transition containing a lossless dielectric
plate of length l, called "quarter-wave section", oriented at an angle of 45° to the
broader wall of the rectangular waveguide and a circular-to-rectangular transition
again containing a lossless dielectric plate of same length 1 (quarter wave section)
oriented at an angle 45°. The incident TEIO mode becomes TEll mode in circular
waveguide section. The half-wave section produces a phase shift equal to twice that
produced by the quarter wave section. The dielectric plates are tapered at both ends
to reduce reflections due to discontinuity.

When TEIO mode is propagated through the input rectangular waveguide

of the rectangular to circular transition, then it is converted into TEll in the
circular waveguide section. Let E; be the maximum electric field strength of
this mode which is resolved into components, EI parallel to the plate and
E2 perpendicular to El as shown in figure 5.12 (b). After propagation
through the plate these components are given by
The length I is adjusted such that these two components E1 and Ez have
equal amplitude but differing in phase by = 90°.
The quarter wave sections convert a linearly polarized TEll wave into a circularly
polarized wave and vice-versa. After emerging out of the half-wave section, the

electric field components parallel and perpendicular to the half-wave plate

are given by
After emerging out of the half-wave section, the field components E3 and E4 as
given by equations (5.19) and (5.20), may again be resolved into two TEll mQdes,
polarized parallel and perpendicular to the output quarterwave plate. At the output
end of this quarterwave plate, the field components parallel and perpendicular to the
quarter wave plate, by referring to figure 5.12 (d), can be expressed as

Comparison of equation (5.21) and (5.22) yields that the components Es

and E6 are identical in both magnitude and phase and the resultant electric
field strength at the output is given by
WAVE GUIDE TEE JUNCTIONS:

A waveguide Tee is formed when three waveguides are
interconnected in the form of English alphabet T and thus
waveguide tee is 3-port junction. The waveguide tees are used to
connects a branch or section of waveguide in series or parallel with
the main waveguide transmission line either for splitting or
combining power in a waveguide system.

There are basically 2 types of tees namely

1.H- plane Tee junction
2.E-plane Tee junction
A combination of these two tee junctions is called a hybrid tee or “
Magic Tee”.
E-plane Tee(series tee):

An E-plane tee is a waveguide tee in which the axis of its side arm
is parallel to the E field of the main guide . if the collinear arms are
symmetric about the side arm.
If the E-plane tee is perfectly matched with the aid of screw tuners
at the junction , the diagonal components of the scattering matrix
are zero because there will be no reflection.
When the waves are fed into side arm, the waves appearing at port
1 and port 2 of the collinear arm will be in opposite phase and in
same magnitude.

H-plane tee: (shunt tee)
An H-plane tee is a waveguide tee in which the axis of its side arm
is shunting the E field or parallel to the H-field of the main guide.
If two input waves are fed into port 1 and port 2 of the collinear
arm, the output wave at port 3 will be in phase and additive .
If the input is fed into port 3, the wave will split equally into port 1
and port 2 in phase and in same magnitude .
Magic Tee ( Hybrid Tees )

A magic tee is a combination of E-plane and H-plane tee. The
characteristics of magic tee are:
1. If two waves of equal magnitude and same phase are fed into
port 1 and port 2 the output will be zero at port 3 and additive at
port 4.
3. If a wave is fed into port 4 it will be divided equally between
port 1 and port 2 of the collinear arms and will not appear
at port 3.
4. If a wave is fed into port 3 , it will produce an output of
equal magnitude and opposite phase at port 1 and port 2.

the output at port 4 is zero.
5. If a wave is fed into one of the collinear arms at port 1 and
port 2, it will not appear in the other collinear arm at port 2

or 1 because the E-arm causes a phase delay while H arm

causes a phase advance.
DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS:
A directional coupler is a four-port waveguide junction as
shown below. It Consists of a primary waveguide 1-2 and a
secondary waveguide 3-4. When all Ports are terminated in their
characteristic impedances, there is free transmission of the waves
without reflection, between port 1 and port 2, and there is no
transmission of power between port I and port 3 or between port 2
and port 4 because no coupling exists between these two pairs of
ports. The degree of coupling between port 1 and port4 and
between port 2 and port 3 depends on the structure of the coupler.
The characteristics of a directional coupler can be expressed
in terms of its Coupling factor and its directivity. Assuming that the
wave is propagating from port to port2 in the primary line, the
coupling factor and the directivity are defined,

where PI = power input to port

I P3 = power output from port 3
It should be noted that port 2, port 3, and port 4 are terminated in

their characteristic impedances. The coupling factor is a measure of
the ratio of power levels in the primary and secondary lines. Hence
if the coupling factor is known, a fraction of power measured at
port 4 may be used to determine the power input at port 1 .
This significance is desirable for microwave power
measurements because no disturbance, which may be caused by
the power measurements, occurs in the primary line. The
directivity is a measure of how well the forward traveling wave in
the primary waveguide couples only to a specific port of the
secondary waveguide ideal directional coupler should have infinite
directivity. In other words, the power at port 3 must be zero

because port 2 and portA are perfectly matched. Actually well-

designed directional couplers have a directivity of only 30 to 35 dB.
Several types of directional couplers exist, such as a two-hole
direct couler, four-hole directional coupler, reverse-coupling
directional coupler , and Bethe-hole directional coupler the very
commonly used two-hole directional coupler is described here.
TWO HOLE DIRECTIONAL COUPLERS:
A two hole directional coupler with traveling wave propagating in it is

illustrated . the spacing between the centers of two holes is
A fraction of the wave energy entered into port 1 passes through the holes and is
radiated into the secondary guide as he holes act as slot antennas. The forward
waves in the secondary guide are in same phase , regardless of the hole space and

are added at port 4. the backward waves in the secondary guide are out of
phase and are cancelled in port 3.
S-matrix for Directional coupler:

The following characteristics arc observed in an ideal Directional Coupler:
1. Since the directional coupler is a 4-portjunction, the order or (S I matrix
is 4 x 4 givcn by
2. Microwave power fed into port (I) cannot comc out of port (3) as port (3)
is the back port. Therefore the scattering co-efficient S13 is zero...'
3. Because of the symmetry of the junction, an input power at port (2)

cannot couple to port (4) as port (4) is the back-port for port (2)
4. Let us assume that port (3) and (4) are perfectly matched to the junction so that
Then, the remaining two ports will be "automatically" matched to the junction
From the symmetric property of ISI matrix, we have

With the above characteristic values for S-parameters, the matrix of (5.125)
becomes
From unitary property of equation we have


RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS FOR UNIT -5

1. Explain the different co-axial connectors and adapters used
for microwave applications.
2. Explain the different co-axial cables used for microwave
applications.
3. Explain with a neat sketch a precision type variable attenuator
4. Explain with a neat sketch a flap type variable attenuator
5. Explain with a neat sketch a precision resistive type attenuator
6. With a neat sketch explain a precision rotary phase shifter

7. Explain with neat sketch the construction and operation of H-

plane Tee junction .
8. Explain with neat sketch the construction and operation of E-
plane Tee junction .
9. Explain with neat sketch the construction and operation of Magic Tee
10. Explain the characteristics and S- matrix of H-plane Tee junction .
11. Explain the characteristics and S- matrix of E-plane Tee junction .
12. Explain the characteristics and S- matrix of Magic Tee junction .
13. Derive the scattering parameter of a directional coupler.
UNIT - 6
STRIP LINES: Introduction, Microstrip lines, Parallèle strip lines, Coplanar strip lines,
Shielded strip Lines.
6 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:


2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:

UNIT – 6
STRIP LINES
Microstrip transmission line is a kind of "high grade" printed circuit

construction, consisting of a track of copper or other conductor on an
insulating substrate. There is a "backplane" on the other side of the
insulating substrate, formed from similar conductor.
There is a "hot" conductor which is the track on the top, and a "return"
conductor which is the backplane on the bottom. Microstrip is therefore a
variant of 2-wire transmission line.
If one solves the electromagnetic equations to find the field distributions, one
finds very nearly a completely TEM (transverse electromagnetic) pattern. This
means that there are only a few regions in which there is a component of
electric or magnetic field in the direction of wave propagation.
The field pattern is commonly referred to as a Quasi TEM pattern. Under some
conditions one has to take account of the effects due to longitudinal fields. An
example is geometrical dispersion, where different wave frequencies travel at
different phase velocities, and the group and phase velocities are different.
The quasi TEM pattern arises because of the interface between the dielectric
substrate and the surrounding air. The electric field lines have a discontinuity in
direction at the interface. The boundary conditions for electric field are that the
normal component (ie the component at right angles to the surface) of the electric
field times the dielectric constant is continuous across the boundary; thus in the
dielectric which may have dielectric constant 10, the electric field suddenly drops

to 1/10 of its value in air. On the other hand, the tangential component
(parallel to the interface) of the electric field is continuous across the
boundary. In general then we observe a sudden change of direction of electric
field lines at the interface, which gives rise to a longitudinal magnetic field
component from the second Maxwell's equation, curl E = - dB/dt.
Since some of the electric energy is stored in the air and some in the dielectric,
the effective dielectric constant for the waves on the transmission line will lie
somewhere between that of the air and that of the dielectric. Typically the
effective dielectric constant will be 50-85% of the substrate dielectric constant.
SUBSTRATE MATERIALS:
Important qualities of the dielectric substrate include
The microwave dielectric constant

The frequency dependence of this dielectric constant which gives rise to
"material dispersion" in which the wave velocity is frequency-dependent
The surface finish and flatness
The dielectric loss tangent, or imaginary part of the dielectric
constant, which sets the dielectric loss
The cost
The thermal expansion and conductivity
The dimensional stability with time
The surface adhesion properties for the conductor coatings

The manufacturability (ease of cutting, shaping, and drilling)
The porosity (for high vacuum applications we don't want a substrate
which continually "out gasses" when pumped)

Types of substrate include plastics, sintered ceramics, glasses, and single

crystal substrates (single crystals may have anisotropic dielectric
constants; "anisotropic" means they are different along the different crystal
directions with respect to the crystalline axes.)
Common substrate materials
Plastics are cheap, easily manufacturability, have good surface

adhesion, but have poor microwave dielectric properties when
compared with other choices. They have poor dimensional stability,
large thermal expansion coefficients, and poor thermal conductivity.
o Dielectric constant: 2.2 (fast substrate) or 10.4 (slow substrate)
o Loss tangent 1/1000 (fast substrate) 3/1000 (slow substrate)
o Surface roughness about 6 microns (electroplated)
o Low thermal conductivity, 3/1000 watts per cm sq per degree
Ceramics are rigid and hard; they are difficult to shape, cut, and drill; they
come in various purity grades and prices each having domains of
application; they have low microwave loss and are reasonably non-
dispersive; they have excellent thermal properties, including good
dimensional stability and high thermal conductivity; they also have
very high dielectric strength. They cost more than plastics. In
principle the size is not limited.
o Dielectric constant 8-10 (depending on purity) so slow substrate
o Loss tangent 1/10,000 to 1/1,000 depending on purity
o Surface roughness at best 1/20 micron
o High thermal conductivity, 0.3 watts per sq cm per degree K
Single crystal sapphire is used for demanding applications; it is very hard,
needs orientation for the desired dielectric properties which are anisotropic;

is very expensive, can only be made in small sheets; has high dielectric
constant so is used for very compact circuits at high frequencies; has
low dielectric loss; has excellent thermal properties and surface polish.
o Dielectric constant 9.4 to 11.6 depending on crystal orientation
(slow substrate)
o Loss tangent 5/100,000
o Surface roughness 1/100 micron
o High thermal conductivity 0.4 watts per sq cm per degree K
Single crystal Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Silicon (Si) are both
used for monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs).
o Dealing with GaAs first we have.....
 Dielectric constant 13 (slow substrate) 

 Loss tangent 6/10,000 (high resistivity GaAs) 

 Surface roughness 1/40 micron 

 Thermal conductivity 0.3 watts per sq cm per degree K (high) 
GaAs is expensive and piezoelectric; acoustic modes can

propagate in the substrate and can couple to the
electromagnetic waves on the conductors.
The dielectric strength of ceramics and of single crystals far exceeds the strength
of plastics, and so the power handling abilities are correspondingly higher, and
the breakdown of high Q filter structures correspondingly less of a problem.
It is also a good idea to have a high dielectric constant substrate and a

slow wave propagation velocity; this reduces the radiation loss from the
circuits. However at the higher frequencies the circuits get impossible
small, which restricts the power handling capability.

Stripline is a conductor sandwiched by dielectric between a pair of ground

planes, much like a coax cable would look after you ran it over with your
small-manhood indicating SUV (let's not go there...) In practice, strip line is
usually made by etching circuitry on a substrate that has a ground plane
on the opposite face, then adding a second substrate (which is metalized
on only one surface) on top to achieve the second ground plane. Strip line
is most often a "soft-board" technology, but using low-temperature co-fired
ceramics (LTCC), ceramic stripline circuits are also possible.
Transmission lines on either of the interior metal layers behave very nearly
like "classic" stripline, the slight asymmetry is not a problem. Excellent
"broadside" couplers can be made by running transmission lines parallel to
each other on the two surfaces.
Other variants of the stripline are offset strip line and suspended air
stripline (SAS).

For stripline and offset stripline, because all of the fields are constrained to
the same dielectric, the effective dielectric constant is equal to the relative
dielectric constant of the chosen dielectric material. For suspended
stripline, you will have to calculate the effective dielectric constant, but if it
is "mostly air", the effective dielectric constant will be close to 1.
Advantages and disadvantages of stripline:
Stripline is a TEM (transverse electromagnetic) transmission line media, like coax.
This means that it is non-dispersive, and has no cutoff frequency. Whatever circuits
you can make on microstrip (which is quasi-TEM), you can do better using stripline,
unless you run into fabrication or size constraints. Stripline filters and couplers
always offer better bandwidth than their counterparts in microstrip.
Another advantage of stripline is that fantastic isolation between adjacent

traces can be achieved (as opposed to microstrip). The best isolation
results when a picket-fence of vias surrounds each transmission line,
spaced at less than 1/4 wavelength. Stripline can be used to route RF
signals across each other quite easily when offset stripline is used.
Disadvantages of stripline are two: first, it is much harder (and more

expensive) to fabricate than microstrip. Lumped-element and active
components either have to be buried between the ground planes
(generally a tricky proposition), or transitions to microstrip must be
employed as needed to get the components onto the top of the board.
The second disadvantage of stripline is that because of the second ground plane,
the strip widths are much narrower for a given impedance (such as 50 ohms) and
board thickness than for microstrip. A common reaction to problems with microstrip
circuits is to attempt to convert them to stripline. Chances are you'll end
up with a board thickness that is four times that of your microstrip board to get

equivalent transmission line loss. That means you'll need forty mils thick
strip line to replace ten mil thick micro strip! This is one of the reasons that
soft-board manufacturers offer so many thicknesses.
Stripline equations
A simplified equation for characteristic impedance of stripline is given as:

COPLANAR STRIP LINES
A coplanar strip line consisting of two strip conductors each of width

separated by a distance "s", mounted on a single dielectric substrate, with
one conducting strip grounded. Since both the strips are on one side of the
substrate unlike the parallel strip lines, connection of shunt elements is
very easy. This is an added advantage in the manufacture of microwave
integrated circuits (MICs). Because of this, reliability increases.
The characteristic impedance of the coplanar strip line is given by
P = average power flowing through the coplanar strip

SHIELDED STRIP LINES
The configuration of strip line consisting of a thin conducting strip of width "w"
much greater than its thickness "t". This strip line is placed at the centre
surrounded by a low-loss dielectric substrate of thickness "b", between two
ground plates as shown. The mode of propagation is TEM (transverse
electro-magnetic) wave where the electric field lines are perpendicular to the
strip and concentrated at the centre of the strip. Fringing field lines also exist
at the edges .When the dimension 'b' is less than half wavelength, the field
cannot propagate in transverse direction and is attenuated exponentially. The
energy will be confined to the line cross-section provided a> 5b. The
commonly used dielectrics are teflon,polyolefine, polystyrene etc., and the
operating frequency range extends from 100 MHz to 30 GHz.

LOSSES IN STRIP LINES:
For low-loss dielectric substrate, the attenuation factor in
the strip line arises from conductor losses and is given by

The attenuation constant of a microstrip line depends on frequency of

operation, electrical properties of substrate and the conductors and the
geometry of mounting of strip on the dielectric.
When the dielectric substrate of dielectric constant is purely non-magnetic
then three types of losses occur in microstrip lines . they are
1. Dielectric losses in substrate
1. Ohmic losses in strip conductor and ground plane
2. Radiation loss
Dielectric losses in substrate:

All dielectric materials possess some conductivity but it will be small , but when it
is not negligible, then the displacement current density leads the conduction
current density by 90 degrees, introducing loss tangent for a lossy dielectric .
1. Ohmic losses in strip conductor and ground plane

In a microstrip line the major contribution to losses at micro frequencies is
from finite conductivity of microstrip conductor placed on a low loss dielectric
substrate. Due to current flowing through the strip, there will be ohmic losses
and hence attenuation of the microwave signal takes place. The current
distribution in the transverse palne is fairly uniform with minimum value at the
central axis and shooting up to maximum values at the edge of the strip.
2. Radiation losses:
At microwave frequencies , the microstrip line acts as an antenna radiating a small
amount of power resulting in radiation losses. This loss depends on the thickness
of the substrate, the characteristic impedance Z, effective dielectric constant and

the frequency of operation.
For low-loss dielectric substrate, the attenuation factor in the

strip line arises from conductor losses and is given by
Advantages and disadvantages of Planar Transmission Lines

over Co-axial Lines:
Advantages:-
The advantages of planar transmission lines are
(a) very small size and hence low weight
(b) can be easily mounted on a metallic body including substrate.
(c) increased reliability
(d) cost is reduced due to small size
(e) series and shunt maintaining of components is possible
(f) the characteristic impedance Zo is easily controlled by defining the
dimensions of the line in a single plane
(g) by changing the dimensions of the line in one plane only, it is possible
to achieve accurate passive circuit design
Disadvantages:-
The disadvantages of planar transmission lines are
(a) low power handling capability due to small size
(b)The microstrip, slot and coplanar lines tend to radiate power resulting in
radiation losses
(c) low Q-factor

RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS FOR UNIT – 6
1. With a neat sketch explain the different types of strip lines

2. What are the different losses taking place in microstrip line
3. Obtain the Characteristic equation for a parallel stripline.
4. Derive the equation for Z0 of shielded stripline.
5. Derive the equation for Z0 of coplanar stripline.
6. With equations explain the different losses in striplines.

UNIT – 7
AN INTRODUCTION TO RADAR: Basic Radar, The simple form of the Radar equation,
Radar block diagram, Radar frequencies, application of Radar, the origins of Radar.
8 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:
rd
2.Introduction to Radar systems-Merrill I Skolnik, 3 Ed, TMH, 2001.
2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:

UNIT – 7
INTRODUCTION TO RADAR
Radar is an electromagnetic system for the detection and

location of objects. It operates by transmitting a particular type of
waveform, a pulse-modulated sine wave for example, and detects
the nature of the echo signal.
Radar can be designed to see through those conditions

impervious to normal human vision, such as darkness, haze, fog,
rain, and snow. In addition, radar has the advantage of being able
to measure the distance or range to the object.
An elementary form of radar consists of a transmitting

antenna emitting electromagnetic radiation generated by an
oscillator of some sort, a receiving antenna, and an energy-
detecting device. or receiver.
A portion of the transmitted signal is intercepted by a

reflecting object (target) and is reradiated in all directions. It is the
energy reradiated in the back direction that is of prime interest to
the radar.
The receiving antenna collects the returned energy and

delivers it to a receiver, where it is processed to detect the presence
of the target and to extract its location and relative velocity. The
distance to the target is determined by measuring the time taken
for the radar signal to travel to the target and back. The direction,
or angular position, of the target may be determined from the

direction of arrival of the reflected wave front.
The name radar reflects the emphasis placed by the early
experimenters on a device to detect the presence of a target and
measure its range. Radar is a contraction of the words radio
detection and ranging. It was first developed as a detection device
to warn of the approach of hostile aircraft and for directing
antiaircraft weapons. Although a well-designed modern radar can
usually extract more information from the target signal than merely
range, the measurement of range is still one of radar's most
important functions.
The most common radar waveform is a train of narrow,

rectangular-shape pulses modulating a sine wave carrier. The
distance, or range, to the target is determined by measuring the
time TR taken by the pulse to travel to the target and return.
The factor 2 appears in the denominator because of the two-way

propagation of radar. With the range in kilometers or nautical
miles, and TR in microseconds, Eq. (1.1) becomes

Once the transmitted pulse is emitted by the radar, a sufficient

length of time must elapse to allow any echo signals to return and
be detected before the next pulse may be transmitted.
Therefore the rate at which the pulses may be transmitted is
determined by the longest range at which targets are expected. If
the pulse repetition frequency is too high, echo signals from some
targets might arrive after the transmission of the next pulse, and
ambiguities in measuring range might result. Echoes that arrive
after the transmission of the next pulse are called second-time-
around (or multiple-time-around) echoes. Such an echo would
appear to be at a much shorter range than the actual and could be
misleading if it were not known to be a second-time-around echo.
The range beyond which targets appear as second-time-around
echoes is called the maximum unambiguous range and is
Where fp = pulse repetition frequency, in Hz.
1.2 THE SIMPLE FORM OF THE RADAR EQUATION
The radar equation relates the range of a radar to the

characteristics of the transmitter,receiver, antenna, target, and
environment. It is useful not just as a means for determining the
maximum distance from the radar to the target, but it can serve
both as a tool for understanding radar operation and as a basis for
radar design.

If the power of the radar transmitter is denoted by P,, and if an

isotropic antenna is used (one which radiates uniformly in all
directions), the power density (watts per unit area) at a distance R
from the radar is equal to the transmitter power divided by the
surface area 4∏R2 of an imaginary sphere of radius R
Radars employ directive antennas to channel, or direct, the

radiated power Pt into some
particular direction. The gain G of an antenna is a measure of the
increased power radiated in the direction of the target as compared
with the power that would have been radiated from an isotropic
antenna. It may be defined as the ratio of the maximum radiation
intensity from the subject antenna to the radiation intensity from a
lossless, isotropic antenna with the same power input.
The target intercepts a portion of the incident power and reradiates

it in various directions The measure of the amount of incident
power intercepted by the target and reradiated back in the direction
of the radar is denoted as the radar cross section , and is defined
by the relation

The radar cross section a has units of area. It is a characteristic of

the particular target and is a measure of its size as seen by the
radar. The radar antenna captures a portion of the echo power. If
the effective area of the receiving antenna is denoted A., the power
P, received by the radar is
The maximum radar range Rmax is the distance beyond which the
target cannot be detected. It occurs when the received echo signal
power P, just equals the minimum detectable signal Smin
.
This is the fundamental form of the radar equation.
Antenna theory gives the relationship between the

transmitting gain and the receiving effective area of an antenna as
Since radars generally use the same antenna for both

transmission and reception, Eq. (1.8) can be substituted into Eq.
(1.7), first for A, then for G, to give two other forms of the radar
equation
These three forms (Eqs. 1.7, 1.9, and 1.10) illustrate the need to be
careful in the interpretation of the radar equation.
1.3 RADAR BLOCK DIAGRAM AND OPERATION

The operation of a typical pulse radar may be described with
the aid of the block diagram shown in Fig. 1.2. The transmitter may
be an oscillator, such as a magnetron, that is "pulsed" (turned on
and on) by the modulator to generate a repetitive train of pulses.
The magnetron has probably been the most widely used of the
various microwave generators for radar.

The waveform generated by the transmitter travels via a

transmission line to the antenna, where it is radiated into space. A
single antenna is generally used for both transmitting and
receiving. The receiver must be protected from damage caused by
the high power of the transmitter. This is the function of the
duplexer. The duplexer also serves to channel the returned echo
signals to the receiver and not to the transmitter. The duplexer
might consist of two gas-discharge devices, one known as a TR
(transmit-receive) and the other an ATR (anti-transmit-receive). The
TR protects the receiver during transmission and the ATR directs
the echo signal to the receiver during reception. Solid-state ferrite
circulators and receiver protectors with gas-plasma TR devices
and/or diode limiters are also employed as duplexers.
The receiver is usually of the super heterodyne type. The first

stage might be a low-noise RF amplifier, such as a parametric
amplifier or a low-noise transistor. However, it is not always
desirable to employ a low-noise first stage in radar. The receiver
input can simply be the mixer stage, especially in military radars
that must operate in a noisy environment.
Although a receiver with a low-noise front-end will be more

sensitive, the mixer input can have greater dynamic range, less
susceptibility to overload, and less vulnerability to electronic
interference.
The mixer and local oscillator (LO) convert the RF signal to an

intermediate frequency (IF). A " typical" IF amplifier for an air-
surveillance radar might have a center frequency of 30 or 60 MHz
and a bandwidth of the order of one megahertz. After maximizing
the signal-to-noise ratio in the IF amplifier, the pulse modulation is
extracted by the second detector and amplified by the video
amplifier to a level where it can be properly displayed, usually on a
cathode-ray tube (CRT). Timing signals are also supplied to the
indicator to provide the range zero. Angle information is obtained
from the pointing direction of the antenna.
1.4 RADAR FREQUENCIES
Conventional radars generally have been operated at

frequencies extending from about 220 MHz to 35 GHz, a spread of

more than seven octaves. The place of radar frequencies in the

electromagnetic spectrum is shown in Fig. 1.4. Some of the
nomenclature employed to designate the various frequency regions.
Early in the development of radar, a letter code such as S, X,

L, etc., was employed to designate radar frequency bands. Although
its original purpose was to guard military secrecy, the designations
were maintained, probably out of habit as well as the need for some
convenient short nomenclature. This usage has continued and is
now an accepted practice of radar engineers.

1.5 RADAR DEVELOPMENT PRIOR TO WORLD WAR I1

Or
ORIGIN OF RADAR
Heinrich Hertz, in 1886, experimentally tested the theories of

Maxwell and demonstrated the similarity between radio and light
waves. Hertz showed that radio waves could be reflected by metallic
and dielectric bodies.
In 1903 a German engineer by the name of Hulsmeyer

experimented with the detection of radio waves reflected from
ships. He obtained a patent in 1904 in several countries for an
obstacle detector and ship navigational device.

Marconi recognized the potentialities of short waves for radio

detection and strongly urged their use in 1922 for this application.
In a speech delivered before the Institute of Radio Engineers.
In the autumn of 1922 A. H. I'aylor arid L. C. Young of tile Naval

Research Laboratory detected a wooden ship using a CW wave-
interference radar with separated receiver and transmitter. The
wavelength was 5 m.
The first application of the pulse technique to the measurement of

distance was in the basic scientific investigation by Breit and Tuve
in 1925 for measuring the height of the ionosphere.
The first experimental radar systems operated with CW and

depended for detection upon the interference produced between the
direct signal received from the transmitter and the doppler-
frequency-shifted signal reflected by a moving target. This effect is
the same as the rhythmic flickering, or flutter, observed in an
ordinary television receiver, especially on weak stations, when an
aircraft passes overhead. This type of radar originally was called
CW wave interference radar.
The first detection of aircraft using the wave-interference

effect was made in June, 1930, by L. A. Hyland of the Naval
Research Laboratory. The early CW wave-interference radars were
useful only for detecting the presence of the target. The problem of
extracting target-position information from such radars was a
difficult one and could not be readily solved with the techniques

existing at that time. A proposal was made by NRL in 1933 to

employ a chain of transmitting and receiving stations along a line
to be guarded. for the purpose of obtaining some knowledge of
distance and velocity.
The United States Army Signal Corps also maintained an interest

in radar during the early 1930s.In 1939 the Army developed the
SCR-270, a long-range radar for early warning. The attack on Pearl
Harbor in December, 1941, was detected by an SCR-270, one of six
in Hawaii at the time.
By June, 1935, the British had demonstrated the pulse technique

to measure range of an aircraft target. This was almost a year
sooner than the successful NRL experiments with pulse radar.
1.6 APPLICATIONS OF RADAR
Radar has been employed on the ground, in the air, on the

sea, and in space. Ground-based radar has been applied chiefly to
the detection, location, and tracking of aircraft or space targets.
Shipboard radar is used as a navigation aid and safety device

to locate buoys, shore lines, and other ships. as well as for
observing aircraft. Airborne radar may be used to detect other
aircraft, ships, or land vehicles or it may be used for mapping of
land, storm avoidance,

terrain avoidance, and navigation. In space, radar has

assisted in the guidance of spacecraft and for the remote sensing of
the land and sea.
The major user of radar, and contributor of the cost of almost all of
its development, has been the military: although there have been
increasingly important civil applications, chiefly for marine and air
navigation.
1. Air Traffic Control ( A T C): Radars are employed throughout

the world for the purpose of
safely controlling air traffic en route and in the vicinity of airports.
Aircraft and ground
vehicular traffic at large airports are monitored by means of high-
resolution radar.
2.Aircraft Navigation: The weather-avoidance radar used on

aircraft to outline regions of precipitation to the pilot is a classical
form of radar. Radar is also used for terrain avoidance and terrain.
3. Ship Safety: Radar is used for enhancing the safety of ship

travel by warning of potential collision with other ships, and for
detecting navigation buoys, especially in poor visibility. Automatic
detection and tracking equipments (also called plot extractors) are
commercially available for use with such radars for the purpose of
collision avoidance. Shore-based radar of moderately high
resolution is also used for the surveillance of harbors as an aid to
navigation.

4.Space: Space vehicles have used radar for rendezvous and

docking, and for landing on the moon. Some of the largest ground-
based radars are for the detection and tracking of
satellites. Satellite-borne radars have also been used for remote
sensing.
5.Remote Sensing: Remote sensing with radar is also concerned

with Earth resources, which includes the measurement and
mapping of sea conditions, water resources, ice cover, agriculture,
forestry conditions, geological formations, and environmental
pollution. The platforms for such radars include satellites as well
as aircraft.
6. Law Enforcement: The wide use of radar to measure the speed

of automobile traffic by highway police, radar has also been
employed as a means for the detection of intruders.
7.Military: The traditional role of radar for military application has

been for surveillance, navigation, and for the control and guidance
of weapons.

RECOMMENDED QUESITONS ON UNIT- 7
1. With the help of a block diagram, explain the operation of a radar system.
2. Derive radar range and equation.
3. Derive the radar equation. Discuss the effects of each parameter
on the maximum detection range of the radar.
4.Write short notes of origin of radar
5.Wrtie any five important applications of Radar.
6. Write the frequency band designation of Radars

UNIT – 8
MTI AND PULSE DOPPLER RADAR: Introduction to Doppler and MTI Radar, delay line
Cancellers, digital MTI processing, Moving target detector, pulse Doppler Radar.
7 Hours
TEXT BOOKS:
rd
2. Introduction to Radar systems-Merrill I Skolnik, 3 Ed, TMH, 2001.
2001.
REFERENCE BOOK:

UNIT - 8
MTI AND PULSE DOPPLAR RADAR
The ability of a radar receiver to detect a weak echo signal is limited by

the noise energy that occupies the same portion of the frequency
spectrum as does the signal energy. The weakest signal the receiver can
detect is called the minimum detectable signal.
8.1 THE DOPPLER EFFECT
A radar detects the presence of objects and locates their position in space
by transmitting electromagnetic energy and observing the returned echo.
A pulse radar transmits a relatively short burst of electromagnetic energy,
after which the receiver is turned on to listen for the echo. The echo not only
indicates that a target is present, but the time that elapses between the
transmission of the pulse and the receipt of the echo is a measure of the
distance to the target. Separation of the echo signal and the transmitted
signal is made on the basis of differences in time.
The radar transmitter may be operated continuously rather than pulsed if

the strong transmitted signal can be separated from the weak echo. The
received-echo-signal power is considerably smaller than the transmitter
power; it might be as little as 1018 that of the transmitted power-sometimes
even less. Separate antennas for transmission and reception help segregate
the weak echo from the strong leakage signal, but the isolation is usually
not sufficient. A feasible technique for separating the received signal from
the transmitted signal when there is relative motion between radar and
target is based on recognizing the DchepatnogfeEiCnE/thSeJBeITcho-
signal frequency caused by the doppler effect. Page 162

It is well known in the fields of optics and acoustics that if either the
source of oscillation or the observer of the oscillation is in motion, an
apparent shift in frequency will result. This is the doppler effect.
If R is the distance from the radar to target, the total number of

wavelengths L contained in the two-way path between the radar and the
target is 2R/λ. The distance R and the wavelength L are assumed to be

measured in the same units.
Since one wavelength corresponds to an angular excursion of 2∏
radians, the total angular excursion made by the electromagnetic wave
during its transit to and from the target is 4∏R / λ radians. If the target
is in motion, R and the phase φ are continually changing.
The doppler angular frequency ωd is given by
where fd = doppler frequency shift and L). = relative (or radial) velocity of
target with respect to radar. The doppler frequency shift
8.2 CW RADAR
Let us consider the simple CW radar as illustrated by the block
diagram below. The transmitter generates a continuous (unmodulated)
oscillation of frequency fo, which is radiated by the antenna. A portion of
the radiated energy is intercepted by the target and is scattered, some of

it in the direction of the radar, where it is collected by the receiving

antenna.
If the target is in motion with a velocity v, relative to the radar, the received
signal will be shifted in frequency from the transmitted
frequency fo by an amount + or – fd.The plus sign associated with the

doppler frequency applies if the distance between target and radar is
decreasing (closing target), that is, when the received signal frequency is
greater than the transmitted signal frequency. The minus sign applies if
the distance is increasing (receding target).
The received echo signal at a frequency enters the radar via the antenna
and is heterodyned in the detector (mixer) with a portion of the
transmitter signal fo to produce a doppler beat note of frequency fd. The

sign of fd is lost in this process.
The purpose of the doppler amplifier is to eliminate echoes from

stationary targets and to amplify the doppler echo signal to a level where
it can operate an indicating device. The low-frequency cutoff must be
high enough to reject tile d-c component caused by stationary targets,
but yet it must be low enough to pass the smallest doppler frequency
expected. Sometimes both conditions cannot he met simultaneously and
a compromise is necessary. The upper cutoff frequency is selected to
pass the lightest doppler frequency expected. The indicator might be a
pair of earphones or a frequency meter.

Fig 8.1
Block diagram of CW doppler radar with nonzero IF receiver, sometimes

called sideband Fig 8.2

Intermediate-frequency receiver. The receiver of the simple CW

radar of Fig 2 is in some respects analogous to a superheterodyne
receiver. Receivers of this type are called homodyne receivers, or
superheterodyne receivers with zero IF.
The function of the local oscillator is replaced by the leakage

signal from the transmitter. Such a receiver is simpler than one with a
more conventional intermediate frequency since no IF amplifier or
local oscillator is required.
However, the simpler receiver is not as sensitive because of

increased noise at the lower intermediate frequencies caused by
flicker effect. Flicker-effect noise occurs in semiconductor devices
such as diode detectors and cathodes of vacuum tubes.
For short-range, low-power, applications this decrease in sensitivity

might be tolerated since it can be compensate by a modest increase in
antenna aperture and/or additional transmitter power. But for
'maximum efficiency with CW radar, the reduction in sensitivity
caused by the simple Doppler receiver with zero IF, cannot be
tolerated.
The effects of flicker noise are overcome in the normal

superheterodyne receiver by using an intermediate frequency which is
high enough to render the flicker noise small compared with the
s
normal receiver noise. This results from the inverse, frequency

dependence of flicker noise.

Separate antennas are shown for transmission and reception instead

of the usual local oscillator found in the convenient receiver, the
local oscillator (or reference signal) is derived in the receiver from a
portion of the transmitted signal mixed with a locally generated signal
of frequency equal to that of the receiver IF. Since the output of the
mixer consists of two sidebands on either side of the carrier plus higher
harmonics, a narrowband filter selects one of the sidebands as the reference
signal. The improvement in receiver sensitivity with an intermediate-
frequency super heterodyne might be as much as 30 dB over the simple
receiver.
Applications of CW radar:
1. The chief use of the simple, unmodulated CW radar is for the

measurement of the relative velocity of a moving target, as in the
police speed monitor or in the previously mentioned rate-of-climb
meter for vertical-take-off aircraft.
2. In support of automobile traffic, CW radar has been suggested for

the control of traffic lights, regulation of toll booths, vehicle
counting, as a replacement for the " fifth-wheel" speedometer in
vehicle testing as a sensor in antilock braking systems, and for
collision avoidance.
3. For railways, CW radar can be used as a speedometer to replace

the conventional axle-driven tachometer.
4. It has been used for the measurement of railroad-freight-car
velocity during humping operations in marshalling yards, and as

a detection device to give track maintenance personnel advance

warning of approaching trains..
5. CW radar is also employed for monitoring the docking speed of

large ships.
6. It has also seen application for intruder alarms and for the
measurement of the velocity of missiles, ammunition, and
baseballs.
The principal advantage of a CW doppler radar over other

(nonradar) methods of measuring speed is that there need not be any
physical contact with the object whose speed is being measured. In
industry this has been applied to the measurement of turbine-blade
vibration, the peripheral speed of grinding wheels, and the monitoring of
vibrations in the cables of suspension bridges.
8.3 FREQUENCY - MODULATED CW RADAR:
The inability of the simple CW radar to measure range is related to the

relatively narrow spectrum (bandwidth) of its transmitted waveform.
Some sort of timing mark must be applied to a CW carrier if range is to
be measured. The timing mark permits the time of transmission and the
time of return to be recognized. The sharper or more distinct the mark,
the more
accurate the measurement of the transit time. But the more distinct the
timing mark, the broader will be the transmitted spectrum. This follows
from the properties of the Fourier transform.
The spectrum of a CW transmission can be broadened by the application

of m dulation, either amplitude. frequency, or phase. An example of an

amplitude modulation is the pulse radar. The narrower the pulse, the
more accurate the measurement of range and the broader the
transmitted spectrum.
A block diagram illustrating the principle of the FM-CW radar is shown

in above figure. A portion of the transmitter signal acts as the reference
signal required to produce the beat frequency. It is introduced directly
into the receiver via a cable or other direct connection.
Fig 8.3
Ideally, the isolation between transmitting and receiving antennas is

made sufficiently large so as to reduce to a negligible level the
transmitter leakage signal which arrives at the receiver via the coupling
between antennas. The beat frequency is amplified and limited to remove
any amplitude fluctuations. The frequency of the amplitude-limited beat
note is measured with a cycle-counting frequency meter calibrated in
distance. The target was assumed to be stationary. If this assumption is
not applicable, a doppler frequency shift will be superimposed on the FM
range beat note and an erroneous range measurement results. The

doppler frequency shift causes the frequency-time plot of the echo signal
to be shifted up or down
When more than one target is present within the view of the radar, the
mixer output will contain more than one difference frequency. If the
system is linear, there will be a frequency component corresponding to
each target. In principle, the range to each target may be determined by
measuring the individual frequency components.
To measure the individual frequencies, they must be separated from one

another. This might he accomplished with a bank of narrowband filters,
or alternatively, a single frequency corresponding to a single target may
be singled out and continuously observed with a narrow band tunable
filter. If the FM-CW radar is used for single targets only, such as in the
radio altimeter, it is not necessary to employ a linear modulation
waveform.
8.4 MTI RADARS
The doppler frequency shift produced by a moving target may be used in

a pulse radar. just as in the CW radar to determine the relative velocity
of a
target or to separate desired moving targets from undesired stationary
objects (clutter). Although there are applications of pulse radar where a
determination of the target's relative velocity is made from the doppler
frequency shift, the use of doppler to separate small moving targets in

the presence of large clutter has probably been of far greater interest.
Such a pulse radar that utilizes the doppler frequency shift as a means
for discriminating moving from fixed targets is called an MTI (moving
target indication) or a pulse doppler radar. The two are based on tile
same physical principle, but in practice there are generally recognizable
differences between them .
The MTI radar, for instance, usually operates with ambiguous doppler
measurement but with unambiguous range measurement (no second-time'-
around echoes). The opposite is generally the case for a pulse doppler radar.
Its pulse repetition frequency is usually high enough to operate with
unambiguous doppler (no blind speeds) but at the expense of range
ambiguities. The discussion in this chapter, for the most part, is based on
tile MTI radar, but much of what applies to MTI can be extended to pulse
doppler radar as well.
MTI is a necessity in high-quality air-surveillance radars that operate in
the presence of clutter. Its design is more challenging than that of a
simple pulse radar or a simple CW radar. An MTI capability adds to a
radar's cost and complex.

Fig 8.4
The doppler signal may be readily discerned from the information
contained in a single pulse. If, on the other hand, f b is small compared
with the reciprocal of the pulse duration, the pulses will be modulated
with an amplitude.
Moving targets may be distinguished from stationary targets by observing

the video output on an A-scope. O n the basis of a single sweep, moving
targets cannot be distinguished from fixed targets. I t may be possible to
distinguish extended ground targets from point targets by the stretching
of the echo pulse. However, this is not a reliable means of discriminating

moving from fixed targets since some fixed targets can look like point
targets, e.g., a water tower. Also, some moving targets such as aircraft
flying in formation can look like extended targets.)Successive A-scope
sweeps (pulse-repetition intervals).
Fig 8.5

Fig 8.5
Although the butterfly effect is suitable for recognizing moving

targets on an A-scope, it is not appropriate for display on the PPI. One
method commonly employed to extract Doppler information in a form

suitable for display on the PPI scope is with a delay-line canceller.. The
delay-line canceller acts as a filter to eliminate the d-c component of
fixed targets
and to pass the a-c components of moving targets. The video portion of
the receiver is divided into two channels. One is a normal video channel.
In the other, the video signal experiences a time delay equal to one pulse-
repetition period (equal to the reciprocal of the pulse-repetition
frequency). The outputs from the two channels are subtracted from one
another. The fixed targets with unchanging amplitudes from pulse to
pulse are canceled on subtraction. However, the amplitudes of the
moving-target echoes are not constant from pulse to subtraction results
in an uncancelled residue. The output of the subtraction circuit is
bipolar video, just as was the input. Before bipolar video can intensity-
modulate a PPI display, it must be converted to unipotential voltages
(unipolar video) by a full-wave rectifier.
Fig : 8.6 MTI receiver with delay-line canceller
8.5 MTI RADAR WITH POWER AMPLIFIER TRANSMITTER:

The block diagram of a more common MTI radar employing a power

amplifier is shown.The significant difference between this MTI configuration
is the manlier in which the reference signal is generated. the coherent
reference is supplied by the oscillator called the COHO, which stands for
coherent oscillator. The coho is a stable oscillator whose frequency is the
same as the intermediate frequency used in the receiver. In addition to
providing the reference signal the output of the COHO fc; is also mixed with
the local-oscillator frequency. The local oscillator- must also have a stable
oscillator and is called STALO, for stable local oscillator. The RF echo signal
is heterodyned with the stalo signal to produce the IF signal just as in
conventional super heterodyne receiver.

Fig 8.7
Fig 8.8
Before the development of the klystron amplifier, the only high-power
transmitter available at microwave frequencies for radar application
was the magnetron oscillator.
A block diagram of an MTI radar (with a power oscillator) is shown A

portion of the transmitted signal is mixed with the stalo output to
produce an IF beat signal whose phase is directly related to the phase of
the transmitter. This IF pulse is applied to the coho and causes the
phase of the coho CW oscillation to "lock" in step with the phase of the

IF reference pulse. The phase of the coho is then related to the phase
of the transmitted pulse and may be used as the reference signal for
echoes received from that particular transmitted pulse.
Upon the next transmission another IF locking pulse is generated to
relock the phase of the CW coho until the next locking pulse comes
along.
8.6 DELAY-LINE CANCELERS

The simple MTI delay-line canceller The simple MTI delay-line
canceller The capability of this device depends on the quality of the
medium used iis the delay line. The Pulse modulator delay line must
introduce a time delay equal to the pulse repetition interval.
For typical ground-based air-surveillance radars this might be
several milliseconds. Delay times of this magnitude cannot be
achieved with practical electromagnetic transmission lines. By
converting the electromagnetic signal to an 'acoustic signal it is
possible to utilize delay lines of a reasonable physical length since the
velocity of propagation of acoustic waves After the necessary delay is
introduced by the acoustic line, the signal is converted back to an
electromagnetic signal for further processing.
Fig 8.9
The early acoustic delay lines developed during World War 11 used liquid
delay lines filled with either water or mercury.' Liquid delay lines were
large and inconvenient to use. They were replaced in the mid-1950s by

the solid fused-quartz delay line that used multiple internal reflections to
obtain a compact device. These analog acoustic delay lines were, in turn
supplanted in the early 1970s by storage devices based on digital
computer technology. The use of digital delay lines requires that the
output of the MTI receiver phase-detector be quantized into a sequence of
digital words. The compactness and convenience of digital processing
allows the implementation of more complex delay-line cancellers with
filter characteristics not practical with analog methods.
One of the advantages of a time-domain delay-line canceller as compared

to the more conventional frequency-domain filter is that a single network
operates at all ranges and does not require a separate filter for each
range resolution cell. Frequency-domain doppler filterbanks are of
interest in some forms of MTI and pulse-doppler radar.
Filter characteristics of the delay-line canceller
The delay-line canceller acts as a filter which rejects the d-c component
of clutter. Because of its periodic nature, the filter also rejects energy in
the vicinity of the pulse repetition frequency and its harmonics.
where Фo = phase shift and k = amplitude of video signal. The signal

from the previous transmission, which is delayed by a time T = pulse
repetition interval, is

Everything else is assumed to remain essentially constant over the

interval T so that k is the same for both pulses. The output from the
subtractor is
It is assumed that the gain through the delay-line canceller is unity.

Thus the amplitude of the canceled video output is a function of the
Doppler frequency shift and the pulse-repetition interval, or prf. The
magnitude of the relative frequency-response of the delay-line canceler
[ratio of the amplitude of the output from the delay-line canceler, to the
amplitude of the normal radar video .
Fig 8.9
Blind speeds: The response of the single-delay-line canceller will be zero
whenever the argument Пfd T in the amplitude factor.
The blind speeds are one of the limitations of pulse MTI radar which do
not occur with CW radar. They are present in pulse radar because
doppler is measured by discrete samples (pulses) at the prf rather than
continuously. If the first blind speed is to be greater than the maximum
radial velocity expected from the target, the product ,If the first blind
speed must be large. Thus the MTI radar must operate at long
wavelengths (low frequencies) or with high pulse repetition frequencies,
or both.
Double cancellation:
The frequency response of a single-delay-line canceller does not
always have as broad a clutter-rejection null as might be desired in the
vicinity of d-c. The clutter-rejection notches may be widened by passing
the output of the delay-line canceller through a second delay-line
canceller. The output of the two single-delay line cancellers in cascade is
the square of that from a single canceller.
The two-delay-line configuration has the same frequency-response

characteristic as the double-delay-line canceler. The operation of the
device is as follows. A signal f ( t ) is inserted into the adder along with
the signal from the preceding pulse period, with its amplitude weighted
by the factor - 2, plus the signal from two pulse periods previous. The
output of the adder is therefore

Fig 8.10
Fig 8.11
which is the same as the output from the double-delay-line canceller
This configuration is commonly called the three-pulse canceller.

8.7 MULTIPLE, OR STAGGERED, PULSE REPETITION

FREQUENCY
The use of more than one pulse repetition frequency offers additional
flexibility in the design of MTI doppler filters. It not only reduces the
effect of the blind speeds but it also allows a sharper low-frequency
cutoff in the frequency response than might be obtained with a
cascade of single-delay-line cancelers.
The blind speeds of two independent radars operating at the same

frequency will be different if their pulse repetition frequencies are
different. Therefore, if one radar were " blind " to moving targets, it
would be unlikely that the other radar would be " blind" also. Instead
of using two separate radars, the same result can be obtained with
one radar which time-shares its pulse repetition frequency between
two or more different values (multiple prf's). The pulse repetition
frequency might be switched every other scan or every time the
antenna is scanned a half beamwidth, or the period might be
alternated on every other pulse. When the switching is pulse to pulse,
it is known as a staggered prf.
An example of the composite (average) response of an MTI radar

operating with two separate pulse repetition frequencies on a time-
shared basis is shown below

Fig 8.12

8.8 DIGITAL MTI SIGNAL PROCESSOR:

A simple block diagram of a digital MTI processor is shown in Fig below.
From the output of the IF amplifier the signal is split into two channels. One
is denoted I, for in-phase channel.The other is denoted Q, for quadrature
channel, since a 90" phase change (П/2 radians) is introduces into the
coherent reference signal at the phase detector. This causes the outputs of
the two detectors to be 90 degrees out of phase.
The purpose of the quadrature channel is to eliminate the effects of blind
phases.It is desirable to eliminate blind phases in any MTI processor, but
it is seldom done with analog delay-line cancelers because of the complexity
of the added analog delay lines of the second channel. The convenience of
digital processing allows the quadrature channel to be added without
significant burden so that it is often included in digital processing systems.
It is for this reason it is shown in this block diagram, but was not included
in the previous discussion of MTI delay-line cancellers.

Fig 8.13
Following the phase detector the bipolar video signal is sampled at a rate
sufficient to obtain one or more samples within each range resolution
cell. These voltage samples are converted to a series of digital words by
the analog-to-digital (A/D) converter.
The digital words are stored in a digital memory for one pulse repetition
period and are then subtracted from the digital words of the next sweep.
The digital outputs of the I and Q channels are combined by taking the
square root of I2 and Q2 . The combined output is then converted to an

analog signal by the digital-to-analog (D/A) converter. The unipolar video
output is then ready to be displayed.
8.9 MOVING TARGET DETECTOR
A block diagram of the MTD processor is shown in Fig . The input on the
left is from the output of the I and Q AID converters. The three-pulse
canceler and the eight-pulse Doppler filter-bank eliminate zero-velocity
clutter and generate eight overlapping filters covering the doppler
interval, as described in the previous section. The use of a three-pulse
canceler ahead of the fi1ter:bank eliminates stationary clutter and
thereby reduces the dynamic range required of the doppler filter-bank.
The fast Fourier transform algorithm is listed to implement the doppler

filter-bank. Since the first two pulses of a three-pulse canceler are
meaningless only the last eight of the ten pulses output from the
canceler are passed to the filter-bank. Following the filter-bank,
weighting is applied in the frequency domain to reduce the filter
sidel bes .

Fig 8.14
Separate thresholds are applied to each filter. The thresholds for the
nonzero-velocity resolution cells are established by summing the
detected outputs of the signals in the same velocity filter in 16 range
cells, eight on either side of the cell of interest. Thus, each filter output is
averaged over cne mile in range to establish the statistical mean level of
nonzero-velocity clutter (such as rain) or noise. The filter thresholds are
determined by multiplying the mean levels by an appropriate constant to
obtain the desired false-alarm probability. This application of an adaptive
threshold to each doppler filter at each range cell provides a constant
false-alarm rate (CFAR) and results in Subweather visibility in that an
aircraft with a radial velocity sufficiently different from the rain so as to
fall into another filter can be seen even if the aircraft echo is
substantially less than the weather echo.

A digital clutter map is generated which establishes the thresholds for

the zero-velocity cells. The map is implemented with one word for each of
the 365,000 range-azimuth cells. The original MTD stored the map on a
magnetic disc memory. The purpose of the zero-velocity filter is to recover
the clutter signal eliminated by the MTI delay-line canceler and to use
this signal as a means for detecting targets on-crossing trajectories with
zero velocities that would normally be lost in the usual MTI. Only targets
larger than the clutter would be so detected.
8.10 LIMITATIONS TO MTI PERFORMANCE
The improvement in signal-to-clutter ratio of an MTI is affected by factors

other than the design of the doppler signal processor. Instabilities of the
transmitter and receiver, physical motions of the clutter, the finite time
on target (or scanning modulation), and limiting in the receiver can all
detract from the performance of an MTI radar.
MTI improvement f actor: The signal-to-clutter ratio at the output of the

MTI system divided by the signal-to-clutter ratio at the input, averaged
uniformly over all target radial velocities of interest.
Subclutter visibility : The ratio by which the target echo power may be
weaker than the coincident clutter echo power and still be detected with
specified detection and false alarm probabilities.
Clutter visibility factor : The signal-to-clutter ratio, after cancellation

or doppler filtering, that provides stated probabilities of detection and
false alarm.

Cltrtter attenuation: The ratio of clutter power at the canceller input to
the clutter residue at the output, normalized to the attenuation of a
single pulse passing through the unprocessed channel of the canceller.
Cancellation ratio: The ratio of canceller voltage amplification for the

fixed-target echoes received with a fixed antenna, to the gain for a single
pulse passing through the unprocessed channel of the canceller.
Equipment instabilities : Pulse-to-pulse changes in the amplitude,

frequency, or phase of the transmitter signal, changes in the stalo or coho
oscillators in the receiver, jitter in the timing of the pulse transmission,
variations in the time delay through the delay lines, and changes in the
pulse width can cause the apparent frequency spectrum from perfectly
stationary clutter to broaden and thereby lower the improvement factor of
an MTI radar.
Internal fluctuation of clutter : Although clutter targets such as

buildings, water towers, bare hills. or mountains produce echo signals that
are constant in both phase and amplitude as a function of time, there are
many types of clutter that cannot be considered as absolutely stationary.
Echoes from trees, vegetation, sea, rain, and chaff fluctuate with time, and
these fluctuations can limit the performance of MTI radar.
Antenna scanning modulation: As the antenna scans by a target, it

observes the target for a finite time equal to , to = n where n, = number of
hits received, fp = pulse repetition frequency, 0, = antenna beamwidth
and antenna scanning rate. The received pulse train of finite duration to
has a frequency spectrum (which can be found by taking the Fourier
transform of the waveform) whose width is proportional to l/to.
Therefore, even if the clutter were perfectly stationary, there will still be a

finite width to the clutter spectrum because of the finite time on target. If
the clutter spectrum is too wide because the observation time is too
short, it will affect the improvement factor. This limitation has sometimes
been called scanning fluctuations or scanning modulation.
8.11 NONCOHERENT MTI
The composite echo signal from a moving target and clutter fluctuates in
both phase and amplitude. The coherent MTI and the pulse-doppler
radar make use of the phase fluctuations in the echo signal to recognize
the doppler component produced by a moving target. In these systems,
amplitude fluctuations are removed by the phase detector. The operation
of this type of radar, which may be called coherent MTI, depends upon a
reference signal at the radar receiver that is coherent with the
transmitter signal.
It is also possible to use the amplitude fluctuations to recognize the
doppler component produced by a moving target. MTI radar which uses
amplitude instead of phase fluctuations is called noncoherent.

Fig 8.15
The noncoherent MTI radar does not require an internal coherent
reference
signal or a phase detector as does the coherent form of MTI. Amplitude
limiting cannot be employed in the non coherent MTI receiver, else the
desired amplitude fluctuations would be lost. Therefore tile IF amplifier
must be linear, or if a large dynamic range is required, it can be
logarithmic. A logarithmic gain characteristic not only provides
protection from saturation, but it also tends to make the clutter
fluctuations at its output more uniform with variations in the clutter
input amplitude.
The detector following the IF amplifier is a conventional amplitude

detector. The phase detector is not used since phase information is of no
interest to the non coherent radar. The local oscillator of the noncoherent
radar does not have to he as frequency-stable as in the coherent MTI.
The transmitter must be sufficiently stable over the pulse duration to
prevent beats between overlapping ground clutter, but this is not as
severe a requirement as in the case of coherent radar. The output of the
amplitude detector is followed by an MTI processor such as a delay-line
canceller.
The advantage of the noncoherent MTI is its simplicity; hence it is

attractive for those applications where space and weight are limited. Its
chief limitation is that the target must be in the presence of relatively
large clutter signals if moving-target detection is to take place.
Clutter echoes may not always be present over the range at which
detection is desired. The clutter serves the same function as does the
reference signal in the coherent MTI. If clutter were not present, the

desired targets would not be detected. It is possible, however, to provide

a switch to disconnect the non coherent MTI operation and revert to
normal radar whenever sufficient clutter echoes are not present. If the
radar is stationary, a map of the clutter might be stored in a digital
memory and used to determine when to switch in or out the non
coherent MTI .
8.12 PULSE DOPPLER RADAR

A pulse radar that extracts the doppler frequency shift for the purpose of
detecting moving targets in the presence of clutter is either an MTI radar
or a pulse doppler radar. The distinction between them is based on the
fact that in a sampled measurement system like a pulse radar,
ambiguities can arise in both the doppler frequency (relative velocity) and
the range (time delay) measurements. Range ambiguities are avoided
with a low sampling rate (low pulse repetition frequency), and doppler
frequency ambiguities are avoided with a high sampling rate. However, in
most radar applications the sampling rate, or pulse repetition frequency,
cannot be selected to avoid both types of measurement ambiguities.
Therefore a compromise must be made arid the nature of the

compromise generally determines whether the radar is called an MTI or a
pulse doppler. MTI usually refers to a radar in which the pulse repetition
frequency is chosen low enough to avoid ambiguities in range (no
multiple-time-around echoes). but with the consequence that the
frequency measurement is ambiguous and results in blind speeds.

RECOMMENDED QUESTIONS ON UNIT- 8
1. Distinguish between MTI and pulse dopplar radar

2. With a neat block diagram explain the operation of CW radar.
3. With neat block diagram explain the operation of MTI radar.
4. What is blind speed? Obtain the expression for blind speed .
5. With a neat block diagram explain the operation of digital MTI processor
6. With a neat block diagram explain the operation of MTD processor
7. With a neat block diagram explain the operation of pulse Doppler radar.

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Microwaves and Radar 10EC54

MICROWAVES AND RADAR

Subject Code : 10EC54 IA Marks : 25

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 1

SL.NO TOPIC PAGE NO.

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 3

SL.NO TOPIC PAGE NO.

UNIT – 5 Microwave passive devices 105 to 129

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 4

MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION LINES: Introduction, transmission lines equations and

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 5

MICROWAVE TRANSMISION LINES

Any pair of wires and conductors carrying currents in opposite

Different types of transmission lines

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 6

A typical engineering problem involves the transmission of a signal from a

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 7

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 8

TRANSMISSION LINE EQUATIONS AND SOLUTIONS:

A transmission line can be analyzed wither by solution of Maxwells field

Voltage and Current Waves in general transmission lines

Equivalent circuit of an element section (length z) of the transmission line:

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 9

For periodic signals, Fourier analysis can be applied and it is more

Decoupling the above equations, we get

where γ is called the propagation constant, and is in general complex.

α is the attenuation constant, β is the phase constant

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 10

It can be shown that the ratio of voltage to current is given by:

where Zo is the characteristic impedance of the line, given by

The current I can now be written as:

Lossless transmission lines:

In lossless transmission lines, the distributed conductor resistance R and

The propagation constant γ is also imaginary with:

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 11

Expressing the waves in time-domain

In any transmission line

In lossless transmission line

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 12

Example: Calculate the characteristic resistance Ro of a RG-58U coaxial

Reflection and Transmission:

Reflection co-efficient is defined as the ratio of amplitudes of reflected

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 13

Transmission co-efficient is defined as the ratio of transmitted voltage or

A transmission line terminated in its characteristic impedance is called a

power transmitted to the load.

In a lossless line, the amplitude of the forward (or backward) voltage

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 15

Smith Chart is a convenient graphical means of determining voltages

Let the real and imaginary parts of Γ(-l) be Γr , Γi respectively,and z be the

In a lossless transmission line, there is no attenuation and a wave traveling

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 16

• The combination of intersecting circles inside the chart allow us to

Explanaiton of smith chart:

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 17

Real Impedance Axis

• Thus, the first step in analyzing a transmission line is to locate the

• First, locate the normalized impedance on the chart for ZL = 50 + j100

Dept of ECE/ GCEM Page 20