Final Exam Imp Question
Final Exam Imp Question
2. Calculate coupling factor of directional coupler when the incident power is 600 mW and power in
auxiliary waveguide is 350 mW. {5 marks} {IMP}
ANS:-
Incident power
Coupling factor =
power in auxiliary waveguide
Pi
C = 10 log10 dB
Pt
600
C = 10 log10
350
C = 2.34 dB
3. Explain E-plane Tee and H-plane Tee with their properties. {10 marks for both, 5 marks each} {IMP}
ANS:-
1. E-plane Tee:-
The E-plane Tee is a waveguide junction where the additional arm is connected along the electric field (E-
field direction of the wave propagating in the main waveguide.
It consists of three ports: one main waveguide port and two side ports.
The side ports are connected in the plane of the electric field.
Properties:
The main port and the two side ports are arranged in such a way that the electric field is perpendicular
to the side ports.
When a signal is fed into the main port, it is split between the two side ports with equal amplitude but
without a phase difference.
The E-plane Tee offers some isolation between the output ports. If power is applied to one of the side
ports, it does not significantly affect the other side port.
The E-plane Tee typically has an impedance matching of Z0, ensuring minimal reflections.
2. H-plane Tee:-
The H-plane Tee is a waveguide junction where the additional arm is connected along the magnetic field
(H-field) direction of the wave propagating in the main waveguide.
It also consists of three ports: one main waveguide port and two side ports.
The side ports are connected in the plane of the magnetic field.
Properties:
The main port and the side ports are arranged such that the magnetic field is perpendicular to the side
ports.
When a signal is fed into the main port, it is split between the two side ports, with equal amplitude and
a 180-degree phase difference. This results in a cancellation effect when signals are fed into both side
ports simultaneously.
The H-plane Tee provides higher isolation than the E-plane Tee, especially when power is applied to
one of the side ports.
The H-plane Tee has an impedance matching of Z0, allowing for effective signal transfer.
Degenerate Modes:-
Degenerate modes occur when two or more modes have the same cutoff frequency. In a
rectangular waveguide, this typically happens when different pairs of mode indices (m,n) result
in the same cutoff frequency.
5. Derive field equations for TM modes in rectangular waveguides. What are degenerate
modes? {10 marks} {IMP}
Ans:-
Degenerate Modes:-
Degenerate modes occur when two or more modes have the same cutoff frequency. In a
rectangular waveguide, this typically happens when different pairs of mode indices (m,n) result
in the same cutoff frequency.
8. State and prove condition for negative resistance in Gunn Diode. Explain Two -Valley model theory.
Explain two valley model theory for Gunn diode with suitable diagram. {10 marks}/{5 marks} {IMP}
ANS:-
Negative resistance in a Gunn diode is a crucial phenomenon that allows the diode to generate microwave
oscillations. It occurs in the negative resistance region of the current-voltage I - V characteristic curve of
the diode.
9. Construct a four port circulator using two magic Tees & a gyrator. Explain working of same at all
four parts. {10 marks} {IMP}
ANS:-
- The construction of a four port circulator using two magic T’s and a gyrator is shown below.
- the port number 1 to 4 follows the ports of a ciculator. In clockwise circulator the signal flow is:
1 ->2 2 ->3 3 ->4 4 ->1
Operation:-
Signal applied to port 1
Signal is applied to port 1 results in equal and in phase signals at point a and b. These signals travel
towards point c and d.
The signal at a is travelling in opposite direction through gyrator resulting in no phase shift. It appears
as it is at point c. thus signals at a and b appear in phase at c and d.
The in phase inputs at c and d results in maximum signal out of port 2 and no signal from port 4.
Thus signal applied to port 1 comes out of port 2 and no signal goes to other ports 3 and 4.
Signal applied to port 2
Signal is applied to port 2. It results in equal and in phase signals at c and d.
The signal at c travels to point e and then through gyrator where it is shifted in phase by 180° as it
arrives at a. But signal at d is applied as it is to point b.
The 180° phase difference between signals at a and b results in maximum signal output at port 3 and
no signal at port 1.
Thus signal applied to port 2 is appering only at port 3 and no signal output from 1 and 4.
Similarly it can be proven that signal input at 3 -> 4 and 4->1.
10. Explain characteristics and working principal of tunnel diode. Explain working of Tunnel diode and
its application in microwave engineering. {5/10 marks} {IMP}
ANS:-
A tunnel diode is a heavily doped p-n junction semiconductor that exhibits negative resistance due to quantum
tunneling.
Characteristics:
- Shows a negative resistance region where current decreases with increasing voltage.
- The peak current IP is followed by a drop to the valley current IV in the negative resistance region.
Working Principle:
- In a normal diode, electrons need to gain sufficient energy to overcome the depletion barrier. However, in a
tunnel diode, the barrier is so thin that electrons can tunnel through it without needing significant energy. This
is possible due to quantum mechanics, where there is a finite probability of electrons passing through the thin
barrier.
Operation:
- Zero Bias: At zero bias, there is no current as the Fermi levels on both sides are aligned, and no tunneling
takes place.
- Forward Bias (Region 1 - Positive Resistance): As a small forward bias is applied, electrons from the
conduction band of the n-type region start tunneling directly into the valence band of the p-type region. This
results in a rapid increase in current, reaching the peak current (IpI_pIp ).
- Forward Bias (Region 2 - Negative Resistance): As the forward bias increases beyond the peak, the energy
levels shift such that fewer electrons have the opportunity to tunnel, leading to a decrease in current. This
forms the negative resistance region.
- Forward Bias (Region 3 - Normal Diode Behavior): Beyond a certain voltage, the current starts increasing
again due to normal forward conduction.
Application:
oscillators: Generates high-frequency oscillations.
Amplifiers: Used in microwave amplifiers.
Switching: Suitable for high-speed switching applications.
11. Explain the principle of operation of IMPATT diode with suitable diagram and waveforms. {10
marks} {IMP}
ANS:-
The IMPATT diode generates negative resistance using a phase shift between the current and the applied
voltage, where this phase shift exceeds 90°. IMPATT (Impact Avalanche and Transit Time) diodes are high-
power microwave sources and are among the most powerful solid-state devices for millimeter-wave
frequencies. They create dynamic negative resistance based on transit time effects, making them ideal for
high-power oscillators and amplifiers. They are made using materials like Silicon (Si), Gallium Arsenide
(GaAs), and Indium Phosphide (InP).
Where:
Vmax is the maximum voltage in the standing wave.
Vmin is the minimum voltage in the standing wave.
It can also be calculated in terms of the reflection coefficient (Γ), which represents the ratio of reflected to
incident voltage:
1 + |Γ|
VSWR =
1 − |Γ|
- Now the load ZL is replaced by a short circuit as shown by figure below and the shift in minimum is
measured.
- If the minimum is shifted to the left, then the impedance is inductivee and if it shifts to the right, it is
capacitive.
13. Explain any two methods of power measurement {10 marks} {IMP}
ANS:-
1. Bolometer Method (for Low Power Measurement)
Principle: Bolometers, such as thermistors and barretters, are temperature-sensitive devices whose
resistance changes with applied power. They measure low microwave power by detecting changes in
resistance caused by heating due to absorbed power.
Types:
Barretter: A wire bolometer with a positive temperature coefficient, where resistance increases
with temperature.
Thermistor: A semiconductor with a negative temperature coefficient, where resistance decreases
with temperature.
Procedure:
The bolometer is placed in a bridge circuit. Initially, the bridge is balanced by adjusting a resistor.
Microwave power is applied, causing the bolometer to heat up, change its resistance, and unbalance
the bridge.
A DC voltage adjustment rebalances the bridge, with the change in voltage indicating the
microwave power.
14. Explain the method to measure microwave frequency. {10 marks} {IMP}
ANS:-
Measuring microwave frequency using a klystron oscillator involves determining the frequency of the signal
generated by the klystron. Klystrons are often used in laboratories as tunable sources of microwave signals,
and one common approach to measuring frequency involves using a slotted line or a waveguide cavity
resonator along with a frequency counter.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the method:
1. Set Up the Klystron Oscillator and Components
Connect the klystron oscillator to a waveguide or coaxial setup that is designed for microwave
frequencies.
Place a frequency meter or resonant cavity (such as a cavity wavemeter) near the output of the
klystron.
2. Tuning the Klystron Frequency
Adjust the repeller voltage on the klystron to change its output frequency. By varying the repeller
voltage, you can tune the klystron to output a range of microwave frequencies.
Monitor the frequency response while adjusting the voltage to reach the desired frequency range.
3. Frequency Measurement Using a Cavity Wavemeter
A cavity wavemeter is a device with a tunable resonant cavity that can match the frequency of the
microwave signal. When the cavity’s resonant frequency matches the microwave frequency, it absorbs
maximum power, indicated by a dip in the output.
Slowly tune the cavity wavemeter while observing the power meter. The frequency at which the power
dips (or peaks in reflection) corresponds to the microwave frequency generated by the klystron.
The dial on the cavity wavemeter is calibrated to show the frequency directly, or it can be used in
conjunction with a frequency chart.
4. Alternative: Frequency Counter Method
If available, a frequency counter can be directly connected or coupled to the output waveguide. The
frequency counter will then display the microwave frequency based on the direct signal input.
This method requires equipment capable of operating at high frequencies and is generally more precise
but may not always be available in all laboratory settings.
5. Confirm and Calibrate
To ensure accuracy, calibrate the klystron frequency measurement by comparing with a known
frequency standard if available, as small variations in voltage and cavity positioning can affect measurements.
Using a klystron with a cavity wavemeter or frequency counter is a precise method for determining microwave
frequency, commonly used in labs where tunable microwave sources are required.
Extra question
1. A travelling wave tube (TWT) has the following characteristics: Beam Voltage Vo = 2KV, Beam
current Io = 4 mA, frequency f = 8 GHz, Circuit length N = 50, Characteristics impedance Zo = 20 Ω.
Determine
a)Gain parameter
b) The power gain(Ap) in decibels
c) All four propagation constants
ANS:-
2. Write note on Microwave Solid State Devices.
ANS:-
Microwave Solid State Devices are semiconductor devices used in microwave systems for signal generation,
amplification, and modulation. They include:
1. Gunn Diode: Used for microwave oscillation, based on negative differential resistance.
2. IMPATT Diode: High-power microwave oscillator utilizing avalanche effect and transit time.
3. Tunnel Diode: Negative resistance device for amplifiers and oscillators.
4. PIN Diode: Acts as a switch or attenuator in RF applications.
5. Varactor Diode: Voltage-controlled capacitance used for tuning and frequency control.
6. MESFET/HEMT: High-gain transistors for amplifiers and oscillators.
Applications: Widely used in radar, communication, and microwave transmitters and receivers.