A Low-Cost, Light-Weight Single-Pole Double-Throw Mechanical Switch Using Gap Waveguide Technology

Abstract

This paper presents a novel single-pole double-throw (SPDT) mechanical switch using gap waveguide (GWG) technology. The design is based on the fact that no electrical connection between the upper and lower plates of GWGs is required. The proposed switch structure comprises two distinct components: the first is a fixed waveguiding section, while the second is a movable section used to switch between ports. Although the proposed method is general, for demonstration purposes, an SPDT switch for Ku-band applications is designed, fabricated, and experimentally characterized. The switch is fabricated by soldering pin headers on printed circuit boards (PCBs). The simulation and measurement results demonstrate that the proposed switch exhibits superior performance characteristics compared to other recently published GWG switches. The operating bandwidth, isolation, minimal signal attenuation, and robust power handling capabilities achieved make this switch highly attractive for operation in demanding communication systems.