E & H Plane Tees
Mi-Wave’s 640 Series E-Plane Tees and 650 Series H-Plane Tees are block-style waveguide power-dividing components designed for microwave and millimeter-wave systems operating from 12.4 GHz to 110 GHz. These waveguide tees are used to divide RF power into two output paths while maintaining a defined phase relationship between the output signals.
The 640 Series E-Plane Tee features an E-plane junction positioned symmetrically on the broad wall of the waveguide. When RF power is applied to the input port, the tee divides the signal equally between the two output ports, with the output signals 180 degrees out of phase.
The 650 Series H-Plane Tee features an H-plane junction positioned on the narrow wall of the waveguide. In this configuration, the input power is split equally between the two main output ports, with the output signals in phase.
Both series are available in standard waveguide sizes from 12.4 GHz to 110 GHz and are useful in waveguide test setups, RF distribution networks, measurement systems, and subsystem integration. Because these tees use unmatched junction designs, they are not recommended for applications requiring low VSWR or precision impedance matching.
Features & Performance Characteristics
E-Plane and H-Plane Configurations
The 640 Series and 650 Series provide two different waveguide tee configurations depending on the desired output phase relationship. E-plane tees produce equal-amplitude outputs that are opposite in phase, while H-plane tees produce equal-amplitude outputs that remain in phase.
Equal Power Division
Both designs divide input power evenly between two output ports. This makes them useful when a single waveguide signal must be routed into two paths for comparison, monitoring, distribution, or test purposes.
Defined Phase Relationship
The key difference between the two tee types is phase behavior. The E-plane tee provides 180-degree phase opposition, while the H-plane tee provides in-phase output signals. This makes each tee useful for different RF measurement and signal-combining applications.
Block-Style Waveguide Construction
The block-style construction provides a mechanically stable waveguide component suitable for integration into laboratory setups and system assemblies. The rigid structure supports repeatable alignment with standard waveguide interfaces.
Frequency Coverage from 12.4 to 110 GHz
Available across standard waveguide sizes from 12.4 GHz to 110 GHz, these tees support a wide range of microwave and millimeter-wave applications.
Unmatched Junction Design
These tees are designed with unmatched waveguide junctions. While practical for many power division and test applications, they are not intended for systems where very low VSWR or highly optimized impedance matching is required.
How E & H Plane Tees Work
Waveguide tees operate by creating a junction where RF energy entering one port is divided into two output paths. The physical orientation of the junction determines whether the output signals are in phase or out of phase.
In an E-plane tee, the branch is placed along the broad wall of the rectangular waveguide, aligned with the electric field plane. This geometry causes the signal at the two main output ports to split equally but with opposite polarity, producing a 180-degree phase difference between the outputs.
In an H-plane tee, the branch is placed along the narrow wall of the rectangular waveguide, aligned with the magnetic field plane. This geometry splits the input power into two equal signals that remain in phase at the output ports.
Because the junction is not internally matched, some reflections can occur at the tee intersection. For this reason, E-plane and H-plane tees are best suited for general power division, test setups, and non-critical VSWR applications rather than precision-matched signal networks.
Applications
Waveguide Power Division
E-plane and H-plane tees are commonly used to split a waveguide signal into two paths. Depending on phase requirements, engineers can choose either the E-plane tee for opposite-phase outputs or the H-plane tee for in-phase outputs.
RF Test and Measurement Setups
These tees are useful in laboratory environments where signal splitting, phase comparison, component testing, or waveguide routing is required. Their simple geometry makes them practical components for experimental and measurement systems.
Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Subassemblies
In higher-frequency RF assemblies, waveguide tees can serve as compact branching components for distributing signals between two paths within a larger subsystem.
Phase-Sensitive Experiments
Because E-plane and H-plane tees create known output phase relationships, they can be used in experiments or test setups where phase behavior is part of the measurement or system design.
Signal Monitoring and Sampling
Waveguide tees may be used in systems where part of the RF signal needs to be routed to a secondary path for monitoring, comparison, or further processing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is an E-plane tee?
An E-plane tee is a waveguide power divider with a branch junction on the broad wall of the waveguide. It splits input power equally between two output ports with the outputs in opposite phase.
What is an H-plane tee?
An H-plane tee is a waveguide power divider with a branch junction on the narrow wall of the waveguide. It splits input power equally between two output ports with the outputs in phase.
What is the main difference between E-plane and H-plane tees?
The main difference is phase. An E-plane tee produces two equal outputs that are 180 degrees out of phase, while an H-plane tee produces two equal outputs that are in phase.
What frequency range do Mi-Wave E & H Plane Tees cover?
Mi-Wave’s 640 and 650 Series waveguide tees are available in standard waveguide sizes from 12.4 GHz to 110 GHz.
Are these tees matched for low VSWR?
No. These tees use unmatched junctions, so they are not recommended for applications requiring low VSWR or highly optimized impedance matching.
Where are waveguide tees used?
They are used in waveguide test setups, power division networks, RF subassemblies, phase comparison systems, and microwave or millimeter-wave laboratories.
E & H Plane Tee Calculators
These calculators help estimate equal power split, output phase relationships, insertion loss impact, and VSWR to return loss for E-plane and H-plane waveguide tee applications.
Equal Power Split Calculator
Estimate output power at each port for an ideal 3 dB split.
Split with Insertion Loss
Estimate output power per port after ideal split and insertion loss.
Total Output Power
Estimate combined total power from two equal output ports.
E-Plane Phase Relationship
Shows the output phase relationship for an E-plane tee.
H-Plane Phase Relationship
Shows the output phase relationship for an H-plane tee.
VSWR to Return Loss
Convert VSWR to return loss to evaluate mismatch at a waveguide junction.
Glossary of E & H Plane Tee Terms
Waveguide Tee
A waveguide component that divides or combines RF energy through a branch junction.
E-Plane Tee
A waveguide tee with a branch junction on the broad wall of the waveguide. It produces equal output signals that are opposite in phase.
H-Plane Tee
A waveguide tee with a branch junction on the narrow wall of the waveguide. It produces equal output signals that are in phase.
Power Division
The process of splitting input RF power into two or more output paths.
In-Phase Signals
Signals that have the same phase relationship and reach their peaks and nulls at the same time.
Opposite Phase
A 180-degree phase difference between two signals, meaning one signal reaches its positive peak while the other reaches its negative peak.
Waveguide Junction
The point where waveguide paths meet or branch.
Unmatched Junction
A junction that is not internally optimized for minimum reflection, often resulting in higher VSWR than matched components.
VSWR
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio, a measure of impedance matching and reflected power.
Rectangular Waveguide
A hollow metallic transmission line used to guide microwave and millimeter-wave energy.
Broad Wall
The wider wall of a rectangular waveguide, associated with the E-plane tee junction.
Narrow Wall
The smaller wall of a rectangular waveguide, associated with the H-plane tee junction.
