Waveguide Probe Antennas

What This Product Does

Broadband Waveguide Radiation for RF and Millimeter-Wave Systems

Probe waveguide antennas are precision RF components designed to efficiently convert guided electromagnetic energy within a rectangular waveguide into free-space radiation, or to receive radiated signals and couple them back into a waveguide transmission line. This process enables reliable signal transmission and reception across microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands, supporting high-performance RF systems with minimal loss.

By directly coupling RF energy from the waveguide to an open radiating aperture, probe waveguide antennas provide high radiation efficiency, stable impedance matching, and predictable radiation patterns. This makes them ideal for applications requiring accurate signal characterization, antenna testing, and system validation.

At high frequencies, particularly in microwave, millimeter-wave, and sub-terahertz bands, traditional antenna technologies can experience excessive insertion loss, signal distortion, and reduced power handling. Waveguide probe antennas address these challenges by utilizing a hollow metallic waveguide structure, which supports low-loss signal propagation, improved power handling, and superior electromagnetic performance compared to coaxial or planar antenna designs.

Why Frequency Range Matters

Covering an exceptionally wide frequency range from 8 GHz to 500 GHz, Mi-Wave’s probe waveguide antennas support a broad spectrum of RF and millimeter-wave applications, including:

• Microwave frequency bands used in radar systems, satellite communications (SatCom), electronic warfare, and wireless communications

• Millimeter-wave and sub-THz bands critical for 5G and 6G research, high-resolution imaging, spectroscopy, automotive radar, scientific instrumentation, and advanced RF testing

This wideband capability allows engineers and researchers to maintain consistent electrical performance, stable gain, and repeatable measurement results across multiple frequency bands. As a result, system designers can reduce the need for multiple antenna types, streamline test setups, and simplify high-frequency system architectures.

Typical Uses and Applications

Probe waveguide antennas are widely used in RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave test and measurement environments, including:

• Antenna pattern measurements, gain verification, and near-field and far-field testing

• RF, microwave, and mmWave system calibration

• Radar, remote sensing, and target measurement systems

• High-frequency and broadband wireless communications

• Development, validation, and verification of transmitters, receivers, and transceiver modules

• Laboratory research, aerospace testing, and defense applications

These antennas provide accurate signal coupling, reliable transmit and receive performance, and repeatable measurement accuracy across a wide spectrum of operating frequencies.

Key Features and Performance Benefits

• Ultra-wide frequency coverage from 8.2 GHz to 500 GHz

• Consistent electrical performance across microwave and millimeter-wave bands

• Low gain variation for accurate measurements

• High directivity and excellent power handling

• Precision waveguide probe design for low loss and high efficiency

• Multiple standard waveguide flange interface options

• Custom probe antenna configurations available for specific frequency bands and applications

• Rugged construction suitable for laboratory, production, and field environments