WG and WR waveguide dimensions and sizes

- RF waveguide dimensions, waveguide sizes, cut off frequencies and other waveguide data for WR waveguide and WG waveguide systems.

Waveguide tutorial includes:

    •  Waveguide basics
    •  Waveguide theory
    •  Waveguide impedance
    •  Waveguide cutoff frequency
    •  Flexible waveguide
    •  Waveguide couplers and transitions
    •  Waveguide dimensions and sizes
    •  Waveguide flanges
    •  Waveguide junctions
    •  Waveguide directional coupler
    •  Waveguide bends

RF waveguides used for the transmission of radio frequency energy come in a variety of sizes and designations such as WG waveguide and WR waveguide are seen in the specifications and literature.Waveguide sizes and waveguide dimensions determine the properties of the RF waveguide, including parameters such as the waveguide cut off frequency and many other properties.

Waveguide sizes are standardised to enable waveguides from different manufacturers to be used together. In this way the industry is able to benefit from the ability to use waveguide with known properties, etc.

Waveguide size standards

There are a number of different standards for waveguides. These tend tob e country specific. Some of the major standards include:

• WR waveguide system:   EIA designation (Standard US) using a WR designator to indicate the size
• WG waveguide system:   RCSC Designation (Standard UK)

Both systems are in widespread use and enable the waveguide sizes to be matched and known>.

WG waveguide sizes and dimensions

The figures given below are for rigid rectangular waveguides, as these are the most common form of waveguide used.

* waveguide cut off frequency in GHz and for TE10 mode
Alum = Aluminium

US WR waveguide sizes

The WR waveguide designation system is used within the USA and is also widely used in many other areas around the globe. Like the WG waveguide sizes, the WR waveguide designations start with the letters WR.

It can be seen from the table that the WR number is taken from the internal measurement in mils of the wider side of the waveguide.

The waveguide dimensions are of great importance as they determine the operating range of the waveguide. The standard waveguide sizes also enable complete coverage of the frequency spectrum, and choice of the particular waveguide size for a given application should take account of the frequency range required as well as other considerations including loss, mechanical size and weight, etc..

By Ian Poole

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