Design of compact SIW-based multi-aperture coupler for Ku-band applications

Abstract

In this paper, two compact multi-aperture substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) couplers are proposed for Ku-band applications. These couplers are designed using ray-tracing method (RTM). RTM is a simple method that can be used for initial design of SIW multi-aperture couplers (MACs). In order to reduce the size of the MAC, two rows of vias are inserted at two sides of SIWs, along the coupling apertures. Then, two structures are proposed and analyzed using RTM. The length of the coupling aperture is reduced by 15% and 26% for the first and second designs, respectively. The proposed structures are simulated and optimized using HFSS software. The results show that the couplers have good return loss, high isolation between output ports, and a broadband frequency bandwidth.