The Slotted-Waveguide Communication System of the Maglev Test Range in the Emsland, Germany

A high capacity communication link is described, which uses a slotted-waveguide as a transmission medium. The slotted-waveguide is a rectangular waveguide with a framed slot in its broadwall. The coupling structure, mounted to the moving Maglev vehicle, is plunging through this slot into the waveguiding region. The paper describes those elements which from the system-und component-designer's point of view are in particular inherent to the slotted-waveguide technology. Neglegible electromagnetic interference and high communication capacity makes the slotted waveguide attractive for mobile applications where sufficient track-holding is provided.