Single-pole multiple-throw waveguide switch for twelve output ports (SP12T)

This paper addresses the design of a single-pole multiple-throw (SP12T) switch with twelve output ports in waveguide technology. The cumbersome and bulky routing waveguide networks required to deal with large number of ports in waveguide switches are reduced to a very compact structure that uses ridge waveguide junctions. The switch concept is provided by short circuit elements inside the ridge waveguides that select the signal path inside the waveguide structure. This concept avoids the use of complex rotary systems to provide path switching, resulting in an extremely compact network. A SP12T waveguide switch is built and tested to validate the concept. The fabricated prototype integrates the transitions to SMA outputs and metallic posts for the short-circuit elements. The experimental results show that the proposed approach provides a very compact structure, with design parameters that can be optimized depending on the targeted application.