Electromagnetic and thermal study of low loss and compact air dielectric stripline in X-band

The concept of a microwave transmission line suspended in air, and a methodology for electromagnetic and thermal optimisation of these structures in X-band (8-12 GHz) are reported. A reliable printed circuit process allows us to obtain compact, low loss and reproducible stripline structures. The measured stripline circuits demonstrate losses from only 4.2 to 5.2 dB/m at 9 GHz. The use of periodic ceramic contacts increases the power capability up to 50 W. The final structure is low loss and compact with high power handling in order to be used in power combination in the X-band.