This section provides an overview for waveguides as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 15 waveguide manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked waveguide companies as of November, 2024: 1.Formerly Advanced Technical Materials Inc., 2.WaveOptics, 3.Fairview Microwave, Inc..
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Categories Related to Waveguides
A waveguide is a tube that passes electromagnetic waves in the vicinity of microwaves or millimeter waves.
In a broad sense, the term can be used for both sound waves and visible light and thus includes optical fibers, etc. However, it is generally used as the name of a tube for passing electromagnetic waves with wavelengths in the vicinity of microwaves and millimeter waves. It is a hollow tube structure with a square or circular cross section.
Microwaves are used in microwave ovens, etc., and are electromagnetic waves that are highly effective in warming objects. Because of their long wavelength, however, optical fibers cannot be used, and special microwave waveguides must be used to transmit the waves from the microwave source to the processing system.
Uses of waveguides are often for high-power microwave generators, radar antennas, and transmission of signals in the millimeter wave frequency band. For example, in the case of microwave ovens, a low-power microwave generator, such as a household microwave oven, has a magnetron installed inside the housing and can directly irradiate the microwaves.
However, at high power, the magnetron itself is destroyed by the microwaves, so the irradiation process must be carried out in a separate location. High-power microwaves can be supplied by connecting a waveguide to the processing chamber where the heating or other processing takes place.
Waveguides are also used in radar, where they serve as slot antennas for radio wave irradiation devices. As well, coaxial cables can be used for the evaluation of RF and other communication transmission, but in many cases, waveguides are used for sub THz applications in the millimeter wave band.
The principle of waveguide is based on the physical property that electromagnetic waves of the target frequency propagate inside the tube while forming propagation modes according to the shape of the tube. In the hollow-type structure often used in waveguides, there is no built-in conductor, so there is little internal loss, and it is possible to propagate electromagnetic waves of relatively high power.
As an example, electromagnetic waves with a frequency of 2.45 GHz often used in microwave ovens are also microwaves, and the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves in this microwave oven is 12.2 cm. To pass microwaves in a microwave oven, the diameter of the waveguide must be about the wavelength of 12.2 cm, and the longer the wavelength of the microwaves, the larger the diameter of the waveguide.
Thus, the design of the waveguide is based on the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave. Waveguides are generally rectangular in cross section, but there are also circular waveguides and ridge-shaped waveguides used for special purposes.
Waveguides have often been used in wireless communication systems such as radar and horn antennas in air traffic control towers, but recently they are increasingly being used to develop millimeter wave applications in next-generation wireless communication systems such as millimeter wave radar in automobiles and 5G/beyond 5G. In the past, coaxial cables were used in the microwave band.
Compared to conventional coaxial cables in the microwave band, the following points can be cited as advantages:
However, in addition to advantages, the following disadvantages also exist:
When the frequency is microwaved, coaxial cables are used more frequently, partly because of the ease of handling cables and partly because the frequency bandwidth is lower than that of a millimeter wave. However, in the millimeter wave band, especially in the high frequency range, including D-band from 110 GHz, coaxial cables, except for some products, are inadequate in terms of characteristics, so waveguides are generally used in many cases.
In the case of waveguides, it is necessary to select a waveguide size that is compatible with various application frequencies. In particular, in the case of a millimeter wave, it may not be possible to use a waveguide with a different flange standard. For your information, "WR-xxx" for waveguide size means "square waveguide," and the number xxx indicates the inner width of the waveguide in one-hundredths of an inch.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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NARDA-ATM, formerly known as Advanced Technical Materials Inc. and acquired by Narda-MITEQ in 2016, is an American manufacturer based in Hauppauge, New York, specializing in microwave and radio frequency (RF) components. NARDA-ATM offers a wide range of components, including coaxial, waveguide, Ka-band satellite communication (satcom), and space-qualified microwave components. These components can be manufactured to meet commercial standards or full military specifications, such as military flight and space quality standards. Equipped with microwave measurement capability up to 50 GHz, as well as Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machining equipment, NARDA-ATM offers custom component design and manufacturing services.
Fairview Microwave was established in 1992 in Lewisville, TX, and is a manufacturer of RF and microwave components for industrial automation, military defense, telecom-broadband, commercial electronics, and building automation industries. Its RF product catalog includes RF noise source generators, RF power dividers and tappers, RF coaxial surge protector lightning, RF connector dust caps, and RF power combiners. The company also designs bias tees, calibration kits, frequency synthesizers, impedance matching pads, and hybrid couplers. It provides cable phase matching, 3D CAD drawings, and RF cable design services.
FiberPlex Technologies, LLC is based in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, and is a fiber optic communications systems manufacturer that was originally established in 1987 before its acquisition by The Siemon Company in 2017. The company primarily produces fiber optic converters for converting electrical signals to optical signals, fiber optic extenders for enhancing the bandwidth and/or range of data signals, and isolators for eliminating interference in fiber optic networks. It also offers related accessories such as attenuators, patch cords, and power supplies. The company’s products are used mainly by clients in the media, military, and telecommunications sectors.
CoberMuegge LLC is a manufacturer and supplier of Microwave Power Sources based in Connecticut, established in 1991. The company provides microwave generators, power supplies, magnetron heads as microwave power sources, and custom waveguide and waveguide components. They also deal in measuring devices such as Diode Detectors, Impedance Analyzer, and Leakage Detectors which are required for developing a microwave cavity or waveguide system. These components benefit various industries that require microwave technology for heating, communication, or sensing applications.
A-Alpha Waveguide was established in 1979, California as a manufacturer of Precision Cold Drawn Waveguide Tubing. The company designs waveguide thin wall tubing to tolerances of plus or minus one-thousandth of an inch (+ – .001) and has designed many new industry products such as Cast Bends, double rigid and rectangular flanges that have applications in satellites, radars, and many other types of communications. The company serves the electronics industry with its various components.
Microtech, Inc. has been known as a manufacturer and supplier of waveguide components since 1954 and is based in Connecticut. The company designs flexible and rigid waveguide assemblies as well as passive microwave components which are inclusive of rectangular waveguide components, double-ridged components, couplers, rotary joints, terminations, and more. These components have applications in radar, satellites, avionics, communication, and defense, which helps them serve telecommunications, military, marine, aerospace, and other commercial customers.
QuinStar Technology, Inc., established in 1993, is an American manufacturer located in Torrance, California, specializing in millimeter-wave (MMW) and radio frequency (RF) technology and solutions. QuinStar offers a range of high-performance active and passive RF components. They also provide fully integrated and customized MMW assemblies and subsystems, including miniature transceivers, broadband receivers, antenna subsystems, and communication front ends. These products, assemblies, and subsystems are extensively used in the commercial, scientific, and defense sectors for digital and analog sensors, communication, and test applications. QuinStar is also involved in space programs, contributing to engineering development, design studies, and the production of flight hardware.
Lieder Development was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in California, USA as a manufacturer of waveguide components. It designs passive waveguide products such as flanges, waveguide bends and assemblies, rigid straight sections and flange adapters, Broadwall directional couplers, and more and these devices transmit electromagnetic waves through hollow metal tubes that are used for various applications like the transmission of signals, and capability of handling high bandwidth, low loss, and high power. These products help the Aerospace, medical, and Telecommunications industries to name a few.
PennEngineering, established in 1942 in Danboro, Pennsylvania, USA, is a manufacturer and supplier of fastening solutions. The company's main products include self-clinching nuts, studs, and standoffs, as well as inserts, spacers, and access hardware, used in various industries such as electronics, aerospace, and automotive. PennEngineering's fastening solutions play a crucial role in providing secure joining of components, ensuring structural integrity and performance. PennEngineering collaborates with clients to provide efficient solutions for their fastening needs. The company's aim for quality and precision has made them a dependable partner for businesses seeking good performance in fastening solutions.
Pasternack headquartered in Irvine, California, is part of the Infinite Electronics family of brands, established in 1972 by Murray Pasternack, as a supplier of RF and Microwave components. The company retails various types of products, including connectors, switches, cables, couplers, and filters. They have over 40,000 in-stock products and have partnered with 19 international distributors serving customers in over 35 countries. The company offers contract assembling, where they assemble custom Cables for same-day shipping. The company earned the ISO 9001 certification in 2015 and offers expert technical support and 24/7 customer service.
IMC Industries has been a manufacturer of antennas since 1987 and is based in Israel. The company designs antennas ranging from 20MHz to 42GHz, integrated video, telemetry, and tracking digital receivers, transmitters, and transceivers along with RF modules, microwave components, and data link communication systems for defense, HLS, and civilian applications. There are also various systems for Data Link and Flight Termination systems and these products provide solutions for aerospace, ground, and maritime platforms.
Keyi Industrial, established in 1992, based in Shanghai, China, is a sheet and tube fabrication specialist and manufacturer. The company specializes in custom fabrication with a wide range of metals such as steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Their product solutions portfolio includes metal cutting, roll forming, welding fabrication, stamping press, and bending fabrication, among others. The company has advanced production facilities for services such as metal cutting, forming and welding, and extensive metal surface treatment for customized metal parts. They also provide various metal surface treatments covering zinc plating, coating hot dip galvanization, painting, and sherardizing.
WaveOptics was established is 2014 as a manufacturer of optical engines and is based in Oxford, UK. The company provides optical engines for augmented reality (AR) wearables with one, two, or three-plate waveguide solutions ranging between 15° – 60° fields of view and is inclusive of projectors, AR smart glasses, and other waveguide devices. These waveguide instruments create immersive and interactive experiences for users, such as overlaying virtual characters, objects, and environments that are exclusive to the entertainment and gaming industry.
UIY Inc., established in 2003 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is a designer, manufacturer, and supplier of RF and microwave communication components and devices. The company's products include RF isolators, RF circulators, and TX-RX combiners and splitters. These products are used for aviation communications, coaxial cable telecommunication, and data transmission systems. It works with original equipment manufacturers and private label clients to produce custom products on demand. It serves sectors that include military, aerospace, and space technology.
Smiths Interconnect Canada Inc., headquartered in London, England, is a manufacturer of connectivity solutions. The company provides technically differentiated electronic components, subsystems, optical and radio frequency products that connect, protect and control critical applications in mainly energy, defence, aerospace and industrial market segments. Its product portfolio includes connectors, board test fixture probes and defence antenna systems. It has 21 sales, R&D and manufacturing locations in 12 countries, including Canada, US and UK. The company complies with multiple quality, safety and environmental standards including ISO, RoHS and REACH.
Ranking as of November 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Formerly Advanced Technical Materials Inc. |
15.8%
|
2 | WaveOptics |
10.6%
|
3 | Fairview Microwave, Inc. |
9.1%
|
4 | CoberMuegge |
8.1%
|
5 | Microtech, Inc. |
7.4%
|
6 | QuinStar Technology, Inc. |
6.9%
|
7 | FiberPlex Technologies, LLC |
6.7%
|
8 | A-Alpha Waveguide Inc. |
6.4%
|
9 | IMC Industries |
6.2%
|
10 | Lieder Development Inc. |
6.2%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the waveguide page as of November 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
United States of America | 10 | 76.9% |
Israel | 1 | 7.7% |
China | 1 | 7.7% |
United Kingdom | 1 | 7.7% |
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