Improving the High Frequency Characteristics of SMA Connector to Microstrip Line Transition

The upper limit of the operating frequency of SMA connectors is about 18 GHz. Higher than this, expensive K connectors are needed. The goal of this proposal is to improve SMA-to-microstrip adapters such that the adapters can have better performance even above 18 GHz.. This can provide the academics and the industry a cheaper choice, reducing the cost of developing next generation communication devices. By adding an cylindrical tube to SMA connectors, the electromagnetic fields are confined in the tube, reducing the radiation effect at the transition. This results in enhancing the coupling from the SMA connector to a microstrip line. Through the verification of 3-D electromagnetic simulations, the tube is proved to be able to reduce insertion loss from 18 GHz to 30 GHz. In the first year of this project, this idea will be tested experimentally and the design of the connector will be completed. In the second year, by utilizing the result of the first year, SMA-to-CPW adapters will be developed.

Project ID:PB9808-2396
External Project ID:NSC98-2221-E182-011