The Frequency Nexus

A Waveguide rotary joint is a component in a microwave communication system which is used to connect two different radio frequency waveguides.

Waveguide rotary joint or WRJ in electronic phraseology is a component used to pass on the microwave energy-frequency-from the stationary lines to rotating lines. They are also known as rotating couplers or RF rotary joints.

They are made of two waveguide-to-coaxial transitions which are connected by a coaxial line. As axial cables are circular, the WRJ can rotate about it without hindering its performance.

Waveguide rotary joint differs among themselves in terms of physical dimensions, cross-sections and material used for its fabrication. It is noticed that most WRJ are rectangular, circular, or elliptic cross-sections. The most common materials used to fabricate a WRJ are aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, and silver.

However, WRJs are also made of stainless steel and specialty steels or caparisoned bi-metallic alloys. Dimensional details are the other parameters to consider for the said component.

Specifications of the waveguide rotary joint can vary depending upon the market being serviced by the manufacturers. However, WRJs are manufactured in accordance with the international electro-technical commission (IEC) standards. WRJs are also manufactured in accordance with the US military specifications.

It is important to take into account the general features before one narrows down the selection of WRJS. These features are single, double and quad-ridge has 1, 2 and 4 apertures respectively.

Some waveguide joints are flexible while others are twistable that interface with the circuitry through appropriate connectors. Raditek offers a whole range of these on its website.