WR-15 H-Plane Bend
The WR-15 H-Plane Bend is a precision-engineered waveguide component that redirects millimeter-wave signals by 90 degrees in the broad wall (H-field) plane. It is specifically designed for the 50 - 75 GHz frequency range, serving as a critical building block in V-Band infrastructure.
H-plane bends curve along the wider dimension of the rectangular waveguide cross-section, providing horizontal signal routing without inducing higher-order modes. WR-15 spans the 50-75 GHz V-Band. Its 0.148" x 0.074" dimensions are the standard for 60 GHz commercial backhaul networks and inter-satellite links (ISL) in low earth orbit constellations.
Key Features
H-Plane Geometry
Bend follows the broad wall (wider dimension) of the waveguide, routing signals horizontally while maintaining the narrow-wall dimension.
Low Insertion Loss
Optimized bend radius and CNC-machined interior walls ensure minimal signal degradation through the 90-degree turn.
Precision CNC Machined
Each bend is machined from a solid billet of OFHC copper, maintaining tight dimensional tolerances throughout the bend radius.
Gold-Plated Construction
Gold plating provides excellent conductivity, corrosion resistance, and consistent electrical performance over the component's service life.
V-Band Use Cases
Satellite Cross-links
In-orbit ISL data transfer
60 GHz ISM
Commercial backhaul
Auto Radar Test
Early generation sensors
Radiometry
Earth observation
More H-Plane Bends
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use an H-plane bend over an E-plane bend?+
H-plane bends are used when the signal needs to be routed horizontally across an optical table or chassis without twisting the polarization of the wave. The wider bend radius typically handles higher peak power than an E-plane bend.
How is WR-15 used in space applications?+
WR-15 is the standard for Inter-Satellite Links (ISL) in V-Band. Because there is no oxygen in space to absorb the 60 GHz signals, satellites can transmit massive amounts of data to each other using WR-15 feed networks and high-gain antennas without interference from Earth-based signals.
Are WR-15 components difficult to manufacture?+
Yes. At 75 GHz, the wavelength is only 4 millimeters. A manufacturing defect of just 0.1 mm inside a WR-15 component acts as a massive impedance mismatch. All RF Essentials WR-15 products undergo strict metrology and vector network analyzer testing.