WR-28 Straight Waveguide
The WR-28 Straight Waveguide is a precision-engineered waveguide component that provides ultra-low loss linear signal transmission for bridging gaps in RF systems. It is specifically designed for the 26.5 - 40 GHz frequency range, serving as a critical building block in Ka-Band infrastructure.
Straight waveguide sections are drawn or electroformed to exact tolerances, providing a pure, unperturbed environment for dominant TE10 mode propagation over fixed distances. At Ka-Band frequencies (26.5-40 GHz), WR-28 components must balance high power handling with the onset of millimeter-wave skin depth challenges. The 0.280" x 0.140" aperture is the workhorse for modern 5G networks and LEO satellite constellations.
Key Features
Low Insertion Loss
Engineered for minimal insertion loss and excellent Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) across the full Ka-band.
Gold Plated Finish
Gold plating provides superior corrosion resistance and ensures long-term signal reliability in demanding environments.
OFHC Copper Body
Oxygen-free high conductivity copper waveguide body with precision-machined brass flanges for superior performance.
Custom Lengths
Available in standard lengths. Custom dimensions manufactured to your exact system requirements on request.
Common Use Cases
5G NR Infrastructure
mmWave small cell routing
Satcom Terminals
Ka-band uplink/downlink
Airborne Radar
High-res targeting systems
Defense Comms
Secure point-to-point links
More Straight Waveguides
Frequently Asked Questions
Why use a straight waveguide instead of coaxial cable?+
At millimeter-wave frequencies, coaxial cables suffer from extreme dielectric loss and radiation leakage. A hollow straight waveguide removes the center conductor and dielectric, reducing insertion loss by over 80% compared to a coax cable.
Why is WR-28 the standard for early mmWave 5G?+
WR-28 covers the critical 28 GHz and 39 GHz 5G NR frequency bands (n257, n258, n260, n261). Its physical size allows for high power handling at base stations while maintaining low insertion loss before the signal is distributed to the phased array antenna elements.
What is the theoretical cut-off frequency for WR-28?+
The dominant TE10 mode cut-off frequency for a standard WR-28 waveguide is approximately 21.08 GHz. This guarantees single-mode propagation throughout the entire Ka-Band.