What are Ridged Waveguides?

A waveguide with conducting ridges protruding into the center of the waveguide from the top wall or bottom wall or both walls, is called as a Ridged Waveguide. The ridges are parallel to the short wall of the waveguide. 

Single Ridged Waveguides: A rectangular waveguide with a single protruding ridge from the top or bottom wall is called a Single Ridged Waveguides.

Double Ridged Waveguides: A rectangular waveguide with a ridge from the top and bottom wall is called a Double Ridged Waveguide.

Ridged Waveguides tend to have a lower impedance and wider bandwidth in their fundamental mode when compared to regular rectangular waveguides. They also have a lower cut-off frequency and have lower power handling capabilities.

Advantages of Ridge Waveguide:

• Impedance Matching: These waveguides can be used for impedance matching as they decrease the characteristic impedance of the waveguide.
• Bandwidth: They offer higher bandwidth in comparison to the conventional waveguides.

Disadvantages of Ridge Waveguide:

• Power Handling: They offer lower power handling capability in comparison to the conventional rectangular waveguide of the same dimension.