Ferrite Microwave Technologies (FMT) is the global leader in the manufacture of high-power microwave circulators and isolators since 1983. Our designs ensure high reliability where failure cannot be tolerated. FMT’s circulators and isolators are manufactured in waveguide and coaxial configurations. We specialize in sizes from WR28 to WR2300 for waveguide, and SMA to 14-inch diameter for coaxial. The legacy high power microwave circulators and isolators delivered by Ferrite provide very low insertion loss, with very high isolation.
High Power Circulators & Isolators
- Designs: 3-Port & 4-Port
- Coaxial: Type N to 14-inch
- Waveguide: WR28 to WR2300
- Power Levels: 5 W to well over 50 MW
- Frequency Ranges: 50 MHz to 50 GHz
- Frequencies Supported: UHF, L, S, C, X, Ku, K, & Ka Bands
Circulators
- Often used as isolators or duplexers
- Use magnetic fields to influence how the energy moves in the system
- Typically 3-Port (Junction) or 4-Port (Differential Phase Shift) Circulators
Isolators
- Act as one way valves for energy
- Protect RF power sources from reflected power
- Direct reflections away from the power source, usually into a dummy load
FMT: Unique Designs
When failure isn’t an option, our high power components provide you with unique capabilities in protection and detection. It is important to note that achievable power levels are dependent upon a variety of factors. These include pulse length, pulse repetition rate, pressure level, and type.
Ferrite Microwave Technologies unique design capabilities include:
- Liquid Cooled
- Custom Flanges
- High Peak Power
- High Average Power
- Convection Cooled
“Y” or “T” Junction Style
- 3-Port devices
- Smaller footprint
- Typically lower in cost
- Lower power handling capability
- More sensitive to temperature variations
Differential Phase Shift Style
- 4-Port devices
- Larger footprint
- Often more expensive
- Higher power handling capabilities
- Less sensitive to temperature variations
High Power Microwave Circulators & Isolators: Applications & Uses
The applications for high power microwave circulators and isolators ranges from radar systems (weather, air traffic control, military), to accelerators (scientific and medical), to communications systems, and industrial microwave settings. FMT’s circulator and isolator solutions are ideal for most environments. This includes land based, mobile, naval, and airborne military applications. In these settings, we take high shock, vibration, and temperature extremes into consideration. In addition, our devices are utilized for source protection with Magnetrons, TWT’s, Klystrons, and Solid State Amplifiers.
Waveguide
FMT’s comprehensive line of high-power circulators and isolators in waveguide configurations are available in sizes from WR28 to WR2300.
Coaxial
Ferrite Microwave Technologies high power microwave circulators & isolators in coaxial configurations are available in sizes SMA to 14-inch.
Circulators & Isolators:
Peak vs. Average Power
The peak power capability of a circulator is dependent on the dielectric properties and gas pressure within the system, as well as the geometry of the components within the device itself.
The average power dissipated in a circulator is proportional to the insertion loss. The greatest contribution to insertion loss the ferrite material selected for use. Insertion loss results in heating of the ferrite. This can impact performance, if not mitigated. This heating can also impact the biasing magnets, increasing the complexity involved in maintaing a stable environment.
FMT’s high power microwave circulators and isolators place emphasis on the selection and bias point of ferrite material to minimize insertion loss, and maximize isolation at the frequency, bandwidth, and power level of interest.
