Wideband waveguide to microstrip probe transition with LTCC technology

A novel broadband waveguide to microstrip probe transition based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology is presented and experimentally verified for the first time. To improve the bandwidth and impedance matching, a multilayer step-shape matching structure beneath the probe is buried in the LTCC substrate, which is implemented by installing conducting ground strips on different substrate layers connected by the staggered via side walls. A waveguide to microstrip probe transition is fabricated to verify the design with compact size. Measured results show good agreement with simulated results.