Plasma microdischarge as power-induced limiter element in microstrip devices

The use of micro-hollow cathode sustained discharges (MCSD) as power-induced limiter elements in microstrip devices is proposed to protect receivers against high-power microwave (HPM) threats. The basic principle of the MCSD and its integration into a microstrip circuit are exposed. The power-limiting capability of such a solution has been experimentally assessed for three microstrip circuits, namely a microstrip transmission line, a microstrip ring filter, and a microstrip antenna.