Wideband Printed TM01 to TE11 Mode Converters

Different structures for three categories of the TM01-TE11 mode converters; i.e., dielectric loaded-based, metallic septum-based, and mode converter with intermediate modes; are proposed and investigated for the aim of wider operational bandwidth. The principles of operation of all mode converters are explained in detail. Thanks to 3D printing capabilities, the design can be very flexible and the optimal results are achieved using more complicated structures in an easy and realizable fabrication process. The simulation and measurement results of the proposed TM01-TE11 mode converters, including reflection coefficients and radiation patterns, show great conversion efficiency and wideband performances with fractional bandwidths up to 20.8%.