Optimizing the numerical port for inverted microstrip gap waveguide in full-wave simulators

Currently the inverted microstrip gap waveguide has been considered as a promising technology for millimeter wave wireless applications. Theoretically, the new structure may be considered as a two layer shielded structure where the bottom layer consists of an array of periodic metallic pins which works as an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC). However, it is difficult to evaluate electromagnetic properties and performance of the new waveguide by using traditional waveguide ports or discrete ports in available full-wave simulator. In order to solve the problem, this paper proposes an effective method to determine dimensions of traditional waveguide ports in existing commercial full wave simulator to be used while simulating the inverted microstrip gap waveguide structures. The procedure includes the analysis of quasi-TEM mode of the inverted microstrip gap waveguide and the corresponding size of the waveguide port, as well as the location and boundary conditions used in the simulation software. The numerical port proposed in this work is much better than the ports used previously.