MAHALAKSHMI

ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

UNIT – IV
GUIDED WAVES BETWEEN PARALLEL PLANES
Part – A (2 Marks)

1. Compare TE and TM mode. (Nov/Dec 2012)

TE TM

Electric field strength E is entirely transverse. Magnetic field strength H is entirely

transverse.
It has z component of magnetic field Hz. It has z component of electric field Ez.

It has no z component of electric field Ez (Ez = It has no component of magnetic field Hz (Hz
0). = 0).

2. What is the need for attenuator? (Nov/Dec 2012)

An attenuator is a device that reduces the amplitude or power of a signal without
distorting its waveform. In transmission equipments, it is required to suppress or reduces the
levels of current and voltage at certain points for which attenuators are used.

3. The electric field in free space is given by E = 50 cos [108 y v/m. Find the
direc ion of w ve prop g ion nd . (Apr/M y 2011)
E = 50 cos [108 y v/m
ω = 108
v = ω/
= ω/v = ω/c = 108 / (3 x 108) = 0.33
Wave is propagated in Z direction.

4. Define skin depth. (Apr/May 2011)

It is the depth breadth the surface of a conductor, which is carrying current at a given
frequency due to EM waves incident on its surface, at which the current density drops to one
Neper below the current density at the surface.

5. What is Bessel function? (Nov/Dec 2010)

The Bessel function is the solution of the Bessel differential equation.
X y’’ y’ ( 2 – n2) y = 0
2

Bessel functions are also known as cylinder functions or cylindrical harmonics.

6. Define the cutoff frequency for the guided waves. (Nov/Dec 2010)
The frequency (fC) at which the wave motion ceases is called the cutoff frequency of
the wave guide.

7. Write down the relationship between phase velocity and group velocity. (Nov/Dec 2011)
(Apr/May 2010)
Phase velocity:
It is defined as the rate at which the wave changes its phase as the wave propagates
inside the region between the plates.
VP = v/(√1-(fC/f)2)
Or
VP = ω/

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

VP = 3.21 x 108m/s

Group velocity:
Vg = v2/ VP = (3 x 108)2 / (3.21 x 108)
Vg = 2.308 x 108 m/s
8. Write down the equations for characteristics impedance for TM and TE waves.
(Nov/Dec 2011)
ZTM = ηi (√1-(fC/f)2)
ZTM in a wave guide with a loss less dielectric is purely resistive and is always less
than the intrinsic impedance of the medium.
ZTE = η / (√1-(fC/f)2)
ZTE in a wave guide with a loss less dielectric is purely resistive and is always larger
than the intrinsic impedance of the medium.

9. Wri e he M well’s equ ion. (M y/Jun 2012)

=( ω
=- ω

10. What is meant by dominant mode? What is the dominant mode for parallel plate wave
guide? (May/Jun 2012)
The mode which has the lowest cut off frequency is called dominant mode. TE10
mode is the dominant mode in parallel plate waveguide.

11. Plot the frequency versus attenuation characteristics curve of TM and TE waves guided
between parallel conducting plates. (Nov/Dec 2008)

TM
Attenuation

TE

f/fC

12. Enumerate the properties of TEM waves between parallel planes of perfect conductors.
(Nov/Dec 2008)
 Velocity of propagation of TEM wave in parallel plane guide is equal to velocity of
light.
 Fields are perpendicular to each other.
= C = 0, / =η

13. What are the characteristics of TEM wave? (May/Jun 2009) (May/Jun 2013)
 The fields are entirely transverse.
 Along the direction normal to the direction of propagation, the amplitude of the field
components are constant.

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

 The velocity of propagation is given by,

V = 1 /(√ 0 0) = C.
Thus, the velocity of TEM wave is independent of the frequency, unlike TE and TM waves.

14. Wri e M well’s equ ions in poin form. (M y/Jun 2009)

̅
=

15. What is meant by dominant mode of the wave? (May/Jun 2009)

Dominant mode is that the mode for which the highest cutoff wavelength or lowest
frequency.

16. Write the expressions for the wave impedance of TE and TM waves between parallel
planes. (Nov/Dec 2009)
Wave impedance for TE waves:
Z+yx =
√ ( )

Z=
√
Wave impedance of TM waves:
√
Z=
√
2
Z=

17. Give the expressions for the cutoff wavelength and propagation constant of TE waves
between parallel planes. (Nov/Dec 2009)
Cutoff wavelength :
λC = 2a / m
Propagation constant :
γ = √(mπ/a)2 – ω2

18. Define cutoff frequency. (Apr/May 2010) (Nov/Dec 2010)

λC = 2a / m

19. For a frequency of 6GHz and plane separation of 3cm, find the ground and phase
velocities for the dominant mode. (Nov/Dec 2010)
f = 6 GHz
λ0 = 29/m = 6 cm
Let,
= √1 – (λ/λ0)2 = 0.553
Phase velocity = C/P = (3x108) / 0.553
= 5.42 x 108 m/s
Group velocity = CP = (3x108) (0.553)
= 1.659 x 108 m/s

20. The electric field in free space is given by E = 50 cos[108 y v/m. Find he direc ion
of w ve prop g ion nd . (Apr/M y 2011)
= ω/C , ω = 108 , C = 3 x 108 m/s
= 108 /(3 x 108) = 0.333 rad/m.

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

21. Define skin depth. (Apr/May 2011)

Skin depth is a measure of depth to which an EM wave can penetrate the medium,
δ = 1 / √(π

Part – B (16 marks)

1. Derive the equations that are the result of introduction of restrictions on time to
m well’s equ ions. (Nov/Dec 2011)
The electromagnetic waves that are guided along or over conducting or dielectric
surfaces are called guided waves. Examples of guided waves are the electromagnetic waves
along ordinary parallel wire and coaxial transmission lines, waves in waveguides and the
w ves h re guided long he e r h’s sur ce rom r dio r nsmi er o he receiver.
Consider an electromagnetic eave propagating between a pair of parallel perfectly
conducting planes of infinite extent in y and z directions.
M well’s equ ion will be solved to determine the electromagnetic field
configurations in the rectangular region.
M well’s equ ions or non-conducting rectangular region are given as,
= ω
=- ω

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

EC 2305 – TRANSMISSION LINES AND WAVEGUIDES -V SEM ECE

 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

EC 2305 – TRANSMISSION LINES AND WAVEGUIDES -V SEM ECE

 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

EC 2305 – TRANSMISSION LINES AND WAVEGUIDES -V SEM ECE

 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

2. Derive the field equations for TE waves between parallel planes. (Nov/Dec 2011)
(May/Jun 2012) (Nov/Dec 2010) (May/Jun 2013)
Transverse electric (TE) waves are the waves in which the electric field strength E is
entirely transverse. It has a magnetic field strength HZ in the propagation and no component
of electric field EZ in the same direction. (EZ = 0)

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

Each value of m specifies a particular field of configuration or mode and the wave
associated with m is designated as TEm0 wave or TEm0 mode.
If m = 0, then all the fields become zero Ey =0, Hx = 0, Hz = 0. Therefore, the lowest
value of m = 1. The lowest order mode is TE10. This is called the dominant mode in TE
waves.
The field strength of TE waves are,
z
Ey = C1 sin ([mπ/ e-
z
Hx = (- / ω C1 sin ([mπ/ e-
z
Hz = ( mπ/ω C1 cos ([mπ/ e-

These are the field strengths of TE waves.

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

3. Sketch the field lines of TE1 mode in parallel plate waveguides. (May/Jun 2012)

Transverse electric (TE) waves are the waves in which the electric field strength E is entirely
transverse. It has a magnetic field strength HZ in the propagation and no component of electric
field EZ in the same direction. (EZ = 0)

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

Each value of m specifies a particular field of configuration or mode and the wave associated
with m is designated as TEm0 wave or TEm0 mode.
If m = 0, then all the fields become zero Ey =0, Hx = 0, Hz = 0. Therefore, the lowest value of
m = 1. The lowest order mode is TE10. This is called the dominant mode in TE waves.
The field strength of TE1 waves are,
z
Ey = C1 sin ([π/ e-
z
Hx = (- / ω C1 sin ([π/ e-
z
Hz = ( π/ω C1 cos ([π/ e-

These are the field strengths of TE1 mode.

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

4. Explain TEM and TM cases for attenuation with planes of finite conductivity. (Nov/Dec
2011) (Nov/Dec 2009) (Nov/Dec 2010)

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

Attenuation factor for TEM waves:

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

5. Discuss the transmission of TM waves between parallel planes. (May/Jun 2012)

(Nov/Dec 2009) (Apr/May 2010) (Nov/Dec 2012)
Transverse Magnetic waves:
TM waves are the waves in which the magnetic field strength H is entirely transverse.
It has an electric field strength EZ in the direction of propagation and no component of
magnetic field HZ in the same direction (HZ = 0).

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

This is also a differential equation of simple harmonic motion. The solution of this
equation is,
Hy = C3 sinhx + C4coshx
Where C3 and C4 are arbitrary constants. If Hy is expressed in time and direction, the solution
becomes,
Hy = (C3 sinhx + C4coshx) e-eγz
The boundary condition cannot be applied directly to Hy to determine the arbitrary
constants C3 and C4 because the tangential component of H is not zero at the surface of a
conductor. However, EZ can be obtained in terms of Hz.

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

The transverse magnetic wave associated with the integer m is designated as TM m0

wave or TMm0 mode. If m = 0 all the fields will not be equal to zero ie., Ex and Hy exist and
only Ez = 0. In the case of TM waves there is a possibility of m = 0.
I he w ve prop g es wi hou enu ion (α = 0 , he prop g ion cons n become γ
= . The ields s reng h or TM w ves be ween p r llel conduc ing pl nes re,

The field distribution of TM10 wave between parallel planes are,

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

6. Write the instantaneous field expression for TM1 mode in parallel plate waveguides.
(May/Jun 2012)
Transverse Magnetic waves:
TM waves are the waves in which the magnetic field strength H is entirely transverse.
It has an electric field strength EZ in the direction of propagation and no component of
magnetic field HZ in the same direction (HZ = 0).

This is also a differential equation of simple harmonic motion. The solution of this
equation is,
Hy = C3 sinhx + C4coshx
Where C3 and C4 are arbitrary constants. If Hy is expressed in time and direction, the solution
becomes,
Hy = (C3 sinhx + C4coshx) e-eγz
The boundary condition cannot be applied directly to Hy to determine the arbitrary
constants C3 and C4 because the tangential component of H is not zero at the surface of a
conductor. However, EZ can be obtained in terms of Hz.

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 MAHALAKSHMI
ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

The transverse magnetic wave associated with the integer m is designated as TM m0

wave or TMm0 mode. If m = 0 all the fields will not be equal to zero ie., Ex and Hy exist and
only Ez = 0. In the case of TM waves there is a possibility of m = 0.
I he w ve prop g es wi hou enu ion (α = 0 , he prop g ion cons n become γ
= . The ields s reng h or TM1 waves between parallel conducting planes are,

(Since m =1)

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

The field distribution of TM10 wave between parallel planes are,

7. A TE10 mode is propagated through a waveguide wi h α = 10 cm frequency of 2.5

GHz. Find cutoff wavelength, phase velocity, group velocity and wave impedance.
(May/Jun 2009)
Given:
a = 10 cm = 10 X 10-2 m = 0.1m
f = 2.5 GHz = 2.5 X 109 Hz
TE10 mode ie., m = 1, n = 0
The free space wavelength is given by,
λ0 = c/f = (3 X 108) / (2.5 X 109) = 0.12 m.

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
TIRUCHIRAPALLI-621213.

8. A parallel perfectly conducting plates are separated 5 cm in air and carries a signal with
frequency of 10 GHz in TM11 mode. Find the cut-off frequency and cutoff wavelength.
(Nov/Dec 2008)

a = 5 cm
Air as medium
f = 10GH, TM11 mode.
FC = 1 / 2 √
= 1 / (2 x 5 x 10-2 √4π 10-7 (1/36π 10-9)
= 0.3 x 1010 Hz
λC = 2a/1 = 10 cm

9. Discuss on the characteristics of TE, TM and TEM waves between parallel conducting
planes. (Nov/Dec 2008) (Apr/May 2010) (May/Jun 2013)
The transverse electric and transverse magnetic waves between parallel conducting
planes exhibit some interesting properties. It is quite different from those of uniform plane
waves in free space. These properties can be studied by investigating the propagation constant
for these waves.

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
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Attenuation constant decreases when frequency increases. The expression for the
attenuation constant due to dielectric loss TE waves between parallel plates is the same as that for
TM waves.
For very high frequencies,

The prop g ion cons n γ becomes purely n im gin ry qu n i y

Under these conditions attenuation of these waves will be zero and the waves will
progress in the z direction.

As the frequency is decreased, a critical frequency is reached at which

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
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The frequency fc at which wave the motion ceases, is called the cut-off frequency of
the guide.
Below the cut-off frequency the wave propagation cannot occur and the phase shift is
zero. Above the cut-off frequency, the wave propagation does occur and the attenuation of the
wave is zero.
fc = (m / 2a)v
where, velocity v = 1 / √(

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
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If the dielectric medium between the two planes is air, then the velocity becomes free
space velocity.
v0 = c = 1 /(√ 0 0) = 3 X 108 m/s
as the frequency is reduced from extremely high value to cut-off frequency (fc) the
phase velocity of the wave varies from free space velocity to an infinitely large value.

10. Derive the expressions for the field components of TEM waves. (Apr/May 2010)
(May/Jun 2009) (Nov/Dec 2012)
It is a special type of transverse magnetic wave in which electric field E along the
direction of propagation is also zero. The transverse electromagnetic (TEM) waves are waves
in which both electric and magnetic fields are transverse entirely but has no component of E Z
and HZ . It is referred to as principal waves.

The field strength for TM waves are,

Hy = C4 cos ( ) e- z
z
Ex = ( ) e-
Ez = ( ) e- z
For TEM waves Ez = 0 and the minimum value of m = 0.
Hy = C4 e- z
Ex = e- z
Ez = 0
These fields are not only entirely transverse, but they are constant in amplitude between
parallel planes.
Characteristics :
For the lowest value m = 0 and dielectric is air.
rop g ion cons n γ = √(0 – ω2 0 0 = ω √( 0 0)
= ω √( 0 0)
Veloci y v = ω/ = 1 / √( 0 0) = c
W veleng h λ = 2π/ = c/
Unlike TE and TM waves, the velocity of TEM wave is independent of frequency and has the
value of c = 3 x 108 m/s.

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
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The cutoff frequency for TEM waves is zero.

fc = m / 2 (√ =0
This means that for TEM waves, all frequencies down to zero can propagate along the guide.
The ratio of E to H between the parallel planes for a travelling wave is
│ / │= √( 0 0)

11. A TEM wave at 1 MHz propagates in the region between conducting planes which is
filled wi h dielec ric m eri l of μr = 1 nd εr = 2. Find the phase constant and
characteristics wave impedance. (Nov/Dec 2010)
f = 1MHz
r=1
r=2
h se cons n ( = ω√π
Where = 0 r = 4 x 10-7 0 = 4π 10-7
= 0 r = 1/36π 10-9 ; 0 = 1/36π 10-9
= ω√π
= (2π 1 106) √(4π 10-7 (1/36π 10-9)
= 29.63 rad/m
Characteristics wave impedance (Z0 = √π = 266.39Ω.

12. Write a brief note on the manner of wave travel and their velocities between parallel
planes. (Nov/Dec 2010)
Consider an electromagnetic wave travelling in positive z direction, propagates
through a w veguide o wid h ‘ ’.
x

a z

The ngle θ is he ngle m de by he w ve wi h he w lls o he guide. This

angle made by the wave, with the walls and the direction of the wave, depends on the
frequency and the distance between two walls ie., a. for each of the component waves, the
componen o elec ric ield will be in y-direc ion, while h o he m gne ic ield will be
in x-z plane which is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the wave considered.
To satisfy the boundary conditions, at the walls of the guide, the total electric field
due to two component wave must be equal to zero. So it is possible only if Ez is zero at the
walls and non-zero at points between the walls. This condition demands that the distance of
separation between two walls ie., a must be some multiple of a half wavelength measured in
the perpendicular direction. Thus the condition is given by,
= mλ/2
Hence the wavelength is given by,
λ = 2 /m

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ENGINEERING COLLEGE
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This w veleng h is c lled cu o w veleng h wi h he v lue o λ equ l o cu o

wavelength, the waves bounce back and forth between the wall of the guide. This clearly
indic es h here is no w ve mo ion p r llel o he is. Bu i he v lue o λ is sm ller s
compared to the cutoff wavelength, then the waves travel almost parallel to the axis of the
guide.
The wavelength of the wave is given by,
λ = λ/ (√1- (mλ/2 2)
The phase velocity is given by,
v = c / (√ (mλ/2 2)
The velocity with which energy propagates is given by,
vg = c / √1- (mλ/2 2
The product of the phase velocity and the velocity with which energy propagates is
equal to the square of the velocity in free space.
(v (vg) = c2

13. Derive the relation among phase velocity, group velocity and free space velocity.
(Nov/Dec 2012)
The velocity with which the energy propagates along a guide is called group velocity.
It is denoted by,
vg = dω / d
I he requency spre d o he group is sm ll enough dω / d m y be considered o be
constant throughout the group. It is always less than the free space velocity c.

Phase velocity is defined as the velocity of propagation of equiphase surfaces along a

guide. It is denoted by,
vp = ω /
It is always greater than the free space velocity c.
The phase shift is given by,
= √(ω2 – [mπ / 2)
Squaring on both sides,
2
= ω2 – [mπ / 2
Differentiating the above expression,
2 d = 2ω dω – 0
dω / d = / ω = 1 / [(ω/
vg = v2 / vp
where, vg = dω / d group veloci y
vp = ω / ph se veloci y
v=1/√ ree sp ce veloci y
The product of group velocity and phase velocity is the square of free space velocity.
vg vp = v2 = c2

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