Waveguide combiner/divider having plural input/output ports with longitudinal extent

Abstract

A combiner/divider includes a plurality of input/output waveguides distributed in a plane and diverging in at least a partially common direction away from a central point. Each input/output waveguide extends from an outer node disposed distal of the central point to an inner port proximate to and spaced from the central point. Each input/output waveguide has a respective dimension in the plane that increases between the inner port and the outer node. An output/input waveguide has an aggregate port proximate to the central point and facing the inner ports. A transition waveguide defines an open cavity that flares outwardly in the plane from the aggregate port toward the inner ports and communicatively couples the output/input waveguide with the input/output waveguides. Opposing distal surfaces of the transition waveguide and inner port edges are spaced apart by a distance that decreases with increasing distance from the aggregate port.