WR-28 Low Power Termination
The WR-28 Low Power Termination is a precision-engineered waveguide component that provides an exact precision match for terminating unused ports during VNA calibration and testing. It is specifically designed for the 26.5 - 40 GHz frequency range, serving as a critical building block in Ka-Band infrastructure.
Low-power terminations prioritize absolute minimum VSWR over heat dissipation, using a highly engineered, delicate absorbing element designed for milliwatt-level measurement accuracy. At Ka-Band frequencies (26.5-40 GHz), WR-28 components must balance high power handling with the onset of millimeter-wave skin depth challenges. The 0.280" x 0.140" aperture is the workhorse for modern 5G networks and LEO satellite constellations.
Key Features
Compact Form Factor
Designed for bench-top and rack-mounted test setups where space and weight are critical considerations.
Precision Matched Load
Engineered for excellent return loss and VSWR performance across the full operating frequency band.
Laboratory Grade
Meets the exacting standards required for network analyzer calibration and precision RF measurements.
Corrosion Resistant
Gold-plated finish provides long-term environmental durability and consistent electrical performance.
Ka-Band Use Cases
5G NR Infrastructure
mmWave small cell routing
Satcom Terminals
Ka-band uplink/downlink
Airborne Radar
High-res targeting systems
Defense Comms
Secure point-to-point links
More Low Power Terminations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a low power termination be used for calibration?+
Yes. Low power terminations are frequently used as the "Load" standard during a Short-Short-Load-Thru (SSLT) calibration on a Vector Network Analyzer, requiring them to have near-perfect return loss (better than 30 dB).
Why is WR-28 the standard for early mmWave 5G?+
WR-28 covers the critical 28 GHz and 39 GHz 5G NR frequency bands (n257, n258, n260, n261). Its physical size allows for high power handling at base stations while maintaining low insertion loss before the signal is distributed to the phased array antenna elements.
What is the theoretical cut-off frequency for WR-28?+
The dominant TE10 mode cut-off frequency for a standard WR-28 waveguide is approximately 21.08 GHz. This guarantees single-mode propagation throughout the entire Ka-Band.