MYAT Intros Elliptical Waveguide For Repack Chs.

MYAT Inc. is introducing the next generation of transmission waveguide for repack Chs. 14 to 36. This new product comes when many U.S. broadcasters who will be moving to new channels will also be making their transmission systems ATSC 3.0 capable.

According to Stephen Kolvek, MYAT director of coaxial products: “Because ATSC 3.0 operates at a higher peak-to-average power ratio, many antennas and transmission lines must be “up-sized” to meet the demand for increased voltage capacity. These larger antennas and feed lines, with the associated increase in wind load and weight, may challenge the capacity of many existing transmission towers.”

Elliptical waveguide can be a big help in lightening the load on transmission towers, the company says, adding that their elliptical shape gives it about half the wind load of traditional rectangular waveguide, and because it requires no bulky “shroud” to shed the wind, it weighs about a third less than traditional “sheathed” waveguide.  Finally, the shape of the ellipse itself provides the waveguide with tremendous dimensional and structural integrity, often eliminating the need for the countless “stiffening supports” often seen in rectangular waveguide installations. 

This increased dimensional integrity also gives elliptical waveguide more reliable electrical properties, MYAT says. Elliptical waveguide will maintain its electrical performance even with fluctuating ambient pressures.

MYAT will be at next month’s NAB Show (booth C1919).