Mi-Wave · Standard Gain Antennas
261 Series Standard Gain Horn Antennas
Traceable gain references from X-band to sub-terahertz
The Mi-Wave 261 series standard gain horns cover 8.2 GHz to 750 GHz. They are machined to tight tolerances so that the calibrated gain holds to within +/-0.5 dB across the full waveguide band, and each horn ends in a standard rectangular waveguide with a UG flange. Linear polarization is stable across the band, which is why antenna ranges use them as the reference. Whether the job is antenna calibration, RCS testing, radar validation or millimeter-wave link evaluation, the 261 series gives a repeatable radiation characteristic in both the lab and the field.
Overview
The Mi-Wave 261 series standard gain horns are built to high dimensional accuracy and span the full millimeter-wave and sub-terahertz range from X-band (8.2 GHz) to WR-1.5 (750 GHz), with more than 40 models and gain levels of 10 dBi to 25 dBi. Each horn attaches to a length of standard rectangular waveguide and ends in a MIL-standard flange, so it mates directly with common test equipment. The design is linearly polarized with well-defined E-plane and H-plane beamwidths, sidelobes 12 to 30 dB down depending on the model (20 dB / 20 dB on most), and a pattern that repeats from unit to unit. Before ordering, pick the waveguide band, then the gain level (20 dBi is the usual reference choice), and confirm the flange style, which changes from standard to miniature above V-band. The series is used on antenna ranges, in radar cross section (RCS) testing, RF system validation, satellite communications and millimeter-wave communication research wherever a traceable gain reference is needed.
Key specifications
| Frequency range | 8.2 GHz to 750 GHz (by model) |
|---|---|
| Gain levels | 10 dBi, 15 dBi, 20 dBi, 25 dBi (by model) |
| Gain calibration accuracy | +/-0.5 dB (over the full waveguide band) |
| Sidelobe suppression | 12 to 30 dB below the main beam (by model; most models are 20 dB E-plane / 20 dB H-plane) |
| Polarization | Linear |
| Waveguide interface (representative models) | WR-90, WR-75, WR-42, WR-28, WR-22, WR-19, WR-15, WR-12, WR-10, WR-08, WR-06, WR-05, WR-04, WR-3, WR-2.8, WR-2.2, WR-1.5 |
| Flange type (representative models) | UG-39, UG-595, UG-599/U, UG-383, UG-385, UG-387 (by band) |
| E-plane -3 dB beamwidth | 7 to 56 degrees (by model and gain) |
| H-plane -3 dB beamwidth | 9 to 57 degrees (by model and gain) |
| Ka-band representative models | 261A-10/599, 261A-15/599, 261A-20/599, 261A-25/599 (26.5 to 40 GHz, WR-28) |
| W-band representative models | 261W-10/387, 261W-15/387, 261W-20/387, 261W-25/387-FL (75 to 110 GHz, WR-10) |
| Highest band | WR-1.5 band, 500 to 750 GHz, 25 dBi gain |
Features
Precision machining
Every 261 series horn is machined to tight dimensional tolerances, so gain, beamwidth and pattern stay consistent from batch to batch and the reference can be trusted.
+/-0.5 dB gain calibration
Calibrated gain holds within +/-0.5 dB over the full waveguide band, meeting the traceability demands of antenna calibration and system qualification.
Very wide coverage
One family spans 8.2 GHz to 750 GHz, from X-band through Ka, V, W, D, G and J bands into the sub-terahertz range, with the same construction throughout.
Standard waveguide flanges
Each model attaches to rectangular waveguide and ends in a MIL-standard flange (UG-387, UG-599/U and others), connecting directly to common instruments and measurement systems.
Stable linear polarization
Linear polarization stays stable across the band; E-plane and H-plane patterns are symmetric and sidelobes sit 12 to 30 dB down depending on the model (20 dB on most), suiting demanding polarization and RCS measurements.
Four gain levels and custom options
Each band offers 10, 15, 20 and 25 dBi horns, and Mi-Wave can customize frequency range, waveguide interface, polarization and mechanical layout for system integration.
Typical applications
Antenna measurement
Antenna gain calibration and radiation pattern measurement
In an anechoic chamber or on a far-field range, the 261 series horn is the known-gain reference. Engineers take its calibrated gain (dBi) as the baseline and derive the absolute gain of the antenna under test by substitution, keeping results traceable to IEEE / ITU practice.
EMC testing
Radiating source for EMC radiated immunity testing
For radiated susceptibility (RS) tests from 18 GHz to 110 GHz, a 261 series horn is the directional source that produces a uniform, repeatable field at the equipment under test (EUT). With a power amplifier and field probe, labs reach the field strengths called for by MIL-STD-461 and DO-160 and verify immunity.
Radar and satellite R&D
Millimeter-wave radar and satellite ground station integration testing
During V-band (57 to 75 GHz) and W-band (75 to 110 GHz) radar or ground station development, engineers use a 261 series horn as the feed or test radiator to measure target radar cross section (RCS), evaluate transmit and receive link gain, and verify beam pointing in the chamber, shortening subsystem integration.
Options and configuration
Tick the models you need; we compile the list and carry it into the quote form.
Band and waveguide
Gain level
Flange interface
Downloads
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