Overview
IEC 61338-1:2004 - "Waveguide type dielectric resonators - Part 1: Generic specification" is an IEC international standard that defines generic requirements, terminology and selectable test/measurement procedures for waveguide‑type dielectric resonators of assessed quality. The standard covers resonators intended for microwave use (UHF/SHF ranges) and is aimed at components assessed by either capability approval or qualification approval procedures. It also provides definitions (for example relative permittivity, loss factor) and illustrations of common resonator modes and constructions (TE, TM, hybrid, multimode, coaxial, stripline, microstrip, coplanar).
Key Topics
- Scope and applicability: Applies to waveguide type dielectric resonators of assessed quality and lists test procedures appropriate for use in detail specifications.
- Terminology & characteristics: Definitions for dielectric material, absolute/relative permittivity, loss angle and loss factor; notes on required material properties (high dielectric constant, low loss, low temperature coefficient).
- Quality assessment procedures: Manufacturer approval, capability approval and qualification approval workflows; requirements for primary manufacture, subcontracting, screening, rework/repair and certified release records.
- Test & measurement procedures:
- Visual inspection and dimension/gauging
- Electrical test procedures (frequency, Q, permittivity-related measurements)
- Mechanical and environmental tests (referencing IEC environmental test standards)
- Test conditions and fixture guidance
- Order of precedence: How detail, sectional and generic specifications rank when discrepancies arise.
- Illustrations and measurement methods: Mode diagrams and recommended measurement fixtures and frequency response examples.
Applications
IEC 61338-1:2004 is practical for:
- Resonator manufacturers establishing quality systems, approval processes and test flows.
- Design engineers specifying resonators for microwave oscillators, filters and RF modules.
- Test laboratories selecting standardized electrical, mechanical and environmental tests.
- Procurement and quality managers writing detail specifications or qualifying suppliers under IECQ regimes.
- Use cases include RF/microwave oscillators, filter tuning elements, frequency control and selective applications in communications, radar and satellite subsystems.
Keywords: IEC 61338-1:2004, waveguide type dielectric resonators, dielectric resonators, test and measurement procedures, qualification approval, capability approval, relative permittivity, loss factor, microwave components.
Related Standards
- IEC 61338-1-3 (measurement method of complex relative permittivity at microwave frequency)
- IEC 61338-4 (sectional specification)
- IEC 60068 series (environmental testing)
- IEC 60027, IEC 60050 (symbols and vocabulary)
- ISO 1000 (SI units)
- IECQ / QC documents (quality assessment system for electronic components)
For specification writers and engineers, IEC 61338-1:2004 provides the foundational, generic requirements and test options to ensure consistent quality and interchangeability of waveguide type dielectric resonators.