A high power, low loss RF strip transmission line coupling structure is
provided. It includes a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB), a top
cover and a bottom cover. The top and bottom covers provide the ground
reference for the strip transmission line coupling structure. The PCB is
fastened to the top and bottom covers and is used for: creating the
center conductor of an air dielectric strip transmission line and edge
coupler; providing a means to transition from microstrip to air
dielectric strip transmission line; supporting the air dielectric strip
transmission line; routing of other signals; and passing ground to the
top and bottom covers. To create an air dielectric strip transmission
line, the PCB material is adequately removed to effectively form a
rectangular bar of dielectric and metal layers. This rectangular bar is
plated along the edges where the PCB material was removed to ensure that
the top and bottom PCB metal layers are at the same potential.