RF Power Divider: Selection Guide, Benefits & Manufacturers

Introduction

RF power dividers distribute RF signals across multiple paths while maintaining impedance matching. Key factors to consider include insertion loss, isolation, and frequency range. The Minicircuits device shown in the figure is an RF power divider or combiner. As an RF power divider, power fed at port S is divided equally at Port 1 and Port 2, i.e., it is 3 dB down compared to the power at Port S.

As an RF power combiner, power fed at Port 1 and Port 2 is summed and output is taken from Port S, i.e., the SUM port.

There are various power divider/splitter or power combiners available based on the number of ports required in the wireless system/VSAT Hub station. For example, a 16-way RF power splitter will have one S port and 16 output ports. Various package types are available based on need: surface mount or connectorized. The different designs available are Wilkinson, resistive, hybrid, or quadrature, etc.

Selection Guide

Following are useful parameters to be checked before purchasing RF power divider/combiner:

• Frequency range of its operation.
• Number of ports required, viz. 2-way, 3-way, 4-way etc.
• Low insertion loss between ports.
• Higher isolation between ports.
• Phase balance & amplitude balance.
• Impedance (50 Ohm or 75 Ohm).
• Connectors types such as SMA, N-type etc.

Advantages of RF power divider/combiner

Following are some of the benefits of RF power divider or combiner:

1. It splits or combines with minimal loss.
2. Supports multi-channel communication.
3. Due to high isolation between ports, it reduces crosstalk and interference.
4. Available in small form factors.
5. Works across a broad spectrum, which makes it suitable for a wide variety of applications.

Manufacturers

Following are the popular manufacturers of RF power combiner and power divider.

Conclusion

Choosing the right RF power divider ensures effective signal distribution. Explore top manufacturers for high-performance solutions.