The power splitter (RF power splitter) is an indispensable component in microwave and RF systems, mainly used to distribute the input RF signal to two or more outputs according to a certain proportion. When selecting a power divider, it is important to ensure that the selected device meets the specific application requirements and technical specifications. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed choice among the many options.

1. Structure and Form

The power splitter can be divided into Wilkinson type and T-type junction power splitter according to its structure. The Wilkinson power divider is widely used in various RF and microwave systems because of its excellent performance. It has low insertion loss and good amplitude balance while maintaining the isolation of the output port.

2. Working Frequency Range

The working frequency range of the power divider is one of its important technical indexes. When choosing a power divider, you must ensure that its operating frequency range covers your system requirements. When the frequency range is exceeded, the performance of the power splitter such as VSWR, insertion loss and isolation may be affected.

3. Insertion Loss

Insertion loss refers to the amount of output power reduced compared to the original input signal after the signal passes through the power divider. The ideal distribution loss can be calculated according to the formula dB=10log(1/N), where N is the number of outputs. In actual use, the loss of the power divider will be slightly higher than the ideal value. When selecting the power divider, we should pay attention to whether its actual loss meets the system's signal power requirements.

4. Standing Wave

Standing wave reflects the matching of input and output ports of power divider. The smaller the standing wave, the smaller the energy reflection, the better the performance of the power divider. Ideally, standing waves should be 1, meaning no energy is reflected. Therefore, when selecting the power divider, we should pay attention to whether its standing wave performance meets the requirements of the system.

5. Isolation

Isolation refers to the isolation ability between the output ports of the power divider. Good isolation ensures that signals entering from one output port will not interfere with other output ports. When selecting the power divider, we should pay attention to whether its isolation meets the requirements of the system for signal purity.

6. Power Tolerance

Power tolerance refers to the maximum working power that the power divider can withstand for a long time. When selecting a power divider, ensure that its power tolerance is higher than the working power of the system to avoid device damage due to power overload.

7. Amplitude and Phase Imbalance

Amplitude unbalance and phase unbalance refer to the maximum amplitude and phase errors between all output ports in the frequency band, respectively. These imbalances can affect the overall performance of the system. Therefore, when selecting the power divider, we should pay attention to whether its amplitude and phase imbalance meet the system requirements.

8. Environmental Adaptability

When selecting the power divider, its environmental adaptability should also be considered. Including temperature, humidity, vibration and other factors on the performance of the power divider. Ensure that the selected power divider can work stably in a specific environment to meet the needs of long-term operation of the system.

To sum up, the selection of a suitable power distributor needs to consider several aspects. On the basis of understanding the system requirements, combined with technical indicators and practical application environment to evaluate and test, to ensure that the selected power divider can meet the performance and stability requirements of the system.

Kete Microwave Electronics Co., Ltd. specializes in designing and manufacturing state of the art RF/Microwave passive components solution. The primary products lines include ferrite components (RF Isolator, RF Circulator), High Power Resistive Components (RF Resistor, Coaxial Fixed Attenuators & Termination), Feedthrough Capacitor (EMI RF Filter), Microwave Power Divider and RF Filter.