Types of RF Power Dividers and Splitters

There are several types of RF Power Dividers and Splitters available for purchase. The types include Resistive, Hybrid, and Wilkinson. If you are not sure which is best for your application, read on to learn more. Here is a comparison of the types. Then, decide which one you need for your application. And when you're ready to buy, make sure to research the different options.

Resistive

RF power dividers and splitters are a great way to divide a signal into multiple frequencies. Power dividers can be designed in any number of output ports, and they can be used for any type of transmission medium. In this article, we'll look at two popular types of power dividers and splitters. One type has three output ports, while the other has only two. The difference between these two types lies in their VSWR ratios (VSWR).

Two-resistor power dividers are commonly used for direct power dividing. The problem with these units is that they create significant ripple in the calibration. This is a result of the leveling effect. The output impedance of the auxiliary arm equals the value of the resistor in the two-resistor configuration. If the auxiliary arm is used for a leveling loop, the output impedance is equal to the value of the resistor in the auxiliary arm.

Two types of power dividers are available: hybrid and resistive. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, but both serve the same purpose, signal splitting. You'll want to consider the topology before selecting a power divider for your RF applications. Here are some benefits of each:

Hybrid RF Power Divider

The RF power divider and a power combiner are a common pair of components. Both operate by dividing an incoming signal into two separate output signals. Although they may be lossless in an ideal scenario, there is still some power dissipation. Power dividers and combiners are sometimes the same component. The two components may have different power handling requirements, however.

A power divider can have any number of output ports. The more output ports, the higher the signal power loss. A two-way divider has a signal power loss of approximately three decibels. Increasing the number of ports doubles the power loss. A four-way divider has an output signal power loss of five db. In contrast, a two-way divider is significantly less efficient.

A directional coupler with a 180-degree polarization is a common hybrid. Its design allows it to function as a power divider or a combiner. Hybrids are also ideal for switching and antenna feed networks. For more detailed information about these devices, visit Narda-MITEQ. Its catalog includes standard test data. However, a few models may not meet your special environmental performance requirements.

Wilkinson Power Divider and Splitter

The Wilkinson RF Power Divider and splitter are the most widely used and versatile devices in radio frequency communication systems. This particular type of power divider has been developed for various applications and can achieve isolation between output ports and maintain a matched condition on all output ports. The Wilkinson divider, also called a power combiner, was developed by Ernest J. Wilkinson in 1960 and has found widespread applications in radio frequency communication systems with multiple channels to prevent crosstalk between the channels.

The S21 and S31 values indicate a reciprocal network. The input and output terminals have the same impedance. A Wilkinson divider that produces S11 would produce a split of -3.1 dB at the design frequency. Using an annular ring, the output ports would be equally divided, and the resulting S11 would be greater than S31.

This power divider and splitter are essentially the same in function. The input signal goes through port one, and it will pass to port two. This type of divider and splitter has two identical legs, which will result in equal phase and amplitude. The output signal will be the same, as the signals will be at the same potential. Moreover, a resistor between the two ports will prevent any current flow, thus ensuring that both signals are distorted and not decoded.