Power splitters and synthesizers are essential components in RF and microwave systems, typically used to either divide or combine signals. An ideal power splitter can also act as a power combiner, but this is not always the case due to differences in design and component behavior. Not all devices are optimized for reverse operation, and even the best ones have some level of insertion loss that affects their power handling capabilities. Despite these limitations, power splitters and synthesizers remain crucial in advanced RF and microwave systems, making them among the most widely used passive components.
When selecting a power splitter or synthesizer, it's important to consider key parameters such as function (distribution or synthesis), operating bandwidth, expected power levels, and the number of output ports required. For example, a two-way power divider splits one input signal into two outputs with similar amplitude, while higher-order splitters (like 4-way or 8-way) can be created by cascading multiple two-way units. Similarly, odd-numbered outputs can be achieved by combining 3-way splitters.
The performance of a power splitter when used as a combiner depends on its internal design, including the use of resistors and other elements. Meca Electronics provides an application note titled "Why Most Power Dividers Discomfort with Power Synthesizers," which highlights the challenges and considerations when using a power divider as a synthesizer.
Micro-lab/FXR also offers educational resources on power splitters and synthesizers, covering various types like resistive, Wilkinson, quadrature, branch-line, and T-type designs. Their DX-N series of unbalanced splitters supports a 30:1 distribution ratio and is suitable for indoor wireless applications between 800–2500 MHz, capable of handling up to 300W average power and 1kW peak power.
Key performance parameters include insertion loss, port-to-port isolation, amplitude and phase imbalance, and return loss or VSWR. These factors determine how well a component performs in real-world applications. For instance, a 0° power splitter ensures identical phase and amplitude across outputs, while a 90° hybrid introduces a 90° phase difference.
Mini-Circuits' SP-2C1+ is a compact surface-mount 0° power splitter/synthesizer designed for 600–1100 MHz applications. It has a typical insertion loss of 0.4 dB and port-to-port isolation of 20 dB, making it suitable for mobile and wireless systems. The ZB4PD-232-50W+ is a 4-way coaxial splitter for 600–2300 MHz, with each port supporting up to 50W and excellent amplitude and phase balance.
For broader frequency coverage, Krytar’s Model 6005265 offers a wideband two-way splitter from 0.5 to 26.5 GHz, with low insertion loss and high isolation. Aeroflex/Weinschel provides resistive splitters up to 40 GHz, offering good amplitude and phase stability. Renaissance Electronics offers high-performance splitters for 400–500 MHz, with low insertion loss and high isolation.
Anaren Microwave produces miniature power splitters from 400 MHz to 8 GHz, such as the PD0922J5050D2, ideal for mobile applications with good thermal stability and RoHS compliance. These components are vital in modern communication systems, ensuring reliable signal distribution and synthesis across a wide range of frequencies and power levels.
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