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What Does a Mismatched Coupled Port Actually Affect in a Directional Coupler?
Jul , 23 2025
Directional couplers are widely used in RF systems for signal sampling, power monitoring, VSWR detection, and PIM testing. While these components are passive by nature, their performance is highly dependent on how each port is terminated—especially the coupled port. In real-world applications, improper termination of the coupled port—either by leaving it open, using poorly matched devices, or low-...
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Public Safety DAS Solutions: Key RF Components and Applications
Jul , 19 2025
In the fast-evolving communication industry, Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) play a critical role in ensuring reliable coverage for emergency responders and critical infrastructure. These systems rely on advanced RF components to optimize signal distribution. Three key elements—Yagi Antenna, Power Divider, and Directional Coupler—are essential for their functionality. 1. Yagi Anten...
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Understanding Low PIM in RF Passive Components: Why It Matters
Jul , 17 2025
What is PIM and Why "Low" PIM is Critical? PIM stands for Passive Intermodulation, a form of signal distortion that occurs when two or more high-power RF signals mix within a passive component—such as connectors, cables, power splitters, couplers, or antennas—and create unwanted interference at new frequencies. These new frequencies can degrade system performance, reduce data throughput, and affec...
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What Is the Input Impedance of a Log Periodic Antenna?
Jul , 12 2025
Log periodic antennas are widely used in RF communication due to their broadband capabilities. One critical aspect of their performance is input impedance, which determines how efficiently the antenna transfers power from the transmission line. Understanding this parameter is essential for engineers and hobbyists working with these antennas. Why Input Impedance Matters The input impedance o...
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How Do Filters Work?
Jul , 02 2025
What Is an RF Filter? An RF filter is a passive or active component that allows signals within a certain frequency range to pass while attenuating signals outside that range. Filters are essential in both transmit and receive chains to isolate specific frequencies and prevent crosstalk, interference, or signal distortion. Types of Filters by Frequency Selection Depending on the application, filter...
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What's the Difference Between Microstrip and Cavity Power Dividers?
Jun , 26 2025
1. What Is a Microstrip Power Divider? A microstrip power divider is fabricated using PCB (printed circuit board) technology. It typically consists of microstrip lines, branch networks, and resistors. Often based on Wilkinson design principles, microstrip dividers offer good impedance matching and moderate port isolation. Key Features of Microstrip Power Dividers: Compact and lightweight — Ideal f...
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What Is the Difference Between a Power Divider and a Power Splitter?
Jun , 18 2025
1. Basic Function — What Do They Both Do? At a high level, both power splitters and power dividers are passive RF components designed to: Take one input signal Split it into two or more output signals Maintain specific impedance (typically 50Ω or 75Ω) Preserve signal integrity as much as possible These devices are commonly used in test setups, antenna feeds, distributed antenna systems (DAS), and ...
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Common Connector Types for RF Passive Components
Jun , 10 2025
In the world of RF passive components—such as couplers, attenuators, splitters, and terminators—RF connectors play a crucial role in ensuring signal integrity, mechanical reliability, and ease of integration. Choosing the right connector is essential for system performance, especially in 4G/5G base stations, DAS (Distributed Antenna Systems), and other high-frequency communication systems. Below, ...
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What Is a Coaxial Variable Attenuator and Why Is It Important?
Jun , 03 2025
In RF and microwave communication systems, precise control over signal strength is critical. A coaxial variable attenuator is a key component used to adjust the amplitude of RF signals without distorting the waveform. Whether you're testing signal paths, protecting sensitive equipment, or balancing signal levels in a network, variable attenuators offer both flexibility and accuracy. What Is a Coax...
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Difference Between UHF and VHF Antenna: Choosing the Right Frequency for Your Application
May , 28 2025
What Is a VHF Antenna? VHF antennas operate within the Very High Frequency range of 30 MHz to 300 MHz. These antennas are commonly used in: FM radio broadcasting (88–108 MHz) Marine radio communication (156–174 MHz) Aviation communication systems Emergency and amateur radio operations Due to their longer wavelengths, VHF antennas perform well in open and rural environments where line-of-sight cove...
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