Directional coupler basics

The directional coupler is a very useful device that can be used to sample signals for analysis or control. Typically a directional coupler is used to return part of a RF power amplifier signal back to a control circuit for various functions such as controlling the output power or monitoring the RFPA performance. It is a four port device. Two ports are input port and output port which along with the connection, constitute the main line. The third port is the coupling port where the sampled signal appears. Finally there is the isolation port which is terminated in the characteristic impedance. Ideally no signal should appear there.

The directional coupler is defined by the following specifications:

Specification Description
Directivity Measure of how well the directional coupler isolates the forward signal and the reflected signal from the output. Typically specified in dB.
SWR Standing wave ratio. Typically specified as a return loss.
Coupling factor Measure of the amount of signal coupled to the output port. Typically specified in dB.
Transmission loss The total loss in the main line of the coupler. Typically specified in dB
Input power Amount of power that can be applied to the input. ( dBm, dBW etc.

Some suppliers of directional couplers are : Macom, Mini-circuits, Pulsar, Agilent, Narda Microwave .

Directional couplers can also be designed on – chip and on a board. If you need a custom directional coupler for on chip or on board application please contact us. Please visit the SPG website for more content of interest.

image001

 

SPG designs, develops and delivers custom analog and RF/wireless asics and modules.

SPG designs, develops and delivers custom analog and RF/wireless asics and modules.

FPGA Design and development service

Contact SPG using phone: 602-626-0272 for fast service.

A wideand RF detector ( 40 Mhz to 3 Ghz) -75 dBm to 5 dBm input

A wideband RF detector

A wideband RF detector

Linear detector performance

Linear detector performance curves

A wideband linear RF detector

Price for one unit: $25.00. Lead time for delivery 3 days. 30 Day return policy. Pricing for 100 units or more: $20.00 per unit.  Please contact Signal Processing Group Inc. for details for purchase from Signal Processing Group Inc. Email: spg@signalpro.biz 24/7

Wideband RF detector perforamce , more details

Contact Signal Processing Group Inc.

Please contact Signal Processing Group Inc. on email: spg@signalpro.biz . We will answer within 24 hours.

2 stage 35 dB gain RF amplifier. Front of the module

Full range frequency response

2 stage amplifier deta

Please see details at http://www.signalpro.biz/2rf_amplifier_details.htm    Delivery lead time is 3 days. Return within 30 days for a full refund. Price is $15.00 for one unit and $10.00 per unit in volumes of 100. For higher volumes than 100 please contact Signal Processing group Inc.

miniature LNA module

Mni LNA performance

Delivery lead time is 3 days. Return within 30 days for a full refund. Price is $15.00 for one unit and $12.00 per unit in volumes of 100. For higher volumes than 100 please contact Signal Processing Group Inc. at email: spg@signalpro.biz or call 602-626-0272 for fastest service.

A high frequency divider from 500 Mhz to % Ghz+

The input interface.
The frequency divider has a differential analog interface. The following parameters apply:
The minimum frequency that can be input is 500 Mhz and the maximum frequency is 6.0 Ghz.
The RF input level is 5 dBm to – 5 dBm. For lower frequencies make sure that the slew rate is
greater than 560 V/us. The input is biased by two 500 Ohm resistors connected to a 1.6V DC bias.
Therefore AC coupling is used at the input. These are two 100pF capacitors.
The output interface.
The output is single ended. The output driver is capable of sourcing and sinking 24 mA. The
equivalent output impedance is 50 Ohm. To avoid reflections it is recommended that the divider
work into a 50 Ohm load.
General operation.
The inputs are applied to the input SMA I/O. The product will work with both a differential input as
well as a single ended input. However, a differential input works best. The division ratio is applied
to the N1 and N2 control inputs as follows:
N2 N1 Division ratio
0 0 8
0 1 16
1 0 32
1 1 64
The logic levels are:
Logic level Voltage
1 1.4V minimum
0 0.6V maximum
The supply voltage interface.
The operating supply voltage is 3.3V typical. The quiescent (DC) operating supply current is 2 mA.

A high frequency divider 500 Mhz to 5 Ghz+

Contact Signal Processing Group Inc for details and acquisition

Please contact Signal Processing Group Inc. at email: spg@signalpro.biz or telephone 602-626-0272. Get a response within minutes or worst case 24 hours if contact is by email.

SPDT DC to 3 Ghz RF switch

DC to 3 Ghz RF SPDT switch

RF Switch typical features

Supply voltage = Vcc = 0/+5 Vdc
Operatng temperature = TA = -50° C to 125 Deg C
Operating impedance = 50 Ohm
Input power for 1 dB
compression ( 5.0V system) = 37 dBm ( f = 0.5 to 3 Ghz)
Input third order Intercept = 64 dBm ( 0 to 5.0V system, f = 0.5 to 3 Ghz)
Operating frequency range = DC to 3 Ghz.
Insertion loss DC to 3 Ghz = 0.8 dB
Isolation DC to 3 Ghz = 14 dB minimum
Return loss DC to 3 Ghz = 20 dB
50% contl to 10/90 %
( ON/OFF) = 120 ns

A single stage RF amplifier as a gain block

A single stage RF amplifier summary specifications

Summary Specifications

Gain,  Operating: 19.5 dB
Operating frequency range: 1.0 – 2700 Mhz
OIP3: (Pout = 19.0 dBm),  -8.5 dBm
P1dB: 4.6 dBm
N.F: 4.2 dB
Supply voltage Operating: 3.3  – 5.5 Volts

Price: single unit $7.50, 100 units : $5:50.

Free delivery, shipping lead time 2 days.

30 day return policy, buyer ships.
Supply current Supply = 5.0V,  23.0 mA

Embedded design and development

Signal Processing Group Inc. is offering embedded design and development using Microchip processors. Please contact us on spg@signalpro.biz for more information

Practical impedance matching

Three useful blocks

Leave a Reply