S-Band Power Divider
2-4 GHz 2-way S-Band Power Divider
An S-Band Power Divider is optimized for operation from 2GHz to 4 GHz. That means that the return loss, isolation and phase and amplitude balance are optimized for frequencies between 2 to 4 GHz. In practice, you will find that many of AWG Tech’s S-Band power dividers have a much broader bandwidth and are able to operate reasonably well outside this band.
For example, APS-2W-2G-4G-01, is specified as a 2-4 GHz 2-way power divider. According to its datasheets, the directivity is 22 dB from 2GHz to 4 GHz. But in reality, this power divider is able to achieve a 22dB isolation from as low as 1.6GHz up to 4.5 GHz. This is because at AWG Tech, we believe in giving customer extra value by over-delivering in term of performance.
A sample of our 2-4 GHz power splitter products is shown in the table below.
| Part Number | Splitter ways | Operating Frequency | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| APS-2W-2G-4G-01 | 2 | 2 – 4 GHz | Connectorized 2 – 4 GHz, 2-way Power divider, S-Band, SMA-F |
| APS-3W-2G-4G-01 | 3 | 2 – 4 GHz | Connectorized 2 – 4 GHz,3-way Power divider, S-Band, SMA-F |
| APS-4W-2G-4G-01 | 4 | 2 – 4 GHz | Connectorized 2 – 4 GHz, 4-way Power divider, S-Band, SMA-F |
| APS-8W-2G-4G-01 | 8 | 2 – 4 GHz | Connectorized 2 – 4 GHz 8-way Power divider, S-Band, SMA-F |
The Fundamentals of the S-Band Power Divider Components: A Short Guide
Power dividers (also known as power splitters and, when they’re used the other way around, power combiners) are a passive component utilized in the field of radio technology. They divide a single input frequency into two or more output frequencies with only a few losses. This RF component is widely utilized for wireless systems to help divide power across the said system. The out frequency signals that are created by the component is normally of the same amplitude and phase-shifting.
Alone, the power divider does the above mentioned function. However, there are power dividers that use specific frequency bands to further improve its functionality; a prime example of it would be the S-band power divider. The S-band is a specific frequency range that ranges from 2 to 4 GHz and a wavelength of 8 to 15 cm on the electromagnetic spectrum. Due to the frequency range and the wavelength, this frequency band is not easily attenuated, making them the ideal band for short-ranged transmissions.
The Other Applications of the S-band frequency
Aside from being the ideal frequency band for short-ranged transmissions and for easier comprehension, listed below are some of the common practical applications of the S-band frequency:
- Wireless systems that are compatible with the IEEE standard of 802.11b and 802.11g can utilize the 2.4GHz portion of the S-band frequency; also, digital cordless telephones function with the use of this band as well.
- In some parts of North America, the frequency range from 2.4 to 2.438 GHz is considered as a ISM band that’s utilized for unregistered spectrum devices like cordless phones, wireless headphones and video senders among other electronic utilization. This also includes Bluetooth that can function with a frequency range from 2.402 to 2.480 GHz.
The Main Distinction between Power Dividers and Power Combiners
As mentioned above, power dividers are sometimes referred to as power splitters and sometimes called power combiners when placed the other way around. One may be wondering if they have different functions and different circuit design. As a matter of fact, both of them are the same items. They permit RF power to be divided or combined in an environment where the trait blockage is maintained.
The same circuits are being used to combine and divide RF power. However, the only distinction between them is that RF power is being applied to one port and extracted to the other for the power divider. On the other hand, for the power combiner, the power is being applied in the opposite direction.
The Power Divider’s Insertion Loss
When a splitter is integrated into a circuit, there will be natural losses that will occur which is a result from the fact that no component is perfectly lossless. Typically speaking, these losses are minimized and can’t be exactly calculated.
However, there are also “losses” that will result from the fact that frequencies are being split up between several outputs. This should be more accurately being referred to as the division signal reduction as none of the frequencies are actually lost. Instead, there’s a level reduction from the fact that the input power is being distributed among the few outputs.
These are some of the basics when it comes to an S-band power divider. It’s imperative that one should possess knowledge of the RF component before comprehending its use in any wireless system.