Power Dividers/Combiners
MCLI offers power dividers and combiners that are highly reliable with exceptional specifications offering broadband frequency ranges, high isolation, low insertion loss, low VSWR, low and high power solutions and can utilize different material construction such as stripline, microstrip, and lumped element technology to support various requirements and applications.
Octave Band, Special Band, Multi Band and Ultra Wide-Band Models Available
Solid Build Construction for High Reliability
Many In-Stock Models and Custom Designs Available
RF power dividers and combiners are passive microwave components that split an input signal into two or more equal-power output signals, or combine multiple input signals into a single output. Because these devices are reciprocal and passive, the same physical unit performs both functions depending on signal direction, which is why you will see them listed together as “power divider/combiners.”
What separates a precision RF power divider from a simple resistive junction is how well it maintains impedance matching across all ports, minimizes excess insertion loss, and maximizes isolation between output ports. In systems where signal integrity and power budget matter, those numbers make a real difference.
MCLI has designed and manufactured power dividers and combiners for over 40 years, supplying defense prime contractors, satellite communications providers, research institutions, and commercial RF system integrators worldwide. Our catalog spans five construction technologies, covering applications from near-DC to 70 GHz and power levels from 1 watt to 10,000 watts.
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Showing 1–100 of 1794 results
| Part # | Split Type | Frequency Range (GHz) | Insertion Loss (dB) | Isolation (dB) | VSWR | Amplitude Balance | Phase Balance | Power Avg. (W) | Lead Time | Notes | Action | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min | Max | In | Out | ||||||||||
| PR2-018 | N/A | DC | 18 | 2 | N/A | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.3 | 3 | 1 | 3-4 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR2-040 | N/A | DC | 40 | 2 | N/A | 1.70:1 | 1.70:1 | 0.25 | 2 | 1 | 3-4 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR2-06/MI | N/A | DC | 6 | 0.5 | N/A | 1.25:1 | 1.25:1 | 0.3 | 3 | 1 | 3-4 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR2-050 | N/A | DC | 50 | 2.5 | N/A | 1.65:1 | 1.65:1 | 0.6 | 6 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR2-026 | N/A | DC | 26.5 | 7.8 | N/A | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.5 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR2-010 | N/A | DC | 10 | 6 | N/A | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.7 | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR4-36 | N/A | DC | 6 | 14 | 12 | 1.60:1 | 1.60:1 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR4-1 | N/A | DC | 18 | 15 | N/A | 1.80:1 | 1.80:1 | 0.3 | 4 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR4-2 | N/A | DC | 40 | 16.8 | N/A | 2.00:1 | 2.00:1 | 1 | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR4-1/NF | N/A | DC | 18 | 15 | N/A | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR4-3 | N/A | DC | 10 | 12 | N/A | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 1 | 8 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR5-1 | N/A | DC | 6 | 14 | N/A | 1.35:1 | 1.35:1 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR6-14 | N/A | DC | 6 | 15.5 | N/A | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 1.5 | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR6-1 | N/A | DC | 10 | 16 | N/A | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 6 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR8-3 | N/A | DC | 18 | 19.5 | N/A | 1.80:1 | 1.80:1 | 1.5 | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR8-2 | N/A | DC | 10 | 18 | N/A | 1.60:1 | 1.60:1 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR8-1 | N/A | DC | 3 | 19.5 | N/A | 1.35:1 | 1.35:1 | 1.5 | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR10-1 | N/A | DC | 10 | 20 | N/A | 1.65:1 | 1.65:1 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PR22-1/NF | N/A | DC | 1 | 27 | N/A | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | N/A | N/A | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-33 | 4-Way | DC | 40 | 16.8 | N/A | 2.00:1 | 2.00:1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2-3 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-10 | 16-Way | 0.00001 | 0.03 | 1.2 | 25 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.2 | 3 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-10/NF | 16-Way | 0.00001 | 0.03 | 1.2 | 25 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.2 | 3 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL32-10 | 32-Way | 0.00001 | 0.03 | 1.5 | 22 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.3 | 5 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-14 | 8-Way | 0.00001 | 0.03 | 1 | 25 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-24 | 8-Way | 0.00001 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 23 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.6 | 8 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-14/BNC | 8-Way | 0.00001 | 0.03 | 1 | 25 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-20 | 4-Way | 0.00001 | 0.22 | 1.7 | 20 | 1.35:1 | 1.35:1 | 0.75 | 8 | 300 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH2-33 | 2-Way | 0.00001 | 0.25 | 1.5 | 18 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.6 | 8 | 100 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH2-55 | 2-Way | 0.00001 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 15 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.35 | 8 | 100 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-20 | 2-Way | 0.00001 | 0.1 | 1 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-32 | 4-Way | 0.00001 | 0.06 | 0.8 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-32/NF | 4-Way | 0.00001 | 0.06 | 0.8 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL32-11 | 32-Way | 0.00005 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.5 | 9 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-1-75/BF | 8-Way | 0.0001 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 23 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.6 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-1/BNC | 8-Way | 0.0001 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 23 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.6 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-1/NF | 8-Way | 0.0001 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 23 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.6 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-1/NFI | 8-Way | 0.0001 | 0.1 | 1.6 | 23 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.6 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-21 | 4-Way | 0.0001 | 0.03 | 0.4 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 5 | 400 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-40 | 4-Way | 0.0001 | 0.015 | 0.3 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.15 | 5 | 100 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH2-34 | 2-Way | 0.0001 | 0.02 | 0.2 | 20 | 1.20:1 | 1.20:1 | 0.1 | 5 | 400 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH2-35 | 2-Way | 0.0001 | 0.25 | 0.6 | 15 | 1.35:1 | 1.35:1 | 0.3 | 5 | 100 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-15 | 2-Way | 0.0001 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 25 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.3 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-36/NF | 4-Way | 0.0001 | 0.032 | 0.4 | 4 | 1.20:1 | 1.20:1 | 0.15 | 1 | 2 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL3-12/BF | 3-Way | 0.0002 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 23 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.3 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL3-32 | 3-Way | 0.0002 | 0.02 | 0.3 | 25 | 1.20:1 | 1.20:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-24 | 2-Way | 0.00025 | 0.0005 | 0.2 | 22 | 1.20:1 | 1.20:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 30 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-24/TNC | 2-Way | 0.00025 | 0.0005 | 0.2 | 22 | 1.20:1 | 1.20:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 30 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-1 | 2-Way | 0.0003 | 0.06 | 0.5 | 35 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | 1-2 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-1-75/BF | 2-Way | 0.0003 | 0.06 | 0.5 | 35 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | 1-2 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-1/NF | 2-Way | 0.0003 | 0.06 | 0.5 | 33 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | 1-2 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-1/PE | 2-Way | 0.0003 | 0.06 | 0.5 | 33 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | 1-2 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-26 | 4-Way | 0.0003 | 0.06 | 1 | 25 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 1-2 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-26/BF | 4-Way | 0.0003 | 0.06 | 1 | 25 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-26/NF | 4-Way | 0.0003 | 0.06 | 0.8 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 1-2 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-11 | 16-Way | 0.0005 | 0.125 | 1.2 | 20 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.3 | 5 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-11/NF | 16-Way | 0.0005 | 0.125 | 1.2 | 20 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.3 | 5 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-1I | 8-Way | 0.0005 | 0.15 | 1.1 | 25 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-1 | 8-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 25 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-23 | 4-Way | 0.0005 | 0.03 | 0.5 | 30 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 5 | 5 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH2-36 | 2-Way | 0.0005 | 0.0017 | 0.15 | 25 | 1.20:1 | 1.20:1 | 0.2 | 4 | 100 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-2 | 2-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 30 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-2-75/BF | 2-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 28 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-2/BF | 2-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 28 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-2/NF | 2-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 28 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-2/S | 2-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 30 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-2-S/BF | 2-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 28 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 1 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-1 | 4-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 23 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.1 | 1 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL4-1-3 | 4-Way | 0.0005 | 0.1 | 0.8 | 25 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.1 | 1 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL12-12 | 12-Way | 0.001 | 0.5 | 2 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.5 | 5 | 1 | Stock - 1 Week | N/A | Request Quote |
| PM4-12-75/BFA | 4-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 19 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.3 | 10 | 1 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-1 | 16-Way | 0.001 | 0.1 | 1.4 | 20 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.5 | 8 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-2 | 16-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 20 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.5 | 8 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-2-B-75 | 16-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.4 | 20 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.5 | 8 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-12 | 16-Way | 0.001 | 0.5 | 2 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 10 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL16-12/NF | 16-Way | 0.001 | 0.5 | 2 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 10 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL32-2 | 32-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 20 | 1.60:1 | 1.60:1 | 0.8 | 12 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL32-12 | 32-Way | 0.001 | 0.5 | 3 | 18 | 1.80:1 | 1.80:1 | 0.8 | 15 | 1 | 6-8 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-4 | 8-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-4I | 8-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-4L | 8-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-2/BF | 8-Way | 0.001 | 0.5 | 2.7 | 20 | 1.60:1 | 1.60:1 | 0.5 | 10 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-4/NF | 8-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-4/NFI | 8-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-4/NFL | 8-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL8-8/NF | 8-Way | 0.001 | 0.2 | 1.7 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.6 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-1 | 4-Way | 0.001 | 1 | 1.2 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.5 | 6 | 50 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-1-250 | 4-Way | 0.001 | 1 | 1.2 | 18 | 1.45:1 | 1.45:1 | 0.6 | 5 | 250 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-7 | 4-Way | 0.001 | 0.05 | 0.3 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.1 | 5 | 1000 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-24 | 4-Way | 0.001 | 0.03 | 0.2 | 25 | 1.20:1 | 1.20:1 | 0.1 | 3 | 200 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-25 | 4-Way | 0.001 | 0.032 | 0.3 | 20 | 1.25:1 | 1.25:1 | 0.15 | 5 | 400 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH4-26 | 4-Way | 0.001 | 0.5 | 0.8 | 25 | 1.40:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.7 | 5 | 100 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH2-37 | 2-Way | 0.001 | 0.03 | 0.3 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 5 | 200 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PLH2-38 | 2-Way | 0.001 | 0.05 | 0.2 | 20 | 1.25:1 | 1.25:1 | 0.1 | 3 | 2000 | 9-10 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL5-10 | 5-Way | 0.001 | 0.3 | 2 | 17 | 1.70:1 | 1.70:1 | 0.6 | 8 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL6-13 | 6-Way | 0.001 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.4 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL6-13/BF | 6-Way | 0.001 | 0.3 | 1.5 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.4 | 5 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-23 | 2-Way | 0.001 | 0.5 | 1 | 20 | 1.50:1 | 1.50:1 | 0.2 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-26 | 2-Way | 0.001 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 1.80:1 | 1.40:1 | 0.4 | 2 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-23/BF | 2-Way | 0.001 | 0.5 | 1 | 20 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 3 | 1 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
| PL2-M2/TNC | 2-Way | 0.001 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 30 | 1.30:1 | 1.30:1 | 0.2 | 2 | 5 | 5-6 Weeks | N/A | Request Quote |
Full Product Line Specifications: Frequency, Power, and Electrical Performance
The following ranges represent the full span of MCLI’s power divider and combiner product line. Each subcategory page provides specifications specific to that construction technology.
| Parameter | Range / Options |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | DC / 0.00001 GHz to 70.0 GHz |
| Split Configurations | 2-way, 3-way, 4-way, 5-way, 6-way, 8-way, 10-way, 12-way, 16-way, 22-way, 32-way |
| Power Handling | 1 W to 10,000 W average (construction-dependent) |
| Insertion Loss | As low as 0.1 dB excess loss above theoretical split loss |
| Port-to-Port Isolation | Typically 10 dB to 60 dB depending on topology and frequency band |
| Input / Output VSWR | As low as 1.20:1 on both input and output ports |
| Return Loss | Up to 28 dB on select models |
| Amplitude Balance | As tight as +/-0.1 dB across rated bandwidth |
| Phase Balance | As tight as +/-1 degree across rated bandwidth |
| Characteristic Impedance | 50 ohm standard; 75 ohm models available |
| Construction Technologies | Stripline, Microstrip, Lumped Element, High Power Lumped Element, Resistive |
| Connector Options | SMA, Type N, BNC, TNC, 2.92mm (K), 2.4mm, 1.85mm (V), 7/16 DIN, Type F, LC, SC, Surface Mount, Pin |
| Frequency Coverage | Octave band, special band, multi-band, and ultra-wideband models available |
| Custom Design | Available. Contact MCLI engineering for non-standard requirements. |
Where MCLI Power Dividers and Combiners Are Used
Phased Array Radar and Electronic Warfare Systems
Phased array radar relies on precise N-way power splitting networks to feed individual antenna elements with equal amplitude and phase. MCLI’s stripline Wilkinson dividers, with phase balance as tight as +/-1 degree and amplitude balance within +/-0.1 dB, are well-suited for these signal distribution architectures. Electronic warfare (EW), SIGINT receivers, and ECM platforms also depend on wideband passive splitters to simultaneously route signals across multiple processing chains without degrading port isolation or return loss.
RF Test Bench Signal Distribution and VNA Reference Paths
Power dividers are fundamental to RF test bench configurations: providing coherent signal injection into multiple devices under test, creating reference paths for vector network analyzers (VNA), and building calibration standards. The Resistive series (PR) is especially useful in test applications requiring DC-to-40 GHz broadband coverage where the inherent 6 dB insertion loss above the theoretical split is acceptable in exchange for true DC response and flat impedance matching across frequency.
High-Power Amplifier Combining Networks for Satcom
Satellite uplink and downlink ground terminals use high-power combiners to aggregate multiple amplifier outputs into a single transmission path, and use dividers to distribute LO reference signals across receiver chains. When non-coherent signals are combined, power dissipated in the isolation resistors determines thermal limits. MCLI’s High Power Lumped Element series (PLH) handles up to 10,000 watts average power with isolation resistors rated for those dissipation requirements, making it directly applicable to high-power satcom amplifier combining networks.
Cellular Base Station and Distributed Antenna Systems
Base station and distributed antenna system (DAS) architectures rely on passive RF splitters to distribute signals across antenna sectors and remote radio heads. MCLI’s Microstrip series (PM) covers 150 MHz to 2.7 GHz at power levels to 200 watts, a range that maps directly to cellular frequency bands including AWS, PCS, and 700 MHz LTE. Low VSWR and tight amplitude balance in these models help maintain link budget across each antenna branch in multi-sector deployments.
Research and Prototype RF Systems
Research programs at institutions like Caltech, MIT, Georgia Tech, and NASA require reliable, well-characterized passive components for experimental RF systems. Published insertion loss, isolation, and VSWR data on every MCLI datasheet, combined with ISO 9001:2015 quality certification and in-stock availability, makes MCLI a practical choice for prototype builds where procurement cycles need to stay short and component traceability matters.
Construction Technology and Topology Guide
Selecting the right power divider starts with frequency range and power handling, then narrows by construction topology.
Wilkinson-based designs (stripline and microstrip) deliver low insertion loss and high port isolation by using quarter-wave transmission line sections and isolation resistors between output ports.
Lumped element designs replace those transmission line sections with discrete inductors and capacitors, enabling coverage down to near-DC in a compact form factor.
Resistive designs use purely resistive networks, trading isolation and insertion loss efficiency for the broadest possible bandwidth.
| Series / Technology | Topology | Frequency Range | Power Range | Best For | Key Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stripline (PS Series) | Wilkinson | 0.1 to 70 GHz | 2 to 80 W | Defense, phased array, high-frequency signal distribution | Larger form factor vs. microstrip |
| Microstrip (PM Series) | Wilkinson | 0.15 to 2.7 GHz | 1 to 200 W | Cellular base station, commercial RF | Narrower frequency range |
| Lumped Element (PL Series) | Lumped LC | DC to 3.7 GHz | 1 W | Lab use, low-power signal distribution, near-DC applications | Not suited for high power |
| High Power Lumped Element (PLH Series) | Lumped LC | DC to 5.0 GHz | 5 to 10,000 W | High-power amplifier combining, satcom ground systems | Lower upper frequency limit |
| Resistive (PR Series) | Resistive | DC to 40 GHz | 1 W | VNA reference paths, broadband test and measurement | Inherent 6 dB loss above theoretical split |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a power divider and a power combiner?
They are physically the same device. A Wilkinson power divider/combiner is a reciprocal passive network, and the direction of signal flow determines its function. When the signal enters the common port and exits the split ports, it operates as a divider. When signals enter the split ports and combine at the common port, it operates as a combiner. One important caveat: when used as a combiner for non-coherent signals, power that does not combine constructively is dissipated in the internal isolation resistors, which affects power rating in the combining direction. MCLI products are designed and tested for both configurations.
What is port-to-port isolation and why does it matter in a combining network?
Port-to-port isolation is the attenuation of a signal present on one output port from appearing at an adjacent output port. High isolation, typically 15 to 25 dB in MCLI’s standard line, prevents cross-coupling and instability in amplifier combining networks where multiple signal sources share a common output. In phased array antenna systems, low isolation between output ports degrades.
What causes insertion loss beyond the theoretical split loss, and how low can it go?
Insertion loss beyond the theoretical split loss (3.01 dB for a 2-way equal split) comes from three sources: conductor losses in the transmission line, dielectric losses in the substrate material, and mismatch loss from imperfect impedance matching at each port. In Wilkinson-based stripline designs, MCLI achieves excess insertion loss as low as 0.1 to 0.3 dB. Resistive designs carry 3 dB of additional loss above the theoretical split by design, since resistors dissipate half the input power.
How do I choose between Wilkinson, lumped element, and resistive topologies?
The key criteria are frequency range, power level, and whether you need true DC response. Wilkinson stripline (PS Series) is the right choice above 1 GHz up to 70 GHz where shielded construction, low insertion loss, and high port isolation are required. Wilkinson microstrip (PM Series) covers 150 MHz to 2.7 GHz for commercial applications where a smaller form factor is acceptable. Lumped element (PL and PLH Series) covers DC to approximately 5 GHz and is the right pick when very low minimum frequency or high average power handling is required. Resistive (PR Series) offers true DC-to-40 GHz coverage with flat impedance matching but carries the inherent loss penalty of resistive signal division.
Can MCLI power dividers handle non-coherent signal combining without damage?
Yes, with proper power derating. When non-coherent signals are combined, power that does not add constructively is dissipated as heat in the internal isolation resistors. The thermal rating of those resistors sets the combining power limit, which is typically lower than the splitting power limit. MCLI’s PLH series is designed with isolation resistors rated for high-power dissipation. For high-power combining applications with non-coherent or out-of-phase signals, contact MCLI engineering to confirm appropriate derating for your specific use case.
What connector type should I specify for my frequency range?
At frequencies above 18 GHz, precision connectors like 2.92mm (K), 2.4mm, or 1.85mm (V) are necessary to maintain specified VSWR and insertion loss. At frequencies below 6 GHz, SMA and Type N connectors are appropriate for most applications. Type N offers better power handling than SMA at the same frequency. BNC and TNC are available for lower-frequency applications. The connector type is reflected in each MCLI part number suffix, and connector cutoff frequency is documented in the product datasheet.
What VSWR should I specify, and how does return loss relate to it?
VSWR and return loss describe the same impedance mismatch condition in different units. A VSWR of 1.50:1 corresponds to approximately 14 dB return loss and less than 4% reflected power. A VSWR of 1.35:1 corresponds to approximately 16.5 dB return loss. For most system applications, 1.50:1 or better is acceptable. In cascaded signal chains or wideband systems where multiple reflection points interact, specifying 1.35:1 or better at each component reduces the compounding mismatch loss that builds up across a signal distribution network.
Does MCLI offer custom N-way power dividers for non-standard split ratios or frequency bands?
Yes. MCLI’s engineering team designs custom N-way power dividers and combiners for applications outside standard catalog specifications, including unequal power split ratios, non-standard frequency bands, chassis-integrated form factors, and components built to MIL-spec environmental requirements. Contact MCLI with your technical requirements to initiate a custom design inquiry.