RF Directional Coupler: CPL-5046-20-NNN-79 application field and working principle

A directional coupler, such as model CPL-5046-20-NNN-79, is an RF (radio frequency) device characterized by a 3dB hybrid power divider coupled by an equal length coupled line. By means of an RF sensor, it delivers a coupled output signal that is proportional to a fraction of the coupled input signal. Directional couplers are used in radio technology for the purpose of measuring or controlling signals within a system: in measurements, they are used to determine an isolated output, and in control systems, they are used to adjust impedance, power amplification, and frequency conversion.

Application Fields

The CPL-5046-20-NNN-79 model of directional coupler has commercial applications in several diverse industry fields, including radio, digital signal processing, and microwaves. These industries use these RF devices for a variety of purposes, such as:

• Measuring incident or transmitted power levels, particularly for testing or calibration.
• Sampling and monitoring frequency or amplitude signals.
• Providing directional injection of a signal at some predetermined point in a system.
• Applying or modulating a signal in a specific direction or phase.
• Equalizing the return loss from amplifier systems.

In radio technology, CPL-5046-20-NNN-79 directional couplers are used in circuit designs that require a broad range of components, such as filters, antennas, and amplifiers. As an example, these RF devices are widely used in the design and manufacture of radio frequency amplifiers, for which their directional properties provide a key advantage in efficiency and exceptional bi-directional performance.

Working Principle

Directional couplers are passive devices, and their working principle is based on the flow of RF energy in both forward and reflected directions. Essentially, an RF directional coupler will divide power from an input waveguide into two parts; one part propagates in the forward direction and the other part follows in the reflected direction. By measuring the level of the reflected wave, an appropriate adjustment is made at the input to enable optimum performance.

A CPL-5046-20-NNN-79 model of directional coupler can typically handle signals between a frequency range of 1MHz - 3GHz and with nominal coupling factors between 1dB and 20dB. These low-loss RF devices are inherently bandwidth independent as they do not employ any active components, such as diodes, to modulate or amplify signals.

The CPL-5046-20-NNN-79 directional coupler is designed to provide multiple visual output ports, allowing us to measure the measured power and transmission power of the system at different ports with ease. This full compatibility of the instrument is fully equipped with a sophisticated calibration system, which allows us to make specific comprehensive measurements as well as correct for inaccurate or specialized component measurements. Furthermore, this system is offered with user changeable calibration factors, enabled by modern ASIC sensor technologies.

Conclusion

The CPL-5046-20-NNN-79 directional coupler is a commercial RF device that is widely used for a number of applications in radio, digital signal processing, and microwaves. Its characteristics make it suitable for both measuring and controlling signals in a system. With its lack of active components and its bandwidth independence, the CPL-5046-20-NNN-79 allows for accurate measurements and power control for today’s industry needs.