KRYTAR 2–40GHz Directional Couplers: 6–30 dB Selection Guide
KRYTAR 2–40GHz Directional Couplers: 6–30 dB Selection Guide
KRYTAR 2–40GHz directional couplers provide ultra-wideband signal sampling across the S, C, X, Ku, K and Ka microwave bands. The series is available with 6, 10, 13, 16, 20 and 30 dB nominal coupling values, allowing engineers to select an appropriate coupled-port signal level without using separate couplers for different frequency bands.
Each coupling option is available with either 2.4 mm female connectors or 2.92 mm female K connectors. The series is suitable for RF power monitoring, amplifier testing, radar, SATCOM, electronic warfare, mmWave communication and broadband measurement systems.
KRYTAR 2–40GHz Directional Coupler Models
| Coupling | 2.4 mm Model | 2.92 mm K Model | Coupling Accuracy | Frequency Sensitivity | Maximum Insertion Loss | Minimum Directivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 dB | KRYTAR 102040006 | KRYTAR 102040006K | ±1.52 dB | ±1.00 dB | 3.5 dB | 15 dB at 2–20 GHz; 11 dB at 20–40 GHz |
| 10 dB | KRYTAR 102040010 | KRYTAR 102040010K | ±1.0 dB | ±0.40 dB at 2–20 GHz; ±0.70 dB across 2–40 GHz | 1.2 dB at 2–20 GHz; 1.8 dB at 20–40 GHz | 15/11 dB |
| 13 dB | KRYTAR 102040013 | KRYTAR 102040013K | ±1.0 dB | ±0.40/±0.70 dB | 1.0/1.7 dB | 15/11 dB |
| 16 dB | KRYTAR 102040016 | KRYTAR 102040016K | ±1.0 dB | ±0.40/±0.70 dB | 0.9/1.6 dB | 15/11 dB |
| 20 dB | KRYTAR 102040020 | KRYTAR 102040020K | ±1.0 dB | ±0.40/±0.70 dB | 0.8/1.5 dB | 15/11 dB |
| 30 dB | KRYTAR 102040030 | KRYTAR 102040030K | ±1.0 dB | ±1.0 dB | Less than 0.8 dB at 2–20 GHz; less than 1.5 dB at 20–40 GHz | Greater than 11 dB |
In the table, paired values such as 15/11 dB and 0.8/1.5 dB represent performance in the 2–20 GHz and 20–40 GHz frequency sections respectively.
Common Series Specifications
The standard 102040 series shares the following mechanical and environmental characteristics:
Frequency range: 2–40 GHz
Available coupling values: 6, 10, 13, 16, 20 and 30 dB
Average input power: 20 W
Peak input power: up to 3 kW under specified pulse conditions
Standard connector options: 2.4 mm female or 2.92 mm female
Nominal impedance: 50 ohms
Maximum VSWR: 1.50 at 2–20 GHz and 1.70 at 20–40 GHz
Approximate dimensions: 1.75 × 0.40 × 0.65 inches
Approximate weight: 1.2 ounces
Operating temperature: −54°C to +85°C
Peak power capability depends on pulse width, duty cycle, frequency, connector condition and system VSWR. Confirm the applicable limits before using the coupler in pulsed radar or high-power amplifier systems.
2.4 mm vs. 2.92 mm K Connectors
The model suffix identifies the connector configuration:
Models without the K suffix use 2.4 mm female connectors.
Models ending in K use 2.92 mm female K connectors.
For example:
KRYTAR 102040013: 2.4 mm female connectors
KRYTAR 102040013K: 2.92 mm female connectors
KRYTAR 102040020: 2.4 mm female connectors
KRYTAR 102040020K: 2.92 mm female connectors
The two versions have substantially similar electrical specifications. Selection is mainly determined by the existing cable assemblies, adapters, test-port interfaces and connector standard used in the RF system.
Do not assume that 2.4 mm and 2.92 mm connectors can be directly interconnected. Verify connector compatibility and use a properly rated adapter when required. All cables and adapters must support operation to 40 GHz.
Typical Applications
KRYTAR 2–40 GHz directional couplers can be used in:
Microwave amplifier testing
Forward and reflected power measurement
Signal monitoring and signal sampling
Automatic level control and feedback loops
Radar transmit and receive systems
Electronic warfare and electronic countermeasure equipment
SATCOM ground terminals
Ka-band communication systems
mmWave and 5G test equipment
Antenna and feeder monitoring
EMC and broadband RF test systems
Spectrum analyzer and power sensor setups
KRYTAR 1–26.5GHz vs. 2–40 GHz Directional Couplers
Select the KRYTAR 1–26.5 GHz family when the system must operate down to 1 GHz and frequencies above 26.5 GHz are not required.
Select the 102040 family when the system frequency starts at or above 2 GHz and coverage through the Ka band up to 40 GHz is required.
| Series | Frequency Range | Connector Options | Main Selection Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| KRYTAR 2606/2610/2620/2630 | 1–26.5 GHz | 3.5 mm | Coverage down to 1 GHz |
| KRYTAR 2611/2613/2616/2621/2631 | 1.7–26.5 GHz | 3.5 mm | Additional coupling options up to 26.5 GHz |
| KRYTAR 102040 Series | 2–40 GHz | 2.4 mm or 2.92 mm | Ultra-wideband coverage through 40 GHz |
Standard 102040 vs. ULTRA+ 102040 Series
KRYTAR also offers selected ULTRA+ 2–40 GHz directional couplers. ULTRA+ models are intended for applications requiring tighter coupling tolerance or improved coupling flatness.
For example, selected ULTRA+ models specify coupling accuracy around ±0.5 dB, compared with ±1.0 dB for many standard 102040 models.
The standard series is suitable for general broadband monitoring and testing. Consider an ULTRA+ model when coupling accuracy is a major part of the measurement uncertainty budget.
Related KRYTAR Models
KRYTAR 102040006 – 2–40 GHz, 6 dB, 2.4 mm
KRYTAR 102040006K – 2–40 GHz, 6 dB, 2.92 mm
KRYTAR 102040010 – 2–40 GHz, 10 dB, 2.4 mm
KRYTAR 102040010K – 2–40 GHz, 10 dB, 2.92 mm
KRYTAR 102040013 – 2–40 GHz, 13 dB, 2.4 mm
KRYTAR 102040013K – 2–40 GHz, 13 dB, 2.92 mm
KRYTAR 102040016 – 2–40 GHz, 16 dB, 2.4 mm
KRYTAR 102040016K – 2–40 GHz, 16 dB, 2.92 mm
KRYTAR 102040020 – 2–40 GHz, 20 dB, 2.4 mm
KRYTAR 102040020K – 2–40 GHz, 20 dB, 2.92 mm
KRYTAR 102040030 – 2–40 GHz, 30 dB, 2.4 mm
KRYTAR 102040030K – 2–40 GHz, 30 dB, 2.92 mm
Each model name should link to its corresponding product page to connect the series guide with individual product specifications, pricing and RFQ pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What coupling values are available in the KRYTAR 2–40 GHz series?
The standard series offers 6, 10, 13, 16, 20 and 30 dB nominal coupling values. Each coupling value is available with either 2.4 mm or 2.92 mm female connectors.
What does the K suffix mean?
The K suffix indicates a 2.92 mm female K connector configuration. Models without the K suffix use 2.4 mm female connectors.
Which model is suitable for sampling 1% of the input power?
A 20 dB directional coupler ideally samples approximately 1% of the main-line power. Relevant models are KRYTAR 102040020 and 102040020K.
Can the same coupler cover S band through Ka band?
Yes. The KRYTAR 102040 series covers 2–40 GHz, including the S, C, X, Ku, K and Ka microwave bands. The complete measurement chain, including cables and adapters, must also support the required frequency range.
Which parameters are most important above 20 GHz?
Review the 20–40 GHz insertion loss, directivity and VSWR specifications. Connector condition, cable loss, adapter quality and calibration method also have a greater impact at higher frequencies.
Request Price and Availability
Contact us for KRYTAR 2–40 GHz directional coupler pricing, availability, lead time and technical documentation.
Please provide the required model number, coupling value, connector type, quantity, operating frequency, input power and target delivery date. We can help compare the 102040006, 102040010, 102040013, 102040016, 102040020 and 102040030 model families for your RF or microwave system.
