Narda-MITEQ Power Divider Selection Guide
Narda-MITEQ Power Divider Selection Guide
Narda-MITEQ offers narrowband, octave-band, multi-octave and ultra-broadband RF power dividers for radar, satellite communications, wireless infrastructure, test equipment and military microwave systems.
The portfolio includes 2-way, 3-way, 4-way and 8-way configurations with SMA, Type N and 2.92mm coaxial connectors. Available frequency ranges extend from below 1GHz to approximately 45GHz, depending on the product family and connector type.
Selecting the correct power divider requires more than matching the operating frequency. Engineers should also evaluate the number of output ports, excess insertion loss, isolation, amplitude balance, phase balance, VSWR, power handling and environmental requirements.
What Is an RF Power Divider?
An RF power divider splits one input signal between two or more output ports. When operated in the reverse direction, some models can also be used as power combiners.
Common applications include:
Antenna feed networks
Radar transmitter and receiver systems
Signal distribution
Amplifier testing
Phase-array systems
Local oscillator distribution
Laboratory test setups
Microwave communication equipment
Satellite communication systems
Narda-MITEQ primarily offers field-proven Wilkinson-style power dividers using microstrip and stripline construction. These designs provide controlled impedance, output-port isolation and predictable amplitude and phase relationships.
Main Narda-MITEQ Power Divider Families
| Product Family | Typical Configuration | Frequency Coverage | Connector Options | Selection Direction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General-Purpose Dividers | 2-way and 4-way | Up to 18GHz | SMA | General microwave signal distribution |
| 3-Way Dividers | 3-way | 2–6GHz or 6–18GHz | SMA | Three-channel test and receiver systems |
| Millimeter-Wave Dividers | 2-way and 4-way | 10–45GHz | 2.92mm | K/Ka-band and millimeter-wave systems |
| Multi-Octave Dividers | 2-way and 4-way | Approximately 0.5–33GHz | SMA or 2.92mm | Broadband microwave platforms |
| Octave-Band Dividers | 2-way and 4-way | Approximately 0.5–26.5GHz | SMA or 2.92mm | Band-specific systems requiring improved performance |
| Ultra-Broadband Dividers | 2-way, 4-way and 8-way | Approximately 0.5–18GHz | SMA | Multi-band test, EW and signal distribution |
| Commercial Dividers | 2-way, 3-way, 4-way and 8-way | Approximately 0.5–8GHz | SMA | Cost-sensitive commercial systems |
| High-Power Dividers | Primarily 2-way | Up to 18GHz | SMA or Type N | Higher-power RF distribution and combining |
| Space Power Dividers | Application-specific | Model dependent | Model dependent | Space and high-reliability systems |
The exact frequency range, power rating and connector configuration must be checked at the individual model level.
Representative Narda-MITEQ Power Divider Models
NMPD-0102-2
The NMPD-0102-2 is a 2-way power divider covering 1 to 2GHz.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 1–2GHz |
| Number of Outputs | 2 |
| Insertion Loss | 0.3dB |
| Isolation | 25dB |
| Amplitude Balance | ±0.2dB |
| Phase Balance | ±2° |
| Input VSWR | 1.2:1 |
| Output VSWR | 1.2:1 |
| Average Power | 30W |
The model is a strong candidate for L-band and lower S-band systems requiring good isolation, amplitude balance and phase balance.
The 30W power rating is guaranteed with source and load VSWR of 1.2:1, so the connected system impedance must be considered.
4326B-2
The 4326B-2 is a 2-way reactive power divider covering 5 to 18GHz.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 5–18GHz |
| Number of Outputs | 2 |
| Insertion Loss | 0.6dB |
| Isolation | 19dB |
| Amplitude Balance | ±0.3dB |
| Phase Balance | ±6° |
| Input VSWR | 1.4:1 |
| Output VSWR | 1.35:1 |
| Average Power | 30W |
Its broad 5–18GHz frequency range makes it suitable for C, X and Ku-band microwave signal-distribution systems.
4456-4
The 4456-4 is a 4-way reactive power divider covering 2 to 18GHz.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Frequency Range | 2–18GHz |
| Number of Outputs | 4 |
| Insertion Loss | 1.8dB |
| Isolation | 20dB |
| Amplitude Balance | ±0.8dB |
| Phase Balance | ±10° |
| Input VSWR | 1.5:1 |
| Output VSWR | 1.4:1 |
| Average Power | 30W |
The 4456-4 is suitable for broadband systems that need to distribute one microwave signal to four output channels.
Because it covers a very wide frequency range, its amplitude and phase balance are not as tight as those of the narrower-band NMPD-0102-2. The selection should be based on the required bandwidth and allowable channel imbalance.
Representative Model Comparison
| Model | Frequency | Outputs | Excess Insertion Loss | Isolation | Amplitude Balance | Phase Balance | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NMPD-0102-2 | 1–2GHz | 2 | 0.3dB | 25dB | ±0.2dB | ±2° | 30W |
| 4326B-2 | 5–18GHz | 2 | 0.6dB | 19dB | ±0.3dB | ±6° | 30W |
| 4456-4 | 2–18GHz | 4 | 1.8dB | 20dB | ±0.8dB | ±10° | 30W |
These models serve different frequency and output-count requirements. They should not be treated as direct substitutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of power dividers does Narda-MITEQ offer?
Narda-MITEQ offers 2-way, 3-way, 4-way and 8-way power dividers in narrowband, octave-band, multi-octave and ultra-broadband configurations. Connector options include SMA, Type N and 2.92mm.
Does insertion loss include the theoretical splitting loss?
Not always. Many RF power-divider datasheets specify excess insertion loss in addition to the theoretical division loss. Check the applicable datasheet definition before calculating the output level.
Can a Narda-MITEQ power divider be used as a combiner?
Many reciprocal passive dividers can be operated in reverse. However, safe combining power depends on signal amplitude, phase balance, source matching and internal resistor dissipation. Confirm combiner operation for the selected model.
What is the difference between a power divider and a hybrid coupler?
An equal-phase power divider normally provides outputs with the same nominal phase. A hybrid coupler provides a defined phase relationship, commonly 90 or 180 degrees, between its output ports.
Which connector should be selected above 18GHz?
A 2.92mm connector is commonly used for higher-frequency Narda-MITEQ divider models, including product families extending to approximately 40 or 45GHz. The connector must match both the model frequency and the mating cable assembly.
Are Narda-MITEQ power dividers available from stock?
Availability depends on the exact model and quantity. Contact DataStorageIC for current stock status, price, lead time and applicable manufacturer documentation.
Narda-MITEQ Power Divider Price and Availability
DataStorageIC supplies Narda-MITEQ RF and microwave power dividers for radar, SATCOM, communications, aerospace and test applications.
