Mini-Circuits Bias Tee Selection Guide | DC Bias to 54 GHz
Mini-Circuits Bias Tee Selection Guide
A Bias Tee allows DC power and an RF signal to share the same transmission line while keeping the RF and DC paths isolated.
It is commonly used to supply DC bias to RF amplifiers, active antennas, laser diodes, LNBs and other active RF devices without requiring a separate power cable.
Mini-Circuits offers Bias Tees from low-frequency RF through microwave and millimeter-wave applications, with surface-mount, coaxial and MMIC options available. Current coaxial products extend to 54 GHz, while surface-mount devices extend to 40 GHz.
How to Select a Mini-Circuits Bias Tee
For most applications, engineers only need to focus on the following parameters.
| Parameter | What to Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency Range | Minimum and maximum RF frequency | Must cover the full operating band |
| DC Current | Required bias current | Must support the powered device |
| DC Voltage | Required bias voltage | Important for PA, LNB and remote RF devices |
| Insertion Loss | RF loss through the Bias Tee | Lower loss preserves system gain |
| Isolation | RF-to-DC port isolation | Prevents RF leakage into the power supply |
| RF Power | Maximum RF input power | Important for PA and transmitter systems |
| Package | SMT, coaxial or die | Depends on PCB or test-system integration |
| Impedance | 50Ω or 75Ω | Must match the RF system |
Surface-Mount vs Coaxial Bias Tees
Surface-Mount Bias Tees
Surface-mount models are suitable for direct PCB integration and compact RF equipment.
Mini-Circuits offers SMT Bias Tees covering wide bandwidths, including the TCBT and MBT families. Current catalog options extend to 40 GHz.
They are commonly used for:
MMIC amplifier biasing
RF front-end modules
Wireless equipment
Embedded microwave circuits
Coaxial Bias Tees
Connectorized Bias Tees are more convenient for laboratory, system-level and field installations.
Mini-Circuits offers SMA, N-Type and BNC configurations, with selected models extending to 54 GHz.
Typical applications include:
RF test benches
Active antennas
SATCOM equipment
Remote RF modules
LNA and PA biasing
Representative Mini-Circuits Bias Tee Models
| Model | Frequency | Max. DC Current | Typical Insertion Loss | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z3BT-2R15G+ | 5–2600 MHz | 7 A | 0.9 dB | Coaxial SMA | High-current SATCOM |
| ZFBT-282-1.5A+ | 10–2800 MHz | 1.5 A | 0.6 dB | Coaxial SMA | High-current RF bias |
| ZX85-12G-S+ | 0.2 MHz–12 GHz | 400 mA | 0.6 dB | Coaxial SMA | Ultra-wideband test |
| TCBT-14+ | 10 MHz–10 GHz | 200 mA | ~0.5 dB | SMT | Compact PCB design |
| MBT-283+ | 1.5–28 GHz | 500 mA | 0.7 dB | MMIC SMT | Microwave / mmWave |
| ZBT-V543-FT+ | 10 MHz–54 GHz | 250 mA | 1.2 dB | Coaxial | Very wideband mmWave |
Common Applications
Mini-Circuits Bias Tees are commonly used for:
RF Amplifier Biasing
DC power is injected into the RF line to power an LNA, PA or MMIC amplifier.
Active Antennas
The Bias Tee supplies DC through the coaxial cable while RF signals travel over the same line.
SATCOM / LNB Powering
High-current models can power satellite LNBs and up-converters remotely through RF cabling.
RF Test and Measurement
Bias Tees allow engineers to apply DC bias to a DUT while simultaneously measuring its RF performance.
Laser Diode Biasing
Selected Mini-Circuits Bias Tees can also be used in high-frequency laser diode and optical-system applications.
FAQ
What does a Bias Tee do?
A Bias Tee combines a DC voltage with an RF signal onto the same transmission line, or separates the DC and RF components at the other end.
How do I choose the correct Bias Tee current rating?
The maximum DC current of the Bias Tee must exceed the current required by the connected amplifier, active antenna or other RF device. Voltage limits should also be checked.
Is lower insertion loss better?
Yes. Lower insertion loss means less RF signal power is lost through the Bias Tee, which is especially important in receiver and measurement systems.
Should I choose a coaxial or surface-mount Bias Tee?
Choose surface mount for PCB integration and compact RF modules. Choose coaxial for test equipment, prototypes, SATCOM and system-level installations where connectorized operation is preferred.
Mini-Circuits Bias Tee Stock, Price & RFQ
DataStorageIC supplies Mini-Circuits RF and microwave components, including Bias Tees, RF switches, power splitters, amplifiers, mixers, attenuators, couplers and filters.
For Bias Tee selection or quotation, send us:
Mini-Circuits part number
Frequency range
Required DC voltage and current
RF power
Connector or package requirement
Quantity
Contact DataStorageIC for current stock, price, lead time and alternative Mini-Circuits Bias Tee recommendations.
