Nova Microwave RF Circulators & Isolators Selection Guide | 380MHz–26.5GHz
Nova Microwave RF Circulators & Isolators Selection Guide
Nova Microwave specializes in ferrite RF and microwave circulators and isolators for commercial, military, cellular, wireless and other microwave systems.
Its standard product range covers approximately 380 MHz to 26.5 GHz, with configurations including drop-in, surface-mount, SMA and N-Type connectorized devices, as well as high-power, low-loss circulators.
For engineers selecting a circulator or isolator, the most important parameters are frequency range, insertion loss, isolation, power handling and mechanical configuration.
For additional Nova Microwave products, visit our Nova Microwave product page.
Circulator vs Isolator: Which Do You Need?
Although circulators and isolators use similar ferrite technology, they serve different RF system functions.
| Device | Main Function | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| RF Circulator | Routes RF energy sequentially between ports | Duplexing, signal routing, PA protection |
| RF Isolator | Allows RF energy to pass mainly in one direction while absorbing reflected power | Protecting amplifiers and sensitive RF stages |
A circulator is normally a three-port non-reciprocal device. For example, power entering Port 1 is routed to Port 2, while reflected energy returning to Port 2 is routed toward Port 3 instead of back to the source.
An isolator is commonly implemented using a circulator with one port terminated internally. Its primary purpose is to reduce the effect of reflected power on an RF amplifier, oscillator or other sensitive stage.
For PA output protection, an isolator is often the simpler choice. For systems that require active routing between multiple RF ports, a circulator is normally more appropriate.
How to Select a Nova Microwave Circulator or Isolator
1. Frequency Range
The selected model must cover the entire operating frequency range of the RF system.
Nova Microwave products span frequencies from sub-1 GHz applications to microwave bands up to approximately 26.5 GHz.
Typical requirements may include:
900 MHz wireless systems
1.7–2.7 GHz cellular and RF power amplifiers
2.4 GHz ISM applications
3–6 GHz wireless and radar systems
C-band and X-band microwave systems
Ku-band satellite and radar systems
Whenever possible, avoid selecting a device whose frequency limit is exactly equal to your required operating frequency. Some design margin is preferable.
2. Insertion Loss
Insertion loss indicates how much RF power is lost when the signal passes through the device.
Lower insertion loss is especially important in high-power transmit chains because power lost in the circulator is converted into heat.
For example, Nova Microwave's ETC0240 operates from 2.3 to 2.5 GHz with a specified maximum insertion loss of 0.15 dB, making it suitable for applications where RF efficiency is important.
By comparison, many standard circulator models are specified around 0.35–0.40 dB depending on frequency and configuration.
For high-power PA outputs, insertion loss should usually be one of the first parameters considered.
3. Isolation
Isolation indicates how effectively the circulator or isolator separates the forward RF path from reflected or reverse power.
Higher isolation provides greater protection from impedance mismatch and reflected signals.
Typical Nova Microwave products provide approximately 18–23 dB isolation, depending on the model and frequency range.
For applications involving RF power amplifiers or sensitive transmit stages, models offering 20 dB or greater isolation are commonly preferred.
4. Forward and Reverse Power
Do not check only forward power.
For transmitter and PA applications, engineers should confirm both:
Forward power handling
Reverse/reflected power handling
This becomes particularly important when antenna VSWR may increase or when a load mismatch can generate substantial reflected RF power.
Nova Microwave's high-power low-loss family includes models such as:
| Model | Frequency | Isolation | Insertion Loss | Forward Power | Reverse Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETC0175 | 1.710–1.800 GHz | 22 dB | 0.20 dB | 250 W | 100 W |
| ETC0196 | 1.930–1.990 GHz | 23 dB | 0.17 dB | 250 W | 100 W |
| ETC0215 | 2.100–2.200 GHz | 23 dB | 0.15 dB | 250 W | 100 W |
| ETC0240 | 2.300–2.500 GHz | 22 dB | 0.15 dB | 250 W | 100 W |
| ETCE0225 | 2.100–2.400 GHz | 21 dB | 0.21 dB | 250 W | 100 W |
| ETCE0255 | 2.400–2.700 GHz | 21 dB | 0.21 dB | 250 W | 100 W |
These models are particularly useful for high-power RF amplifier and transmitter applications.
5. Package and Connection Type
Nova Microwave provides several mechanical configurations.
Drop-In Circulators and Isolators
Drop-in devices are commonly integrated directly into RF modules or amplifier assemblies.
They are suitable when:
Compact size is required
RF transmission lines are already present on the PCB or housing
Low connection loss is important
The circulator will become part of a larger RF module
Typical examples include 0240CAD, 0380CED, 1360CED and 1710CET.
Surface-Mount Circulators and Isolators
Surface-mount devices are useful for PCB-level RF integration.
They are generally selected where:
Board space is limited
Automated assembly is required
Connectorized components would be too large
Representative Nova Microwave surface-mount models include S0565CED and higher-frequency S-series products.
SMA Circulators and Isolators
SMA connectorized products are convenient for:
RF test systems
Laboratory setups
Prototypes
Modular microwave assemblies
They require less mechanical integration than drop-in devices and are easy to connect using standard coaxial cables.
N-Type Circulators
N-Type models are generally selected for higher-power connectorized RF systems where a mechanically robust coaxial connection is required.
For example, 0200CEN covers 1.7–2.3 GHz with 50 W forward and reverse power handling.
Representative Nova Microwave Models
The following models provide useful starting points for common RF frequency ranges.
| Model | Product Type | Frequency Range | Isolation | Insertion Loss | Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0240CAD | Drop-In Circulator | 2.3–2.5 GHz | 20 dB | 0.40 dB | 125 W |
| ETC0215 | High-Power Circulator | 2.1–2.2 GHz | 23 dB | 0.15 dB | 250 W |
| ETC0240 | High-Power Circulator | 2.3–2.5 GHz | 22 dB | 0.15 dB | 250 W |
| 0380CED | Drop-In Circulator | 3.4–4.2 GHz | 20 dB | 0.40 dB | 50 W |
| 0565CED | Drop-In Circulator | 5.4–5.9 GHz | 23 dB | 0.35 dB | Application dependent |
| S0565CED | Surface-Mount Circulator | 5.4–5.9 GHz | Approx. 20 dB | Approx. 0.40 dB | Application dependent |
| 1360CED | Drop-In Circulator | 12.7–14.5 GHz | 20 dB | 0.35 dB | 25 W |
| 1710CET | Drop-In Circulator | 14.5–19.7 GHz | 18 dB | 0.50 dB | 20 W |
| 0200CEN | N-Type Circulator | 1.7–2.3 GHz | 20 dB | 0.40 dB | 50 W |
Final electrical and mechanical specifications should always be confirmed against the current datasheet and required configuration.
Selecting by Application
RF Power Amplifiers
For a PA output stage, prioritize:
Frequency coverage
Forward power
Reverse power tolerance
Low insertion loss
High isolation
For high-power applications around 2 GHz, ETC0215 and ETC0240 are particularly relevant because they combine 250 W forward power with insertion loss as low as 0.15 dB.
2.4 GHz RF Systems
For systems around the 2.4 GHz ISM band, suitable starting points include:
0240CAD — 2.3–2.5 GHz
ETC0240 — 2.3–2.5 GHz
ETCE0225 — 2.1–2.4 GHz
ETCE0255 — 2.4–2.7 GHz
The final choice depends mainly on required power, bandwidth, insertion loss and package type.
Radar and Defense Systems
Radar and defense applications often require:
Wide temperature capability
High isolation
Low insertion loss
Controlled mechanical dimensions
Stable operation under reflected power
Drop-in and surface-mount products are often preferred because they can be integrated directly into transmitter and receiver assemblies.
Satellite and Ku-Band Systems
For higher-frequency microwave systems, models such as 1360CED and 1710CET provide coverage into Ku-band frequencies.
At these frequencies, engineers should pay particular attention to insertion loss, mechanical tolerances, RF transitions and connector or PCB launch performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What frequency range do Nova Microwave circulators and isolators cover?
Nova Microwave offers ferrite circulators and isolators covering approximately 380 MHz to 26.5 GHz, depending on product type and configuration.
What is the difference between a drop-in and SMA circulator?
A drop-in circulator is designed for integration into an RF module or housing, while an SMA circulator uses coaxial connectors and can be connected directly using RF cables. Drop-in products are normally more compact, while SMA devices are easier to use in test and modular systems.
Which Nova Microwave circulator is suitable for 2.4 GHz high-power applications?
The ETC0240 is one strong option for 2.3–2.5 GHz applications. It supports up to 250 W forward power with 22 dB minimum isolation and 0.15 dB maximum insertion loss.
What parameters are most important when selecting an RF isolator?
The main parameters are frequency range, insertion loss, isolation, forward power, reflected/reverse power capability, package type and operating temperature.
Need Help Selecting a Nova Microwave Part Number?
DataStorageIC supplies Nova Microwave RF circulators and isolators for RF power amplifiers, radar, wireless infrastructure, satellite communication, test systems and other microwave applications.
If you are selecting a replacement or new component, send us:
Required frequency range
RF power
Minimum isolation
Maximum insertion loss
Package or connector type
Required quantity
Target part number, if available
Our team can help compare suitable Nova Microwave models and provide availability, lead-time and quotation information.
Send your Nova Microwave part number or RF requirements to DataStorageIC for model selection and RFQ support.
