Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), the global wireless and broadcast infrastructure specialist, announces its new high-power 3 dB directional coupler for use in the UHF TV band for transmitter and channel combining. The RFS DC618E-HP, rated for 80 to 120 kW depending on application at UHF frequencies 470 to 700 MHz, is the latest addition to RFS’ family of directional couplers and will change the landscape for balanced combining applications. 

“The high power combiner market has great need for this product and we expect it to be of immediate interest to UHF transmitter manufacturers,” said Martin O’Donohue, global marketing manager for the Broadcast and Defense Systems product line from Kilsyth. 

The new high-power 3 dB coupler can be used in balanced combiners or for transmitter power combining. It is very compact, for easy integration into equipment, and has the lowest insertion loss and highest power rating for coaxial TEM-mode technology. For transmitter combining, it is rated at 120 kW average power, while for channel combiners it is ideally suited to combine several high-power channels into one common output.

This coupler has four 6-1/8″ EIA flanged male inputs/outputs, which are designed to fit the narrowband input of the RFS tunable 320 kW combiner. With a robust construction, the coupler weighs an impressive 174 lbs (79kg). It features RFS’ patented method for direct heat transfer. 

The body allows for two possible mounting configurations. Mounting holes are located in lugs on four corners or in tabs at both ends of the central waist. The voltage rating at sea level is 25 kV with better than 1.5 safety factor into a 50 ohm load and return loss across the operating range better than or equal to 32dB. The coupler offers a power split of 3.01 +/- 0.25 dB with a phase balance of -90 degrees. It may also be used as a stand-alone splitter.

“Teamed with the 325 mm filter and waveguide coupler developments, RFS continues to deliver the lowest insertion loss, high power combining technology that is on the cutting edge for the broadcast market,” said Timo Brouwer, vice-president broadcast & defense systems, RFS.

For more information visit www.rfsworld.com.