How to choose RF terminations and RF Loads
RF Terminations or loads are used absorb incident power at a port with very little reflection. Loads and terminations are designed for a specific port impedance usually 50 ohms or 75 ohms. RF and microwave Terminations can be used to terminate multi port devices when certain ports are not used – Couplers, Hybrids, Isolators etc.
The key specifications to look for in a microwave load/termination are:
Type: This will be Coax or Surface mount terminations.
Impedance (Ohms): This is the Impedance at which a port is terminated. 50 Ohm termination and 75 Ohm Terminations are the most popular.
Frequency (MHz): The frequency up to which the load or termination can be used to absorb the signal while maintaining low reflection levels.
Connector: Coax Terminations or Loads are available in a number of coax connector options – You have SMA loads, BNC loads,
Power (W): This is the level of power the termination can handle.