Radio Frequency Systems (RFS) has introduced a new high-power 3 dB directional coupler for use in the UHF TV band for transmitter and channel combining. The RFS DC618E-HP operates from 470 to 700 MHz and is rated for 80 kW to 120 kW of power.
The new high-power 3dB 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 320kW 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 25kV 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.
