RF Power Splitters in Cellular UE Manufacturing

The effect on transmitter (Tx) power measurements of a splitter in the RF path connecting a mobile test system to the Primary and Diversity ports of a cellular user equipment is assessed. Splitters are commonly used to connect the numerous antenna ports of modern user equipment, but if not used properly, they introduce variations to the Tx power measurements affecting both calibration and verification results in a production line. A Wilkinson type splitter is the recommended design because of its inherent amplitude balance across the split paths and high port isolation, which can be further increased by the use of attenuators to minimize measurement errors.