Power Dividers

Abstract

Power dividers are one of the most fundamental and important passive components in engineering systems that are basically used for splitting or combining power at a junction. Specifically, electrical power divider systems have the added complexity of operating at frequencies ranging from very low (dc) to very high (optical) frequencies. Hence, over the years, circuit application over a wide spectrum has led to the development of diverse structural configurations such ascoaxial,two wire,waveguide,microstrip,stripline, coplanar waveguide, andoptical fiber, which perform the same function of power division/combining, although at different frequency bands. These structures also vary in power handling capacity, which is defined by the system, ranging from low‐power electronics to high‐power radar systems. Efficient power divider design also requiresmatchingat the junction to ensure smooth flow of power between the various ports of the device, which may have different input/output impedances.This article starts with a discussion of the basic theory andS‐parameter analysis of electrical power dividers in equal and unequal configuration, followed by specific applications to different transmission line structures such as coaxial, waveguide, and microstrip. This introductory section is followed by details of analytical and computer optimization methods to design equal and unequal power dividers, including empirical formulas for techniques such astaperingandsteppingto obtain increased bandwidth of operation. Finally, the article concludes with an overview of current trends and innovations in power divider design.