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Mini-Circuits Bias Tees: An Overview

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Mini-Circuits Bias Tees are gaining popularity for their versatility and performance in various RF applications. Mini-Circuits has recently introduced new models, expanding their existing line of these useful components.

Mini-Circuits Bias Tees are known for their features, including low insertion loss, better VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio), and RoHS compliance, aligning with environmental standards. These Bias Tees are used for biasing amplifiers, laser diodes, and antennas, among other applications.

They serve multiple purposes, including DC return, DC blocking, and as valuable accessories in test and measurement setups.

Bias Tee Figure 1: Internals of a Bias Tee

Figure 1 illustrates the internal workings of a typical Bias Tee, which features three ports.

  • Port 1 to Port 2: RF signals entering Port 1 are passed through to Port 2, while a capacitor blocks any DC component.
  • Port 3: DC signals are allowed to pass through Port 3, while an inductor blocks any RF signal.

Bias Tee Selection Guide

Selecting the right Bias Tee for your application requires considering several key parameters:

  • Frequency Range of Operation: The operating frequency band is crucial.
  • Maximum DC Voltage and Current: Ensure the Bias Tee can handle the required DC levels.
  • Impedance: Typically 50 Ohm or 75 Ohm.
  • VSWR: A measure of impedance matching; lower is better.
  • Insertion Loss: The signal loss introduced by the Bias Tee.
  • RF Connector Type: (e.g., SMA M/F) Choose the appropriate connector for your system.

About Mini-Circuits

Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Brooklyn, NY, Mini-Circuits is a leading provider of IF, RF, Microwave, and signal processing components, modules, sub-systems, and systems.

Their products cover a wide frequency range, from DC up to 40 GHz.

Mini-Circuits products find application in diverse fields such as WLAN, WiMAX, Cellular, Medical, Testing equipment, Radar, Avionics, and Satellite communications.

Website: https://www.minicircuits.com/

Mini-Circuits Bias Tee Models

Mini-Circuits Bias Tees are designed for a wide temperature range and can handle RF power up to a maximum of +30dBm.

These products are RoHS compliant and can handle DC currents of up to 4 Amps.

The available frequency range spans from 100 kHz to approximately 12 GHz.

Mini Circuits Bias Tee Model NoSpecifications
ZFBT-6G+Frequency range: 10 to 6000MHz Impedance: 50 Ohm Low insertion loss (0.6dB typically) Isolation of 40dB
ZFBT-33-75-FT+Frequency range: 10 to 3000MHz Impedance: 75 Ohm Insertion loss: 0.15dB VSWR: 1.13:1