Power dividers are electrical configurations which take an input signal and create multiple outputs equal in phase and amplitude. They have a wide range of uses, including source leveling, transmission line fault testing, ratio measurements, power combining and power splitting, to name a few.

Networks of couplers and splitters most commonly come with three or four ports, or as a simple 2 way power divider. "Corporate" splitters are any larger than these configurations and consist of systems where one 2 way power divider feeds a pair of two-ways, which feed four two-ways, and so on. The difference between a coupler and a splinter is the coupler builds larger systems with pairings of the 2 way power divider, whereas the power splitter is a 3 way power divider configuration. Consider the following in your search for power divider manufacturers:

1. 2 way and 3 way power dividers are the simplest and most commonly used.

2. A multi-directional power splitter is useful for connecting intricate electrical systems.

3. A GPS antenna power divider can link multiple roof antenna systems.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Connect simple office power systems with a 2 way power divider or 3 way power divider

The most basic type of electronic power dividers are the 2 way and 3 way power divider. These take an input power and replicate it into two or three outputs. These power dividers also come in different orientations: 0 degree, 90 degree and 180 degree. The 0 degree model splits the source into multiple outputs in the same direction, whereas 90 degree and 180 degree change the direction of the signal to their respective angles.

I recommend: Buy the 2 way microwave power divider from Anatech Microwave or INSTOCK Wireless Components for the 3 way RF power splitter.

Use a multi-directional industrial power splitter for complex systems

Complicated wiring systems, particularly those of an industrial grade, will require you to split your power source more than 2 or 3 directions. For this, there are multi-directional power dividers which can split up to 12 directions.

I recommend: Visit Meca Electronics for the 4 way power divider. Microwave Communications Laboratories also sells specialized 6 way, 8 way and 12 way power dividers.

Link multiple roof satellite dishes with a GPS antenna power divider

An antenna power divider is a type of RF power splitter which takes multiple antenna lines and links them to a single power source. This is particularly useful for companies involved in home or building entertainment system wiring, as these can link tricky systems with multiple satellite dishes. Like other power dividers, these come in models with a range of output ports, although the 4 way and 2 way power dividers for antennas are more common than other configurations.

I recommend: Buy a 2 way antenna power divider from RF Globalnet, or link larger systems with a 4 way system from NavtechGPS.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Due to their design, RF power dividers are not equipped for use as combiners. If you need something that can both combine and divide power, a Wilkinson power divider/combiner is a better choice, but be careful not to damage the input resistor.