PH2LB shack on the internet.

-6dB Resistive Splitter PCB

This page was last updated : 18-Dec-24 07:45:45

This page is work in progress and may be updated frequently.

Introduction

As a hamradio homebrewer I wanted to use a splitter to share a signalsource between RF components and although there a very nice MicroCircuit Splitter/combiners on the markets, these are quite expensive for having to lay around and use almost never. 

So instead of buying (a used) MicroCircuit Splitter/Combiner, I decided to design and build one my self according to the Resistive principle. That it does have a -6dB on the both output ports, I don't mind, because it's hobby and not my daytime job and most of the time I can crank up my signal source to compensate for that.

Using (R1..R6) SMD 1206 Resistors of 33 Ohm each, the splitter should be capable of handeling 0.5W without a problem. 

I tried to make the PCB design as simple as possible and it should be even able to box it up in a milled housing.  A small batch of prototype PCB's where ordered, and a day later, I discovered that I should forgot connect the holes go GND :-( 

Not a real buzz killer, but it will be included in the next revision of this splitter. 

But it looks good in 3D :-)

Let's test them

When the small batch of PCBs came I assembled one. 

Knowing my self, that I forget the resistor values, I put them on the bottom silkscreen. 

And after some soldering, it was ready to split some RF.

The results 

Using my LiteVNA I made bandsweeps over the hamradio frequency ranges HF, 2m, 70cm, 23cm & 13cm.

I wasn't expecting that it would be great all up to the 13cm band, but looking at the results up to 23cm (1.3GHz), I'm quite happy with the performance.

 

Where to buy 

From the not so small batch of PCBs I have a "few" left. When you interested use the form on the For-Sale page.
 

The design is publicly available (use  For-Sale page to request GERBER files) so you order your own PCB's at OSHPark but licensed it Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).
Meaning : 

• Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
• NonCommercial — You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
• NoDerivatives — If you remix, transform, or build upon the material, you may not distribute the modified material.

It's not to be childish but it now happened a few times that a  designs I made was sold by other people just because is was "Open source, so I can do anything I want with it" without any credits or even a token of appreciation. 

When you like the design and PCB's. a small fee as a token of appreciation / commission to support my work is very appreciated (see : Support & Tip Jar).

 

 

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