MCi offers waveguide power combiners in a range of waveguide sizes, and custom engineering for various combiner designs for elevated power levels. In addition, MCi manufactures an assortment of switchless power combiners and UHF-TV combiners. Explore common combiner designs below. To learn more about our high-power combiners and other products, please contact us at sales@microwavetechniques.com.
High Power Waveguide UHF-TV Combiners
MCi High Power Waveguide UHF-TV Combiners are used to combine any number of transmitters to a single output. The combining action is accomplished by feeding two signals of equal amplitude in phased quadrature into a high power MCI broadband hybrid. Two transmitters require one hybrid combiner; four transmitters require three hybrid combiners (see schematic below).
Unequal combiners are also available when it is necessary to combine an odd number of transmitters into a single output. The reject load at each level of combining must be capable of handling half the power of the remaining transmitter in case of failure. Directional couplers and watt meters can be provided in front of each reject load to facilitate adjustment of phase.
Design Features & Specifications
- Low Loss
- Low VSWR
- High Transmitter Isolation
- All waveguide construction
| Frequency: | Specify Channel (14 – 69) |
| VSWR: | < 1.10 Over Passband |
| Insertion Loss: | < 0.1 dB |
| Isolation | > 30 dB (between any transmitter) |
Waveguide Hot Switch Power Combiners
The MCi Waveguide Hot Switch™ provides three combining modes for dual, phase locked, high power amplifiers (HPAs) with distribution of the combined power to two outputs, typically antenna and load. Should one HPA fail, the Hot Switch™ redirects, on command, the remaining HPA to the desired output port with no loss of airtime. This unit is recommended as standard equipment in new systems as a replacement for fixed hybrids, magic tees and in systems that cannot be switched under power.
The Hot Switch™ waveguide power combiner is composed of two waveguide hybrids connected by parallel waveguide runs, one of which includes a motor driven dialectic phase shifter. A microprocessor based position controller drives the phase shifter and enables easy integration with the transmitter combining system. Multiple Hot Switch™ combiners may be integrated with a single master controller for systems with additional HPAs and/or antennas.
Every Hot Switch™ is optimized for the intended channel in order to provide the lowest possible VSWR and highest possible transmitter isolation throughout all intermediate and terminal states. MCI also offers low-power and super-power versions of the Hot Switch™ that uses non-contacting short circuits in the phase shifter sections.
Design Features & Specifications
- Switches under power
- Prevents loss of air time
- Easy system integration
- High power handling
- Low loss
| VSWR: | < 1.08 |
| Insertion Loss: | < 0.1 dB |
| Input Isolation: | > 35 dB |
| Switching Time: | < 8 seconds |
High Power Switchless Combiner
Micro Communications, Inc., manufactures an assortment of RF switching systems for UHF, including switchless combiners designed to utilize peak power levels as high as 280 kilowatts. The microprocessor control unit provides the broadcaster with the missing link between the RF system and efficient station operation. This unit allows remote and/or local control of the switchless combiners. The broadcaster needs only to provide a momentary contact for each position required.
MCI series 55080 switchless combiner uses (2) 90° hybrids and a one-sided phase shifter. The advantage is a single drive system. The phase shifter uses a high power non-contacting short circuit.
MCI’s switchless combiners are capable of transmitting full power from two transmitters (inputs A & B) to either output, or from either transmitter to either output. Switchless combiners are also available from Micro Communications for FM, LoV and HiV.
- Microprocessor Controlled
- Choke-Type Phaser Non-Contacting
- High Isolation
- UHF Applications to 280 kW
- All Waveguide Construction
| Frequency: | Specify Channel |
| VSWR: | < 1.10 Over Pass Band |
| Insertion Loss: | < 0.1 dB |
| Isolation Between Any Ports: | > 30 dB |
| Switching Time: | 5 Seconds between modes |
MCi: A Microwave Techniques Company
Micro Communications (MCi) is a Microwave Techniques, LLC Company. Our partners at Mega Industries and Ferrite Microwave Technologies have years of experience with waveguide power combining technology. Utilizing a vast portfolio of legacy waveguide and microwave components – the team at Microwave Techniques can assist in finding, or developing a waveguide power combiner suitable for your system, application or RF project.
The Microwave Techniques, LLC product capabilities include legacy microwave components and systems from Mega, MCi, Ferrite Microwave Technologies and FXR dummy loads line. The group has close to 100,000+ square feet of manufacturing space across three facilities throughout New England, with divisions for high-power RF components and industrial microwave systems.
To learn more about our waveguide power combiners, or RF power combining technology – please contact us at sales@microwavetechniques.com. We look forward to hearing about your product requirements, and partnering with you on your next microwave, RF or broadcast project!