Understanding RF Signal-Combining Technologies

To navigate an increasingly fragmented and complex radio spectrum, RF product designers regularly have to  combine the outputs of several different RF transmitters onto one antenna. Those same engineers also are tasked with splitting or separating signals into different paths for different radio receivers.Several technologies are available that can accomplish both tasks; each brings with it pros and cons that must be considered before it is implemented into a system. Ultimately, component choice boils down to knowing what you want your signal or signals to look like, and then working backward to find the optimal solution to realize your goal.

This article explores options for combining or separating signals examining their strengths and weaknesses and is intended to help engineers determine which component (or combination of components) is most advantageous given the application for which they need it.