MCDI, Mini-Circuits Exclusive Representative In Israel
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RF & Microwave Couplers

Mini-Circuits Directional, Bi-Directional & Dual-Directional Couplers to 65 GHz with Local Engineering Support in Israel

MCDI offers a broad selection of Mini-Circuits RF, microwave and millimeter-wave couplers for signal sampling, RF power monitoring, reflected-power measurement, feedback, test and measurement and other RF signal-chain applications.

The portfolio includes directional couplers, bi-directional couplers, dual-directional couplers and RF power taps, with surface-mount, connectorized and MMIC configurations for both 50 Ω and selected 75 Ω systems.

Mini-Circuits coupler solutions cover frequencies from DC through 65 GHz, using technologies including transformer, LTCC, MMIC, microstrip/stripline and directional-bridge designs. High-power solutions are also available for demanding transmitter, amplifier and RF test applications.

MCDI’s Application Engineering team in Israel can assist you in selecting the appropriate RF coupler according to frequency, coupling factor, directivity, mainline loss, VSWR, power handling, impedance, DC pass-through requirements and mechanical interface.

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RF & Microwave Couplers Catalog

Use the RF Coupler Catalog below to search and compare Mini-Circuits coupler models according to your application requirements.

Search and filter according to:

  • Part number
  • Interface
  • Impedance
  • Minimum frequency
  • Maximum frequency
  • Coupling
  • Mainline loss
  • Directivity
  • VSWR
  • Maximum RF input power
  • Coupler type
  • Construction technology
  • DC pass-through capability

For complete electrical, mechanical, environmental and absolute maximum specifications, always review the individual Mini-Circuits product datasheet.

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An RF directional coupler is a passive component that samples a known portion of the signal traveling through an RF transmission line.

Most of the RF power continues through the main signal path, while a smaller controlled portion appears at the coupled port.

This sampled signal can be used for:

  • RF power monitoring
  • Forward-power measurement
  • Reflected-power measurement
  • VSWR monitoring
  • Feedback and level control
  • Signal analysis
  • Transmitter protection
  • Automated test and measurement

The relationship between the main-line input power and the sampled power is defined by the coupling factor, normally expressed in dB.

For example, an ideal 20 dB coupler provides approximately 1% of the input power at the coupled port.

Different coupler architectures provide different access to forward and reflected signals.

Directional Couplers

A directional coupler is commonly used when a sample of the signal traveling in one direction is required.

Many directional couplers are three-port devices in which the fourth, isolated port is internally terminated.

This arrangement can provide excellent directivity because the internal termination is controlled as part of the coupler design.

Typical applications include:

  • Forward RF power sampling
  • Reflected-power monitoring
  • Antenna VSWR measurement
  • Signal-generator leveling
  • RF feedback loops
  • Laboratory measurements
  • Spectrum monitoring
  • Transmitter protection

Directional couplers are available in surface-mount, connectorized and MMIC configurations over a wide range of frequencies and coupling values.

Bi-Directional Couplers

A bi-directional coupler is normally a four-port coupler in which both ends of the coupled transmission line are available.

This allows forward and reverse RF signals to be sampled.

Bi-directional couplers are useful in applications such as:

  • Simultaneous forward and reflected signal monitoring
  • RF power measurement
  • Antenna monitoring
  • Built-in test systems
  • Production testing
  • Communications equipment
  • Transmitter monitoring

Because the coupled ports are externally accessible, maintaining a good impedance match at these ports is important for achieving the specified directivity.

Dual-Directional Couplers

A dual-directional coupler combines two directional coupling structures to provide separate forward and reverse coupled outputs.

This architecture allows forward and reflected power to be monitored independently.

Compared with a conventional bi-directional coupler, a dual-directional configuration can reduce the effect of mismatch at one sampled port on measurements made at the other.

Typical applications include:

  • Forward and reflected RF power measurement
  • High-accuracy reflectometers
  • VSWR monitoring
  • Transmitter protection
  • High-power RF systems
  • Test and measurement
  • Production test
  • Communications infrastructure

Dual-directional couplers are particularly useful when accurate simultaneous monitoring of both directions is required.

RF Power Taps

An RF tap extracts a controlled fraction of RF power from a signal path while allowing the majority of the signal to continue through the main line.

RF taps may be used for:

  • Monitoring
  • Measurement
  • Signal distribution
  • Feedback
  • CATV and broadband systems
  • Test systems

The required coupling or tap value depends on how much sampled power is needed and how much main-line loss can be tolerated.

High-Power RF Couplers

High-power RF systems require couplers capable of sampling signals without introducing excessive main-line loss or exceeding the component’s RF power rating.

Mini-Circuits offers high-power directional, bi-directional and dual-directional coupler solutions for applications such as:

  • RF power-amplifier testing
  • Base stations
  • Broadcast and communications transmitters
  • Radar
  • Antenna systems
  • High-power laboratory testing
  • RF power monitoring
  • Transmitter protection

Selected Mini-Circuits couplers are rated for RF input power in the hundreds of watts.

Always check the individual product datasheet because RF power capability can depend on frequency, load VSWR, temperature and operating conditions.

Millimeter-Wave Directional Couplers

Mini-Circuits offers connectorized directional couplers for microwave and millimeter-wave applications through 65 GHz.

These products are suited to applications including:

  • mmWave test and measurement
  • 5G and advanced wireless development
  • Radar
  • Semiconductor characterization
  • Satellite communications
  • Broadband instrumentation
  • Research and development

At these frequencies, coupling flatness, directivity, mainline loss, return loss and connector performance become particularly important.

DC Pass Couplers

Selected Mini-Circuits directional and bi-directional couplers allow DC current to pass through the main RF transmission path.

This can be useful when DC power and RF share the same transmission line.

Potential applications include:

  • Remote antenna systems
  • Active RF devices
  • Amplifier systems
  • Communications equipment
  • Remote control equipment

If DC pass-through is required, verify both the RF power rating and maximum permitted DC current for the individual model.

Coupling Factor

The coupling factor defines how much of the RF signal is sampled at the coupled port.

It is normally expressed in dB.

For ideal power ratios:

  • 10 dB coupling samples approximately 10% of the input power
  • 20 dB coupling samples approximately 1%
  • 30 dB coupling samples approximately 0.1%

The correct coupling value depends on the RF input power and the signal level required by the detector, measurement instrument or feedback circuit connected to the coupled port.

Coupling Flatness

Coupling normally changes somewhat with frequency.

Coupling flatness indicates how much the sampled level varies across the operating band.

Good coupling flatness is particularly important in:

  • Broadband measurement systems
  • Power monitoring
  • Calibration applications
  • Wideband transmitters
  • Automated test systems

Directivity

Directivity describes how effectively the coupler distinguishes between RF energy traveling in opposite directions.

Higher directivity is particularly important when measuring reflected power or VSWR because it helps separate the desired reflected signal from unwanted leakage of the forward signal.

Applications requiring accurate antenna-reflection measurements should therefore pay particular attention to directivity.

Mainline Loss

Mainline loss is the reduction in signal power between the coupler’s main input and output ports.

It includes both the power intentionally transferred to the coupled path and other losses within the device.

Lower mainline loss is generally desirable, particularly in:

  • High-power systems
  • Low-loss signal chains
  • Receiver systems
  • Transmitter outputs
  • Precision measurements

VSWR and Return Loss

A directional coupler becomes part of the RF transmission line and therefore affects impedance matching.

Good VSWR or return loss helps minimize reflections and maintain predictable signal-chain performance.

Check matching at the required ports throughout the operating-frequency range.

RF Power Handling

The coupler must safely handle the maximum RF power present on the main transmission line.

Consider:

  • CW power
  • Peak power, where specified
  • Frequency
  • Load VSWR
  • Temperature
  • Cooling
  • Connector limitations

Never select a coupler based only on nominal coupling value without verifying its RF power rating.

Impedance

Mini-Circuits offers couplers for both 50 Ω and selected 75 Ω systems.

50 Ω couplers are widely used in RF, microwave, wireless, radar and test applications.

75 Ω models are commonly associated with CATV, broadband distribution and related systems.

Use a coupler matching the system impedance.

Directional, Bi-Directional or Dual-Directional?

Choose the architecture according to what you need to measure.

Use a directional coupler when you mainly need a sample of one propagation direction.

Use a bi-directional coupler when access to both forward and reverse coupled signals is required through a four-port structure.

Use a dual-directional coupler when separate forward and reverse coupled outputs and improved independence between the sampled paths are important.

Surface-Mount or Connectorized?

Surface-mount couplers are suited to integration into RF PCBs and modules.

Connectorized couplers are convenient for:

  • Laboratory setups
  • Test equipment
  • Complete RF systems
  • High-power applications
  • Rapid prototyping
  • Field installations

MMIC and bare-die options may also be appropriate for highly integrated microwave designs.

Construction Technology

Mini-Circuits RF couplers use several technologies depending on frequency, bandwidth, power and mechanical requirements.

These include:

  • Transformer
  • LTCC
  • MMIC
  • Microstrip / stripline
  • Directional bridge

The optimum technology depends on the requirements of the application rather than on one technology being universally preferable.

RF directional couplers are used throughout RF, microwave and millimeter-wave signal chains for monitoring, measurement and control.

RF Power Monitoring

A coupler provides a lower-power sample of a high-power RF signal that can be connected to a detector or measurement instrument.

This allows RF power to be monitored without placing the full signal power directly into the measurement device.

Forward and Reflected Power Measurement

Bi-directional and dual-directional couplers allow RF systems to monitor both transmitted and reflected power.

This can help evaluate load matching and antenna-system performance.

VSWR and Antenna Monitoring

Reflected RF power indicates how much energy is being returned because of impedance mismatch.

A directional coupler can sample this reflected signal for use in:

  • VSWR measurement
  • Antenna monitoring
  • Fault detection
  • Transmitter protection

Transmitter Protection

High reflected power may indicate an antenna fault, damaged cable or severe impedance mismatch.

A coupler combined with an RF detector and control system can help identify this condition and allow transmitter power to be reduced or shut down.

Automatic Level Control

The coupled output can provide a feedback signal for an automatic level-control loop.

This can help stabilize RF output power from:

  • Signal generators
  • Amplifiers
  • Transmitters
  • Test equipment

RF Test & Measurement

Directional couplers are frequently used in laboratory and automated test setups to sample RF signals without substantially interrupting the main transmission path.

Production Test

Couplers can form part of automated production-test systems where RF power, reflections or signal characteristics need to be monitored repeatedly and consistently.

Radar

High-power and broadband couplers support RF power monitoring, reflected-power measurement and signal sampling in radar systems and radar test equipment.

Wireless Communications

RF couplers are used in communication-system infrastructure for monitoring, feedback, testing and transmitter protection.

Satellite Communications

Microwave couplers can provide signal sampling and monitoring within SATCOM equipment, development systems and test setups.

CATV and Broadband

Selected 75 Ω couplers and RF taps support broadband distribution and CATV applications.

Although both are described as couplers, directional couplers and hybrid couplers serve different functions.

A directional coupler normally samples a relatively small, defined portion of an RF signal for monitoring or measurement.

A 90° or 180° hybrid generally divides or combines RF power between ports while maintaining a defined phase relationship between the signals.

If your application requires quadrature or 180° power division rather than signal sampling, explore Mini-Circuits hybrid splitter/combiner products.

For applications requiring multiple RF channels, Mini-Circuits couplers can also be integrated with splitter/combiners, amplifiers, attenuators and other RF components in complete signal-distribution and test systems.

These solutions may include:

  • Multiple independent RF channels
  • Rack-mounted configurations
  • Benchtop systems
  • High-power RF paths
  • Integrated amplification
  • Signal monitoring
  • Custom connector arrangements

MCDI can assist Israeli customers with both catalog and application-specific Mini-Circuits RF test solutions.

What is an RF directional coupler?

An RF directional coupler is a passive component that samples a defined portion of RF power from a transmission line while allowing most of the signal to continue through the main path.

The sampled signal can be used for monitoring, measurement, feedback and control.

An ideal 20 dB coupling factor means the power at the coupled port is approximately 20 dB below the input power.

This corresponds to approximately 1% of the input RF power being sampled at the coupled port.

Directivity indicates how well the coupler distinguishes between signals traveling in opposite directions.

Higher directivity is particularly valuable when accurately measuring reflected power or VSWR.

A conventional directional coupler often has three accessible ports, with the isolated port internally terminated.

A bi-directional coupler normally provides four accessible ports and allows both forward and reverse signals to be sampled.

A dual-directional coupler effectively combines two directional couplers to provide independent samples of forward and reverse power.

This architecture can provide better independence between the two sampled signal paths.

In a bi-directional coupler, performance can depend strongly on how well the coupled ports are terminated.

A dual-directional design provides separately terminated directional structures, which can reduce interaction between the forward and reverse measurement paths.

Coupling flatness indicates how much the coupling value changes across the specified frequency range.

Good coupling flatness is important when the sampled signal needs to remain predictable across a wide bandwidth.

Mainline loss is the reduction in RF power between the input and output ports caused by inserting the coupler in the transmission path.

It includes the power intentionally transferred to the coupled port as well as other device losses.

A directional coupler can be used as part of a system that measures forward and reflected RF power.

The ratio between these signals can then be used to determine reflection coefficient or VSWR.

Yes. Sampling transmitter power is one of the most common RF coupler applications.

The coupled signal can be connected to a detector, power meter, monitoring circuit or feedback system.

A coupler combined with suitable detection and control circuitry can monitor reflected power caused by an antenna or load mismatch.

The system can then reduce or shut down transmitter power when excessive reflected energy is detected.

A DC-pass coupler allows DC current to travel through the main RF transmission path while still providing RF coupling.

This can be useful in systems where remote active components receive DC power over the RF cable.

Mini-Circuits offers RF, microwave and millimeter-wave coupler solutions spanning frequencies from DC through 65 GHz, depending on the individual model and architecture.

Yes. Mini-Circuits offers directional, bi-directional and dual-directional couplers for high-power applications, including models rated for RF input power in the hundreds of watts.

Always verify the individual model’s specified power rating and operating conditions.

A directional coupler is generally used to sample a controlled portion of an RF signal.

A 90° or 180° hybrid normally divides or combines RF power while maintaining a defined phase relationship between output signals.

Yes. MCDI’s Application Engineering team in Israel can help identify suitable Mini-Circuits couplers according to frequency, coupling, directivity, RF power, mainline loss, impedance, architecture and interface requirements.

Why Source Mini-Circuits RF Couplers Through MCDI?

MCDI is Mini-Circuits’ exclusive representative and distributor in Israel, providing Israeli engineers and purchasing teams with access to Mini-Circuits RF, microwave and millimeter-wave products together with local technical, commercial and logistical support.

Local Application Engineering

Selecting an RF coupler often requires balancing frequency, coupling, directivity, mainline loss, VSWR, RF power and mechanical requirements.

MCDI’s Application Engineers can help evaluate these parameters and identify suitable Mini-Circuits models.

Technical Support in Hebrew and English

Discuss your application directly with an Israel-based engineering team familiar with Mini-Circuits RF components and systems.

High-Power and Test-System Support

For applications involving high RF power, multiple channels or integrated monitoring systems, MCDI can assist with both individual couplers and complete Mini-Circuits test solutions.

Product Selection Assistance

If you know your frequency and power requirements but are unsure which coupler architecture or coupling value to select, send MCDI your requirements for evaluation.

Support from Selection Through Delivery

MCDI supports customers in Israel from product selection and quotation through ordering, logistics and post-sales technical assistance.

Why Choose MCDI

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