This Product Selection Guide contains information to help select products in the RF Multiplexers category on DigiKey.com
RF Multiplexers use bi-directional bandpass filters to combine RF signals for transmission through a single coaxial cable or to split a combined signal into separate signals for transmission through independent coax cables. Types of multiplexing include diplexing, and duplexing. triplexing, quadplexing, and quintplexing. Multiplexors are differentiated by their frequency bands, low band attenuation, high band attenuation, return loss, and mounting type.
SelectionCharacteristics
Type: The specific configuration and functionality of the multiplexer.
Frequency Bands (Low / High): Indicates the frequency ranges over which a device is intended to be used.
Low Band Attenuation (min / max dB): Minimum/typical amount by which signals at high-band frequencies are attenuated, as measured at the low-band port.
High Band Attenuation (min / max dB): Minimum/typical amount by which signals at low-band frequencies are attenuated, as measured at the high-band port.
Return Loss (Low Band / High Band): Characterizes losses due to transmission line reflections for the low- and high-frequency ports of the device.
Mounting Type : How the device is attached.
Expanding on Mounting Types
Chassis Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal chassis.
Chassis Mount, 8" Wire Lead
Attaches to a metal chassis but it includes an 8" wire for connection.
Chassis, Stud Mount
Designed to be mounted to a metal Chassis using an incorporated stud bolt.
Screw Mount
Attaches using screw terminals.
Stud Mount
Has a stud bolt incorporated into one side for attachment.
Flange Mount
Screws or bolts go through wings (flanges) that protrude from the product.
Connector Mount
A mount that incorporates a connector into its method of attachment into the electrical system.
Surface Mount
Have pins or pads that connect to solder pads on the PCB that are then soldered in place forming an electrical and mechanical connection. The number in front of SMD indicates how many pins/pads, for example a 6-SMD module has 6 pins/pads. May not use or even have all the pins/pads for example 24-SMD module, 14 leads: would fit in the space of a 24-SMD module but only has 14 pins/pads. Typically, they are smaller than the through-hole components.
There are three basic types of pins (leads) for surface mount devices.
Lead Types
Gull wing leads: Enable the most pins per inch when compared to J-lead types but they are more fragile. Easy to inspect for defects after soldering.
J-Leads: Fewer pins per inch than gull-wing leads but they are stronger and less susceptible to breakage.
Flat Leads:
Must be protectively packaged to prevent damage to leads. Leads must be formed into a gull shape prior to use with a separate piece of equipment. Due to that, they are the least popular type of lead.
Package / Case: Indicates the type of protective case used on an electronic component to allow easy handling, installation, and protection. This selection was determined to be the closest industry standard applicable to the supplier’s device packaging. Typically it is best to check the actual dimensions from the datasheet rather than depend on this terminology when designing your circuit.
ProductExamples
| MFR PART # | DPX105850DT-6018A1 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 445-181438-2-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | TDK Corporation |
| DESCRIPTION | RF Diplexer 2.4GHz ~ 2.5GHz / 5.15GHz ~ 5.85GHz 0402 (1005 Metric), 4 PC Pad |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | TPX205950MT-7052C1 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | 445-TPX205950MT-7052C1TR-ND |
| MANUFACTURER | TDK Corporation |
| DESCRIPTION | RF Triplexer 1.559GHz ~ 1.606GHz / 4.9GHz ~ 5.95GHz 0805 (2012 Metric), 8 PC Pad |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |
| MFR PART # | B39212B8092P810 |
|---|---|
| DIGI-KEY PART # | B39212B8092P810TR-ND - Tape & Reel (TR) |
| MANUFACTURER | Qualcomm (RF front-end (RFFE) filters) |
| DESCRIPTION | RF Duplexer 1.92GHz ~ 1.98GHz / 2.11GHz ~ 2.17GHz 9-SMD, No Lead |
| DATASHEET | Click Here |