Technical Specification

1. Impedance:

• 50 Ohm: Most commonly used for general RF, data communication, and test & measurement applications. It’s crucial for maintaining signal integrity in 50-ohm systems.
• 75 Ohm: Used specifically for video applications (e.g., CCTV, broadcast video, SDI signals) to match the impedance of 75-ohm coaxial cables (RG-59, RG-6).
  • Selecting the correct impedance is paramount to prevent signal reflections and loss.

2. Frequency Range:

• For 50 Ohm versions: Typically designed for DC (Direct Current) up to 4 GHz. The splitting nature can introduce some performance limitations at the very highest frequencies compared to straight adapters.
• For 75 Ohm versions: Generally operates from DC up to 1 GHz or 2 GHz. High-quality versions tailored for HD/3G/6G-SDI might extend to 3 GHz, 6 GHz, or even 12 GHz, but detailed specifications for such high frequencies should be verified.

3. Electrical Performance:

• Voltage Rating (Working Voltage): Typically 500 V RMS (Root Mean Square) maximum.
• Dielectric Withstanding Voltage: Approximately 1500 V RMS (at sea level).
• VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio): A critical measure of signal reflections; lower values indicate better impedance matching and less signal loss.
  • For 50 Ohm: Typically ≤ 1.3:1 maximum up to 4 GHz.
  • For 75 Ohm: Typically ≤ 1.25:1 to 1.5:1 maximum up to 3 GHz.
  • Note: In a splitter configuration, VSWR performance is highly dependent on the load conditions on the output ports. Proper termination (e.g., with 50-ohm or 75-ohm terminators on unused ports) is often necessary for optimal performance.
• Insertion Loss: Measures signal power lost through the adapter. As a passive splitter, there is an inherent theoretical power division loss (e.g., approximately -3 dB per output for equal power distribution).
  • Total Insertion Loss (including power division and adapter loss): Typically < 3.5 dB to 4.0 dB at lower frequencies (e.g., 1 GHz) from input to each output, increasing with frequency. This actual loss includes the theoretical -3dB power split.
• Isolation (between output ports): For splitters, this indicates how well signals on one output port are prevented from affecting the other output port.
  • Typically > 20 dB to 25 dB at lower frequencies (e.g., 100 MHz).
• Insulation Resistance: Minimum 5000 Megohms.
• Contact Resistance:
  • Center contact: Typically ≤ 1.5 milliohm.
  • Outer contact: Typically ≤ 1.0 milliohm.
• RF Leakage: Typically -55 dB minimum at 3 GHz.

4. Mechanical Specifications:

• Mating Cycles (Durability): Designed for a minimum of 500 insertion/extraction cycles per port.
• Coupling Mechanism: All three ports utilize the standard BNC bayonet lock (quarter-turn) for quick and secure connection.
• Configuration: One BNC male connector branching into two BNC male connectors (often in a “Y” or parallel configuration).
• Interface Specification: Compliant with standards like MIL-STD-348A for physical dimensions and mating interface.
• Dimensions: Compact, often Y-shaped or block-shaped depending on the design. Specific dimensions vary by manufacturer.

5. Material Specifications:

• Body/Outer Shell: Most commonly made of brass with nickel plating. Nickel plating provides good corrosion resistance, durability, and shielding.
• Center Contact (Pin): Typically brass or beryllium copper, with gold or silver plating (e.g., 30 µ-in minimum gold plating) for excellent conductivity and resistance to oxidation.
• Insulator/Dielectric: Often PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene, or Teflon) for superior high-frequency performance and temperature stability, or Delrin (Acetal resin) for more cost-effective options.

6. Environmental Specifications:

• Operating Temperature Range: Common range is -40°C to +85°C (with Delrin insulators) or -55°C to +165°C (with PTFE insulators).
• Moisture Resistance: Designed to withstand specified levels of humidity and moisture.
• Corrosion Resistance: Often tested against salt spray.
• Shock and Vibration: Engineered to withstand typical levels of mechanical stress and vibration.