Microwaves & RF
  • Resources
  • Directory
  • Webinars
  • White Papers
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • CAD Models
  • Advertise
    • Search
  • Top Stories
  • Products of the Week
  • Defense
  • Test
  • Components
  • Semiconductors
  • Embedded
  • Data Sheets
  • Topics
    - TechXchange Topics -- Markets -DefenseAutomotive- Technologies -Test & MeasurementComponentsCellular / 5G / 6G EDA
    Resources
    Top Stories of the WeekMWRF ResourcesDigital issuesEngineering AcademyWISESearch Data SheetsCompany DirectoryLibraryContributeSubscribe
    Advertise
    https://www.facebook.com/microwavesrf/
    https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3848060/profile
    https://twitter.com/MicrowavesRF
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    21mpromo.jpg
    1. Technologies
    2. Components

    A Primer on Circulators and Isolators

    Aug. 20, 2016
    These essential devices help direct the flow of microwave signals in RF equipment and systems. Here’s what you need to know about them.
    Louis E. Frenzel
    Insidepenton Com Electronic Design Adobe Pdf Logo Tiny
    Download this article in .PDF format
    This file type includes high resolution graphics and schematics when applicable.

    Circulators and isolators are three-port passive electronic devices that help direct the flow of microwave signals in RF equipment and systems. A port is defined as a connection point for either an input signal, output signal, or termination. Figure 1a shows the standard schematic symbol for a circulator. The arrow indicates the unidirectional flow any signals from port to port.

    How a Circulator Works

    Figure 1a shows a circulator, where any port can be an input or an output. A signal applied to port 1 will be passed to port 2 with minimum attenuation. A signal input to port 2 will pass to port 3, but not back to port 1. An input to port 3 will pass to port 1, but not in reverse to port 2. The amount of insertion loss from port to port is typically in the 0.2- to 0.75-dB range.

    Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Uploads 2016 08 18 21 M F1
    1. Shown are (a) the common schematic symbol of a circulator and (b) the schematic symbol of an isolator.

    If one of the ports is terminated in a resistance equal to the impedance of the port, usually 50 Ω, the circulator becomes an isolator (Fig. 1b). An input signal at port 1 will pass to and exit port 2 if port 2 is properly matched to 50 Ω. If there is a mismatch at port 2, any reflected signal will be passed to port 3 and absorbed by the load. This protects or isolates port 1 from port 2 in the reverse direction.

    Construction

    A circulator is typically a Y-shaped section of microstrip or stripline transmission line on a printed circuit board or other dielectric (Fig. 2). The line impedance is 50 Ω. The ports, spaced 120 deg. apart, are commonly terminated with SMA or N-type coaxial connectors.

    Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Uploads 2016 08 18 21 M F2
    2. The Y-shaped strip line circuit is the heart of the circulator.

    The Y-junction assembly is then sandwiched between two layers of ferrite material (Fig. 3). Two strong permanent magnets are positioned on either side of the ferrite disks. The magnets send a strong magnetic field axially through the ferrite disks. The ferrite material supports and focuses the magnetic field around the Y-junction. The axial magnetic field is called the bias.

    When a signal is applied to one of the ports, an electromagnetic field is set up in the strip line. This field then interacts with the applied bias magnetic field, causing the signal to rotate in one direction to the next adjacent port.

    The assembly made up of the Y-junction and the ferrite disks forms a dielectric resonator that has a resonant frequency. The circulator is not operated at this frequency. Operation takes place in regions above or below the resonant frequency of the device, where attenuation is minimal.

    Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Uploads 2016 08 18 21 M F3
    3. This common construction of a circulator shows a Y strip line, ferrite disks, and magnets. There is no spacing between actual disk components as shown here.

    Applications

    The most common application of a circulator is as a duplexer. A duplexer allows the transmitter and receiver in a radio or radar unit to share a common antenna (Fig. 4). The transmitter output is applied to port 1 and will pass to port 2, where the antenna is connected. The receiver input is connected to port 3. A signal received by the antenna is passed to port 3, but not back to port 1. The transmitter output is not passed to the receiver input. The key effect is to prevent the typically high transmitter power from damaging the receiver input circuits.

    Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Uploads 2016 08 18 21 M F4
    4. This circulator connected as a duplexer allows a transmitter and receiver to share a common antenna.

    A common use of an isolator is shown in Fig. 5. The isolator is connected between a signal generator and some device under test (DUT). If all impedances are matched, the signal passes freely to the DUT. If there is a mismatch at the DUT or if the DUT is disconnected, it creates a high-voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR), causing a large reflected signal. The circulator absorbs this signal, protecting the usually expensive signal generator.

    The attenuation of an isolator in the reverse direction is typically in the 20-dB range. If greater attenuation is needed, two isolators can be cascaded as shown in Fig. 6. The result is a four-port device that can boost attenuation to about 40 dB or so. Such four-port units are available as a single product rather than two individual isolators.

    Specifications

    When specifying or buying a circulator or isolator, the most important characteristics to consider are:

    Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Uploads 2016 08 18 21 M F5
    5. This isolator is connected to protect a signal generator in a test setup.

    Frequency of operation and bandwidth: Circulators and isolators can operate over a range from about 700 MHz to 20 GHz. Special designs may permit operational frequencies as low as about 50 MHz and as high as 100 GHz. Most devices available have a narrower operating range with a finite bandwidth. When operating above resonance, lower frequencies are better accommodated over narrower bandwidths. Below resonance operation usually allows for wider bandwidths.

    Insertion loss: This is the attenuation from port to port in the forward direction. It usually ranges from 0.1 to 0.75 dB.

    Isolation: This is the attenuation in the reverse flow direction. It is typically in the 17- to 35-dB range.

    Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Uploads 2016 08 18 21 M F6
    6. Two series-connected isolators form a four-port device with double the isolation.VSWR: This value indicates the maximum mismatch and reflected power from output port to input port. The usual range is 1.1:1 to 1.4:1.

    Power: This is the average maximum power that the device can handle. Forward and reverse (reflected) power levels are usually given. Typical power ratings range from 1 to 1,000 W.

    Temperature range: This is important as ferrite characteristics and magnetic field strengths vary with temperature. A common maximum range is –50 to +100°C.

     Impedance: The characteristic impedance of the ports is virtually always 50 Ω.

    Figure 7 shows a representative commercial circulator.

    Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Uploads 2016 08 18 21 M F7
    7. This circulator (SFC13175) from Fairview Microwave operates over the 135- to 175-MHz range. Maximum insertion loss is 0.5 dB, minimum isolation is 20 dB, and maximum power is 150 W. Input and output is by way of SMA connectors.

    References

    1. Cheung, W.S. and Levien, F.H., Microwaves Made Simple, Artech House, Inc. 1985.

    2. Edridge, Tony, Basic Facts about Circulators & Isolators, M2 Global Technologies, Ltd.

    3. Frenzel, Louis E., Principles of Electronic Communications Systems, 4th edition, McGraw Hill, 2016.

    4. MECA Electronics, Inc., Isolator & Circulator Basics, Microwave Product Digest, June, 2010.

    5. Spectrum Elektrotechnik. GmbH, Isolators & Circulators.

    Beta Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Source Esb 2
    Insidepenton Com Electronic Design Adobe Pdf Logo Tiny
    Download this article in .PDF format
    This file type includes high resolution graphics and schematics when applicable.

    Continue Reading

    An Introduction to the VNA and Vector Network Analysis

    Understanding GNSS Correction Methods

    Sponsored Recommendations

    Near and Far Field Measurement

    Oct. 31, 2023

    S-parameters for High-frequency Circuit Simulations

    Oct. 31, 2023

    Common Mode Filter Chokes for High Speed Data Interfaces

    Oct. 31, 2023

    Simulation Model Considerations: Part I

    Oct. 31, 2023

    New

    Empowering SOMs for IoT Devices with Matter Connectivity

    U.S. DoD Works to Keep Ukraine’s F-16s Flying

    Products of the Week: November 27, 2023

    Most Read

    Products of the Week: November 13, 2023

    Products of the Week: November 20, 2023

    2023 IDEA Awards: SiTime is the Big IDEA Winner

    Sponsored

    2-Port Impedance Measurement - Joint Application Note with Picotest

    Why is it Necessary to Calibrate a Vector Network Analyzer?

    Multiport & Balanced Measurements with a VNA

    Microwaves & RF
    https://www.facebook.com/microwavesrf/
    https://www.linkedin.com/groups/3848060/profile
    https://twitter.com/MicrowavesRF
    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXKEiQ9dob20rIqTA7ONfJg
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Do Not Sell or Share
    • Privacy & Cookie Policy
    • Terms of Service
    © 2023 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. All rights reserved.
    Endeavor Business Media Logo