PRODUCTS / COMPONENTS / BIAS TEES

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Bias Tees - SMA Connectors

Spectrum Control bias tees with SMA connectors combine DC bias and RF signals onto a single transmission line while keeping the DC and RF paths isolated. Their compact, coaxial design supports easy integration into RF and microwave systems for powering active components without disrupting signal performance.

Engineered for reliable broadband operation, these bias tees provide low insertion loss, high isolation, and consistent electrical performance. SMA interfaces simplify connection to standard test equipment and system hardware, making them well suited for amplifiers, antennas, modulators, laboratory testing, and other applications requiring DC power to be applied through an RF signal path.

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Bias Tees - SMA Performance & Selection

How it Works

A bias tee combines DC power and an RF signal onto a single transmission line. An internal inductor directs DC to the combined port while blocking RF, and a capacitor passes the RF signal while preventing DC from reaching the RF-only port.

Why it Matters

Bias tees simplify RF system design by allowing DC power and RF signals to share one coaxial connection. This reduces cabling and component count while helping protect sensitive equipment and maintain reliable signal performance.

Understanding Bias Tees Performance

Unlike a filter that selects a specific portion of the RF spectrum, an SMA bias tee combines or separates DC power and RF signals while maintaining isolation between the RF and DC ports. Key performance factors include:

  • Frequency Range: Defines the RF frequencies the bias tee can pass.
  • RF Performance: Low insertion loss and VSWR help maintain signal quality and minimize reflections.
  • DC Rating & Isolation: Ensure the voltage and current ratings meet system requirements while preventing RF energy from entering the DC port.

By allowing RF signals and DC power to share a single coaxial path, an SMA bias tee simplifies system integration while maintaining reliable electrical performance.

Part Number
Freq. Range (GHz)
Voltage
VSWR Max.
Insertion Loss (dB)
Connector / Configuration
General Purpose
8037 0.01 - 18 200 1.35:1 0.5 SMA - M/F
8043 0.01 - 18 200 1.35:1 0.5 SMA - M/M
8060A 7 kHz - 26.5 75 1.50:1 0.75 2.9mm - M/F
8063A 7 kHz - 26.5 75 1.50:1 0.75 2.9mm - F/F
8066A 7 kHz - 26.5 75 1.50:1 0.75 2.9mm - M/M
8141A 0.01 - 40 200 1.45:1 0.75 2.9mm - M/F
8177 0.1 - 50 75 1.75:1 1.5 2.4mm - M/F
8315 25 kHz - 20 100 1.50:1 0.5 SMA M / 2.9mm F
8535EF 7 kHz - 50 30 1.65:1 1.25 2.4mm - F/F
8535EM 7 kHz - 50 30 1.65:1 1.25 2.4mm - M/M
AA-8046 0.01 - 18 200 1.35:1 0.6 N-Type - M/F
AA-8049 0.01 - 18 200 1.35:1 0.6 N-Type - F/F
AA-8052 0.01 - 18 200 1.35:1 0.6 N-Type - M/M
Microminiature
8055H 0.01 - 18 200 1.35:1 0.5 SMA - Hex - M/F
AA-8055 0.01 - 18 200 1.35:1 0.5 SMA - M/F
High Voltage
8529A 0.01 - 4 900 1.60:1 1.5 SMA - M/F
Broadband
8535E 7 kHz - 50 30 1.65:1 1.25 2.4mm - M/F
8535K 16 kHz - 40 75 1.65:1 1.25 2.9mm - M/F
8535KH 16 kHz - 40 75 1.65:1 1.25 2.9mm  - Hex - M/F
AA-8535 7 kHz - 23 100 1.35:1 0.75 SMA - Hex - M/F
 
*Click on the part number for product information and datasheets.

Inner DC Block - How it Works

Blocks DC on the center conductor while allowing RF signals to pass.

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Typical Applications

  • RF test and measurement
  • Radar systems
  • Electronic warfare systems
  • SATCOM and communications equipment
  • Aerospace and defense electronics
  • RF subsystem integration
  • DC bias isolation
  • Protection of sensitive RF and microwave equipment

Why Choose Spectrum Control?

  • Broad selection of Inner, Outer, and Inner/Outer DC Blocks
  • Frequency coverage through 50 GHz
  • Multiple DC voltage ratings
  • SMA, 2.9 mm, 2.4 mm, and other coaxial interfaces
  • Low-loss RF and microwave designs
  • Compact, passive 50-ohm solutions
  • Multiple connector and mechanical configurations
  • Detailed electrical and mechanical specifications