Baluns up to 110 GHz

Coaxial Broadband Baluns - 10 MHz to 110 GHz - 1:2 Topology

High-performance baluns (balanced-to-unbalanced transformers) for single-ended-to-differential conversion across extremely wide frequency ranges. Ideal for driving ADCs and DACs, differential receivers, signal integrity measurements and millimetre-wave test applications.

The offered baluns cover the frequency range from 10 MHz to 110 GHz with connector options from SMA to 1 mm Female - suitable for 5G/6G FR1/FR2/FR3, mmWave radar, high-speed optical communication and research. Configurable on request according to frequency range and mechanical requirements.

Typical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Frequency Range	10 MHz to 110 GHz (on request)
Topology	1:2 Broadband Balun (Single-Ended to Differential)
Impedance	50 Ω (Common) to 100 Ω (Differential)
Nominal Insertion Loss	3 dB typ. (up to approx. 67 GHz)
Phase Shift	180° nominal
Amplitude Balance	±0.8 dB typ., ±2 dB max
Phase Balance	±5° typ., ±12° max
Return Loss	-10 dB typ.
Isolation between Output Ports	15 dB typ.
Common Mode Rejection	28 dB typ. (mmWave models)
Power Handling	1 W (+30 dBm)
Operating Temperature	-40 °C to +85 °C

Available Connector Options

Connector	Frequency Range	Typical Application
SMA Female	up to 26.5 GHz	5G FR1, WiFi, general test applications
2.92 mm Female (K)	up to 40 GHz	5G FR2, Ka-Band, Automotive Radar
2.4 mm Female	up to 50 GHz	Q-Band, Satcom, Defence
1.85 mm Female (V)	up to 67 GHz	V-Band, mmWave Radar, 6G FR3
1 mm Female (W)	up to 110 GHz	W-Band, Optical PHY Test, Research

Key Features

• Extremely broadband 1:2 topology - continuous performance over more than four decades of frequency
• 50 Ω to 100 Ω impedance transformation - optimal for differential test setups
• Precise Amplitude Balance and Phase Balance across the entire frequency range
• Hand-tuned designs available for optimum performance at mmWave frequencies
• Robust Brass housing with Gold Plated finish for long-term stability
• Compact - typical dimensions approx. 43 x 32 x 8 mm, weight approx. 80 g
• Connector options from SMA to 1 mm Female depending on frequency requirements
• Specified over -40 to +85 °C, storage temperature -55 to +125 °C

Applications

• ADC and DAC Drive: Single-ended-to-differential conversion for high-speed analogue-to-digital converters and digital-to-analogue converters with high linearity
• Differential Receiver Front-Ends: Balanced input stages with low common-mode susceptibility
• 5G/6G Test & Measurement: Beamforming, MIMO and Phased Array validation in FR1, FR2 and FR3
• Radar Systems: Differential input stages in receivers for automotive, defence and weather satellite radar
• Optical PHY Validation: 100G, 400G and 800G Ethernet PHY test, PAM4 and NRZ Signal Integrity
• VNA Differential Measurements: Extension of 2-port VNAs to differential test scenarios, S-parameter characterisation of differential devices
• Signal Integrity Test: Characterisation of high-speed differential signals for backplanes, cables and microchips
• RF over Fibre (ROF) Systems: Modulator drive and Photodiode matching for optical radio-frequency transmission
• Satellite Communication: Ku-Band, Ka-Band and Q-Band up/down converter stages
• Quantum Computing Research: Precise differential microwave pulses for Qubit control in the GHz range

How a Balun Works

A balun (acronym for balanced-to-unbalanced) transforms a single-ended signal at a Common Port (Port 1) into two symmetrical signals of equal amplitude but 180° phase shift at the differential Output Ports (Port 2 and Port 3). At the same time, an impedance transformation from 50 Ω (single-ended) to 100 Ω (differential) takes place.

This transformation is essential for matching between single-ended components (generator, antenna, mixer) and differential circuits (ADCs, DACs, differential mixers, balanced modulators/demodulators). In modern high-speed applications, the balun element ensures maximum Common Mode Rejection and thus lower interference, higher linearity and better Signal Integrity.

Broadband designs cover four or more decades and are particularly valuable for test and measurement equipment that must deliver consistent performance across the entire frequency range. For mmWave frequencies above 50 GHz, hand-tuned methods are employed to maintain Amplitude Balance and Phase Balance to within a few degrees or under 1 dB.

Availability & Configuration

bq-microwave offers broadband baluns as standard or custom configuration with delivery throughout the EU. Depending on frequency requirements and performance specifications, we select the optimum model from several manufacturer portfolios and liaise directly with manufacturer engineering.

Contact our sales team for current prices, delivery times, custom configurations (different frequency ranges, alternative connector types, higher power ratings) or technical pre-sales consultancy. We look forward to supporting your ADC test, differential receiver or mmWave project.