Broadband Baluns 10 MHz to 110 GHz - New Coax Category at bq-microwave
bq-microwave expands its portfolio with a new category for 1:2 Broadband Baluns, covering the extreme frequency range from 10 MHz to 110 GHz. These components enable Single-Ended-to-Differential conversion with impedance transformation from 50 Ω to 100 Ω - essential for modern high-speed test setups, mmWave radar and differential receiver frontends.
What the Category Covers
The offered baluns cover four or more decades of frequency with precise Amplitude Balance and Phase Balance. Hand-tuned designs for mmWave frequencies maintain Amplitude Balance under ±1 dB and Phase Balance under a few degrees up to 110 GHz. The portfolio ranges from SMA connectorization for S-/C-band applications up to 1 mm Female for W-Band applications.
Typical Specifications
- Frequency range: 10 MHz to 110 GHz (on request)
- Topology: 1:2 Broadband Balun, 50 Ω to 100 Ω
- 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. for mmWave models
- Power Handling: 1 W (+30 dBm)
- Operating Temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C
Available Connector Options
- SMA Female: up to 26.5 GHz - 5G FR1, WiFi, general test applications
- 2.92 mm Female (K connector): up to 40 GHz - 5G FR2, Ka-Band, Automotive Radar
- 2.4 mm Female: up to 50 GHz - Q-Band, Satcom, Defense
- 1.85 mm Female (V-Band): up to 67 GHz - V-Band, mmWave Radar, 6G FR3
- 1 mm Female (W-Band): up to 110 GHz - W-Band, Optical PHY Test, Research
Typical Applications
- ADC and DAC Driving: Single-Ended-to-Differential conversion for high-speed converters
- Differential Receiver Frontends: Balanced input stages with low common mode sensitivity
- 5G/6G Test & Measurement: Beamforming, MIMO and Phased Array validation in FR1, FR2 and FR3
- Radar Systems: Differential input stages in receivers for automotive, defense and weather satellite radar
- Optical PHY Validation: 100G/400G/800G Ethernet PHY test, PAM4 and NRZ Signal Integrity
- VNA Differential Measurements: Extension of 2-port VNAs to differential test scenarios
- RF over Fiber (ROF) Systems: Modulator driving and photodiode matching
- Satellite Communication: Ku-, Ka- and Q-Band up-/down-converter stages
How a Balun Works
A Balun (balanced-to-unbalanced transformer) converts a Single-Ended signal at a Common Port into two symmetrical signals of equal amplitude but 180° Phase Shift at the differential output ports. Simultaneously, an impedance transformation from 50 Ω to 100 Ω takes place. This function is essential for matching between Single-Ended components (generator, antenna, mixer) and differential circuits (ADCs, DACs, differential mixers). In modern high-speed applications, the Balun element ensures maximum Common Mode Rejection and thus higher linearity and better Signal Integrity.
Availability and Configuration
bq-microwave offers broadband baluns as standard or custom configuration with delivery in the EU. Depending on frequency requirements and performance specifications, we select the optimal model from multiple manufacturer portfolios. Configurable on request for alternative frequency range, alternative connector types or higher power ratings.
Contact our sales team for current prices, delivery times and technical pre-sales consultation. We look forward to supporting your ADC test, differential receiver or mmWave project.