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Balun

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
1720BL15B0050E

1720BL15B0050E

Johanson Technology

BALUN 625MHZ-2.8GHZ 50/50 0805

2980
HHM1907B1

HHM1907B1

TDK Corporation

BALUN 4.9GHZ-5.95GHZ 50/50 0402

36826
0900BL18B100E

0900BL18B100E

Johanson Technology

BALUN 800MHZ-1GHZ 50/100 1206

0
NCS1-23+

NCS1-23+

1:1 LTCC TRANSFORMER, 1300 - 200

0
HHM1903A1

HHM1903A1

TDK Corporation

BALUN 2.4GHZ-2.5GHZ 50/100 0402

22668
HHM1506

HHM1506

TDK Corporation

BALUN DUAL 50/100 0805

3368
5400BL15B050E

5400BL15B050E

Johanson Technology

BALUN 4.9GHZ-5.9GHZ 50/50 0805

4304
HHM1564A4

HHM1564A4

TDK Corporation

BALUN 824MHZ-894MHZ 50/200 0805

2774
MABA-011040

MABA-011040

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

BALUN 1MHZ-300MHZ 50/50 6SMD GW

0
TC3-1TX+

TC3-1TX+

1:3 CORE & WIRE TRANSFORMER, 5 -

0
ADT16-6+

ADT16-6+

1:16 CORE & WIRE TRANSFORMER, 0.

0
BD2425NNRF

BD2425NNRF

Anaren

BALUN 2.4GHZ-2.525GHZ 0404

4000
TCM2-33WX+

TCM2-33WX+

1:2 CORE & WIRE TRANSFORMER, 10

0
TCM9-1+

TCM9-1+

1:9 CORE & WIRE TRANSFORMER, 2 -

0
B0322J5050AHF

B0322J5050AHF

Anaren

BALUN 300MHZ-2.2GHZ 50/50 0805

4093
MABACT0039

MABACT0039

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

TRANSFORMER 1:1 TXLINE (BAISED O

1154
NCS2-232+

NCS2-232+

1:2 LTCC TRANSFORMER, 900 - 2300

0
MABA-011031

MABA-011031

Metelics (MACOM Technology Solutions)

BALUN 5MHZ-1.2GHZ 75/75 MODULE

1995
TC1-1-13M+

TC1-1-13M+

1:1 CORE & WIRE TRANSFORMER, 4.5

0
2450FB15A0100E

2450FB15A0100E

Johanson Technology

BALUN 2.4GHZ-2.5GHZ 50/100 0805

2

Balun

1. Overview

A Balun (short for "balanced-unbalanced") is a critical RF/microwave component that converts between balanced differential signals and unbalanced single-ended signals. In RF/IF (Radio Frequency/Intermediate Frequency) and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems, Baluns enable impedance matching, signal isolation, and noise suppression. They are essential for ensuring signal integrity in wireless communication, radar, and sensor networks. Modern IoT, 5G, and RFID infrastructure heavily rely on high-performance Baluns to optimize power transfer and minimize signal distortion.

2. Main Types and Functional Classification

TypeFunctional CharacteristicsApplication Examples
Transmission Line BalunHigh-frequency operation (up to 10 GHz), compact PCB designWi-Fi 6E antennas, RFID readers
Transformer BalunMagnetic coupling, galvanic isolation, low-loss at sub-6 GHzCellular base stations, NFC devices
IC BalunMonolithic integration, ultra-miniaturized form factorBluetooth LE modules, RFID tags
Marchand BalunWideband performance, precise phase matching5G mmWave systems, microwave sensors

3. Structure and Components

Typical RF Balun structures include:

  • Transmission Line Design: Microstrip or coplanar waveguide circuits on FR4/Rogers substrates
  • Transformer Core: Ferrite toroids with twisted-pair windings for magnetic coupling
  • IC Integration: CMOS/GaAs semiconductor processes with on-chip inductors
  • Package Types: QFN, BGA, or coaxial connectors with EMI shielding

Advanced models incorporate temperature-stable dielectrics and low-PIM (Passive Intermodulation) materials.

4. Key Technical Specifications

ParameterDescriptionImportance
Frequency RangeOperational bandwidth (e.g., 800 MHz - 6 GHz)Determines compatibility with target standards (e.g., RFID Gen2)
Impedance RatioTypical 1:1 or 4:1 for 50 -75 conversionEnsures VSWR < 1.5:1 for minimal reflection
Insertion Loss0.2 dB - 2.0 dB depending on topologyImpacts system noise figure and TX power efficiency
Phase Balance 5 deviation across operating bandCrucial for IQ modulator/demodulator performance
Power Handling10W - 100W peak power capabilityPrevents thermal damage in high-power RFID readers

5. Application Areas

Major industries include:

  • Telecommunications: 5G NR base stations, fiber-wireless integration
  • Healthcare: Medical telemetry, implantable RFID sensors
  • Logistics: UHF RFID warehouse management systems
  • Automotive: Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

Case Study: Alien Technology's ALR-9900 RFID reader employs Marchand Baluns for 900 MHz band operation, achieving 30 dBm output with 0.5 dB insertion loss.

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

ManufacturerRepresentative ProductKey Features
Mini-CircuitsTCM1-63AX+0.01-6 GHz, 50 -75 , 0.3 dB loss
Analog DevicesADL5571400 MHz - 6 GHz GaAs MMIC Balun
STMicroelectronicsRFAL1242NFC/RFID IC with integrated Balun
Coilcraft1427AP1.5 GHz - 2.8 GHz, 250W power handling

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations:

  • Match frequency range with application (e.g., 900 MHz for UHF RFID vs. 5.8 GHz for DSRC)
  • Verify power ratings for TX chain applications
  • Assess size constraints (IC Baluns for wearables vs. discrete for infrastructure)
  • Environmental factors: Temperature (-40 C to +85 C), humidity resistance
  • Cost vs. performance trade-offs (e.g., PCB vs. LTCC Baluns)

8. Industry Trends

Future developments include:

  • Sub-6 GHz and mmWave Baluns for 5G/6G expansion
  • Multiband integrated solutions for universal RFID readers
  • AI-driven Balun optimization using electromagnetic simulation
  • Green manufacturing: Lead-free substrates and reduced PIM designs

Market growth projected at 8.2% CAGR through 2030, driven by IoT and smart city deployments.

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