Isolating transmitters form themselves and other devices in their transmission path on the way to the antenna is a concern for all RF system designers and operators. Intermodulation or IM panels provide the isolation necessary in some transmitter systems with either single stage or dual stage isolator depending on the level of isolation desired. On an IM panel, a harmonic filter usually follows the isolator to attenuate the second harmonic of the fundamental frequency, usually by an additional 40dB. JAG RF stocks many types of IM panels and can customize them for high power operation and for additional isolation by cascading isolators. Custom mounting systems are also optional from JAG RF.

JAG RF specializes in isolator tuning, repair, and modifications. We can reconfigure isolators for different frequencies and optimize tuning to obtain maximum isolation at the desired frequency that otherwise would not be achievable by conventional tuning. We stock all the necessary parts required for isolator adjustment from magnets to ferrite discs to capacitors to Mylar. The picture to the left shows a JAG RF modification were a coil was introduced to bridge the two stages to optimize tuning.

Isolators have often been referred to as “RF Diodes” for good reason as they only allow RF to move in one direction. RF traveling in the reverse direction is attenuated by the isolation rating of the isolator. Therefore, if the isolator is a three-stage device as pictured to the left, the isolation value is multiplied by three. Heating can cause problems for an isolator in which case high power isolators (pictured to the left) are recommended for continuous high RF power transmission as used in paging systems. JAG RF can provide the appropriate isolator for each customer’s unique design criteria.

JAG RF stocks a variety of isolators from high power to broadband to field tunable. We mainly stock isolator in the VHF, UHF, and 800/900 MHz bands; however, we can sometimes source low band, or microwave isolators if requested.