Transmission line terminations are an essential part of every RF system, but are often overlooked. RF line terminations are simple devices but should not be underestimated in their capacity as they serve to “clean-up” RF transmission and RF distribution systems. This is apparent when multicoupling filters are used to combine transmitter and receivers in a daisy-chain pattern. Often the last multicoupler’s feed-thru cable in the chain is left open instead of being terminated by a load matching the transmission line’s impedance. If the transmission line is left open, there is no load to absorb the RF energy and only one way for it to travel…so back it goes along the line, over the same path. This produces a standing wave in the transmission line, which can lead to all kinds of problems. JAG RF stocks an assortment of RF loads from low power of a few milliwatts to high power applications requiring hundreds of watts.

JAG RF carries a wide range of low power RF dummy loads to suite a variety of applications. JAG RF’s low power load assortment consists of receiver multicoupler terminations fitted with TNC, SMA, BNC, and ‘N’ type connections; however, other connector types can be supplied upon request. These loads are typically rated anywhere between 50mW to 2W. We also stock 5W to 30W loads that are suitable for Isolators and other coupling devices such as hybrids. These terminators are also extremely useful in bench tests to act as a matched load for various tests. They are also known as a “dummy” load. These loads are also ideally suited for terminating unused ports on some types of combiners and power dividers.

When higher power loads are required, JAG RF has you covered. We carry an assortment of high power loads ranging from 30W to 300W; however, we can assemble loads rated for 300W to 5kW or higher if necessary. These loads are useful for absorbing incident electromagnetic energy and converting it to heat. High power loads are quite often constructed with many fins to create a larger surface area in order to dissipate generated heat more efficiently. JAG RF can supply high power loads mounted in various configurations from rack mount to direct filter mount to wall mount among others. We can also customize high power load configurations by adding fans for more efficient cooling. These types of transmission line terminations are well suited for transmitter and high power RF amplifier testing as well as for high power isolators, combiners, hybrids, directional couplers, and other types of coupling devices.

For the laboratory, JAG RF stocks high accuracy transmission line terminators for precision measurements. This grade of RF load can provide a VSWR of 1.05 +/- 0.015 or better, but depending on the accuracy required, precision loads with ever tighter tolerances can be supplied by JAG RF. This class of RF load is often usable from DC to 18 GHz or more. We can also supply waveguide terminators by special request.