When Do You Need a Bias Tee or DC Block?

Bias Tees and DC blocks are both low frequency filters designed to pass certain wanted signals and power rails while blocking other signals and limiting the performance impact on RF/microwave circuits. Bias Tees are essentially diplexers with an extremely low crossover frequency, and DC blocks are high pass filters with cutoff frequency down to audio frequencies and DC.

DC blocks are used for enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range on some very low frequency or wideband systems, as well as block DC and audio frequencies from testing that may require isolation from such low frequency components. DC blocks are also used for signal source modulation leakage suppression, and ground loop elimination.

Bias Tees are used to allow for DC currents and/or voltages to pass to RF devices while blocking RF/microwave signals on the same line. For example, a Bias Tee may be used to enable a power supply to a transistor or amplifier circuit, which requires a DC signal and would be disturbed by the RF content on the signal and power line. There are also pulsed bias tees, which allow for minimum distortion on current, or voltage, pulses for amplifiers and devices which require intermittent signals for biasing or power.

Bias Tees and DC blocks are both very commonly used in many RF/microwave circuits which require the conveyance of DC signals along the same coaxial or microstrip signal path as RF/microwave signals. Bias tees and DC blocks may even be used together at a node where the DC power or bias voltage/current is needed, but would be disruptive if it passed further down the RF transmission line.

Bias tees are used anywhere from cell phone amplifiers to test and measurement equipment. An example of this is with powered probes which have a power hookup at the same port as the RF signal port.

DC blocks are typically only used where powered RF transmission lines, or “hot” conductors, are used. However, DC blocks may also be used to separate a circuit from a ground place and DC and audio signals, to prevent current passing or voltage developing from that circuit node to ground. An example of this is in the instance where a voltage is injected into the source of a shunt FET, which is also grounded to the grounded housing or fixture of the assembly.

VPTs SVRSA Series of 6W Ouput Radiation Hardened DC-DC Converters

VPT, a HEICO company (NYSE:HEI.A) (NYSE:HEI), today released its single and dual output SVRSA DC-DC converters to further expand its offering of radiation hardened high reliability space products. Specifically designed for the harsh radiation environment facing space applications, the SVRSA Series has been characterized to Total Ionizing Dose (TID) to 100 krad(Si), including Enhanced Low Dose Rate Sensitivity (ELDRS), and Single Event Effects (SEE) performance to 85 MeV-cm2/mg.

The SVRSA 6W output series offers a wide input voltage range of 18 to 40V, plus 50V transient operation, and is available in single output voltages of 3.3, 5, 12 and 15V and dual output voltages of ±5, ±12 and ±15V. The series topology is an isolated single-output flyback converter featuring VPT´s proprietary radiation immune magnetic feedback technology. Features of the SVRSA Series include input undervoltage lockout, output soft start, current limit and short circuit protection, and is rated for full power operation up to 125° C.

“We´ve leveraged our proven heritage in space product development in the design of the SVRSA Series, which follows our DLA-approved Radiation Hardness Assurance plan and is in accordance with Aerospace TOR requirements,” said Leonard Leslie, Vice President of Engineering for VPT. “This high efficiency hybrid series of DC-DC converters is aligned with programs headed for low Earth orbit or deep space.”

Comprehensive environmental screening for the SVRSA Series is per MIL-STD-883 as referenced in MIL-PRF-38534 including Class H and Class K. The DLA Land and Maritime has officially released the SVRSA Series standard microcircuit drawings (SMDs) under SMD family numbers 5962R15217 for the single output converters and 5962R15218 for the dual output converters.

The SVRSA Series single and dual output DC-DC converters are available for immediate sale. Additional information, mechanical drawings and performance charts can be found within VPT’s space product information on the links below.