Are you still worrying about not being able to distinguish between isolators and circulators? It doesn't matter, today we will learn about the differences and classifications between them.

An isolator is a two-port device with one-way transmission properties. It transmits only a small loss in a specified direction, and transmits a large loss in the other direction (isolation). The isolator is composed of a magnetized ferrite sheet, a transmission line, and an output-input connector.

The circulator is a three-port device with unidirectional transmission properties. Its operation changes the direction of the ferrite bias field and changes the direction of signal conduction. It can be used as an isolator by terminating a matching load at one port of the circulator. The circulator consists of a magnetized ferrite sheet, a transmission line and an input/output connector.

Classification:

1. According to different link forms, isolator circulators can be divided:

(1) Microstrip (substrate) isolator circulator: Microstrip isolator circulator is widely used in the modular design of microblogging components for its small size and light weight.

(2) Waveguide isolator circulator: Waveguide isolator circulator generally has a higher frequency, its frequency is as high as 110G, and its connection forms are: WR340(BJ26), WR137(BJ70), WR112(BJ84), etc.

(3) surface isolator ring: the principle is the principle of ordinary isolator ring, but the direction of the internal magnetic field is somewhat different from that of ordinary isolator. This kind of isolator ring basically has no connector and is generally used for direct welding.

(4) With-line (embedded) isolator circulator: only the input and output ports are with the status quo, installed with connectors, is the coaxial isolator/circulator, with-line isolator circulator can generally be directly welded on the board to use.

(5) Coaxial isolator circulator: according to different street forms, it can be divided into N type (male head, female head),SMA type (male head, female head)

2. According to different power, it can be divided into high power isolator/circulator and ordinary power isolator/circulator. High power isolator/circulator power up to 5000W.

3. According to different isolation heights, it can be divided into single-section isolator/circulator and double-section isolator/circulator. The difference between the two is that the isolation height of the double-section isolator circulator is the superposition of the single-section isolator circulator, and the insertion loss also increases, but the standing wave ratio of the two is the same.