The UMC16B multi-couplers are used to distribute signals from two antennas to eight diversity receivers to minimize the amount of cabling and antennas needed in multi-channel wireless systems. The design combines high-quality ceramic filtering with low noise, high intercept point RF distribution to provide outstanding performance and flexibility. Up to eight diversity receivers or up to 16 non-diversity receivers can be utilized across the passband of each unit.

The UMC16B can be powered from an external supply, 12 to 18 VDC for mobile applications or from the optional RPS4 rack power supply. Or, the UMC16B can be powered from 90 to 240 VAC for installations using the regulated power supply furnished with the unit. A locking connector on the rear panel secures the power connection.

The RF signals at the inputs first pass through a ceramic filter to block energy above and below the passband. The signal is then fed to a high current amplifier to apply the gain needed ahead of the splitter. The amplifier is a high current type with a very high IP3 (third order intercept) that minimizes intermodulation products.

The amplifier output is then distributed to the output jacks using a Wilkinson “strip line” RF splitter. Unused outputs should be terminated with 50 Ohm dummy loads for maximum performance, however, the splitter design allows unused jacks to remain un-terminated with only a slight effect on other channels (+/- 1 to 2 dB in the level at the outputs).

The unit is housed in a standard 19 inch rack mount assembly with rugged connectors.

The RF multicoupler preserves the sensitivity and overload performance of the finest receivers. Selective filtering in the front end attenuates RF signals above and below the passband to suppress intermodulation and noise. Following the filters is a low noise RF amplifier with gain matched to compensate for the losses in the splitter that follows.

A precision strip line splitter/isolator divides the RF signal into four isolated signals preventing spurious RF coupling between receivers. The splitter/isolator is termination independent which prevents mismatched or disconnected RF outputs from affecting the other receivers.

The assembly is powered from an external source of 11 to 18 VDC with individual auto-reset fuses for each receiver in the RF/power distribution module. This architecture eliminates ground loops and AC hum that can occur when the receiver outputs are connected to other audio equipment operating from a different AC source.

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