MBAL vs. MBALH Data

Marki Microwave has released compact 1:1 and 1:2 baluns (MBAL(H)-0R106/0R520CSP2), prompting a deeper look into its balun types and datasheet practices. The MBAL and BAL series are 1:2 baluns, offering 50-ohm unbalanced and 100-ohm differential balanced impedance. The MBALH and BALH series are 1:1 baluns, with 50-ohm unbalanced and 50-ohm differential (25-ohm single-ended) balanced impedance.

These baluns are primarily used to interface with ADCs/DACs, whose varying input impedance makes precise matching difficult. Knowles addresses this challenge by providing both 1:1 and 1:2 options in identical packages, allowing designers to swap them easily without modifying PCB layouts to optimize RF performance.

Testing and evaluating non-50-ohm devices presents a challenge, as most RF test systems are standardized at 50 ohms. Marki Microwave mitigates mismatch effects through de-embedding and simulation techniques, inserting de-embedded S-parameter data into a 3-port sub-circuit and connecting impedance transformers to simulate a matched environment. This results in more accurate performance plots, which are reflected in MBALH datasheets.

To enhance transparency and support design flexibility, Marki Microwave provides four downloadable S-parameter files per part. These include both typical and mixed-mode scattering parameters in 50-ohm or 100-ohm differential systems. File names clearly reflect impedance values with suffixes like "50SE-50D" or "50SE-100D" to simplify selection.

By combining flexible hardware options with rich, simulation-based data, Marki Microwave empowers engineers to achieve precise RF performance while maintaining efficient and adaptable design workflows.