Murata Electronics Europe has introduced the LDC15 series of 0402 SMD chip multilayer hybrid couplers. These ultra-small low-profile directional couplers measure 1.0 by 0.5 by 0.4 mm, saving PCB space in mobile phones and other handheld wireless applications.

Based on Murata's own ceramic multilayer technology, members of the series are available in the frequency range 800 to 3000MHz.

Couplers like these are typically used in the transmit path of a mobile phone to adjust and optimise the power amplifier's (PA) output power, helping to improve battery life in today's handheld wireless products.

The LDC15 series boasts a very low insertion loss of less than 0.2dB (typical at 25degC), minimising the impact on the transmit signal power. High isolation between 34 and 32dB is achieved.

The LDC15 series of directional couplers is rated for use between -40 and 85degC, with a power rating of 3W.

See www.murata.eu