Updated: Dec 9, 2025 | Source: 2024-2028 Question Pool | Topic: E9E
E9E08E9E

What is a use for a Wilkinson divider?

Deep Dive: E9E08

The correct answer is B: To feed high-impedance antennas from a low-impedance source. A Wilkinson divider is used to feed high-impedance antennas from a low-impedance source (or to split/combine signals while maintaining isolation). It's a power divider/combiner that provides impedance transformation and isolation. A Wilkinson divider splits one input into multiple outputs (or combines multiple inputs) while maintaining good isolation between outputs and providing impedance matching. It can transform impedances - for example, feeding a high-impedance antenna array from a low-impedance source. The Wilkinson divider uses quarter-wave transformers and resistors to achieve this. It's commonly used in antenna arrays, power amplifiers, and RF systems where you need to split or combine power while maintaining impedance matching and isolation.

Why Other Answers Are Wrong

Option A: Incorrect. A Wilkinson divider doesn't divide operating frequency. It divides power, not frequency. Frequency division would require frequency dividers or mixers. Option C: Incorrect. A Wilkinson divider doesn't convert between balanced and unbalanced. That's what a balun does. Wilkinson dividers are for power splitting/combining. Option D: Incorrect. A Wilkinson divider doesn't match impedances of different length feed lines. It's for splitting/combining power and impedance transformation, not matching different line lengths.

Exam Tip

Wilkinson divider = Feed high-Z from low-Z source. Remember: A Wilkinson divider is used to feed high-impedance antennas from a low-impedance source, or to split/combine power while maintaining isolation and impedance matching.

Memory Aid

**W**ilkinson **D**ivider = **H**igh-**Z** from **L**ow-**Z** (think 'WD = HZ-LZ')

Real-World Example

You have a 200-ohm antenna array and want to feed it from a 50-ohm transmitter. You use a Wilkinson divider configured as an impedance transformer. It transforms the 50-ohm source impedance to match the 200-ohm antenna array, allowing efficient power transfer. The divider also provides isolation between multiple antennas if you're feeding an array.

Source & Coverage

Question Pool: 2024-2028 Question Pool

Subelement: E9E

Reference: FCC Part 97.3

Key Concepts

Wilkinson divider Power divider Impedance transformation Antenna feeding

Verified Content

Question from the official FCC Extra Class pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators and mapped to the E9E topic.