What is a use for a Wilkinson divider?
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.
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 Application
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.
FCC Part 97.3Key Concepts
Why Other Options 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.
题目解析
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.
考试技巧
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.
记忆口诀
**W**ilkinson **D**ivider = **H**igh-**Z** from **L**ow-**Z** (think 'WD = HZ-LZ')
实际应用示例
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.
错误选项分析
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.
知识点
Wilkinson divider, Power divider, Impedance transformation, Antenna feeding
Verified Content
Question from official FCC Extra Class question pool. Explanation reviewed by licensed amateur radio operators.