Which of the following descriptions of power splitters and couplers is correct?

Question

Options

• APower dividers and couplers are equal power distribution
• BThe power divider is equal power distribution, and the coupler is unequal power distribution
• CThe power divider is unequal power distribution, and the coupler is equal power distribution
• DPower dividers and couplers are unequal power distribution

• A
  4% (1)
• B
  79% (22)
• C
  7% (2)
• D
  11% (3)

Explanation

Option B is correct because a power divider (splitter) is specifically designed to split an input signal into two or more equal-power outputs - think of a 3 dB Wilkinson divider that splits power 50/50. A coupler (directional coupler), by contrast, takes a small, predefined fraction of power from the main line (e.g., −10 dB, −20 dB), resulting in unequal outputs between the coupled port and the through port.

Why the distractors fail:

• A is wrong because it wrongly classifies couplers as equal-power devices - couplers are defined by their unequal coupling ratio.
• C reverses the definitions entirely - swapping what's true of dividers and couplers.
• D is wrong because it wrongly classifies dividers as unequal - equal splitting is the defining purpose of a power divider.

Memory tip: Think of the names literally - a "divider" divides evenly (equal shares, like splitting a bill), while a "coupler" couples a little bit of signal off the main path (unequal, like tapping a water pipe).

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