The Tektronix / Picosecond Pulse Labs 5541A-104 is a broadband bias tee that injects or extracts DC bias voltage and current into RF signal paths while preserving signal integrity. Designed for high-speed applications including component testing and data communication, this device delivers minimal waveform distortion across an exceptionally wide bandwidth.
Technical Specifications
Frequency Response
• Bandwidth (-3 dB): 80 kHz to beyond 26 GHz
• DC path bandwidth: 16 kHz typical
• Flat frequency response over many decades
RF Performance
• Insertion loss: 0.4 dB typical; < 1 dB below 6 GHz; 15 dB below 10 GHz
• Isolation: > 40 dB typical
• Risetime (10%-90%): 8 ps, 12 ps maximum
• Delay (AC to AC+DC port): 213 ps
• RF power (average maximum): 2 W
• Impedance: 50 Ω
DC Specifications
• DC voltage maximum: 50 V
• DC current maximum: 100 mA
• Capacitance: 0.02 µF, ±20%
• Inductance: 1 mH, ±20%
• Resistance: 3.7 Ω
Connectors
• RF and DC ports: Female SMA jacks (all three ports)
Physical
• Dimensions: 5 × 1.3 × 4.6 cm (case); 3.1 × 1.3 × 3.8 cm (body)
• Weight: 0.07 kg to 0.10 kg
– Key Features
• Passes fast-rise pulses with minimal distortion—ideal for time-domain measurement applications
• Wide bandwidth spanning 80 kHz to beyond 26 GHz enables multi-octave signal conditioning
• Low insertion loss and excellent return loss ensure high measurement fidelity
• High DC isolation (> 40 dB) preserves signal integrity while injecting bias
• SMA interfaces provide robust mechanical connection and repeatability
– Typical Applications
• High-speed device and circuit characterization
• DC bias injection for transistor and diode testing
• Pulse and transient signal conditioning
• RF/microwave component evaluation at nanosecond and picosecond timescales
– Compatibility & Integration
Operate within rated specifications: 50 V DC maximum, 100 mA DC maximum, and 2 W average RF power. Not recommended for frequency-domain applications above 26 GHz due to higher-order waveguide mode resonances in SMA connectors.
