The Tektronix / Picosecond Pulse Labs 5550B-104 is a broadband 50 Ohm bias tee designed to inject or extract DC voltage and current into RF signal paths with minimal waveform distortion. Operating across 100 kHz to 18 GHz with 20 ps risetime, this coaxial component maintains signal integrity in high-speed measurement and testing applications while simultaneously passing fast rise pulses without degradation.
Technical Specifications
Frequency and Bandwidth
• -3 dB bandwidth: 100 kHz to 18 GHz
• DC path bandwidth: 16 kHz (typical)
• Insertion loss: 15 dB at 0.1–2 GHz, > 11 dB at 2–10 GHz (typical)
DC Ratings
• Maximum DC voltage: 50 V
• Maximum DC current: 500 mA
• AC-DC isolation: 30 dB (typical)
• Continuous RF power: 2.5 W maximum
Component Values and Performance
• Inductance: 1 mH ± 30%
• Capacitance: 0.02 µF ± 20%
• Series resistance: 0.4 Ohms
• Pulse risetime (10–90%): 20 ps
Core Saturation Current
Low frequency response varies with DC current: < 50 mA achieves -3 dB at 100 kHz; 150 mA achieves -3 dB at 160 kHz; 500 mA achieves -3 dB at 350 kHz.
– Key Features
• Three SMA female ports: DC input, AC input, combined AC+DC output
• Compact form factor: 1.95" × 0.5" × 1.82"
• Mounting holes for fixed installation
• Broadband performance with minimal phase distortion
– Typical Applications
• DC power injection into RF signal paths for device biasing
• Extraction of modulated or biased signals from test setups
• High-speed pulse measurements requiring simultaneous AC and DC pathways
• Semiconductor and active device characterization at GHz frequencies
– Compatibility & Integration
The 5550B-104 integrates into standard 50 Ohm test systems via SMA connectors. Low frequency performance is load-dependent due to core saturation effects, allowing selection of operating bandwidth based on required DC current levels.
