4 Popular Coupler Types

Author: Amitava Sarkar

Couplers play an integral role in the creation of a wide range of products, most notably computers and radios. Couplers enable power to be evenly distributed throughout these devices, allowing them to operate at peak efficiency. It’s no stretch of the imagination to say that modern electronics as we know them would not exist without dependable couplers. That being the case, it’s no surprise that electronics manufacturers of all sizes are always on the lookout for high-end couplers; the better the couplers, the more efficient the products – and the more efficient the products, the bigger the profits.

As anyone well-versed in electronics can confirm, one size does not necessarily fit all when it comes to couplers. There are many different coupler types, each of which has its own unique strengths. Suffice to say, the type of coupler you’ll need largely depends on the product you’re manufacturing. If you’re relatively new to electronics manufacturing, it’s in your best interest to brush up on the most popular couplers currently available. Anyone with a strong interest in the inner workings of electronics should familiarize themselves with the following coupler types.

Hybrid Couplers

Hybrid couplers are among the most important couplers currently in use. Commonly found in radios and telephones, these unique directional couplers enable input power to be evenly distributed between two output ports. Any traditional telephone or radio device you’ve ever used has likely been outfitted with a hybrid coupler. Electronics manufacturers or hobbyists on the hunt for cutting-edge hybrid couplers would do well to get in touch with Werlatone posthaste.

Dual-Directional Couplers

Boasting a truly unique design, dual-directional couplers are found in an extensive array of high-end computer systems and industrial machinery. In essence, a dual-directional coupler is two separate couplers that are facing in different directions. The isolated ports on these couplers are internally terminated, which helps reduce the litany of errors synonymous with improper terminations.

Bethe-Hole Couplers

Bethe-hole couplers are directional couplers that serve as waveguides. Equipped with a single hole, these couplers operate over narrow bands. Whereas other waveguide couplers utilize multiple holes, bethe-hole couplers are able to carry out their primary function with only one.

Couple Line Couplers

As the name suggests, couple line couplers feature transmission lines that are close enough to pass energy between one another. There are numerous variations of couple line couplers, which include but are not limited to edge couplers, broadside couplers and end couplers. These couplers are primarily found in large-scale communication devices and industrial computer systems.

Without couplers, we wouldn’t have many of the devices we use on a daily basis. Couplers are prominently featured in both over-the-counter electronics, as well as assorted pieces of industrial machinery. Despite the fact that very few people outside of the electronics industry are familiar with them; couplers are among the most important components used by electronics manufacturers and electrical engineers. If you’re eager to learn more about the how and why of modern electronics, it pays to read up on the most common coupler types. The more you know about couplers, the better equipped you’ll be to build, repair and tinker with various electronics.

About the Author: Hal Stanton is a retired engineer and lifelong electronics hobbyist who enjoys tinkering with radios and computers in his spare time. Whenever Hal finds himself in the market for dependable couplers, he heads over to Werlatone’s online store. With their extensive selection of all things coupler-related and reputation for creating first-rate couplers, Werlatone is a force to be reckoned with in the coupler world.