COAXIAL TAPS, SPLITTERS, COMBINERS, AND DIPLEXERS
Coaxial cable signals and connectors come in a variety of modes, and working with them can be perplexing since a lot of them look similar on the surface, and some even have overlapping functions.
But an understanding of how each of them works is vital, as signal quality, whether input or output, is pegged on the quality and functionality of intermediary connectors and hardware used.
Splitter
A splitter is used to split an incoming signal from a single incoming cable to allow the addition or connection of an extra receiving device, such as a television. Splitters come in varying configurations that can allow as many devices as there are output ports. A two-way splitter can connect two devices; a three-way splitter can connect three devices; and so on.
While using a splitter is an easy way to add extra signal outlets and connect more devices, each time a signal is split, its strength is cut in half. A signal can only be split so much before it becomes too weak to be of any use.
In situations where the signal is exceptionally weak, a splitter is inadvisable, as the already weak signal would be weakened to the point where it’s almost non-existent. An antenna should be used instead for additional devices.
Tap
Also known as a directional coupler, a tap can be thought of as an advanced splitter. A 1-in, 2-out splitter is simply referred to as a 1×2 splitter, where 1 denotes the input port and 2 denotes the output ports. Half the signal goes to each output port. In a 1×3 splitter, the incoming signal is split three times, equally, between the three ports.
A tap, on the other hand, discriminates. A tap takes in an exceptionally powerful signal that’s too strong for a single device and splits it unevenly down the output ports. One output port might have a stronger output signal than the other. This is useful when connecting devices that are not equidistant.
Due to signal degradation and attenuation, the farthest device requiring the longest cable run would ideally need to be served by the port with the highest output power, sending the strongest signal. Or the weaker signals can go to devices while the strongest signal from the tap proceeds to feed another tap down the line.
The closest devices with the shortest cable runs would be served by ports that output less power or signal strength. This also helps avoid the possibility of damaging close devices by sending too much signal strength to them.
A tap can come in varying configurations, such as one input and two or several outputs. There are also taps with several inputs and outputs, such as a 6-input and 12-output tap.
Taps are mostly used in commercial applications and rarely, if at all, in simple DIY installations. In commercial applications, taps allow the main line or trunk line to have an extremely high signal that can travel as far as possible without the need for a signal amplifier.
Combiner
As the name suggests, a combiner combines two input signals into a single cable without any ‘translation’ i.e., it mixes the signals without verifying whether or not they should be combined. It is up to the installer to ascertain whether the signals ought to be combined and whether there will be signal interference.
A combiner can be useful for someone who understands the different incoming signals and knows whether or not they should be combined. Otherwise, it can result in a mess.
Diplexer
Just like a combiner, a diplexer takes two input signals from two different cables and combines them into one cable, but in a more intelligent and precise manner. Diplexers are commonly used when adding an antenna signal to an existing cable.
At first glance, a diplexer and a splitter look similar. The difference here is that a splitter takes one input signal from one input coaxial cable and splits it into two (or more) output signals. A diplexer, on the other hand, takes two input signals from two cables and combines them into one cable.
Passive diplexers take two signals that won’t interfere with each other and puts them on the same cable for transmission.
An active diplexer adds power to the line to help propagate the signal further and limit the signal attenuation that inevitably happens as a signal travels down a medium. In addition, they can also shift the frequencies of the signals to avoid interference, and in this case, it’s also a modulator.
Like taps, diplexers are mostly utilized in commercial applications. A diplexer, for instance, can be used to allow internet and satellite TV signals to travel on the same line for a commercial building or apartment block.
—
Some expensive high-end devices can serve multiple purposes, such as multiswitches and modulators that can diplex as well as split signals.
— -
