In RF and microwave engineering, stable signal flow and robust isolation are non-negotiable. HzBeat’s Typical Drop-in Circulator series provides a mature, board-level RF circulator solution that combines low insertion loss, high isolation, and easy PCB integration. Spanning bands from VHF/UHF to L/S/C/X/Ku/Ka, these microwave circulators are widely used in radar, satellite communications, wireless infrastructure, and test & measurement systems where reliability and compact form factor matter.

A drop-in circulator is a three-port, non-reciprocal device that routes energy in a single direction (Port 1 → 2, Port 2 → 3, Port 3 → 1). By steering reflections away from sensitive components, it protects power amplifiers (PAs) and low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) and helps maintain overall RF system stability. Compared with connectorized types, drop-in packaging enables direct mounting to the PCB or module base for smaller footprint and faster assembly.

• Wide Frequency Coverage: Options from 0.05 GHz up to 40 GHz (VHF through Ka) support both commercial and defense applications.
• Low Insertion Loss, High Isolation: Efficient forward transmission with typical isolation levels suitable for protecting front-end chains.
• CW/CCW Rotation Options: Choose clockwise or counter-clockwise signal flow to match your architecture.
• Rugged Operation: Designed for harsh environments with dependable thermal and mechanical stability.
• Integration-Friendly: Drop-in mounting reduces assembly time, rework complexity, and overall module height.
• Custom RF Solutions: Frequency targeting, footprints, and thermal/power options can be tailored for OEM programs.

• Improved signal integrity in high-power or sensitive receiver paths thanks to low loss and controlled VSWR.
• Protection against reverse power—extending PA and LNA lifetime and improving system MTBF.
• Consistent performance across arrays, where repeatability and phase balance are essential (e.g., TRMs in phased radar).

• Radar TRMs (L/S/C/X/Ku/Ka): Stable isolation for T/R switching and amplifier protection in phased arrays.
• Satellite Communications (Gateways & Terminals): Reliable routing for up/down-conversion chains at high frequencies.
• Wireless Infrastructure (VHF/UHF): Base stations and repeaters that demand compact RF components with predictable behavior.
• Test & Measurement: Calibration-friendly isolation for fixtures, analyzers, and production benches.

• VHF (e.g., 0.05–0.30 GHz): low loss, high isolation, high peak power handling; CW/CCW available.
• UHF to S-Band (e.g., 0.45–1.0 GHz / 0.8–3.4 GHz): efficient insertion loss and robust isolation for infrastructure and satcom IF chains.
• C/X/Ku (e.g., 4–8 GHz / 7–18 GHz): compact footprints for radar modules and compact microwave links.
• K/Ka (e.g., 18–40 GHz): board-level microwave circulator options for high-frequency front-ends and test setups.

Need exact IL, isolation, VSWR, and power by band? See the detailed tables on the product page below.

For engineers seeking a proven RF circulator that balances low insertion loss, high isolation, and drop-in integration, HzBeat's Typical Drop-in Circulator series offers a dependable path to cleaner links, safer amplifiers, and faster builds. With wideband coverage and customization options, the series adapts to radar, satellite, wireless, and test environments where reliability is the baseline—not the bonus.

What’s the difference between a drop-in circulator and a coaxial circulator?

Drop-in circulators mount directly to the PCB or module base, saving space and simplifying assembly. Coaxial types use connectors and are convenient for quick line-level integration but are typically larger.

Can a drop-in circulator replace an RF isolator?

A circulator with a matched termination on one port functions as an RF isolator. If you only need one-way protection, a dedicated isolator may be simpler; if routing flexibility is needed, a drop-in circulator provides more options.

Do you support clockwise and counter-clockwise versions?

Yes. CW and CCW variants are available to match the preferred signal flow of your RF architecture.

How do I select the right model for my band and power?

Start with center frequency, bandwidth, power/thermal envelope, and mechanical constraints. Then choose the drop-in circulator whose datasheet meets insertion loss, isolation, and VSWR targets with margin.

Are custom footprints or thermal solutions available?

Yes. HzBeat supports custom RF solutions—including footprint, ferrite stack design, and thermal path optimization—for OEM programs.

Typical Drop-in Circulator (this product)

Microstrip Circulators (surface-mount options)

Coaxial Circulators (connectorized)

Waveguide Circulators (high-power/mmWave)

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About the Author

HzBeat Editorial Content Team

Marketing Director, Chengdu Hertz Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. (Hzbeat)
Keith has over 18 years in the RF components industry, focusing on the intersection of technology, healthcare applications, and global market trends.

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