Ⅰ. Core Definitions and Working Principles
1. Basic Definition
A **Tapper** (Power Tapper) is a multiport passive device (a small number are active), usually consisting of three core ports: an input port, a main output port, and a tap output port:
Input port: Receives original frontend signals (e.g., base station signals, optical transmission signals);
Main output port: Transmits over 90% of the signal to the backend main link (e.g., antenna) without distortion;
Tap output port: Taps 1%10% of the signal for monitoring, analysis, or branch power supply.
2. Working Principle
It distributes power through electromagnetic coupling:
RF/Microwave type: Induces the energy of the main link to the tap port via the "coupling section" of microstrip lines or coaxial structures;
Optical signal type: Uses an optical fiber coupler to make part of the optical signal refract into the tap fiber.
Ⅱ. Typical Application Scenarios
1. Wireless Communication Systems (5G/4G/WiFi)
Monitoring transmission in base station antennafeeder links;
Dynamically adjusting transmission power in WiFi routers.
2. Cable Television (CATV) and Satellite Television
In CATV networks, the main output port of the Tapper is connected to the nextlevel trunk line, and the tap port is connected to the user's settop box, enabling signal distribution for the "one terminal per household" mode.
3. Optical Fiber Communication Networks (FTTH/SDH)
Optical transmission equipment monitors the optical power, attenuation, and fault points (e.g., fiber breakage) of optical fiber signals without interrupting user communication.
4. Test and Measurement Field
In RF test systems, the Tapper splits the signal into a "main path" and a "branch path". By comparing the branch path signal with the main path signal, the power accuracy of the device under test is calibrated.