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RF Hybrids

RF Hybrids are critical components in Power Line Carrier (PLC) communication systems used throughout electric power generation and utility applications. They enable multiple PLC transmitters and receivers to operate on a single cable without interference while also supporting the distribution of PLC signals across multiple phases of a power line.

RF Hybrids perform two primary functions within utility Power Line Carrier systems:

  • Combining multiple PLC TX and RX units onto a single communication cable while preventing signal interference
  • Splitting PLC signals for distribution to two or three phases of a power transmission line

These capabilities allow utilities to deploy flexible communication architectures without compromising signal integrity or system reliability.



AMETEK Hybrid Types
  • Two types of 1-RU height hybrids (new style): Balanced and Skewed
 

 

  • Three types of 2-RU height hybrids (old style): H1RB, H3XB & H1SB-R



     
Hybrids: 2-RU Old Style versus 1-RU New Style
2-RU Hybrid (old style)
  Replacement 1-RU Hybrid (new style)
H1RB Resistive Hybrid1 
6266D72G05 or G07		 Balanced Hybrid
CH20-BALMN-001
 H3XB Reactive Hybrid
6266D71G03		  No replacement
use old style
 H1SB-R Skewed Hybrid1 
1609C45G01-3		  Skewed Hybrid
CH20-SKWMN-001
1Obsolete

RF Coax Connections (all female connectors unless noted)
Port 2-RU Types (Old Style)   1-RU Types (New Style)
   H1RB H3XB  H1SB-R  Balanced  Skewed 
 Input 1  BNC BNC BNC  BNC  BNC 
 Input 2 BNC  BNC  BNC  BNC  BNC 
 Output  BNC (male) UHF  UHF  BNC2   BNC2
2Optional accessory available for converting to a UHF if desired

Specs  2-RU Types (Old Style)  1-RU Types (New Style)
 Type H1RB H3XB H1SB-R  Balanced  Skewed 
 Frequency Range  30-535 kHz 30-535 kHz3
 		  30-535 kHz 30-535 kHz 30-535 kHz 
 Max Power for TXs 15 watts 15 watts  100 watts  25 watts  100 watts 
 Output Impedance  50 Ω  44-75 Ω  50 or 75 Ω  50 or 75 Ω  50 Ω
 Insertion Loss - Max  3.5 dB 3.5dB TX: 1 dB
RX: 13 dB 		 3.5dB  TX: 0.5 dB
RX: 14.5 dB 
 Isolation Loss4  30 dB min 45 dB min3   40 dB min  30 dB min  40 dB min
3Frequency range limited for Isolation Spec for H3XB type only
4With  exact impedance matching


Mounting and Installation:

AMETEK RF Hybrids are designed for straightforward installation and maintenance in utility environments.

2‑RU Hybrid Mounting

  • Up to three hybrids can be mounted on a 19‑inch wide 2‑RU blank plate
  • All connections and test points face to the rear
  • Hybrids extend approximately 5 inches behind the mounting plate

1‑RU Hybrid Mounting

  • Up to four hybrids can be installed in a 19‑inch wide 1‑RU chassis
  • All cable connections are at the rear
  • All test points are located on the front of the chassis for easy access
  • Chassis depth matches a UPLC or UPLC‑II chassis and slightly exceeds a TC‑10B or TCF‑10B chassis
  • All hybrids slide into rear chassis slots
  • Projection mounting is available as an optional configuration

This modular design simplifies testing wiring and long‑term system support in substation and control room installations.