**3.3.3 Splitter vs divider vs Tee: Scattering parameter matrix and suitable applications**

Before going further analyses, it is time to say a few words about the power splitter (Johson, 1975), power divider and Tee since even some experienced engineers misuse them and not clear of the differences among them fundamentally. The physical and mathematical expressions are given here.

As illustrated in Fig. 3 for a) power divider; b) power splitter; and c) Tee, there are three resistors for power divider; two resistors for power splitter; and no resistors for Tee.

The three resisters in power divider are *Z0/3* each; for 50 ohm system, they are 16-2/3 Ω. Two resistors in power splitter are *Z0* each.

The power splitter has fixed input at port one; power divider and Tee inputs are exchangeable (bi-directional).

Substantially the scattering parameter matrix or S-parameter matrix are different for these three 3-port components as shown under the physical structures in Fig. 3; in which the Sparameter matrixes are for ideal cases.

Power splitter is used in leveling or ratio measurement; power divider is used for simple power division. Tee is used in low frequency case and in those non-critical measurements.

Fig. 3. Three 3-port components and their corresponding scattering parameter matrix
