2 layers
QFHBAL01
ODZ-UJF-AV-CR/QFHBAL01
Balun for QFH antennas. Antenna structure should be 3D printed.
10 parts6GPL-3.0
2 layers40.1 × 30 mm
SATABAL01
mlab-modules/SATABAL01RF balun with unballanced MCX/SMA and balanced SATA connectors
- Size
- 40.1 × 30 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 9
- Nets
- 9
- Pads
- 33
- Tracks, vias
- 18, 0
- Pours
- 1
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 9.0 (file 20241229)
- Created
- 28 Apr 2021
- Updated
- 20 Dec 2025
Overview
SATABAL01 is an open-source printed circuit board by mlab-modules, from the mlab-modules/SATABAL01 repository on GitHub, published under the GPL-3.0 licence. It is a 2-layer board of 40.1 × 30 mm with 9 parts on 9 nets, routed with 18 tracks and 0 vias.
It is built around the ETC1-1-13. It belongs with the radio and wireless boards of this library.
Main components
1README
README.mdSATABAL01 - passive coax to SATA balun module
SATABAL01 is a passive RF balun module designed to interface high-speed differential pairs used in SATA data lines with unbalanced coaxial transmission lines. This module is primarily intended for applications requiring measurement, testing, or signal routing of SATA signals over RF-grade coaxial cables.
Features
- Converts differential SATA signals to unbalanced RF signals and vice versa
- Suitable for signal bandwidths from 4.5 MHz to 3000 MHz
- Dual-channel design for full SATA differential pair
- Standard SATA connector (J1)
- MCX or SMA coaxial connectors (J2, J3)
- Uses Mini-Circuits TC1-1-13MX+ wideband RF balun transformers
- Compact design suitable for integration into test setups or embedded systems
Functional Description
The module contains two identical wideband RF balun transformers (Mini-Circuits TC1-1-13MX+), each used to convert one differential signal pair to a single-ended signal. The SATA connector (J1) provides two differential pairs. Each pair is routed through a balun (T1, T2), with the single-ended outputs available at connectors J3 and J2 respectively. These connectors support either MCX or SMA types depending on user preference.
Electrical Specifications (Per Channel)
Based on the TC1-1-13MX+ balun:
- Impedance Ratio: 1:1
- Frequency Range: 4.5 MHz to 3000 MHz
- Insertion Loss:
- 4.5–1000 MHz: typ. 1.0 dB
- 1000–2000 MHz: typ. 2.0 dB
- 2000–3000 MHz: typ. 3.0 dB
- Amplitude Unbalance: typ. 0.5 dB (up to 2000 MHz)
- Phase Unbalance: typ. 2–3 degrees (up to 2000 MHz)
Refer to the TC1-1-13MX+ datasheet for detailed transformer characteristics【7†source】.
Schematic Overview
- J1: SATA 7-pin connector (AMP 67491-1030)
- T1, T2: Mini-Circuits TC1-1-13MX+ transformers for each differential pair
- J2, J3: Output via MCX/SMA connectors
- H1–H4: Mounting pads and ground.
Typical Use Cases
- Probing SATA lines with RF measurement equipment
- High-frequency signal transmission over coaxial cable
- Balancing/unbalancing of high-speed digital signals and clock
Assembly Notes
- Ensure correct orientation of baluns as per datasheet marking.
- Match connector types (MCX or SMA) to your coaxial cabling needs.
- Use controlled impedance traces for differential signal integrity.
Parts
9| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Pad | Mlab_Mechanical:MountingHole_3mm | H1, H2, H3, H4 |
| 2 | Conn_Coaxial SMA or MCX | Connector_Coaxial:SMA_Amphenol_901-144_Vertical | J2, J3 |
| 2 | ETC1-1-13 | Transformer_SMD:Transformer_MACOM_SM-22 | T1, T2 |
| 1 | SATA7-67491-1030 | Mlab_CON:SATA-7_THT_VERT_2 | J1 |
Questions
How big is the SATABAL01 PCB?
It measures 40.1 × 30 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the SATABAL01 use?
9 parts, built around the ETC1-1-13. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the SATABAL01 KiCad files?
From the mlab-modules/SATABAL01 repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is hw/sch_pcb/SATABAL01.kicad_pcb and its schematic hw/sch_pcb/SATABAL01.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the SATABAL01 design in my own project?
Its repository publishes it under the GPL-3.0 licence: you may reuse it on that licence's terms (keep the author's notice, and for a copyleft licence share your changes alike).
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