What is the loss on each leg for a 4-way splitter?

For a 4-way splitter, the fundamental principle governing the loss in signal for each leg is based on power division. When a signal is split into four parts, ideally, the power is equally distributed among the outputs. In an ideal scenario, each output leg of a 4-way splitter would experience a 6 dB loss (since 10 * log10(1/4) = -6 dB), but practical splitters typically have additional losses due to inefficiencies.

The correct answer, which states that each leg has a 7 dB loss, considers both the ideal theoretical power division loss and additional factors such as insertion loss from the components used in the splitter. This means that the actual loss observed in each leg is about 7 dB, accounting for real-world conditions rather than theoretical ideals.

Losses calculated based solely on theoretical divisions can overlook the additional attenuation caused by the internal resistance and construction of the splitter. The choice providing 3 dB legs overestimates performance, as does the one indicating legs of 5 or 9 dB, which do not correspond with typical performance specifications for standard splitters. Hence, the choice of 4 - 7 dB legs is the most accurate depiction of what can