DIY RF Noise Bridge: Anyone use an SMD RF transformer with success?

Question

I am building an RF noise bridge (DC-100MHz (200-400, even better) to replace one that failed in my Palomar Engineers antenna tuner. I am using SMD components and have completed the implementation of the noise generator.

Now, I am designing the transformer stage between the generator and the Wheatstone bridge. I was planning on using an FT50-43 ferrite toroid, but I was curious whether any SMD RF transformers could be used. I found that several companies make SMD RF transformers, such as those I've listed below, but I don't know whether they would be good solutions for an RF noise bridge. There is no transmitting involved, so the requirements are simpler.

https://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/TCM1-382WX+.pdf https://productfinder.pulseelectronics.com/api/open/part-attachments/datasheet/cx2041nlt

Assuming the correct taps on the SMD RF transformer, would one be a good substitute for a wrapped ferrite toroid?

PROPOSED CIRCUIT USING MINI-CIRCUIT'S TC1-1T+ RF TRANSFORMER

Thanks for your comments, Mike

Answer 1

The answer is likely yes. But we can't know for sure until you provide more details on your exact circuit and your intentions.

But even without the additional information, there's no obvious reason why using SMD RF transformers wouldn't work where a FT50-43 toroid would. The RF transformers you referenced will have better characteristics in almost every category over the FT50-43, except power-handling capacity and possibly price. Power handling shouldn't be a real issue in a noise bridge.