What are the output levels of an unbalanced 3-way splitter?

For an unbalanced 3-way splitter, the output levels are designed to provide different signal levels to the output ports, typically with one output being stronger than the others to compensate for signal loss. In the case of the correct answer, the levels are -3.5 dB for the first output and -7 dB for the other two outputs.

The main reason the output levels match this configuration is due to the inherent loss associated with signal splitting. An unbalanced 3-way splitter effectively takes the input signal and divides it among three outputs, with one output retaining a larger portion of the signal. The -3.5 dB output indicates that it delivers a stronger signal relative to the -7 dB outputs, which reflect the additional loss that comes with splitting the signal further.

Understanding these values is crucial for technicians when designing and troubleshooting systems, ensuring that the appropriate signal levels are delivered to connected devices. In comparison, the other choices either provide equal outputs or levels that do not match the typical characteristics of an unbalanced 3-way splitter, hence not being suitable.