Final answer:
The total return loss calculation requires the sum of losses from each signal component. Given a drop loss of 3.2 dB at the ground block and a 9 dB loss at a directional coupler, the total return loss includes these values, plus the unknown splitter loss value.
Step-by-step explanation:
The total return loss can be calculated by adding the losses from each component in the signal path. Assuming the drop loss at the ground block is 3.2 dB and it is connected to the hot leg of a three-way splitter (whose value is not provided in the question), the signal then goes through to the 9 dB leg of a directional coupler. Without the splitter loss value, we can only add the given losses:
- Drop loss at the ground block = 3.2 dB
- Loss at the directional coupler = 9 dB
To find the total return loss, you need to add the loss at the splitter. If the loss value of the splitter is provided, it will be:
- Total return loss = Ground block loss + Splitter loss + Directional coupler loss
If the splitter loss is not known, then the answer would be the sum of just the provided losses, but that would not represent the true total return loss of the entire system.