New Waves: Industrial, Scientific and Medical Applications
SPDT Coaxial Switch
The 2EL Series SPDT coaxial switches features SMA connectors and operates at a frequency range from DC to 18 GHz and the 2ELE Series operates at DC to 26.5 GHz. Both series are available with failsafe and latching self cut-off options. Operating life is 5,000,000 cycles typical (3,000,000 minimum). RF impedance is 50 Ω nominal. Operating temperature (failsafe) is -55° to +85°C ambient. Operating temperature (failsafe) is -25° to +85°C ambient. Switching sequence is break before make. Ducommun has design engineers who can create custom versions for specific applications.
Ducommun LaBarge Technologies,
Carson, CA
(310) 513-7200,
www.ducommun.com
800 W Termination
Florida RF Labs has introduced a high performance, flange mounted, 800 W termination. The 32M7200F offers outstanding performance and low VSWR and the convenience of bolt on installation. This termination has been optimized for performance in the DC to 0.5 GHz frequency range, boasting a 1.10:1 maximum VSWR, making it very appealing to the broadcast, public safety and medical (MRI) markets. This termination offers high power, integrated heat sink, and tab launch. This new 800 W termination exhibits excellent thermal characteristics through a superb heat distribution design. The package size is 1.900" (456.26 mm) × 1.040" (26.42 mm) and delivered in a tray package. This product is also non-magnetic and RoHS and REACH compliant. The 32M7200F data- sheet and evaluation samples are readily available upon request.
Florida RF Labs,
Stuart, FL
(772) 600-1632,
www.emc-rflabs.com
Octal ADCs
Hittite Microwave Corp. is featuring a new set of octal 12-bit analog-to-digital converters, the HMCAD1102, HMCAD1101 and HMCAD1100. They complement Hittite's ultra low power ADC products. The HMCAD1102, HMCAD1101 and HMCAD1100 family are octal 12 and 13-bit ADCs that operate from 20 to 80 MSPS. Both 12-bit and 14-bit LVDS output modes are available and can be selected through the SPI control interface. Noise performance (SNR) at 50 MSPS with 8 MHz input frequency and 14-bit output is typically 72.2 dB. It is PIN compatible with the ADS527x and ADS528x families from Texas Instruments. Power dissipation at 50 MSPS is 40 mW per channel, including LVDS outputs. The ADCs are housed in a 9 × 9 mm plastic leadless surface-mount package and provide excellent temperature stability over the -40° to +85°C temperature range. Samples and evaluation PC boards for all SMT packaged products are available from stock and can be ordered via the company's e-commerce site or via direct purchase order.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA
(978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com
ISM Band Cavity Filter
NIC introduces a 902 to 928 MHz cavity filter offering high performance for ISM base station applications. This filter provides low insertion loss of < 1.5 dB and 45 dB rejection in the cellular band of 824 to 894 MHz and GSM band of 936 to 960 MHz. Features include high performance, competitive pricing and fast delivery. Prototypes are available for immediate delivery. Custom configurations designed up to Ku-Band.
Networks International Corp.,
Overland Park, KS
(913) 685-3400,
www.nickc.com
Low Noise Amplifier
NuWaves Engineering has expanded its series of High Intercept Low Noise Amplifiers (HILNA™) with the introduction of the HILNA 3G. NuWaves' HILNA 3G is the latest addition to the family of low noise, high gain, high intercept and wideband amplifiers. The HILNA 3G covers the broad frequency range from 1 to 3 GHz with a gain of 50 dB, and is even smaller than its predecessors, boasting a total of 3.3 cubic inches and weighing only 3 ounces. The HILNA 3G is ideal for system integration where footprint, high gain and broadband operation are determining factors. NuWaves' robust high performance amplifiers have been completely characterized over temperature, supply voltage, and frequency, in order to meet the demanding needs required in state-of-the-art RF systems.
NuWaves Engineering,
Middletown, OH
(513) 360-0800,
www.nuwaves-ltd.com
PIN Diode
Skyworks Solutions Inc. introduced SMP1345-087LF, a high power, series PIN
diode for large signal transmit and receive switching applications. This high thermal-dissipative diode combines low insertion loss, very good isolation, fast switching, excellent power handling and low distortion in a very small surface-mount package. This diode is ideal for infrastructure, homeland security, first responder and military markets. Samples are available, and pricing depends on quantities.
Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
Woburn, MA
(781) 376-3000,
www.skyworks.com
Miniature Microwave Coax
Contact Assemblies
Southwest Microwave Inc. announced miniature microwave coax contact assemblies that fit into the small, standard size 20 contact cavities of D-subminiature connectors and also size 20 (and larger) contact cavities for standard MIL-DTL-38999 circular connectors. Called SSBP-20, they can be used interchangeably with non-coax signal contact assemblies. Applications range from airborne to medical and test, from missile and space to mobile communications. Benefits include miniaturization, increased reliability and reduced system costs. Resistant to vibration (tested to 2000 Hz, random and sine, at 150°C) and shock (tested 3 axis, 100 Gs), yet installed with simple plastic tools. Although targeted for miniaturized packaging benefits, the interface is 0.9 mm, which permits economical use at both RF and extreme millimeter-wave applications and combinations thereof in the same connector. All Southwest Microwave interconnect products are RoHS compliant, lead free, with DFARS steel and raw material traceability.
Southwest Microwave Inc.,
Tempe, AZ
(480) 783-0201,
www.southwestmicrowave.com
Components
Point of Load Converters
Crane Aerospace & Electronics announced the availability of its Interpoint MFP Series Point of Load Converters in qualified H and K level MIL-PRF-38534 versions. These highly flexible non-isolated MFP converters are now registered with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in Radiation Hardness Assurance (RHA) levels of 30 krad and 100 krad. Guaranteed RHA performance levels for both Enhanced Low Dose Rate Sensitivity (ELDRS) and standard conditions can now be ordered to a Standard Microcircuit Drawing (SMD). The MFP Series are single output 16 W devices providing output voltages from 0.64 to 3.5 V from a source voltage of 3 to 6 V. These are 1.2" × 1.2," up to 90 percent efficiency and low noise, while requiring no external components.
Crane Aerospace & Electronics,
Redmond, WA
(203) 363-7300,
www.craneco.com
38 GHz Narrowband Cavity Filter
A 36 GHz narrowband cavity filter has been developed for a satellite application by K&L Microwave. The center frequency is 36 GHz with a relative 3 dB bandwidth of 34 to 38 GHz. Typical VSWR is 1.3:1 in and out over 34 to 38 GHz and the insertion loss is less than 3 dB mid-band. The rejection is greater than 50 dB at 32 GHz. Impedance is 50 Ω and is available with K type connectors. The approximate size is 1.13" × 0.5" × 0.5" (without connectors).
K&L Microwave Inc.,
Salisbury, MD
(410) 749-2424,
www.klmicrowave.com
Micro Miniature SMA Switch
RLC Electronics' Micro Miniature SMA switch is a single-pole, two-position type. The switch incorporates SMA connectors to allow high density packaging and excellent electrical performance through 26.5 GHz. The switch is available in failsafe and pulse latching configurations with a choice of three different frequency ranges and three different coil voltages.
RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mt. Kisco, NY
(914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com
High Isolation Switch
Telemakus released the TES7000-50 SPDT, USB- controlled switch that adds to the growing family of Telemakus test equipment. Operating from 100 MHz to 7 GHz with < 3 dB insertion loss and 50 dB of isolation at 4 GHz, the TES7000-50 handles up to 24 dBm CW input power (29 dBm pulsed). A built-in pulse function allows menu selectable pulse width and period from 250 nSec to 8 Sec. SMA connectors complement the full line of Telemakus USB-controlled devices providing the ability to cascade multiple accessories into a customized configuration to meet various requirements. Flash memory contains all necessary installation files for Windows XP or Vista. One of the smallest USB-controlled switches on the market, it weighs less than 1 ounce and can be carried in a pocket or tool box.
Telemakus Stocking Distributor
RFMW Ltd., San Jose, CA
(408) 414-1450,
www.rfmw.com
Amplifiers
X-Band Miniature Amplifier
The AGM-1005-15 is a miniature X-Band amplifier, which features High Reliability Screening to MIL-STD-883 as standard, and can be used in either connectorized or drop-in configuration. Covering the 8 to 12 GHz frequency range the amplifier runs from a +15 V DC supply to deliver over 18 dBm of linear power at typical gain of 12 dB and noise figure of 4 dB at +25°C. Gain flatness is ±0.75 dB maximum over the band and the input and output VSWRs are 2.0:1 maximum. The amplifier utilizes thin film and MMIC technology to provide a versatile, economical and reliable gain module for microwave applications in communications, radar and defense equipment.
AtlanTecRF,
Braintree, UK
+44 (0)1376 550220,
www.atlantecrf.com
Low Noise Amplifier
The HLNAV-360 is a low noise amplifier with integrated isolators at the in-
put and output ports. The LNA operates over the 57 to 64 GHz frequency band with 27 dB gain, noise figure of 6 dB and a P1dB of +12 dBm. RF interfaces are via WR-15 waveguide with standard UG-385/U flanges. A single MCX connector provides the bias input for the +15 V DC operating voltage. The amplifier bias is internally regulated and sequenced for reliability and user convenience. This same architecture can also be used for power amplifiers from 18 to 110 GHz. Bandwidths of 2 to 3 GHz are easily achieved, and bandwidths up to 7 GHz are available above 50 GHz.
HXI LLC,
Harvard, MA
(978) 772-7774,
www.hxi.com
Dual Output Amplifier
Model AML618P5012 is a high efficiency dual (combined) input, dual output power amplifier operating over 6 to 18 GHz bandwidth. Ampli-fier delivers +31 dBm power at each output and is designed to operate up to +95˚C base plate temperature. AML618P5012 is available with input power protection option up to 2 W CW. This design is available in a high density package with 3.5" × 1" × 0.3." RF connectors are SMP. The DC supply is +10 V at 2.2 amps.
Microsemi,
Camarillo, CA
(805) 388-1345,
www.amlj.com
Sources
CMOS Oscillator
Crystek Corp. has launched the CCHD-575, a new ultra-low phase noise CMOS oscillator providing a –168 dBc/Hz noise floor. Compact and powerful, the CCHD-575 is the industry's lowest-jitter clock oscillator in a 5 × 7.5 mm package. Crystek's CCHD-575 features a typical phase jitter of 82 fSec RMS at 100 MHz. Close-in phase noise is -90 dBc/Hz at 10 Hz, while its floor is at -168 dBc/Hz. The extremely low phase noise performance is very useful in applications such as: DACs, ADCs, low phase signal sources, and test and measurement. The CCHD-575 generates frequencies between 50 and 130 MHz. Its output driver is capable of driving ±24 mA, translating to a rise/fall time of ~600 ps at 100 MHz with a 15 pF load. Input supply voltage of 3.3 V DC consuming 15 mA of current is required. Extended temperature operating range of -40° to +85°C is also available.
Crystek Corp.,
Ft. Myers, FL
(800) 237-3061,
www.crystek.com
Multi-Octave Frequency Synthesizer
The SBC Series consists of frequency synthesizers that feature tuning steps of 1 Hz, and exceptionally low phase noise (-100 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz). The units are locked to a 10 MHz external reference and offers +7 dBm output power, -15 dBc harmonics and -60 dBc spurs. Options include external or internal references (10 to 500 MHz) and extended temperature ranges. The SBC Series is available in custom multi-octave frequency bands to 8 GHz. The SBC Series is ideally suited as a lab source for prototype and bench-top testing. The SBC-3000 operates from 400 to 3000 MHz. The SBC-5000 operates from 700 to 5000 MHz. The SBC-8000 operates from 5000 to 8000 MHz.
EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV
(775) 345-2411,
www.emresearch.com
VCO for TV Broadcasting
The ZX95-868+ is a VCO, designed to operate from 805 to 868 MHz for
TV broadcasting application. The ZX95-868+ is built using Mini-Circuits' proven unibody construction (1.20" 3 0.75" 3 0.46"), which integrates the RF connectors with the case body to shield against unwanted signals and noise. Features include low phase noise (-116 dBc/Hz typical at 10 kHz offset), linear tuning sensitivity ratio of 1.2:1 typical and excellent pulling (0.03 MHz typical).
Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com
RoHS-Compliant VCO
Z-Communications Inc. announces a new RoHS-compliant VCO model SMV1365C-LF in L-Band. The SMV1365C-LF operates at 1265 to 1465 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 V DC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -98 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 113 MHz/V. The SMV1365C-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 8 dBm at 5 V DC supply while drawing 21 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40º to 85ºC. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -15 dBc and comes in Z-Comm's standard SUB-L package measuring 0.3" × 0.3" × 0.08." It is available in tape-and-reel packaging for production requirements. The SMV1365C-LF is also ideal for automated surface-mount assembly and reflow. SMV1365C-LF is well suited for applications that require ultra low phase noise performance.
Z-Communications Inc.,
Poway, CA
(858) 621-2700,
www.zcomm.com
Test Equipment
Pulser Heads for HBTs
AMCAD Engineering has released a new pulser, also referred to as probe head, tailored for small-periphery transistor (HBTs and HEMT) pulsed IV measurements. This new pulser, AM223, has two embedded measurement units: one for currents lower than 20 mA, one for currents between 20 and 200 mA. The system consists of two independently operating power modes – pulsed or DC (continuous mode). The maximum average power delivered by the sensors output is 50 W in pulsed mode, or 80 W in DC mode. This specification is linked to the external power probes used. The voltage measurements on the two channels are carried out from the internal resistance of each channel. The current measurements are made using differential measurements at the terminals of the same internal resistance.
Maury Microwave Corp.,
Ontario, CA
(909) 987-4715,
www.maurymw.com
Phase Stable Cables
Test grade cables are a must for RF applications. The test cables serve as the extension of the equipments' test ports. They provide flexibility for measuring cable assemblies or other microwave devices. It is vital to system performance that they remain stable when subjected to environmental or mechanical stresses. Phase stable cables have triple shielding with low loss dielectric and high temperature jacketing to minimize the phase effects when flexed multiple times. The connectors are made of rugged stainless steel for extended attachment and feature a strain relief support designed for armoring as an option. RF Precision Products now offers such cables for applications up to 26.5 GHz. Test charts are included. Off the shelf lengths are 24", 36" and 48". Custom lengths are available.
RF Precision Products,
Division of RF Industries,
San Diego, CA
(858) 549-6340,
www.rfp2.com