New Products

Frequency Extender

This ELFE frequency extender can be used with a variety of receivers and operates from 18 to 40 GHz. A dedicated RF input operates from 0.5 to 18 GHz. When the extended range is not selected on the ELFE, the 0.5 to 18 GHz signal is routed through the unit to the accompanying microwave tuner or receiver. A separate RF input accepts 18 to 40 GHz, which is converted to the 2 to 18 GHz range for the accompanying tuner or receiver. The 0.5 to 18 GHz RF pass-through feature along with the down-conversion of 18 to 40 GHz band allows the ELFE to operate with other manufacturers’ equipment of limited frequency coverage while providing full 0.5 to 40 GHz performance.

Elcom Technologies Inc.,
Rockleigh, NJ (201) 767-8030,
www.elcom-tech.com

MMIC Regenerative Divider

The model HMC447LC3 is a low noise 10 to 26 GHz divide-by-4 regenerative divider that utilizes GaAs HBT technology. This versatile divider accepts input power levels from –15 to +10 dBm and exhibits a low SSB phase noise of –150 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset. The HMC447LC3 delivers consistent output power of –4 dBm, operates from a single +5 V supply and requires no external components, making it ideal for use in high frequency phase-locked loops and in local oscillator distribution applications. The HMC447LC3 is housed in a RoHS compliant, 3 × 3 mm leadless SMT package with an exposed ground paddle.

Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com

E-band Millimeter-wave Antenna

The HPCPE-80RS Discriminator antenna is designed for the new E-band millimeter-wave band that covers the allocation from 71 to 86 GHz. This antenna provides 44 dBi of gain, has an excellent front-to-back ratio of 64 dB and meets all FCC regulations for the E-band.

Radio Waves Inc.,
N. Billerica, MA (978) 459-8800,
www.radiowavesinc.com

Drop-in Isolators

The R series of drop-in isolators was designed in response to the exploding market for Ku- and X-band. These flange-mount drop-in isolators are ideal for military, SATCOM, space, intelligence and air surveillance radar systems. Covering frequencies from 7.2 to 8.4 GHz, 9.5 to 10.5 GHz, 12.7 to 14.5 GHz and 14 to 15.5 GHz, these temperature stable devices offer a typical loss of < 0.4 dB, and return loss and isolation of > 20 dB in an industry standard footprint. Price: $24.95. Delivery: in stock.

Renaissance Electronics Corp.,
Harvard, MA (978) 772-7774,
www.rec-usa.com

Ka-band ×4 Frequency Multiplier

The model 32-4XF is a space-qualified, Ka-band ×4 frequency multiplier. The assembly multiplies a coaxial 8 GHz input up to a 32 GHz output in WR-28. A combination high pass/low pass filter is used to reject unwanted harmonics by 60 dB minimum. The final output passes through an isolator with 20 dB of isolation. With a typical conversion loss of 18 dB, output power is 0 to +5 dBm depending on the input power. These models are environmentally tested for vibration, pyro shock, thermal vacuum and electrically tested from –40° to +85°C. This model, 32-4XF, is presently on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and will be on the Kepler Mission scheduled to be launched in October 2008.

Spacek Labs Inc.,
Santa Barbara, CA (805) 564-4404,
www.spaceklabs.com

Ka-band Microstrip Isolator

The model D9A8031 is a Ka-band microstrip isolator that is ideal for defense and space applications. This model operates in Ka-band with typical electrical specifications that include insertion loss < 0.7 dB, operates in a frequency range from 30 to 31 GHz and offers typical isolation of > 18 dB. Additional specifications include an operating temperature of –54° to +85°C. Size: 0.238" × 0.28" × 0.13". Weight: 0.4 grams.

TRAK Microwave Corp.,
Tampa, FL (813) 901-7200,
www.trak.com

Components

Between Series Coaxial Adapter

The model 5040 is a between series coaxial adapter that operates from DC to 40 GHz. VSWR maximum is 1.10 from DC to 18 GHz and 1.15 from 18 to 40 GHz. Connector configuration is male to male. This connector’s configurations are also offered in: male to female, female to male and female to female. Delivery: stock to 30 days.

Krytar,
Sunnyvale, CA (408) 734-5999,
www.krytar.com

Microwave Coaxial Cable

This series of semi-flexible and semi-rigid cables is available in lengths up to 50 ft. Including all the popular outside diameters of 0.034, 0.047, 0.086, 0.141 and 0.250 inches, the collection includes outer conductor materials of copper, aluminum and braided copper/tin composite. Common to all standard types is the characteristic impedance of 50 ?, PTFE dielectric material and an operating temperature range of –55° to +125°C. The aluminum outer cables are tin plated as standard while copper types come in a choice of plain or tin-plated. Beyond the standard range are a number of options with alternative impedances, FEP jackets, silver plated inner and outer conductors and low loss variants.

Atlantic Microwave Ltd.,
Braintree, UK +44 1376 550220,
www.amrf.co.uk

Coaxial Terminations

The model TNM-114 is a Type N coaxial termination that operates in a frequency range from DC to 2.5 GHz. Also available in SMA models, large volumes of these terminations are kept in stock and priced for quick delivery.

Microwave Communications Laboratories Inc.,
Saint Petersburg, FL (727) 344-6254,
www.mcli.com

High Power CDMA Diplexer

The model 2DP-1880/1960-NS1 is a high power CDMA diplexer that exhibits less than 1 dB of loss in both the Tx passband of 1930 to 1990 MHz and the Rx passband of 1850 to 1910 MHz. Passband-to-passband isolation is greater than 75 dB, VSWR is less than 1.5 at the passbands and power handling is a robust 600 W peak, 60 W average.

Reactel Inc.,
Gaithersburg, MD (301) 519-3660,
www.reactel.com

RF Attenuators

These RoHS compliant, SMA M/F, 2 W, 662 series attenuators cover all wireless applications from DC to 6 GHz and are available in attenuation values from 1 to 30 dB in 1 dB increments. Standard attenuation values of 3, 6, 10, 20 and 30 are in stock ready for immediate shipment. Delivery of other values is stock to two weeks ARO. Made in USA.

MECA Electronics,
Denville, NJ (973) 625-0661,
www.e-meca.com

IF SAW Filter

The TMX U512 IF SAW filter at 140 MHz is designed for 3G and broadband applications. It offers a bandwidth of 16 MHz minimum at –3 dB (relative bandwidth superior to 10 percent) and is characterized by low ripple (0.5 dB typical) in the passband, sharp filtering function and high rejection (45 dB minimum at ±20 MHz). This filter is ideally suited for base stations and networking equipment, and is RoHS compliant. Prototypes are available in an SMT package of 13.3 × 6.5 × 1.6 mm.

TEMEX SAS,
Sophia-Antipolis, France
+33 (0) 4 97 23 30 00,
www.temex.com

4 × 4 Hybrid Combining Network

The CM-84 is a 4 × 4 hybrid combining network designed to meet the needs of the wireless market for broadband combiners with over 25 dB isolation across the whole band. The CM-84 will combine up to four different wireless signals in the frequency band from 700 to 2700 MHz without mutual interference. This feature of hybrid combiners means that the four inputs can be added together without the use of filters.

Microlab/FXR,
Parsippany, NJ (973) 386-9696,
www.microlab.fxr.com

Directional Couplers

This DBTC series of directional couplers operates in a frequency range from 5 to 2000 MHz and features nine different coupling values that range from 9 to 20 dB. These couplers deliver flat coupling over broad multi-octave bandwidths. The 50 and 75 ? models stand 0.15" square and employ LTCC construction to embed circuits inside the ceramic base thus realizing good temperature stability, repeatability and ruggedness. Patented with additional patent pending. Price: from $1.99 each (25).

Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com

Voltage Variable Attenuator

The model 500-F102 is a solid-state voltage variable attenuator that provides 50 dB of dynamic range of (0 to 5 V) over a broad bandwidth of 10 to 18 GHz in an ultra-miniature package (0.75" × 0.53"). Linearization and temperature compensation are included with flat frequency response. Convenient single DC voltage supplied is +15 V. GPO and SMA removable connector options are available, allowing for drop-in applications.

RH Laboratories,
Nashua, NH (603) 459-5900,
www.rh-labs.com

Power Dividers/Combiners

These custom high power two-way dividers/ combiners are in-phase “Wilkinson” type designs that offer good electrical performance within the band of ±12 percent of any center frequency between 750 to 2400 MHz. These devices can be used as dividers or combiners with 50 W CW per channel for failsafe applications, where typically one output is for example, the loss of one element in an antenna array. As a divider, it can handle up to 200 W assuming a load VSWR of 1.2 or better.

RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY (914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com

High Power Fixed Attenuator

The model HFP-5150-8 is a high power fixed attenuator ideal for applications that include high power radar, amplifier test, telecommunication labs and MRI calibration. This series features a frequency range from DC to 8 GHz with an input power rating of 150 W CW. Standard attenuation values are 3, 6, 10, 20, 30 and 40 dB and the VSWR is rated at 1.20 at 4 GHz and 1.30 at 8 GHz. Type N male/female connectors are standard. Delivery: stock to four weeks.

Trilithic Inc.,
Indianapolis, IN (317) 895-3600,
www.trilithic.com

Amplifiers

Rack-mount Amplifier

The model SSPA 0.5-3.0-20-RM is a high power rack-mounted, super broadband gallium nitride power amplifier that operates over the 500 to 3000 MHz band. This rack-mounted PA was designed for high power EW jamming applications and broadband communications systems. It is also ideal for test equipment applications that need extremely broad bandwidths with high power, high gain and good linearity. The P1dB is 20 W typical across the band. The saturated output power is typically 30 to 50 W across the band.

Aethercomm Inc.,
San Marcos, CA (760) 598-4340,
www.aethercomm.com

Solid-state Detector Log Video Amplifier

The model LVD-709804-50-7193141 option CS is a 7.9 to 8.4 GHz, DC coupled detector log video amplifier for continuous wave applications. It includes an input low pass filter, temperature sensor circuitry, MIL-STD-461E EMI shielding and is environmentally sealed. Supply voltage is +28 V at 225 mA maximum. The unit uses a D38999/20WB5PN connector for power and temperature sensor connections. Size: 4.50" × 2.50" × 1.10".

American Microwave Corp.,
Frederick, MD (301) 662-4700,
www.americanmicrowavecorp.com

WiMAX Power Amplifier

This solid-state GaAs FET power amplifier module is designed for wireless broadband networks. Model KMS1070M12 operates from 3.65 to 3.85 GHz. This amplifier is a special application version of the company’s KMS 1070 and offers similar overall performance but with an EVM of 2 percent. The nominal output power of the module is 20 W (P1dB). In addition to moving the band edge up in frequency the unit’s gain is increased to 40 dB overall and high speed RF switching has been incorporated into the amplifier. The RF switching can be used to blank or gate the amplifier input signal with a switching speed of typically 74 nanoseconds. This series of amplifiers can be custom configured.

AR Worldwide Modular RF,
Bothell, WA (425) 485-9000,
www.ar-worldwide.com

RF Power Amplifier

The 6000 series of NMR amplifiers feature good performance in terms of efficiency, pulse droop, fast and active noise blanking, and isolation. The combination of quadrature combiners and an active VSWR protection mechanism fully protect the 6000 series amplifiers against VSWR load mismatch. The 6000 series is available in power levels from 100 W to over 1 kW in broadband and band specific applications over the frequency range from 20 MHz to 4 GHz.

Ophir RF,
Los Angeles, CA (310) 306-5556,
www.ophirrf.com

50 W Amplifier

The model 50T4G18 is a traveling wave tube microwave amplifier that more than doubles the power available over the 4.2 to 18 GHz frequency range in one amplifier. This model provides 50 W of CW power and is suitable for RF testing. Previously, model 20T4G18A, with a power output of 20 W, was the highest power offering for this frequency range. If harmonic content is an issue, model 40T4G18 is also available.

AR Worldwide RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA (215) 723-8181,
www.ar-worldwide.com

GaAs FET Amplifier

The model SM3436-47L is a GaAs FET amplifier designed for 3.5 GHz broadband wireless applications. This unit operates from 3.4 to 3.6 GHz with a P1dB of +47 dBm and an OIP3 of +64 dBm. Small-signal gain is 53 dB with a flatness of ±0.5 dB across the band. Standard features include a single +12 VDC supply, thermal protection with auto reset and over/reverse voltage protection. Size: 7.5" × 3.97" × 0.79". An integral heatsink is also available. This amplifier is also available in lab unit and 19" rack configurations.

Stealth Microwave Inc.,
Trenton, NJ (609) 538-8586,
www.stealthmicrowave.com

Two-stage Driver Amplifier

The AH212-EG is a high dynamic range, 1 W, two-stage driver amplifier, housed in a low cost SMT lead-free/green/RoHS-compliant 4 × 5 mm QFN package. The InGaP/GaAs HBT is able to achieve superior performance for various narrowband-tuned application circuits, featuring 26 dB gain, +46 dBm OIP3 and +30 dBm of compressed 1 dB power. This device operates over the 1800 to 2400 MHz frequency band and provides good in-band gain flatness.

WJ Communications Inc.,
San Jose, CA (408) 577-6200,
www.wj.com

Antennas

2.4 GHz Directional Antennas

These directional P series yagis are available in 6, 9, 12, and 15 dBi gain and offer end-fired reliability combined with durable disk-on-rod technology. These rugged, wide bandwidth antennas will deliver clean radiation patterns with high front-to-back ratios, while the tubular radome reduces wind loads and increases strength in harsh environments. These features combined with discreetly colored UV-stabilized radomes reduce the visual impact of the antenna, and offer excellent solutions for moderate to high gain directional requirements at 2.4 GHz. Mounting hardware facilitates uptilt and downtilt orientations.

Astron Wireless Technologies Inc.,
Sterling, VA (703) 450-5517,
www.astronwireless.com

Bi-sector Array

This PCS bi-sector array provides operators with the needed flexibility to target network congestion and supports the rollout of new mobile data rich services. The bi-sector array is a solution for PCS networks to address capacity and quality challenges found in high capacity macro cell site applications. The PCS bi-sector array provides additional service capacity using the existing site infrastructure at a fraction of the cost of introducing additional sites. Its direct “drop and insert” design reduces deployment time from months to mere hours. In combination with its distinctive aspects for optimizing network capacity, the PCS bi-sector array is a cost-effective solution for addressing network congestion.

TenXc Wireless Inc.,
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (613) 591-6696,
www.tenxc.com

Material

Metal-matrix Composite

The aluminum silicon carbide (AlSiC) is a metal matrix composite ideally suited as a thermal management material for insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) base plates. These plates can be used in high power traction, power control and fly-by-wire applications, which require thermal performance reliability. The IGBT baseplates are lightweight and offer high strength. The thermal performance reliability AlSiC composites offer is ideal for the production of high reliability military electronics. AlSiC has been tested and meets the requirements of the RoHS directive.

CPS Corp.,
Chartley, MA (508) 222-0614,
www.alsic.com

Services

Value-added Services

In addition to manufacturing cable assemblies, the company also offers value-added services to these products. The company’s equipment provides private labeling and custom marking with bar codes, logos, company name, part numbers or custom requests. This is done in a variety of colors for quick identification. In addition, shrink tubing or wire rap around markers can also be applied.

RF Industries,
San Diego, CA (858) 549-6340,
www.rfindustries.com

Sources

Wideband Voltage-controlled Oscillator

The model V844ME24-LF is a C-band (3250 to 3700 MHz) voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) designed for WiMAX applications. This model offers a low phase noise performance of –86 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset away from the carrier. This VCO combines linear tuning with good harmonic suppression. It provides an average tuning sensitivity of 165 MHz/V and typical harmonic suppression of –20 dBc. It also guarantees O/P power of 5 dBm ±2 dB over the extended operating temperature range of –40° to 85°C. Size: 0.50" × 0.50" × 0.22". Price: $18.95/VCO (5 pcs. min.). Delivery: stock to four weeks.

Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700,
www.zcomm.com

Subsystems

Switched Bit Attenuator Array

The model SAA-218-6-093-013542 is an array of six switched bit attenuators (AMC model SBA-218-6) that operates in a frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz. This assembly provides switchable RF attenuation for six signal paths. The settings will be selected by six digital control bits. The standard version of this product is epoxy sealed, but the hermetically sealed version is available for more extreme environmental requirements.

Planar Monolithics Industries,
Frederick, MD (301) 631-1579,
www.planarmonolithics.com

Switching Matrices

These matrices incorporate highly repeatable and long-cycle-life relays and switches that cover the spectrum from DC to 33 GHz. The company provides multiple standard and customized switching configurations, from compact four-terminal modules to larger M×N rack assemblies. Each switching matrix incorporates the company’s extensive selection of time-tested miniature electromechanical relays and coaxial switches. These components offer ±0.1 dB repeatability, high power up to 2 kW capability, 5M cycles, built-in attenuation/bypass, and 50 and 75 ? impedance.

Teledyne Relays,
Hawthorne, CA (800) 284-7007,
www.teledynerelays.com

System

Pneumatic Pressure Foot

This pneumatic pressure foot is a precision flat system that allows a PCB professional to make precision depths of cut in a laminate substrate for microwave, RF and digital prototype circuits on the Quick Circuit platform. This system is specifically designed for rapid prototyping applications that require both a precision depth of cut and minimal contact with the material. The pneumatic pressure foot provides pneumatic air cushion for minimal contact during milling, easy to install retrofit kit and fits on any current or new QC 5000, QC 7000 or QC 9000 models. Price: $1,295.00.

T-Tech Inc.,
Norcross, GA (770) 455-0676,
www.t-tech.com

Test Equipment

Integrated Microwave Assemblies

Models PTB - 50 - 0R118 - 6R5 - 18 - 120VAC - SFF - DVA and PEC - 50 - 0R118 - 6R5 - 18 - 120VAC - 1U - SFF are integrated microwave assemblies packaged in either a 1U 19" rack chassis or a portable test bench housing. The units are high gain amplifiers that operate over a broadband frequency range from 100 MHz to 18 GHz. These units feature integrated digitally controlled attenuators with a resolution of 1 dB increments. The attenuators can be controlled via the external optical encoded knob or via the RS-232 rear panel connector. The actual amount of selected attenuation is displayed on the front panel LCD screen.

Planar Electronics Technology,
Frederick, MD (301) 662-5019,
www.planarelec.com