Log-periodic Antenna
The Radiant Arrow™ AT2526 is a wideband, high gain, log periodic antenna of proprietary design. The AT2526 covers the 26 to 250 MHz frequency band and accepts up to 15 kW input, making it suitable for high field generation and large EUT testing. It also works well in traditional applications and is tough enough for outdoor use. The antenna uses a bent element approach providing a size reduction of approximately 60 percent without sacrificing key electrical performance such as gain and beamwidth. The considerable size reduction minimizes field loss resulting from "room loading," a trouble encountered when conventional log periodics are used in small enclosures. This antenna's design accommodates the high power levels necessary to generate significant e-fields.
Amplifier Research, Souderton, PA (215) 723-8181, www.amplifiers.com. Circle No. 216
Extended Range Antenna
The model IN24-5RD APXtender is an omnidirectional, extended range "rubber duck" antenna that is intended for 802.11, 2.4 GHz wireless LANs. The model is a direct replacement for standard "rubber duck" antennas used in many indoor wireless access points and wireless bridges. The antenna features 5.5 dBi gain and a 360° horizontal transmission pattern and a 50° vertical transmission pattern. The transmit/receive element can be easily tilted to 0°, 45° and 90° in relation to the base equipment for the most effective signal. Specifications of the IN24-5RD include a frequency range of 2400 to 2485 MHz, 50 W impedance, 10 W input power and an operating temperature of –10° to +60°C. Size: 7.75" x 0.50". Weight: 0.9 ounces. Price: $22.95 (1–9); $18.50 (100). Delivery: available from stock.
Pacific Wireless, Draper, UT (801) 572-3024, www.pacwireless.com. Circle No. 221
Handheld Cable and Antenna Analyzers
The model S331D and model S332D Site Master cable and antenna analyzers feature a number of improvements in performance and operation that make it easier to conduct highly accurate return loss/SWR, cable loss and distance-to-fault measurements on wireless networks. The S331D/S332D allow wireless network professionals to quickly and accurately evaluate the health and status of installed transmission lines and antenna systems before a major failure occurs, while also expediting the benchmarking of new cell site installations during commissioning. These Site Master models are designed with the company's FlexCal broadband calibration feature. FlexCal simplifies the troubleshooting of cable and antenna systems because it eliminates the need for multiple instrument calibrations and calibration setups. With a measurement range of 25 MHz to 4 GHz, the models cover all cell site frequency ranges without additional plug-ins or modules required. They feature immunity-to-interference of +17 dBm on-channel and –5 dBm on-frequency, so that accurate and repeatable measurements can be made in high RF noise environments. Size: 10" x 7" x 2.4". Price: $6,950 (S331D); $10,000 (S332D). Delivery: four to eight weeks.
Anritsu Co., Morgan Hill, CA (800) 267-4878, www.us.anritsu.com. Circle No. 253
Co-existence Antenna
The model HDA 2000 is a dual-antenna solution for combined Bluetooth and 802.11b access points or devices. The antenna allows dual-mode 802.11b and Bluetooth access points to be constructed without the large antenna spacings typically needed to avoid interference between channels. The design supports simultaneous transmission or co-existence of the protocols on the shared 2.45 GHz ISM frequency band, using ceramic antennas mounted just 6 cm (2.4 inches) apart. The compact and embedded nature of the antennas make it possible to build small access points that may be mounted unobtrusively on walls or desktops.
Antenova Ltd., Cambridge, UK +44 (0) 1223 810616, www.antenova.com. Circle No. 217
Broadband Antenna
The model XPO2V-800-2200/1060 is a broadband antenna for use with cellular micro-cells that cover the complete range for GSM900, GSM1800 and UMTS. Specified over the range of 800 to 2200 MHz, this omni-directional antenna has useful performance outside these limits. The antenna presents a broadband match to the transmitting equipment for good stability and intermodulation performance. It can carry a service at 1450 to 1500 MHz (L-band DAB) that could be used for broadband data services in the future, as well as three cellular bands, 900, 1800 and 2000 MHz. This will help operators reduce inventory and ensure that any installations made today will also be utilized in the future (if possible).
European Antennas Ltd., Suffolk, UK +44 (0) 1638 731888, www.european-antennas.co.uk. Circle No. 218
Workstation and Software
The MI-3000 version 3.0 workstations and software products deliver fully automated antenna and microwave measurements. User-friendly hardware and advanced data acquisition and analysis software work together to maximize efficiency and reduce the time required to perform antenna, radome and RCS measurements. The MI-3000 pre-configured workstations feature a high performance PC, a 21" display and large format color printer. MI-3000 software applications control and collect data from a wide variety of the company's and third-party instruments. Common user interfaces and separate software drivers for each instrument provide a flexible platform to allow users to configure the best measurement system to meet specific test requirements.
MI Technologies, Duluth, GA (800) 854-3660, www.mi-technologies.com. Circle No. 254
Compact Range
This compact range features an off-set fed serrated-edge reflector in a 60 x 36 x 26 ft shielded anechoic chamber, and has an 8 x 8 x 5.3 ft quiet-zone. The range is located at the company's facility in Baltimore, MD. The facility has the capacity to measure radar cross section (RCS) over the frequency range of 2 to 18 GHz and microwave antenna performance from 2 to 50 GHz. The range also includes an ogival pylon test positioner that handles test articles that weigh up to 1500 pounds. This test range is located within a secure facility, allowing 24-hour operation in a controlled environment. It is capable of collecting and processing data in all standard formats including RCS patterns, frequency responses, statistical data and ISAR images. The company is using this facility to develop and produce advanced antenna and radome products and also to provide third party test services for customers.
Nurad Technologies Inc., Baltimore, MD (410) 542-1700, www.nurad.com. Circle No. 220
Waveguide Swivel Joint
These 90° waveguide swivel joints are intended to save time for EMC test engineers when changing the orientation of a horn antenna. Designed to enable the plane of a waveguide to be rotated around its axis quickly and easily, the new devices eliminate the need to dismantle and reassemble equipment when alternating between E and H polarization. These joints offer good performance characteristics, including a high power handling capability, low losses and a typical VSWR of better than 1.1. The swivel joints come in both double-ridge and rectangular waveguide styles and can be specified in a variety of sizes to accommodate operating frequencies ranging from 2 to 40 GHz.
Link Microtek Ltd., Basingstoke, UK +44 (0) 1256 355771, www.linkmicrotek.com. Circle No. 219
Flat Panel Antennas
The model FP1-5-24 and model FP2-5-28 Xcelerator flat panel antennas are primarily for 5 GHz Wi-Fi networks. The antennas are offered in both 30.5 cm (1 foot) and 61 cm (2 feet) versions that are only 1.27 cm (1/2 inch) thick. The Xcelarator series offers a VSWR of only 1.4 across the entire 5.15 to 5.85 GHz band and has an F/B ratio of 38 dB. Both the FP1-5-24 and FP2-5-28 come with the company's three-year warranty.
Smiths Interconnect–Radio Waves, London, UK +44 (0) 20 8208 9230, www.timesmicrowave.com. Circle No. 222
Components
High Speed Attenuator
The model ADVAN-218-15DD options HS25NS and 5B is a 2 to 18 GHz digitally variable attenuator. The dynamic range is 15 dB in 0.5 dB steps and it utilizes a 5 bit binary control. The switching speed is 15 ns maximum, 6 ns typical. The insertion loss is 3.0 dB at 2.0 GHz and 6.0 dB at 18.0 GHz. The VSWR is 2.0 maximum with 1.25 typically at 2.0 GHz and 1.53 typically at 18.0 GHz. Size: 2.0" x 1.9" x 0.45".
American Microwave Corp., Frederick, MD (301) 662-4700, www.americanmicrowavecorp.com. Circle No. 223
High Power Band Reject Filter
The model WSN-00132 is a high power band reject filter. By placing the unit between the Tx/Rx antenna and the base station, the filter can enhance the rejection between 890 and 894 MHz of the transmitter, as well as blocking the energy entering the Rx antenna from a neighboring transmitter. The filter's wide passband is effective in maintaining the overall loss budget. This is due to the low loss it exhibits within the Rx and Tx operational bands. The 7/16 connectors make this unit a preferred "Quick-Fix" among certain service providers. The WSN-00132 is also being provided in a tower mount configuration.
K&L Microwave Inc., Salisbury, MD (410) 749-2424, www.klmicrowave.com. Circle No. 228
Phased Matched Switch
The non-reflective SP4T PIN diode phase matched switch is designed specifically for airborne electronic warfare systems. Its phase matched and amplitude matched inputs support direction finding. The switch can also be used in simulators. Housed in a miniature case, it covers a frequency range of 0.5 to 6 GHz and is transistor-transistor logic (TTL) controlled with a switching speed of 20 nanoseconds. Low insertion loss, high return loss and isolation make this switch a suitable component for sensitive receiver applications.
Elisra Electronic Systems Ltd., Bene Beraq, Israel 972-3-6175472, www.mw-elisra.com. Circle No. 227
Miniature Combline Filter
The model 4CFX-9250/R240-P is a low profile, surface-mount bandpass filter that offers a high "Q" performance in a maximum height of 0.335". The filter is designed to operate with a 2.6 percent equi-ripple bandwidth, while maintaining an insertion loss specification of 1.5 dB maximum across the passband, with a typical performance of 1.0 dB. The filter also maintains –30 dB for a 2.0 shape factor. Mounting for 0-80 hardware is allocated in four places on the bottom, along with 0.018" diameter RF pins that provide interface for surface-mount applications. RF pin and mounting locations may be varied to meet customer applications.
Lorch Microwave, Salisbury, MD (800) 780-2169, www.lorch.com. Circle No. 229
High Power Fixed Attenuator
The model BW-40N100W is a 50 , 40 dB, 100 W fixed attenuator that is good for testing high power components used in communication systems. The attenuator is ideal when testing high power amplifiers using low power test equipment. With 40 dB attenuation, it can be used as a termination for high power amplifiers. The BW-40N100W operates from DC to 4 GHz and offers a VSWR of 1.20. The model also features N-male and N-female connectors. Price: $249.95 each (1–9).
Mini-Circuits, Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500, www.minicircuits.com. Circle No. 231
Detector/Coupler/Switch
The model TDCS-4T-10F-HP is an integrated threshold detector, 17 dB coupler and an SPDT PIN diode switch. The device operates from 9.0 to 10.5 GHz (other frequency ranges are also available). It has an insertion loss of 2.0 dB maximum, VSWR of 1.5 maximum, 2 W average RF input power handling capability and TTL threshold output. The TDCS-4T-10F-HP is designed to operate in harsh environments with good stability over temperature and frequency. Size: 1.5" x 1.2" x 0.40".
Planar Monolithics Industries, Frederick, MD (301) 662-4700, www.planarmonolithics.com. Circle No. 233
High Performance End-launch SMA Connector
The model PSF-S01 is a high performance end-launch SMA connector that is designed specifically for RF and microwave applications. This model exhibits good transmission performance up to 26.5 GHz. The connector features good return loss under –20 dB and wideband characteristics on test boards up to 26.5 GHz. The connector has been specially designed for applications where high frequency test boards are used and is offered in various types according to board thickness.
GigaLane, Kyonggi-do, Korea +82-31-259-7536, www.gigalane.com. Circle No. 256
Miniature Duplexer
The model EWT-22-0022 is a duplexer that offers center frequencies of 3620 and 5430 MHz. With passbands of 400 and 600 MHz, respectively, this unit exhibits a low insertion loss of 0.7 dB maximum. The VSWR for both channels is 1.5. Size: 1.25" x 1.0" x 0.5".
Eastern Wireless TeleComm Inc., Salisbury, MD (410) 749-3800, www.ewtfilters.com. Circle No. 226
SMP Connectors
The SMP interface is a subminiature interface in the same scale as MMCX connectors but offers a frequency range of DC to 40 GHz. It is commonly used in miniaturized high frequency coaxial modules and is offered in both push-on and snap-on mating styles. The connectors feature a smaller package size, higher frequency range, typically used to 20 GHz, and can compensate for radial and axial misalignment.
Amphenol RF, Danbury, CT (800) 627-7100, www.amphenolrf.com. Circle No. 224
Coaxial Termination
The model 1460 is a coaxial termination high performance cost-effective design. It offers DC to 50 GHz operation with power handling to 2 W and SWR of 1.10 to 1.15. Other features include subminiature lightweight size, low SWR design option and rugged construction.
Weinschel, an Aeroflex company, Frederick, MD (301) 846-9222, www.weinschel.com. Circle No. 235
Drop-in Isolators
These drop-in isolators are for the 921 to 950 MHz and 1805 to 1880 MHz bands. The isolators offer a 55 dB isolation over the whole frequency band, allowing OEM manufacturers to design in a single device for double isolation. For both the isolators, the insertion loss is better than –0.5 dB and the VSWR is less than 1.14 over the operating temperature range of 0° to +85°C. Size: 2.169" x 1.25" x 0.360".
M2 Global Technology Ltd., San Antonio, TX (210) 561-4800, www.m2global.com. Circle No. 230
Amplifiers
CDMA Booster Amplifiers
This booster amplifier series operates in bands from 800 MHz to 2.2 GHz. The amplifiers typically produce 22 W of single carrier CDMA or 80 W of single carrier GSM, with P1dB outputs of greater than 100 W. The units have 11 dB of linear gain and operate off a single supply of +28 VDC. Standard features include a built-in isolator, logic on/off control, reverse voltage protection and thermal protection with an automatic reset. Available options include forward/reverse power detection and thermal alarm. The overall modules measure 5.10" x 3.96" x 1.03" for cellular GSM and 4.40" x 3.40" x 0.79" for PCS/UMTS.
Stealth Microwave, Trenton, NJ (888) 772-7791, www.stealthmicrowave.com. Circle No. 238
Medium Power Amplifier
The model HMC442LM1 is a broadband 17.5 to 24 GHz GaAs PHEMT MMIC medium power amplifier. This amplifier provides 14 dB of gain and +23 dBm of saturated power at 27 percent PAE from a +5 V supply. This 50 matched amplifier has integrated DC blocks on RF in and out, making it an ideal linear gain block, transmit chain driver or LO driver for HMC mixers.
Hittite Microwave Corp., Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343, www.hittite.com. Circle No. 236
InGaP Gain Block
This SBA series of gain blocks has been designed in InGaP HBT technology and offers high linearity through 5 GHz. This makes them suitable for wireless infrastructure applications. The SBA product family provides robust ESD performance, 1000 V HBM, class 1C and the parts are moisture resistant. The SBA-5089 is offered in a low cost, surface-mount SOT-89 package and provides good IP3 performance, +36 dBm at 850 MHz and +34.1 dBm at 1950 MHz.
Sirenza Microdevices Inc., Broomfield, CO (303) 327-3030, www.sirenza.com. Circle No. 237
Integrated Circuits
Single-chip Integrated CircuitThe model SiW3500™ UltimateBlue™ IC is a complete single-chip CMOS Bluetooth® solution. The SiW3500 helps speed time to market and implements new features found in Bluetooth specification Version 1.2. Features include: faster connecting times, adaptive frequency hopping for improved coexistence of Bluetooth with other 2.4 GHz devices, and extended SCO for improved voice transmissions. The highly integrated circuit combines a direct conversion radio modem with an ARM7TDMI® processor core, Bluetooth baseband logic and complete protocol software in ROM. The SiW3500 is a complete platform that can execute additional upper layer protocol stack and application software functions, including additional complex audio processing algorithms such as noise cancellation without a separate DSP. Size: 96-pin 6 x 6 mm VFBGA package and bumped die option.
RF Micro Devices Inc., Greensboro, NC (336) 664-1233, www.rfmd.com;
Silicon Wave, San Diego, CA (858) 453-9100, www.siliconwave.com. Circle No. 242
RF Transceiver
The model CC2420 FR-IC is a 2.4 GHz, IEEE 802.15.4 compliant RF transceiver, primarily designed for use in ZigBee products. The transceiver is based on the company's SmartRF 03 technology in 0.18 µm CMOS. The device is targeted for use in home and building automation, industrial monitoring and control systems and wireless networks. It is also a highly integrated solution that requires few external components, is robust and has low power consumption.
Chipcon AS, Oslo, Norway (+47) 22 95 85 44, www.chipcon.com. Circle No. 240
Software
Video TutorialThis video tutorial is for the synthesis product, SIGNAL CONTROL. It synthesizes a variety of lumped and distributed circuits that traffic the flow of power through a network, including couplers, splitters, baluns and attenuators. Select a typology, enter the frequency range, the number of sections, and substrate information, and SIGNAL CONTROL calculates component values, lengths, widths and other parameters required to realize the device. SIGNAL CONTROL is available with GENESYS 2003.10, the latest release of the company's suite of design software.
Eagleware Corp., Norcross, GA (678) 291-0995, www.eagleware.com. Circle No. 244
Integrated Passive Devices Library
The integrated passive device (IPD) library for Agilent's advanced design system (ADS) electronic design automation (EDA) software has been released. This design kit takes advantage of S-parameter characterization to provide a new set of passive devices to ADS users who are developing a wide variety of products for the wireless communications market, such as filters, couplers, diplexers or any combination of these. Using ADS and the IPD library, developers can achieve quick and accurate designs that adhere to current communications standards such as AMPS, GSM, DCS, PCS, CDMA and WLAN, while meeting cost and size reduction requirements.
PHS MEMS, St. Egreve, France +33 (0) 4 76 58 49 15, www.phsmems.com. Circle No. 245
Sources
Oven-controlled Crystal OscillatorThe 235 series is a low noise, high performance SC crystal oscillator offered in frequencies from 40 to 125 MHz with +13 dBm output power into 50 . Frequency stability is ±0.05 PPM over an operating temperature range of 0° to +70°C. Phase noise is –124 dBc at 100 Hz offset with a noise floor of –172 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz on a unit with a 100 MHz center frequency. Options include an AT cut crystal, RF output via PC pins or SMA-F connector, voltage controlled or mechanical tuning and dual RF outputs. Size: 2.0" x 2.0" x 0.75" high steel can. Delivery: 12 weeks ARO.
Techtrol Cyclonetics Inc., New Cumberland, PA (717) 774-2746. Circle No. 250
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
The CLV0600A is a voltage-controlled oscillator that is used primarily in the test equipment market. It operates at a frequency range of 530 to 670 MHz with 1 to 4.5 V of tuning voltage. This oscillator offers good phase noise at –110 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and linear tuning at a better than 1.1 ratio. The CLV0600A is designed for extreme environments and is guaranteed to operate in temperatures ranging from –40° to +85°C. Size: 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.13".
Z-Communications Inc., San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700, www.zcomm.com. Circle No. 251