The 71 to 76 GHz and 81 to 86 GHz frequency spectrum, widely known as E-Band, is allocated for ultra-high capacity point-to-point communications worldwide. E-Band communication systems offer full-duplex network connectivity at data rates from 1 to 10 Gbps for links of several miles. Between the 71 to 76 GHz and 81 to 86 GHz bands, 76.5 and 79 GHz have been allocated to automotive radar. Reliable and high performance amplifiers are key components in these systems.
SAGE Millimeter has introduced a series of E-Band low noise and high power amplifiers with WR-12 waveguide interfaces. These amplifiers combine state-of-the-art semiconductor devices with innovative packaging to achieve the highest RF performance. Package styles include inline and right angle, offering system integrators great flexibility in meeting various configuration requirements.
LNAs
Table 1 summarizes the performance of two low noise amplifier (LNA) standard products, one covering the full 60 to 90 GHz WR-12 band, the other 71 to 86 GHz. The communication band model achieves 4 dB maximum noise figure, the lowest noise figure in its class. The full-band model has slightly higher noise figure at 5 dB. The typical measured performance of the communication band LNA vs. frequency is shown in Figure 1. Noise figure is below 4 dB across the band, and the small-signal gain is 20 ±2 dB. The nominal return loss is 10 dB.
Figure 1 Measured gain and return loss (a) and noise figure and output power at 1 dB compression (b) of the SBL-7138632040-1212-E1.
POWER AMPLIFIERS
The power amplifiers can be biased from +5 to 12 V and typically draw 1 A.Table 2 summarizes the performance of two power amplifier (PA) standard products. To offer the best performance, separate power amplifiers are designed for each of the two sub-bands: 71 to 76 GHz and 81 to 86 GHz. The measured output power, gain and return loss of the 71 to 76 GHz PA is shown in Figure 2. Typical output power at 1 dB compression is greater than 23 dBm, and the small-signal gain is 32 ±3 dB. Figure 3 shows the typical performance of the 81 to 86 GHz PA: better than 22 dBm P1dB and 25 ±2 dB small-signal gain.
Each of the amplifiers shown in Tables 1 and 2 use inline, WR-12 connections for the RF input and output. Having the waveguide interfaces inline makes insertion in the system straightforward. To serve a variety of system requirements, SAGE also offers E-Band amplifiers with right angle waveguide and 1 mm coaxial connectors. In all configurations, bias is applied by a solder connection to a pin on the amplifier housing.
Figure 2 Measured gain, output power at 1 dB compression and return loss of the 71 to 76 GHz power amplifier.
Figure 3 Measured gain, output power at 1 dB compression and return loss of the 81 to 86 GHz power amplifier.
Above E-Band, SAGE Millimeter offers amplifiers with frequency coverage up to 160 GHz. In addition to amplifiers, the company offers a wide range of millimeter wave components, including frequency converters, control circuits, ferrite devices, oscillators, antennas and multi-function assemblies and subsystems.
SAGE Millimeter Inc.
Torrance, Calif.
info@sagemillimeter.com
www.sagemillimeter.com