Micro Harmonics has released the first products in a family of mmWave isolators, targeting applications requiring low insertion loss and superior isolation. The initial products cover 60 to 90 GHz, with WR12 waveguide interfaces and 75 to 110 GHz, with WR10 interfaces. Two of the WR12 isolators have been optimized for the popular 71 to 76 and 81 to 86 GHz bands, with remarkably low insertion loss of 1 dB or less and 20 dB typical isolation. The full-band models work well outside the standard waveguide bands. Power handling exceeds the current state-of-the-art, as Micro Harmonics uses diamond substrates to channel heat to the waveguide block.
The company has also developed a drop-in isolator topology comprising a center plate, housing the core assembly and an E-plane split waveguide block, containing a stepped waveguide twist on both input and output. This topology can be used as a stand-alone component or the center plate can be removed and the core assembly integrated into a larger system. A drop-in isolator covering W-Band has a typical insertion loss of 1.4 and 25 dB isolation. To facilitate designing the drop-in isolator into the next assembly, Micro Harmonics will provide computer-aided design drawings and reimburse the customer for returning the outer housing.
Micro Harmonics was founded in 2008 as a research and design consultancy for microwave, mmWave and sub-mmWave components. The ferrite isolator technology was developed for use on NASA sub-millimeter missions, supported with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding. Based on the technology, the company is developing a line of Faraday rotation isolators and circulators in the waveguide bands from 50 to 320 GHz. Commercial uses include scientific instrumentation such as plasma diagnostics, chemical spectroscopy, biomaterial analysis and radio astronomy.
Micro Harmonics
Fincastle, Va.
www.microharmonics.com