MACOM Technology Solutions Inc. announced a portfolio of Non-Linear Transmission Line (NLTL) comb generators optimized to meet the demanding performance requirements of radar transceiver, VSAT and microwave radio applications. Featuring the lowest phase noise in the industry today, MACOM’s MLPNC Series comb generators deliver superior performance and ease-of-design compared to conventional step recovery diode (SRD) based offerings.

The industry-leading phase noise performance delivered by MACOM’s MLPNC Series comb generators is expected to significantly improve the overall performance of RF multiplier modules, complemented by a variable low input power profile (18 to 24 dBm) that relaxes the power requirements on power amplifiers and reduces overall power consumption. MLPNC Series comb generators also enable higher harmonic power at higher frequencies, in contrast with SRD-based comb generators whereby output power rapidly rolls off above 20 GHz.

MACOM’s monolithic, NLTL-based MLPNC Series comb generators reduce design complexities by eliminating the harmonic generation circuitry needed with SRD-based devices. No bias or tuning is required, and the wide input frequency range extends from 75 to 1500 MHz across the portfolio, enabling the use of a single comb generator for multiple designs, or in combination with a tunable source. MACOM’s MLPNC Series comb generators are available in space saving, compact SMT and connectorized SMA packaging options.

“With the launch of our MLPNC Series comb generators, MACOM has again pushed the boundaries of RF device performance while simultaneously helping to simplify our customers’ frequency synthesizer designs,” said Graham Board, senior director of product marketing, MACOM. “We believe that our NLTL comb generators deliver best-in-class phase noise performance with useable harmonics up to 50 GHz. MACOM’s Combs are MMIC-based so they are more reliable and repeatable than SRD based solutions. As a further advantage we offer both surface-mount and connectorized solutions.”  

For over 60 years, MACOM’s design and applications experts have spearheaded innovation in the RF, microwave and mmWave domain, developing the industry’s broadest portfolio of MMICs and components spanning the entire RF signal chain. Leveraging advanced, proprietary technologies, MACOM’s heterogeneous semiconductor and packaging strategy ensures that each individual RF system function is fully optimized to deliver maximum performance at the appropriate cost. MACOM remains firmly committed to delivering true competitive advantage to our customers, providing superior technology, expertise, cost structures and supply chains–with no compromises.

The table below outlines typical MLPNC Series comb generator performance: 

Part Number

Input Power (dBm)

Min               Max

Output Harmonics (dBm)
MLPNC-7100-SMA850 20 @ 100 MHz 24 @ 400 MHz > -8 @ 4 GHz > -18 @ 12 GHZ > -35 @ 20 GHz
MLPNC-7100-SMT680 20 @ 100 MHz 24 @ 400 MHz > -8 @ 4 GHz > -18 @ 12 GHZ > -35 @ 20 GHz
MLPNC-7100S1SMA800 18 @ 75 MHz 24 @ 250 MHz > -24 @ 4 GHz N/A N/A
MPLNC-7100S1SMT580 18 @ 75 MHz 24 @ 250 MHz > -24 @ 4 GHz N/A N/A
MLPNC-7102-SMA800 21 @ 400 MHz 23 @ 600 MHz > -8 @ 4 GHz > -16 @ 12 GHZ > -20 @ 20 GHz
MLPNC-7102-SMT680 21 @ 400 MHz 23 @ 600 MHz > -8 @ 4 GHz > -16 @ 12 GHZ > -20 @ 20 GHz
MLPNC7102S1-SMA800 18 @ 300 MHz 24 @ 700 MHz > -10 @ 4 GHz > -22 @ 12 GHz N/A
MLPNC7102S1-SMT580 18 @ 300 MHz 24 @ 700 MHz > -10 @ 4 GHz > -22 @ 12 GHz N/A
MLPNC-7103-SMA800 21 @ 800 MHz 23 @ 1.3 GHz > -5 @ 6 GHz > -15 @ 18 GHZ > -20 @ 30 GHz
MLPNC-7103-SMT680 21 @ 800 MHz 23 @ 1.3 GHz > -5 @ 6 GHz > -15 @ 18 GHZ > -20 @ 30 GHz
MLPNC7103S1-SMA800 18 @ 600 MHz 24 @ 1.5 GHz > 0 @ 4 GHz > -14 @ 15 GHz N/A
MLPNC-7103S1SMT580 18 @ 600 MHz 24 @ 1.5 GHz > 0 @ 4 GHz > -14 @ 15 GHz N/A

MACOM's MLPNC Series comb generators are available to customers today. For assistance identifying MACOM products optimized to substitute or replace offerings from other vendors, visit MACOM’s Cross Reference tool.

MACOM will showcase its industry leading RF technology portfolio at IEEE’s International Microwave Symposium (IMS) 2018, Booth #1125 in Philadelphia, Pa., June 12–14. MACOM’s booth will feature new product solutions optimized for 5G connectivity, basestations, SATCOM, Test and Measurement, ISM and radio communications. To make an appointment, contact your local sales representative.