COMPONENTS
Multi-octave 10-bit PIN Attenuators
The upgraded 346 series of non-reflective PIN attenuators now provides 10-bit resolution. The attenuators are programmable to 60 dB and cover the frequency range from 0.5 to 18.0 GHz in four overlapping multi-octave bands. Each is an integrated assembly of two wideband T-pad attenuator sections in tandem and a driver circuit. Bilateral match is maintained at all attenuation levels and monotonicity is guaranteed. Insertion loss varies from 2.5 dB at 4 GHz to 4.5 dB at 18 GHz. SWR is less than 2.0 at all frequencies and accuracy of better than 1.0 dB is guaranteed at low attenuation levels and better than 2.0 dB at levels up to 60 dB. All units switch in less than 1 ms and will operate without degradation at RF power levels up to +20 dBm. The units operate with +12 and -12 V DC power over the temperature range of -54° to +110°C. Size: 2.0" x 1.8" x 0.9".
Herley Industries, Farmingdale, NY (631) 630-2000. Circle No. 217
Power Splitters
Split a signal 3, 4, or 5 ways 0° within 1 to 500 MHz and conserve real estate using these broadband ADPS power splitters. They come in a patented surface-mount package and realize high isolation up to 35 dB (typ), minimal variation with temperature and low cost for VHF-TV and aircraft communications applications. Price: $9.95 (each).
Mini-Circuits, Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500. Circle No. 220
SMR Notch Filter
The model WSN-00099 SMR notch filter has been designed to eliminate the problems that exist with the close proximity of the AMPS B-band BTS receive band, especially the extended B-band frequency range of 846.5 to 849.0 MHz, and the SMR BTS transmit band of 851 to 866 MHz. This high performance filter provides low loss for B-band cellular receive and transmit frequencies, while rejecting the 851 to 866 MHz SMR BTS transmit band. It provides passbands of DC to 849 MHz and 880 to 894 MHz with low insertion loss of 1.25 dB (max) from DC to 849 MHz and 0.4 dB (max) from 880 to 894 MHz, while offering rejection of 37 dB (min) from 851 to 866 MHz. The product specifications call for passband return loss of 15 dB (min) and power handling of 500 W CW and 10,000 W peak instantaneous from 880 to 894 MHz. Size: 12.78" x 7.25" x 3.50".
K&L Microwave Inc., Salisbury, MD (410) 749-2424. Circle No. 218
2nd and 4th LO-harmonic Mixer
The model M9-3040 2nd and 4th LO-harmonic mixer covers 30 to 40 GHz (7.5 to 20.0 GHz LO) with a DC to 1000 MHz IF. Designed for fiber-optic clock-recover/acquisition, the M9-3040 is a unique harmonic mixer design, available in both open carrier and 2.92 mm connectorized outlines. Local oscillator drive is +10 to +12 dBm. Typical conversion loss is 20 dB for both the 2nd and 4th harmonics of the LO mixing.
Marki Microwave Inc., Morgan Hill, CA (408) 778-4200. Circle No. 219
SMA Adapter
This inline blindmate adapter, which mates with a standard SMA connector, is designed for spring loaded mounting on racks. The adapters can be used in the test lab or within a system to enable quick connect/ disconnect, more connections per area and alignment without sight. Standard interfaces are in accordance with MIL-STD-348, but the product can be customized to fit individual needs.
SV Microwave, West Palm Beach, FL (561) 840-1800. Circle No. 221
Wire Wound Chip Inductors
The WL series of RF surface-mount inductor components is intended for RF and microwave applications and features high self-resonant frequencies (SRF), high Q and low DC resistance. These products are manufactured on a rugged core made of high quality ceramic material that exhibits high Q at high operating frequencies. The series is ideal for all 800 MHz to 3.4 GHz wireless applications where cost and performance are major factors. These applications include but are not limited to: cellular base stations, broadband wireless services, point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radio as well as other RF and microwave telecommunications systems. All products are supplied in tape-and-reel as standard, making them ideal for automated pick and place manufacturing applications.
American Technical Ceramics Corp., Huntington Station, NY (631) 622-4700. Circle No. 216
High Density Cable Assemblies
These low profile, high density assemblies offer optimal signal integrity achieved through matched impedance cable assemblies. The assemblies are built to order, with customer specified number of signal lines and overall assembly length. They are ideal for a variety of demanding, high speed applications, including: high end servers, in process mother-to-daughter testing, data telecom switches, backplane-to-backplane, electrical test equipment and I/O assemblies.
Tensolite, St. Augustine, FL (877) 890-7483. Circle No. 222
AMPLIFIERS
Switchable-gain, Low Noise Amplifier
The model AL108-338 low noise amplifier is designed for 3.5 GHz fixed wireless applica- tions and is packaged in a leadless, surface-mount OFN-16 MMIC package that yields low noise, good 50
match, high gain and powerful P1dB performance. Key specifications include a frequency range of 3.2 to 3.8 GHz, adjustable gain, +7 dBm output power, +17 dBm output IP3, and 2.7 dB noise. Powered by a 5 V supply, the AL108-338 provides a 10 dB gain adjustment range. Price: $1.45 (100,000). Size: 4 x 4 mm.
Alpha Industries Inc., Haverhill, MA (978) 247-7700. Circle No. 223
Microwave Amplifier
The model 240S1G3 microwave amplifier offers frequency response from 0.8 to 3.0 GHz and 240 W (min) power from 1 to 3 GHz (230 W from 0.8 to 3.0 GHz). The amplifier is 100 percent SWR tolerant and features excellent linearity, low noise and distortion and full rated power across the band, making it an ideal choice for a variety of test applications with communication technologies such as CDMA, W-CDMA, TDMA and GSM. The 240S1G3 is also suitable for EMC test applications where undistorted amplitude modulation envelopes are required. Price: $110,000.
Amplifier Research (AR), Souderton, PA (215) 723-8181. Circle No. 224
High Speed, Current-feedback Amplifier
The model AD8007 high speed current-feedback amplifier features low distortion of -80 dB at 20 MHz and low noise, while drawing just 9 mA. The low power allows designers to minimize supply voltage circuitry or battery requirements and reduce cooling requirements, which saves cost and/or allows higher density boards. Lower temperatures can also be expected to increase system reliability and life of a product. The amplifier has 600 MHz of bandwidth and a slew rate of 1000 V per microsecond. The AD8007 features a second harmonic distortion of -88 dB at 5 MHz and -80 dB at 20 MHz, while the third harmonic distortion is -101 dB at 5 MHz and -84 dB at 20 MHz. Price: $1.19 (1000).
Analog Devices, Wilmington, MA (800) 262-5643. Circle No. 225
MMIC Power Amplifier
The model CMM1430-KU power amplifier is designed for transmit subsystem functions in Ku-band VSAT applications. The 1 W amplifier compliments the company's current MMIC amplifier offerings for applications requiring unconditional stability and internal matching, providing simple and low cost VSAT transmit solutions. The unit operates from 13.75 to 14.50 GHz and offers 34.5 dB of linear gain, 32 dBm saturated output power and 50 internal matching. The amplifier is packaged in a space-efficient flange package designed with a base material of gold-plated copper/moly composite that offers excellent thermal dissipation. Price: $35 (1000).
Celeritek Inc., Santa Clara, CA (408) 986-5060. Circle No. 226
Booster Amplifier
The miniature model 120 full duplex booster amplifier provides up to 20 dB of gain with an output level of 25 dBm. The uplink and downlink gains are independently adjustable from 0 to 20 dB. Units are available to cover the AMPS, SMR and PCS cellular bands.
Cellular Specialties Inc., Manchester, NH (603) 626-6677. Circle No. 227
VHF Amplifier
This small, high efficiency 120 W RF amplifier module operates from 118 to 137 MHz. The DC module operates from 28 V DC and has a gain of 35 dB (min) with an efficiency of 50 percent (typ). The unit can be customized for gain and frequency for the VHF band and has been ruggedized for MIL-STD-810E. Size: 4.84" x 2.00" x 1.00".
LCF Enterprises, Post Falls, ID (208) 415-4300. Circle No. 228
GaAs InGaP HBT MMIC Power Amplifier
The model HMC415LP3 HBT MMIC power amplifier operates between 4.4 and 6.0 GHz and is packaged in a low cost, leadless surface-mount package with an exposed base for improved RF and thermal performance. It provides 20 dB of gain and +26 dBm of saturated power at 34 percent PAE from a +3 V supply. Vpd can be used for full power down or RF output power/current control. The amplifier is ideal for usage in UNII and HiperLAN applications.
Hittite Microwave Corp., Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343. Circle No. 229
High Gain FM Broadcast Amplifier
The model 10/1250 FM broadcast power amplifier produces 1.25 kW output power from a 10 W input. High gain is achieved by adding a 150 W module as a preamp stage, which drives two of the company's 700 W power amplifier modules. The preamp is only required to supply a maximum of 40 W, so it coasts at the minimum 1.25 kW output. The switch mode power supply has power factor correction and will maintain a steady 48 V as long as the AC line voltage is between 165 and 265 V AC, keeping the output power of the amplifier constant despite any line voltage fluctuations. A proven combiner/filter on the output provides harmonic suppression. Weight: 82 lb.
Silicon Valley Power Amplifier Corp., San Jose, CA (408) 986-9700. Circle No. 230
ANTENNAS
Circularly Polarized Directional Panel Antenna
The model MP24012CPLXFPT directional panel antenna is part of the company's new XtremeWave™ XF broadband wireless access and WLAN directional panel line. It provides left hand circular polarization and 12 dBic gain with an SWR of less than 1.5. The antenna is designed to facilitate installation. It can be installed indoor or outdoors with various adjustable mount options, for greater flexibility. The panel is offered standard with an N, female termination but various other connector options are available.
MAXRAD Inc., Hanover Park, IL (800) 323-9122 or (630) 372-6800. Circle No. 231
Reactively-scanned Array Antenna
The model 9226-800 reactively-scanned array is designed for mobile satellite Earth terminals. The antenna has a central driven element and a set of parasitic elements, which shape the azimuth (and elevation) patterns. Biasing of PIN diodes connected to these parasitic elements provides fast, electronic beam steering using 16 beam states to compensate for vehicle motion. Size: 2.5" x 10.0".
Seavey Engineering Associates Inc., Pembroke, MA (781) 829-4740. Circle No. 232
DEVICE
Adjustable Threshold Detector
The model TD-30T-0518-MH threshold detector operates from 500 MHz to 18 GHz, the SWR is 2.0 (typ), the dynamic range is -18 to +5 dBm that can be adjusted with external resistors having a frequency response flatness of ±1 dB and a response time of 50 ns (typ). The power supply for the detector is +12 V at 100 mA (max). Size: 0.80" x 0.62" x 0.40".
Planar Monolithics Industries, Frederick, MD (301) 631-1579. Circle No. 233
HARDWARE
Semi-rigid Cable Hand Stripper
Single and dual step stripping of semi-rigid cables can be done by hand with this tool. The hand stripper is used to first score the outer conductor of semi-rigid cable with about two turns of the tool. After the scored jacket is removed, the dielectric can be trimmed. Step sizes can be from zero to the step length desired. These tools are used mostly for lab work when automated tools are not available and only small volume work is required. The tool is supplied with cable entry caps to accept standard cable sizes of 0.047", 0.086" and 0.141".
Florida RS Technology, Palm City, FL (772) 221-8188. Circle No. 234
Crimping Tool Kit
The model RFA-4009-20 cushion gripped crimp handle is designed to deliver piston-driven compression for installation of crimp ferrules on large diameter cables. For safety and efficiency, the ratchet mechanism is designed to release only after the ferrule is completely crimped. Two die sets are available for use with this crimp handle: the RFA-4009-01 has a 0.610" hex cavity for use with 0.6" diameter cable and the RFA-4009-02 is designed for use with 0.4" diameter cable with a 0.429" hex cavity for ferrules and a 0.118" hex cavity for contacts. The kit contains the RFA-4009-20 handle and both die sets are packaged together in a foam-lined plastic case.
RF Connectors, a division of RF Industries, San Diego, CA (858) 549-6340. Circle No. 235
INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
Transceiver Modules
These units consist of the Tx upconverter, Rx downconverter, a single internal local oscillator and all DC conditioning/distribution. The transmit- ter section includes the upconverter mixer, image and LO filtering, and saturated power amplification to 100-200 mW. The receiver chain includes the LNA, downconverter mixer with image filtering, and 1st IF amplification. The local oscillator is self-contained and incorporates a C-band VCO/prescaler, and all necessary frequency multiplication to upconvert the VCO output to the desired LO band for proper Rx and Tx mixing. The end-user provides the DC supply voltages, Tx IF input, Rx RF input from the antenna, and the Vtune voltage to complete the PLL. Common platforms are used to insure high bill of materials similarity from 13 to 38 GHz.
Signal Technology Corp.-Wireless Group, Beverly Operation, Beverly, MA (978) 524-7468. Circle No. 237
Multi-band, Multi-standard RFIC Solution
The CellLAN™ multi-band, multi-standard RFIC solution supports frequencies for cellular telephony and wireless local area networks (WLAN) in a single chipset. The total solution is aimed at devices requiring high data rates such as video conferencing, streaming video, MP3 audio, Internet browsing and large-file downloads. The new flexible transceiver architecture enables wireless convergence of cellular and WLAN systems. As users move to different areas of connectivity, their handhelds will automatically detect and alert the user to "hot spot" areas that offer wireless high speed connectivity. The CellLAN solution will give mobile users a single platform for traditional cellular voice communications as well as true high speed data communications using 802.11a, b and g standards.
RF Solutions Inc., Norcross, GA (770) 263-2600. Circle No. 236
SOFTWARE
Electromagnetic Simulation Software
HFSS™ version 8.5 full-wave, finite-element electromagnetic simulator software now employs 64-bit code. It strips away the limitations posed by 32-bit code to deliver an increase in the size and complexity of the structures HFSS can simulate. Designers can utilize the power and huge memories of 64-bit reduced instruction set computer (RISC)-based UNIX computing platforms to analyze large, complex structures, such as multiple-array antenna systems and high speed IC packages.
Ansoft Corp., Pittsburgh, PA (412) 261-3200. Circle No. 238
SOURCES
Radio Signal Generator
The model CS2010SDARS satellite radio signal generator is an "all in one" solution for production testing of satellite delivered audio radio services (SDARS)-capable radios. By providing the two satellite channels and the terrestrial repeater channel simultaneously, a single unit realistically and cost-effectively simulates a complete SDARS network connection. The CS2010SDARS features up to 70 dB of independent signal-to-noise ratio for each channel, 30 MHz of multi-carrier bandwidth for full-band realism and a deep 11.5 seconds of non-repetitive signal playback. It can simulate adjacent channel signals, potential in-band and out-of-band interferers and, using built-in signal import functions, replay actual, field-recorded "drive test" signals.
Celerity Systems Inc., a division of L-3 Communications, Cupertino, CA (408) 873-1001. Circle No. 239
VCO
The model MW500-1241 VCO is designed for CATV and other wireless applications. It has a low phase noise level of -112 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset, -132 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz. This VCO is also very clean and stable. Harmonics are below -27 dBc, pushing is only 0.17 MHz/V, pulling only 0.9 MHz peak-to-peak and temperature drift is only -0.5 MHz/°C from -40° to +80°C. Supply voltage is +5 V at 22 mA, power output is +4 dBm ±0.3 dB with tuning voltage range of 0 to 10 V. Size: 0.50" x 0.50" x 0.15".
Micronetics VCO Products Division, Hudson, NH (603) 579-0900. Circle No. 240
SRD Multiplier
This multiplier relies on the impulse generating characteristics of step recovery diodes to produce a comb spectrum at multiples of the input frequency. The desired harmonics are filtered to produce spectrally pure low phase noise output signals that are integer multiples of the input frequency. Typically, an input amplifier is used to provide the correct operating level for the step recovery diode and optionally an output amplifier may be added to increase the output power for high order multiplications. The result is a compact, narrowband, spectrally pure signal generator based on a low input frequency. Multiple frequency, switch selectable, single output ports or multiple output ports are available as required.
Microphase Corp., Norwalk, CT (203) 866-8000. Circle No. 241
Miniature Crystal Oscillator
The EX-380/385 series evacuated miniature crystal oscillator (EMXO™) bridges the gap between current large, high precision OCXOs and smaller TCXOs and is an ideal choice when there is a need for spectral purity, short and long term stability, along with small size and reduced power consumption. The oscillators provide low aging rates and high temperature stabilities over a wide range of environmental conditions. Standard supply voltages for the EX-380 series are 3.3 and 5 V DC, with 12 V DC also available, all with an HCMOS output. The units are ideal for SONET/SDH, DWDM, FDM, ATM, 3G, telecom transmission and switching equipment, wireless communications equipment, and military airborne and mobile systems. Price: $100 to 125 (1000). Delivery: 12 to 16 weeks (ARO). Size: 20.8" x 13.2" x 7.6".
Vectron International (VI), Norwalk, CT (203) 853-4433. Circle No. 242
VCO
The model V600ME02 broad bandwidth oscillator is ideal for the test equipment marketplace. It generates frequencies between 1250 and 2350 MHz within a control voltage of 0 to 20 V DC. Even when covering such a broad spectrum of bandwidth, this oscillator still achieves superior phase noise performance of -96 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset (typ) and attenuates the second harmonic to better than -10 dBc. This high performance module will strengthen any PLL with its 1.1:1 linearity over frequency and temperature. The V600ME02 further conserves energy by operating from a 5 V DC supply while drawing only 22 mA and providing the end user with 8 ±4 dBm of output power into a 50 load. It is designed to operate over a temperature range of -5° to +85°C and is heightened by pushing less than 6 MHz within 5 percent of the nominal supply voltage and pulls less than 25 MHz with a 14 dB return loss, any phase. Size: 0.475" x 0.475" x 0.220". Price: $15.95 (each).
Z-Communications Inc., San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700. Circle No. 243
Frequency Synthesizer
The model PTS 6400 frequency synthesizer is designed for applications requiring direct frequency synthesis up to 6.4 GHz. It features fin resolution of 1 Hz, fast frequency switching speed and high spectral purity. The output level is -3 to +7 dBm. At full output level the discrete spurious spec is -60 dBc from 1 to 3200 MHz and -55 dBc from 3200 to 6400 MHz. Phase noise is -122 dBc/Hz (10 kHz offset) at 1 GHz. The PTS 6400 allows the user the flexibility of both manual control by keyboard and LCD, and remote control by standard BCT TTL-level parallel entry (GPIB optional). For those applications that do not require front panel controls, the unit is also available in a remote-control-only version. Size: 19.00" x 5.25" x 18.00".
Programmed Test Sources Inc. (PTS), Littleton, MA (978) 486-3400. Circle No. 244
TEST EQUIPMENT
RFIC Test System
The ASL 3000RF™ high performance, mixed-signal, RFIC test system is designed for wideband, wireless communications devices. Featuring the industry's most advanced RF instrumentation, the system is designed to meet the increasingly complex test requirements of a new generation of RFICs for wireless applications, including 802.11 wireless local area networking standards and third-generation mobile communications services. The ASL 3000RF incorporates the company's patented modulated vector network analysis (MVNA™) technology, a new method for measuring S-parameters, or scattering parameters, with greater accuracy. The system offers both RF and mixed-signal instrumentation, enabling the system to meet the test requirements of a wide-variety of integrated RF-enabled ICs.
Credence Systems Corp., Fremont, CA (510) 657-7400. Circle No. 245
Fiber Optic System
This fiber optic system consists of the model 6530A fiber optic transmitter and up to 10 6531A fiber optic receivers, and each unit is packaged in a 1 U rack mount chassis. The inherent benefits of fiber optic technology allow users to eliminate AC ground loop noise and to greatly reduce signal loss over long cable runs. The transmitter coupled with the fiber optic receiver provides a simple, cost-effective method of transmission and distribution of the selected 100 kHz, 1, 5 or 10 MHz RF signal to multiple locations.
Datum-Timing, Test and Measurement, Beverly, MA (978) 927-8220. Circle No. 246
Digital Noise Generator
The model DNG7500 series digital noise generator provides precise digital control of noise and CW output waveforms for communications equipment testing. The first member of this series offers a new level of flexibility and control in noise-based test equipment. It generates programmable user-specified, pseudo-noise and CW signal spectrums for RF, microwave and fiber-optic equipment testing, accurately emulating real-world noise and interference. The DNG7500 features an arbitrary waveform generator and proprietary graphical user interface that allows user-defined brick wall noise filtering, bandwidths, stop-bands (notch filtering), tilt, start and stop frequencies and power levels.
Noise Com, Paramus, NJ (201) 261-8797. Circle No. 247
Bit Error Rate Test System
The BitAlyzer® BA1500 multi-function bit error rate-based physical layer test system includes pattern generation, bit error detection, eye pattern display, automatic jitter and Q-factor measurements, and fast eye mask tests. The system also features interface flexibility with variable amplitude, offset, logic threshold and termination voltages for both differential and single ended I/O. The BA1500 supports data rates of 1 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps and includes the company's patented Error Analysis™ features which assist in isolating the source of bit errors.
SyntheSys Research Inc., Menlo Park, CA (650) 364-1853. Circle No. 248
Thermal Enclosure/ATE Interface
The ThermoFixture® thermal enclosure and turnkey ATE interface is designed and developed for a wide range of applications from component, module and PCB testing to characterizing high performance devices and assemblies at temperature. The unique advantage of the ThermoFixture is the turnkey ATE interface which enables the user to perform moisture-free testing of high frequency, high power and sensitive DUTs conveniently at the tester. Including all mechanical and electrical fixturing, the tester-specific interface uses impedance matched connections to assure clear and accurate test signals between the tester and the DUT. Simultaneously, the enclosure provides patented DUT temperature control at the device case in a dry, noise-free, ESD-free test environment.
Temptronic, an InTEST company, Sharon, MA (781) 688-2300. Circle No. 249