New Products

Low Noise Amplifier MMIC

The model HMC548LP3 (E) is a low noise amplifier that operates in a frequency range from 1200 to 3000 MHz and is comprised of two internally matched SiGe HBT MMIC LNA stages, housed in a single 3 × 3 mm leadless SMT package, and optimized for GPS applications. The unique topology of the HMC548LP3 (E) allows the designer to place a bandpass filter between the two amplifier stages, enabling the receiver to reject nearby blocking signals without incurring the noise figure degradation associated with a high rejection pre-filter.

Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com.

High Power Circulators

The CT-1740-S series of 1-5/8 EIA high power circulators covers up to 10 percent bandwidth in the frequency range from 120 to 250 MHz. Rated at 2.5 kW average power and 10 kW peak. Typical specifications are 20 dB minimum isolation, 0.25 dB loss and 1.25 maximum VSWR. This series operates in a temperature range from 0° to 65°C. Other UHF units are also available. Applications include: TV, scientific, industrial and communications.

UTE Microwave Inc.,
Asbury Park, NJ (732) 922-1009,
www.utemicrowave.com.

Reactive Splitters

These reactive splitters feature rugged construction and good performance across all wireless bands from 0.8 to 2.7 GHz, which makes them ideal for in-building or tower top systems. Installation is easy with unobstructed access to connector ports for even the largest coaxial cables with no additional mounting hardware. These splitters are available from stock in two- and three-way, 7/16 DIN, Type N or SMA female configurations. Rated for 200 W (maximum). Weatherproof (IP65 rated). Made in the USA.

MECA Electronics,
Denville, NJ (973) 625-0661,
www.e-meca.com.

Amplifier Chip Set

This gallium arsenide monolithic microwave integrated circuit three-stage balanced power amplifier and complementary three-stage driver amplifier are identified as XP1015 and XP1016, respectively. The power amplifier has a balanced design to achieve good output match, operates in a frequency range from 43.5 to 46 GHz, and has a small-signal gain of 12 dB with +31 dBm P1dB compression point. The driver amplifier covers this same frequency band and achieves a small-signal gain of 14 dB with +24 dBm P1dB compression point. Used as a driver and final stage cascade, the chip set achieves 26 dB gain and 2 W saturated output power.

Mimix Broadband Inc.,
Houston, TX (281) 988-4600,
www.mimixbroadband.com.

GaAs Attenuators

Models SKY12322, SKY12323 and SKY12325 are general-purpose gallium arsenide (GaAs) attenuators that feature excellent distortion performance for various types of linear applications including UMTS, WCDMA, WiMAX and WLAN. These GaAs digital single-positive-control step attenuators are also designed for base station transmitter and receivers, and can be used in radio frequency identification (RFID) transceivers. Targeted at original equipment manufacturers (OEM) building any type of receiver or modem, these broadband, low insertion loss attenuators are built in small packages of only 3 × 3 mm. The bilateral radio frequency (RF) ports allow input and output.

Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
Woburn, MA
(781) 376-3000,
www.skyworksinc.com.

X-band Antenna

The model RPS2P2-80-S is a lightweight and highly portable transmit/receive 2' diameter Cassegrain X-band antenna. This antenna is designed for military satellite communications that operate in the 7.25 to 8.4 GHz frequency band. The antenna can transmit and receive on each port for either LHCP or RHCP senses of polarization without having to rotate the OMT or a polarizer. The only three components requiring field assembly are the Cassegrain feed, the two-piece precision reflector and the mount, which folds flat for storage. All assembly hardware is captive and no tools are required for assembly.

mWAVE Industries LLC,
Gorham, ME (207) 857-3083,
www.mwavellc.com.

Surface-mount Isolators/Circulators

The SLE series of redesigned and improved surface-mount isolators operates in a frequency range from 380 to 2200 MHz and is ideal for low power applications. This device is low cost and miniaturized in size making it a perfect fit for tomorrow’s telecom applications. This device is also available in a circulator version. Both are available in tape and reel format for high speed automated assembly. Models available in typical bandwidths of 5 percent with isolation > 17 dB and insertion loss < 0.8 dB.

Renaissance Electronics Corp.,
Harvard, MA (978) 772-7774,
www.rec-usa.com.

Components

SP8T Broadband Switch

The model MSR-8DT-07-AKG-STANDARD option 0120 is an absorptive/non-reflective SP8T, broadband switch that is surface mountable and miniature in size. This model operates from 0.1 to 20 GHz, provides an insertion loss of 6 dB maximum and isolation of 110 dB minimum. The unit offers a rise/fall time of 300 ns typical. Supply voltages are +5 V at 500 mA maximum, –12 V at 100 mA maximum. RF phase tracking is 0.2° per °C all ports with respect to common with temperature. Size: 1.5" diameter circle point to point × 0.4". Weight: < 2.5 ounces typical.

American Microwave Corp.,
Frederick, MD (301) 662-4700,
www.americanmicrowavecorp.com.

Low Intermod Termination

The 50T-453 RF load is specially designed for intermodulation testing and measurements of –165 dBc at 1950 MHz (with two 20 W tones). Perfect for lab use, this model boasts a 50 W input power rating and a low VSWR of 1.20 maximum at 3000 MHz. Available with 7/16 or N connectors.

JFW Industries,
Indianapolis, IN (317) 887-1340,
www.jfwindustries.com.

Coaxial Cable Assembly

These low cost flexible/semi-flex coaxial cable assemblies utilize RG and LMR type cables that meet MIL-17-C specification. All the cable assemblies are 100 percent tested for standard electrical performance and additional testing is possible per a customer’s requirement. Currently, the company offers cable assemblies that use various high quality connectors such as SMA, N, MMCX, MCX, SMB, TNC and BNC. Customer specified connectors are also used upon request.

Electronika International Inc.,
Cleveland, OH (440) 743-7034,
www.electronikainc.com.

I&Q Vector Modulator

The model SA-69-GB is a 2 to 18 GHz, PIN diode, amplified I&Q vector modulator. This device simultaneously controls phase and amplitude with 360° and 15 dB of dynamic range. The phase and amplitude flatness is ±20° and ±3 dB. VSWR is less than 2.0 and with the amplifier there is no loss in signal power. It is capable of non-degraded performance at 0 dBm CW and can handle +20 dBm maximum. It is digitally controlled via two sets (I&Q) of monotonic 12 bit TTL compatible binary logic and switches in 500 ns. The device offers an input control slope characteristic that is linear with output voltage. Size: 4.25" × 3.5" × 0.75".

G.T. Microwave Inc.,
Randolph, NJ (973) 361-5700,
www.gtmicrowave.com.

SMA Female Connectors

These SMA female connectors operate in a frequency range from DC to 18 GHz. The connectors are housed in passivated stainless steel with an assembly that provides for minimum leakage. Type N connectors are also available for immediate delivery. All connectors and terminations meet environmental MIL-STD-202 standards and are RoHS compliant. MCLI maintains stock on large quantities of connectors and terminations, and is able to offer immediate delivery on large quantities at volume discounted prices.

Microwave Communications Laboratories Inc.,
Saint Petersburg, FL (727) 344-6254,
www.mcli.com.

Quick-Connect Cable Assemblies

These Quick-Connect cable assemblies utilize Emerson connectivity solutions partner Johnson components SMA Quick-Connect system. These assemblies operate in a frequency range up to 12.4 GHz and are ideal for test and system applications where rapid mating to a standard SMA female is desirable. The assemblies are currently available on the Midwest triple screened M42 cable in the standard finish or armoured. Customized cable assembly options are available on request.

Midwest Microwave,
Saline, MI (734) 429-4773,
www.midwest-microwave.com.

Power Splitters/Combiners

The ZX10-4 family of four-way 0° power splitters/combiners operates in a frequency range from 800 to 3000 MHz. These devices are ideal for panel mount, conserving space on a panel maintaining high isolation (20 dB typical) and low insertion loss (0.6 dB typical). These splitters/combiners are ideal for antenna arrays, signal distribution and test bench use. Price: $38.95 each (1–24).

Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com.

75 Ω RF Switch

The RoHS-compliant PE42742 high performance RF switch is targeted for broadband applications. Designed to exceed the strict FCC 15.115 regulations, this 75 Ω single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) device offers high isolation of 88 dB at 216 MHz and 78 dB at 806 MHz. A unique design feature allows the device to maintain its isolation levels even in the unpowered state, which is one of the more stringent requirements of FCC compliance for CATV-to-antenna isolation. Size: 4 × 4 mm 20-lead QFN package. Price: $1.67 each (10 K).

Peregrine Semiconductor,
San Diego, CA (858) 731-9400,
www.psemi.com.

Threshold Detector

The model TD-A-42T-818 is a hermetically sealed threshold detector that is optimized for the 8 to 18 GHz frequency range (other frequency ranges are available). It offers an internally fixed threshold level that provides a minimum signal level of –42 dBm with a maximum input VSWR of 2.5. The threshold stability is a constant ±3 dB over the operating temperature and frequency range.

Planar Monolithics Industries,
Frederick, MD (301) 662-4700,
www.planarmonolithics.com.

Attenuator Design Kits

The company’s chip attenuators operate in a frequency range from DC to 26.5 GHz and are available in engineering design kits. An assortment of common values are prepackaged in waffle pack form with delivery from stock. Price: $250.00 (1 to 5 kits).

Ion Beam Milling Inc.,
Manchester, NH (877) 644-2326,
www.ionbeammilling.com.

High Power Splitter/Combiner

The P/N PP4-50-452/2N is a four-way high power splitter/combiner that enables the user to either split an input signal of 400 W into four equal outputs or combine four inputs of 100 W each for a total output of 400 W minus the insertion loss of 0.6 dB. Specifications include a frequency range of 20 to 400 MHz, amplitude and phase balance of 0.5 dB and 6 degrees, respectively, isolation of 20 dB and 1.3 VSWR. Size: 4" × 3.4" × 1" and connectors are type N female.

Pulsar Microwave Corp.,
Clifton, NJ (973) 779-6262,
www.pulsarmicrowave.com.

Narrowband Cavity Filter

The part number 7C9-2656.39-5.11S11 is a narrowband, highly selective cavity filter. This unit is centered at 2656.39 MHz and offers a 3 dB bandwidth of 5.11 MHz. The filter has a rejection of greater than 45 dB at CF ± 6 MHz. Insertion loss measures less than 4 dB and VSWR is less than 1.25.

Reactel Inc.,
Gaithersburg, MD (301) 519-3660,
www.reactel.com.

Attenuator Relay

The A152 attenuator relay is designed to be used in 50 and 75 Ω systems that operate from DC to 5 GHz. It offers a low loss bypass and a 20 dB attenuated path in “Pi” configuration. Other attenuation values are available on request. Gold-plated contacts provide good intermodulation performance and repeatability (±0.1 dB). Additional features include high isolation, resistance to shock, vibration and electrostatic discharge, a stable value over frequency and temperature range, and excellent phase linearity.

Teledyne Electronics and Communications,
Cumbernauld, Scotland +44 1236 453 124,
www.teledyne-europe.com

Non-magnetic Resistors

These non-magnetic chip resistors are ideal for use in medical and sensor applications. The new components are available in 13 standard case sizes: 0402 (0.040" × 0.020") thru 3838 (0.380" × 0.380"). These thick-film non-magnetic resistors are available with wrap around terminations suitable for solder mount. The devices eliminate materials that would disturb magnetic field applications such as in magnetic resonance imaging machines. Resistors range with tolerances from 1 percent, and power ratings from 40 mW to 5 W.

State of the Art Inc.,
State College, PA (800) 458-3401,
www.resistor.com.

Dual Directional Coupler

The model C7711 is a low loss, 30:1 bandwidth coupler that operates in a frequency range from 100 to 3000 MHz, making it ideal for multi-band military and commercial applications. This model rates at 100 W CW, with an insertion loss of 0.35 dB, VSWR (ML) of 1.25, coupling flatness of 40 dB ±1 dB and directivity of 18 dB. Size: 3" × 2.2" × 0.7".

Werlatone Inc.,
Brewster, NY (845) 279-6187,
www.werlatone.com.

Coaxial Attenuator

The commercial grade, model 3082-6156-XX is a 2 W, type N fixed coaxial attenuator that operates from DC to 6 GHz. This product offers the durability of XMA products, featuring a lightweight, nickel plated brass body and gold plated beryllium copper center contact. This, coupled with solid electrical performance and attractive prices, makes the attenuator an outstanding value. This product is ideal for in building applications as well as military and telecommunications volume production applications requiring good long-term performance and low cost.

XMA Corp.,
Manchester, NH (603) 222-2256,
www.xmacorp.com.

Amplifiers

High Power GaN RF Amplifier

The model SSPA 0.5-2.5-30 is a high power, broadband, gallium nitride (GaN) RF amplifier that operates in a frequency range from 0.5 to 2.5 GHz. This PA is ideal for broadband military platforms as well as commercial applications because it is robust and offers high power over a multi-octave bandwidth. The amplifier operates with a base plate temperature of 85°C with no degradation in the MTBF for the GaN devices inside. This amplifier offers a typical P1dB of 20 W at room temperature. Saturated output power across the band is typically 25 to 30 W. Noise figure at room temperature is 6 dB typical. Size: 4" × 6" × 2".

Aethercomm Inc.,
San Marcos, CA (760) 598-4340,
www.aethercomm.com.

TWT Microwave Amplifiers

Models 70T18G26 and 70T26G40 are traveling wave tube (TWT) microwave amplifiers that nearly double the power available over the 18 to 40 GHz frequency range. Model 70T18G26 provides 75 W of CW power over 18 to 26.5 GHz and model 70T26G40 provides 70 W of CW power from 26.5 to 40 GHz. Previously, models 40T18G26 and 40T26G40, with a power output of 40 W, were the highest power offering over the 18 to 40 GHz band.

AR Worldwide RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA (215) 723-8181,
www.ar-worldwide.com.

High Gain Amplifiers

The model PTB-50-0R118-6R5-18-120VAC-SFF-DVA and model PEC-50-0R118-6R5-18-120VAC-1U-SFF are high gain amplifiers with integrated digital attenuation control. These amplifiers operate in a frequency range from 100 MHz to 18 GHz and offer a gain of 50 dB minimum, gain flatness of ±2 dB (up to 55 dB attenuation), noise figure of 6 dB at 100 MHz, 3 dB at 18 GHz and an attenuation range of 0 to 60 dB (1 dB resolution).

Planar Electronics Technology,
Frederick, MD (301) 662-5019,
www.planarelec.com.

Medium Power Amplifiers

This line of medium power amplifiers yields 5 W minimum output power over the frequency range from 0.5 to 18 GHz. These amplifiers were developed for a custom application in a Flight Line Test Set and are available in bands that operate from 0.5 to 1.5 GHz, 1.5 to 3 GHz, 3 to 6 GHz and 6 to 18 GHz.

Rodelco Electronics Corp.,
Ronkonkoma, NY (631) 981-0900,
www.rodelcocorp.com.

GaAs FET Amplifier

The model SM1727-37HS is a GaAs FET amplifier designed for various WiMAX products and device test applications. The unit operates from 1.7 to 2.7 GHz with a P1dB of +37 dBm. Small-signal gain is 20 to 33 dB with a flatness of ±0.5 dB across the band. Typical WiMAX performance (802.16d 64QAM OFDM) is –40 dB EVM at +30 dBm burst power. Standard features include a single +12 VDC supply and over/reverse voltage protection. Size: 4" × 2" × 0.54".

Stealth Microwave Inc.,
Trenton, NJ (609) 538-8586,
www.stealthmicrowave.com.

Software

Enhanced EDA Tool

The VeloceRF™ v1.5 features an enhanced Spiral Wizard™ inductor synthesizer, several improvements in its rapid RLCK modeling engine and new features addressing Design for Manufacturability for 90 and 65 nm RFICs. The synthesis engine now supports the creation of patterned shields that enhance inductor Q-factor and improve substrate isolation. Version 1.5 efficiently addresses DFM requirements emerging for RF CMOS at the 90 nm process node and below. Features such as conductor track slotting to mitigate metal stress, geometry resizing under current density constraints and the use of dummy fill patterns are now programmed into the VeloceRF inductor library and are consistently supported by the Spiral Wizard, the modeling engine and the layout and LVS modules.

Helic,
Athens, Greece +30 210 9949390,
www.helic.com.

Multi-port SMD Modeling

SMDMOD is a new tool for designers of hybrid microwave circuits using R, L, C surface-mount components and representing their electrical properties correctly in circuit simulations up to 10 or even 20 GHz and higher. Based on two-port S-parameter measurement results of a set of samples on one, two or three different substrates, SMDMOD allows the capability to extract super-scaleable realistic multi-port models. From that, SMDMOD allows the generation of two-, three- or four-port S-parameter files of intermediate component values mounted with varying pads on a different substrate, with one or two ports on each pad. These S-parameter files can then be included in standard circuit simulators to better represent SMD component parasitic effects than current commercial state-of-the-art equivalent circuits models do.

AC Microwave GmbH,
Aachen, Germany +49-241-879 3022,
www.linmic.com.

Sources

Advanced Digital Synthesizer Technology

The WaveCor 2.50 is the newest addition to ITT’s line of DDS-based frequency synthesizers. This synthesizer features an operating frequency range from 300 MHz to 2.5 GHz with step sizes of less than 1 Hz. This new product continues WaveCor’s tradition of low phase noise and spurious levels combined with extremely fast switching speeds. At 2.4 GHz, the WaveCor provides phase noise levels of –136 dBc/Hz at a 10 kHz offset and spurious levels up to –70 dBc. Switching speeds are less than 250 ns at any operating frequency. The WaveCor 2.50’s high reliability and performance is available in a lightweight 3U rack mount chassis.

ITT Corp. – AES Division,
Lowell, MA (978) 441-0200,
www.ittmicrowave.com.

C-band Coaxial Resonator Oscillator

The model CRO3375A-LF is a lead-free, RoHS compliant, coaxial resonator oscillator in C-band (3370 to 3380 MHz) that features low phase noise performance of –115 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset from the carrier. This design offers tuning linearity with a typical tuning sensitivity of 7 MHz/V and covers the entire band between 0.5 to 4.5 V. It is designed to operate at 5 VDC supply while drawing 21 mA (typical) over the extended operating temperature range of –40° to 85°C. Size: 0.50" × 0.50" × 0.22". Price: $29.95/VCO (5). Delivery: four weeks.

Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700,
www.zcomm.com.

Subsystem

Custom Multi-function Assemblies

This series of custom multi-function assemblies (MFA) is designed for RF power distribution applications. These particular MFAs provide input filtering, amplification using GaAs MMIC devices, digitally controlled attenuation, and temperature compensated power distribution of incoming RF signals amongst eight output ports. Limiters and equalizers are incorporated onto each signal path to provide flat output power response vs. frequency, and particular care has been taken in the design to provide stringent phase matching and tracking performance. Multiple models have been developed to accommodate multi-octave bandwidths within the 0.5 to 18 GHz range, making them ideally suited for electronic surveillance and signal intelligence (SIGINT) applications. Each model is hermetically sealed and works over the complete military operating range of –55° to +85°C.

Endwave Defense Systems,
Sunnyvale, CA (408) 522-3180,
www.endwave.com.

Test Equipment

Spectrum Analyzer

The 9100 spectrum analyzer series provide features such as a frequency range from 100 kHz to 4 GHz, RBW of 100 Hz to 1 MHz and VBW of 10 Hz to 1 MHz. With the displayed average noise level of –135 dBm (typ., RBW = 1 kHz, attn. = 0 dB), or additional power measurement capabilities like channel power, ACPR and OBW, this series can claim a leading position in the market of portable spectrum analyzers. A standard TCP/IP interface permits to not only exchange measured data ultra-fast, but also allows remote control of the spectrum analyzer from any place in the world over a domain network.

Boonton Electronics,
Parsippany, NJ (973) 386-9696,
www.boonton.com.

EDA Products and Capabilities

This complete set of EDA products and capabilities enable the mainstreaming of System-in-Package (SiP) IC design. This solution addresses the limitations inherent in the current “expert engineering” approach to SiP design by providing an automated, integrated, reliable and repeatable process to meet the escalating demand for wireless and consumer products. New products include the Cadence“ Radio Frequency SiP Methodology Kit, two new RF SiP products, Cadence SiP RF Architect and Cadence SiP RF Layout, and three new Digital SiP products, Cadence SiP Digital Architect, Cadence SiP Digital SI and Cadence SiP Digital Layout.

Cadence Design Systems Inc.,
San Jose, CA (408) 943-1234,
www.cadence.com.

Noise Generator

The model NW2.7G-HP-MI is a manual high power output noise generator that features broadband frequency coverage from 10 MHz to 2.7 GHz. Power out is +30 dBm and the unit features a flatness of ±2.5 dB. This model operates from standard line voltages. Applications for the instrument include system and component wireless testing, signal simulation, CATV and VSAT testing as an economical source for bit error rate telecommunication testing. The high power output and broadband coverage allow the unit to be used in multiple applications, supplying high power levels into even narrow bandwidths.

NoiseWave Corp.,
East Hanover, NJ (973) 386-1119,
www.noisewave.com.

Upgradeable Probe System

The BlueRay™ probe system, a high-throughput wafer prober capable of testing up to 70,000 dies per hour, can now be upgraded from a semiautomatic to a fully-automated probe station in the field. This is achieved by docking a wafer-handling robot, which then handles all wafers automatically. Docking and undocking is quick and done on site, reducing downtime to a minimum. In addition, the test platform can now remain constant from ramp-up to production, which minimizes changeover costs and capital investments.

SUSS MicroTec Test Systems GmbH,
Sacka bei Dresden, Germany
+49 35240 73-0,
www.suss.com.