Keysight Technologies

 Keysight’s microwave and RF experts showcased solutions that accelerate spectrum innovations to help customers optimize 5G and pioneer 6G. Keysight presented the following demonstrations that are accelerating spectrum innovations:

• Wideband Active Load-Pull – Showcases Keysight’s newly introduced wideband active load-pull (WALP) capability using a dual-channel VXG-C vector source and a PNA-X network analyzer to demonstrate the error vector magnitude performance of a power amplifier when presented with arbitrary frequency-dependent load impedances created without an impedance tuner.
• AI/ML Enabled EDA – Demonstrates Keysight’s ADS 2025, which offers 3D Circuit-EM-Thermal multi-physics co-design, high-performance automation enabling AI/ML and robust design validation for RF and millimeter-wave, and provides support for wideband power amplifier design techniques, including nonlinear load-pull. Also shows how PathWave System Design 2024 U1 links to ADS through the new RF System Explorer as well as how ADS provides new communications PHY technology for 5G NTN systems design, while enabling training and use of AI/ML-based models, channels, provides RF-true phased array design for 5G and 6G systems.
• Phased Array Antenna Test – Showcases Keysight’s phased array control and calibration test solution inside the Vertical Compact Antenna Test Range, which accommodates a wide variety of phased array antenna performance verification tests including fast gain and phase calibration, effective isotropic radiated power, antenna radiation pattern, antenna gain-to-noise-temperature (G/T), modulation distortion and radio frequency to direct digital measurements.
• Signal Source Characterization – Demonstrates how to perform sub-THz phase noise measurements with Keysight’s new E5058A 54 GHz SSA-X signal source analyzer and an E5051AW phase noise measurement down-converter for 6G applications and microwave amplifier residual phase noise and AM noise measurements.
• IQ Data Characterization – Highlights how Keysight’s vector signal analysis software uses a new feature to precisely characterize a homodyne (IQ) system by characterizing and digitally correcting the frequency-dependent dispersion and imbalance of a Marki IQ mixer.

Knowles Precision Devices

Knowles Precision Devices is a specialty components manufacturer that tackles the challenges inherent in high-reliability, high-temperature, high-performance and high-frequency solutions. They adhere to the highest military-grade quality and reliability standards at their US-based manufacturing facilities so that components are qualified for use in even the most sophisticated and secure military and aerospace applications. 

The Knowles microwave product portfolio includes custom designed and build-to-print solutions to meet the needs of aerospace and defense customers. 5G catalog filters at 26, 28, and 39 GHz provide 3 GHz of bandwidth, > 50 dB rejection, are 20x smaller and are temperature stable from -55°C to +125°C. Additionally, our single-layer capacitors support microwave and mmWave applications up to 100 GHz. The company was showing the full range of their product portfolio.

Kratos Microwave USA

Kratos had an extensive portfolio of power amplifiers covering 1 to 50 GHz with power levels ranging from 50 W CW to 2 kW pulsed for aerospace, defense, and instrumentation customers. Their capabilities extend into integrated microwave assemblies supporting various radar, EW and communications applications meeting unique mission specific electrical and environmental requirements. New product development in 2024 focused on frequency coverage of V- and W-Bands.

Kratos GaN SSPAs:•  Small Form Factor•  Decoys & Expendables•  SAR, TCDL, UAVs•  AESA Radar Systems•  EW: ECM, ECCM & ESM

MACOM 

MACOM highlighted more than 14 technology demonstrations at the show, spanning its various product lines, including diodes, RF power, MMIC and linear modules and subsystems. The booth featured the latest new product additions to the company’s broad product portfolio. MACOM also highlighted its expanded foundry services offerings at the show. Customers and attendees will have the opportunity to engage with MACOM’s design engineering, product management and applications engineering teams who will provide in-depth explanations of MACOM’s solutions and benefits.

IMS2024 demonstrations and new product announcements included:

• GaN-on-SiC MMIC Ka-Band Power Amplifier: This demonstration showcased a 6 W driver and a 10 W PA operating in the 33 to 37 GHz band. These parts are fabricated using MACOM’s 140 nm GaN-on-SiC technology.  
• 300 W X-Band GaN-on-SiC Matched Power Amplifier: A new addition to the MACOM RF product portfolio, this amplifier is fully matched to 50 Ohms at both input and output ports. Ideal for pulsed radar applications such as marine, defense and weather radar, it provides an ideal combination of output power, signal gain and drain efficiency in a small form factor at 9 GHz.
• C-Band 100 W GaN-on-SiC Power Amplifier with 57 percent power-added efficiency (PAE):  This GaN Power Amplifier combines high gain and high efficiency for pulsed power applications within a small footprint (7 x 7 mm). This demonstration also featured MACOM’s XP1044 driver amplifier and MACP-011113 surface mount directional coupler.
•  250 W 2.4 to 2.5 GHz High Power GaN Pallet: This two-stage GaN Amplifier Pallet, part of MACOM’s recently expanded range of RF solutions, is tailored for industrial, scientific and medical  applications. This turnkey solution features the industry’s most efficient microwave CW transistor in a plastic package, enhancing cost effectiveness.
• GaN-on-Si MMIC Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) with Fast Recovery Time:  By utilizing MACOM’s proprietary 100 nm GaN-on-Si technology, MACOM delivers robust low noise LNAs with industry-leading recovery time. This combination of ruggedness, low noise figure and fast recovery time make these LNAs ideal for radar and electronic warfare applications.
• GaN Switch: This demonstration displays MACOM GaN-on-Si switch solutions highlighting a C-Band GaN switch with a P0.1dB of greater than 50 W. In addition, the company’s latest high frequency GaN-on-Si switch offerings were on display.
• Linearized Q-Band GaN PA MMIC for SATCOM: This demonstration highlights MACOM linearizer technology. Combining a Q-Band GaN-on-Si amplifier, designed for satellite communications, with a wideband analog linearizer, MACOM showed how it is possible to simultaneously achieve optimal linearity, PAE and output power for SATCOM.
• Quad L-Band to Ka-Band Block Up-converter: This integrated solution offers excellent phase noise performance, an analog or digital interface and low sensitivity to microphonics. It simplifies system linearity and provides benefits in terms of cost, size, mass and complexity.
• X-Band T/R Module (TRM) with 42 percent PAE: Designed for X-Band aerospace/defense applications, this demonstration highlights MACOM’s WSM5100S multi-chip module which integrates a high power GaN Switch, GaAs Limiter-LNA and GaN PA into a 7x7 mm QFN. This TRM delivers 5 W Output Power with industry-leading efficiency.
• High Power Reflective SP2T Surface Mount Switch: Ideal for applications requiring high RF power and surface mount capability, this switch operates between 30 MHz and 5 GHz. It offers high CW power handling up to 200 W along with excellent insertion loss and switching speed, all within a compact package.
• Broadband High Power Limiter: With an operating frequency of 2 to 18 GHz and peak power handling up to 1 kW, this RF limiter provides exemplary frequency, insertion loss and high power performance to meet the necessary requirements for receiver protection as well as ship and airborne radar applications.
• High Power SOI Switch: This switch features low insertion loss and a symmetric topology, along with excellent linearity, making it perfectly suited for high performance communications systems. The demonstration utilizes a CMPA2060040D1 amplifier as a driver stage and a MACP-011113 surface mount directional coupler to highlight the SOI switch’s high compression level.
• Integrated Filter Technology/Switched Filter Bank: This demonstration showcases MACOM’s various filter technologies and MACOM’s capability to integrate filters with other functions (in this case switches) to created switchable filter banks. This demonstration showed bulk acoustic wave, GaAs and Laminate filters highlighting the strengths of each technology and the potential integration options offered by MACOM.
• Space and Hi-Rel Products: MACOM will exhibit a wide range of space and high reliability (Hi-Rel) components and capabilities for free space optics systems, including lasers, laser drivers, various photodiodes and transimpedance amplifiers (TIAs). In addition, the MACOM team presented examples of various RF-over-fiber analog photonic subsystems used in high performance satellite communication applications.

In addition to the product showcase, attendees learned more about MACOM’s enhanced foundry services. 

Marki MIcrowave

For over 30 years, Marki Microwave has been creating a portfolio of RF and microwave components. Founded in 1991 with the goal of developing the best mixers in the industry, today Marki Microwave is a single source for high-performance, broadband microwave products. Their products support multiple form factors, including die, surface mount and connectorized solutions for the entire RF block diagram from DC to sub-THz frequencies. In addition to its broad range of component solutions, Marki Microwave was featuring its Prodigy Filter Designer software products that it makes available to designers on the website. The have a CSP Family for ultimate space saving solutions including 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 mm sizes.

Marvin Test Solutions

Marvin has trademarked the phrase "We Make Test Easy™"  and they were showcasing their solutions for  military, aerospace and manufacturing organizations. Marvin Test Solutions is a vertically integrated aerospace test and measurement company that has been providing test solutions since 1988. As a member of the Marvin Group, Marvin Test Solutions has test systems deployed worldwide in support of most of the major military aircraft and munitions in use around the world. Their test solutions support the maintenance and sustainment of military aircraft including the F-35, F-15, F-16, F-18, TA-50, FA-50, F-5, Hawk, RPAs, and their associated precision-guided munitions. In addition, Marvin solutions are deployed in the commercial aircraft, transportation, space, and semiconductor manufacturing markets.

MathWorks

In addition to hosting a variety of demos at booth, MathWorks experts lead workshops and educational seminars with industry leaders throughout the event. IMS2024 attendees had the opportunity to discuss several wireless communications workflows with MathWorks experts including exploring 6G waveforms, including over-the-air testing with MATLAB; wideband radar and communication waveform classification with Universal Software Radio Peripherals; 5G waveform design and validation using MATLAB and Keysight test equipment; and measuring RF filters with Keysight VNA, creating MATLAB behavioral models and tuning filter performance.

Maury Microwave

Maury had an extensive number of demonstrations:

Achieving high VSWR is crucial at high frequencies since passive interconnects, such as waveguide sections and on-wafer probes, experience higher loss, which reduces the maximum reflection coefficient presented to the device under test (DUT). A demo at this year's show featured the prototype NT-220G330G-1C mmWave WR3.4 impedance tuner from Maury Microwave that offers the highest VSWR on the market by a significant margin, enabling users to perform active device characterization up to 330 GHz.

MMW-STUDIO – a software suite provided by Vertigo Technologies, enables power and phase control at the DUT reference plane through the extenders – performs a power-controlled S-parameter measurement and an active load pull in the WR6.5 waveguide band (110 GHz – 170 GHz) on a waveguide connectorized amplifier.

LNA design for quantum computing, radio astronomy, and other applications that operate at cryogenic temperatures require advanced and reliable noise parameter measurement capabilities. This demonstration used a cryogenic noise parameter system, featuring the MT7553A03 noise receiver module, that can extract noise parameters down to 4 Kelvin at cryogenic temperatures while utilizing a cryogenic solid-state tuner to achieve non-50 ohm environments at the DUT input.

The MT2000 is a turnkey one-box load pull solutions that offers wideband impedance control for modulated signals over the hardware’s modulation bandwidth and performs load pull at high speeds – up to 1000 impedance/power states per minute – with no limitation on Smith chart coverage. The MT2000 mixed-signal active load pull system was demonstrated as it performed load pull on an LNA.

Modern m-QAM, OFDM systems exhibit high PAPR. If the peaks are suppressed due to amplifier nonlinearity, symbol and bit errors may occur. Learn how the RTP5000 series USB real-time peak power sensors can provide PAPR results and CCDF curves to evaluate an amplifier's nonlinear behavior and impact on signal integrity.

The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and carrier-to-noise (C/N) ratio can quantify a system’s tolerance to complex noise, providing insight into its real-world performance. With the UFX7000B, controlled additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) can ensure the performance designed in the lab is realized in the field. Related power measurements are captured and analyzed by RTP5000 sensors and the PMX40 benchtop RF power meter.

Today’s communication systems utilize high order modulation to achieve high data throughput, which requires faster clock rates that can increase symbol errors. A potential source of these errors is phase noise from the existing local oscillator (LO). This demonstration featured the HSX9000A series of multi-channel RF synthesizers with the ultra-low phase noise option as an ideal LO substitute, and the HA7062 series for real-time phase noise analysis.

The leading-edge capabilities of the ACE9600 Advanced Channel Emulator, a non-terrestrial RF channel emulation solution that simulates link and hardware-based impairments on a signal’s path. Using its advanced emulation capabilities, the ACE9600 showed how real-world operating conditions impact signal constellation and other spectrum measurements.

In an in-booth demo at IMS, a vector-receiver source-pull and load-pull setup will utilize two Nano5G™ tuners to manipulate source and load impedance and optimize the performance of a high-frequency, high-power device. The Nano5G model enables highly reliable passive load pull measurements for 5G applications, especially in the 28 and 39 GHz bands allocated for FR2, although continuous operation is available from 18 – 50 GHz.

MCV Microwave

MCV Microwave exhibited  in Booth #342. They hosted live demonstrations and showcased new products for mission-critical applications.

Live Demonstrations

• Consistent performance of 10.7 MHz filter for audio and visual equipment.
• Ultra-narrowed band 5G filter with high rejection 500 kHz from passband edge.
• GPS cavity notch filter and L1/L2 ceramic duplexer for LTE signal suppression.
• 5G C-Band ceramic filter for radar altimeter.

Product Portfolio

• Ceramic Patch Antenna for Wi-Fi, Globalstar and GPS applications.
• Metallized Ceramic Substrates and Single Layer Capacitors (SLC).
• Precision tuned Ceramic Resonators.
• High Performance Cable Assemblies.
• Cavity Combiners.
• Ceramic Monoblock and Waveguide Filters.
• Lumped Element Filters and Integrated Assemblies.
• Passive Components

Menlo Micro

Menlo Micro exhibited the breadth of its market applications. They have adopted the goal of "Optimize the electrification of everything" with the tagline "From milliwatts-to-kilowatts. From DC-to-GHz," and their product displays and demonstrations supported that vision. In particular, they had an enormous printed circuit board that contained a very large FPGA and many of their Ideal Switches for use in AI applications. The company continues to expand its presence in RF switches and subsystems, relays and power management devices for commercial and defense, test and measurement and medical RF applications, along with power switching and control applications.

Mercury

Mercury was displaying the edge-ready signal technologies of what they call the Mercury Processing Platform. These products and capabilities are used for DRFM jamming, digital signal processing, electronic attack simulation, beamforming, real-time signal monitoring, satellite communications, software defined radio, and other applications. Their microwave products include MMIC devices, switch matrices, DIFM receivers, custom IMA solutions, RF microwave converters, Direct RF boards and more. These solutions are designed to meet engineering requirements and challenges commonly encountered in aerospace and defense systems. They were discussing their MMIC capabilities and products and how they leveraged those into their higher order assemblies.

Microsembly

Microsembly's mission is to bridge the engineering-manufacturing gap to deliver high-quality microwave products and services. Whether low or high-volume production, assembling straightforward builds or highly complex integrated modules, they are ready to partner on your next project. By actively collaborating with customers, they gain an in-depth understanding of even the most unique requirements for demanding applications. This partnership approach guarantees tailored solutions that precisely align with your expectations. Their focus is delivering customized microwave modules and subsystems that meet your exact specifications. Microsembly's expertise is in RF/microwave design, quick turn prototyping, and scalable contract manufacturing.

Micro Harmonics Corporation

Micro Harmonics specializes in the design and manufacture of advanced ferrite components including Faraday rotation isolators, hybrid circulators, voltage variable attenuators, cryogenic isolators, and Y-junction circulators. Their products cover every standard waveguide band from WR-28 (26-40 GHz) through WR-2.8 (260-400 GHz). These products exhibit low insertion loss, broad bandwidth and what MHC claims is the highest frequency coverage in the industry. MHC uses diamond heatsinks for improved power handling and reliability. Their patented hybrid circulators offer unprecedented bandwidths at mm-wave frequencies and their compact variable attenuators have a 35 dB dynamic range.

MilliBox 

MilliBox had several demonstrations displayed during IMS. Four demonstrations were shown at MilliBox booth 705 and three others by partners.

Booth 705: MilliBox unveiled its new Compact Antenna Test Range system MBX32CTR. It consists of an MBX32 chamber, a GIM04-300E positioner and with the addition of a parabolic reflector and probe, it eliminates the far field distance constraints.  MilliBox demonstrated its innovative approach to mmWave radar sensor testing with the combination of MBX32R chamber, GIM04-300X 3-axis antenna positioner and LIN04 linear actuated radar target controller. MilliBox showcased MBX03 chamber with GIM05-340, a Spherical Roll 3-axis positioner, capable of native 3D radiation pattern with very wide unobstructed view angle. Finally, Millibox showed the benefit of using the StabilityPlus line of RF cable assemblies from Maury Microwave for routing mmWave signals to a device under test mounted on MilliBox GIM04-230X 3-axis antenna positioner. 

Booth 1939: Eravant showed its integration of MilliBox GIM04-300E for its new Open Bed Compact Range with 150 mm of quiet zone. The use of a 3D positioner for this application allows for OTA measurement of a high precision 3D radiation pattern. Because GIM04-300E can mount sub-THz frequency extenders, this solution is suitable for measurements from 24 GHz to 170 GHz.

Booth 1111: Copper Mountain Technologies showed its new OTA-2H completely integrated OTA test system developed in cooperation with Eravant and MilliBox. MilliBox contributes a full chamber MBX32 and a positioner GIM04-300E, Eravant contributes the frequency extenders from the STO series up to 220 GHz, and Copper Mountain Technologies supplies the USB VNA Cobalt 4209. This constitutes the most accessible full OTA system package on the market.

Mini-Circuits

For more than 55 years, Mini-Circuits has been supplying RF, microwave and millimeter wave products. From communications networks and critical national security systems to life-saving diagnostic imaging, quantum computing and much more, the company enables a faster, smarter, more connected future with the power of RF, microwave and millimeter wave technology. Headquartered in Brooklyn, NY with design, manufacturing and sales locations around the world, Mini-Circuits supports the electronics industry with a broad range of active and passive components, along with a variety of test solutions that were on display in Booth #1639.

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation 

Mitsubishi Electric exhibited its new 16W GaN PAM at IMS2024 in booth 1143. In September 2023, Mitsubishi Electric began providing samples of a GaN PAM that achieves an average output power of 8 W (39 dBm) over a wide frequency range from 3.4 to 3.8 GHz, suitable for 64T64R mMIMO antennas of 5G base stations. The 16 W (42 dBm) GaN PAM announced today achieves even higher average output power over a wide frequency range from 3.3 to 3.8 GHz and is suitable for 32T32R mMIMO antennas, extending the communication range of 5G mMIMO base stations and lowering their manufacturing cost by reducing the required number of PAMs.

mmTron 

mmTron staff discussed the expanding product line of MMICs that are extending system capabilities in fixed wireless access (FWA), satellite communications, aerospace and defense and instrumentation. At IMS, mmTron announced a full IF to antenna solution for 25 to 29 GHz FWA, offering high EIRP for 400 MHz, 1024-QAM systems. Discussing mmTron’s unique approach to optimizing power, linearity and efficiency, Michael Roberg, mmTron Engineering Fellow, presented an invited keynote, “GaAs & GaN MMIC Power Amplifier and Front-End Module Design for K-Ka Band Commercial Communication Systems” on Wednesday, June 19 (session We1C-1).

Molex

Molex highlighted their latest technologies such as 5mm circulators, their Cardinal Test cables and one that is a very innovative product, the MMCX Power over Coax.  They have addressed a long standing issue with the MMCX when trying to drive low voltage power over coax for sensors or video chips.  The standard MMCX plug uses a half-round snap ring in a groove that allows movement of the mated connector pair.  This can cause intermittent power levels.  If the sensor or video application is critical, this becomes a major issue.  Things like automotive full display LCD mirrors, driver monitoring cameras or industrial sensors are some key applications we have seen. Molex has developed a new spring mating technique that eliminates the intermittent condition even when mated with industry standard MMCX PCB jacks.