Naprotek, LLC

Naprotek showcased its advanced electronics manufacturing capabilities at booth #2105. Complementing Naprotek’s core offerings in printed circuit board assembly and box build, SemiGen combines a deep technical expertise in RF/microwave microelectronics manufacturing and test with a suite of build-to-print thin film and discrete semiconductor products, providing a full spectrum of advanced manufacturing capabilities. Manufacturing experts from both Naprotek and SemiGen were available at the exhibition booth to discuss current and future programs with original equipment manufacturers.

Nuvotronics

Cubic Corporation's microelectronics business, Nuvotronics, exhibited at IMS in booth 427. Their products on display included:

• Filters:  Provide narrowband machined filter or wideband performance, employing the PolyStrata® suspended substrate technology in an easy to integrate surface mount form factor with a 100x smaller volume than conventional low-loss filters.
• Combiners:  Provide superior performance for solid state power amplifiers for both ultra-broadband and mmWave applications. Delivered in a surface mount form factor, 100x smaller volume at 1 percent of the weight compared to conventional waveguide combiners.
• Couplers:  Provide dramatic size, weight and performance advantages in surface mount form factors with a 6–10x size reduction.
• PolyStrata® mmWave Packaging Technology:  Provide low-loss interconnects to packaged MMIC and PCB transmission lines with ultra-wideband performance (15 to +100 GHz) and high thermal connectivity (400 W/m.K). The patented PolyStrata® process, uses a unique 3D additive manufacturing copper air-dielectric process to create mmWave devices with an unprecedented level of RF performance, integration and miniaturization, achieving a 10x to 100x improvement in size, weight and power.

Nxbeam

Nxbeam is a millimeter-wave fabless semiconductor company building proprietary semiconductor IC products for the satellite and 5G wireless infrastructure markets. By focusing on higher frequency (mmWave) and wider bandwidth products and designing for higher fidelity, Nxbeam’s IC solutions offer higher data throughput, providing customers with a greater ROI. Nxbeam‘s series of high-fidelity power amplifier ICs addresses the satellite ground terminal market and its line of multi-function high data-rate transceiver products target the satellite radio market.

Optical Zonu

Optical Zonu Corp. was at its first IMS Show, and they were discussing their solutions and capabilities in Booth 2162. The company provides a whole host of modules, subsystems and delay lines that provide transport capacity for applications by using an RF-over-fiber (RFoF) concept. Since the transport mechanism is fiber, the RFoF concept provides many benefits in harsh environments and applications that are space-constrained. The company targets its solutions to a broad range of commercial, public safety, space and defense wireless and wired transport applications.

Pickering Interfaces

Pickering Interfaces showcased its extensive range of RF and microwave switching, including SPDT, transfer, MUX and matrix switches with bandwidths from DC to 110 GHz, available in PXI, LXI and USB – as well as its new family of high channel count PXI/PXIe microwave multiplexer (MUX) modules – at booth 404 at IMS.

Pickering’s new high channel count microwave MUX family (models 40/42-788) is based on superior-quality Radiall mechanical microwave switches, with bandwidth options from 8 GHz to 40 GHz, and versatile switching configurations, including single or dual SP8T, SP10T or SP12T multiplexers. As well as microwave switching applications, the modules also suit many uses across the RF spectrum where extremely low insertion loss and ultra-high isolation are critical.

In addition to the new high channel count microwave MUX modules, Pickering highlighted the following RF and microwave switching solutions:

• MEMS-based PXI/PXIe RF multiplexers that deliver 300x operational life and 60x test system throughput compared to existing electro-mechanical relay products
• 110 GHz PXI/PXIe microwave switch – supporting 5G and semiconductor test
• A configurable PXI microwave switch platform that allows RF test engineers to combine a wide range of high-performance relay types while minimizing chassis slot usage
• Microwave Design Tool – a free online tool for configuring flexible PXI & LXI microwave switch products
• Flexible LXI microwave switch platform and turnkey services for LXI microwave switch and signal routing subsystems – including an LXI microwave switching matrix demo
• A selection from Pickering’s broad portfolio of other switching and sensor simulation products, along with its PXI, PXIe and LXI/USB modular chassis and supporting cables and connectors.

Pendulum Instruments

Pendulum has roots back to the 1950s, when the company was the Swedish branch of Philips Test & Measurement division. Pendulum Instruments was spun-off in 1998. Pendulum was showing and discussing their products for precision timing/frequency applications that target metrology, aerospace and defense, telecom, oscillator manufacturing, RF and microwave, electronic industries, contract manufacturing and automotive industries. The company was spotlighting its line of CNT-102/104s multi-channel frequency analyzers.

pSemi 

pSemi demonstrated a number of its industry-leading solutions across infrastructure, connectivity, antenna and high performance multimarket applications at its booth #1351, including a turnkey sub-6 GHz RF front-end (RFFE) reference design that was created in collaboration with AMD and Murata. This new platform solution, built to meet the needs of the modern mobile infrastructure network, joins pSemi and Murata’s RFFE reference design with the AMD Adaptive Radio SoC, the Zynq™ UltraScale+™ RFSoC DFE. Integrating the pSemi PE42446, a HaRP™ technology-enhanced SP4T RF switch, the PE53231, an integrated dual-channel switch LNA module, and PE43712, a RF digital step attenuator (DSA), the reference design delivers best-in-class RX at 400 MHz aggregated bandwidth with exceptional linearity, noise figure and industry-leading uplink performance.

pSemi also demonstrated the following advanced high performance mixed-signal solutions during IMS:

• An ultra-high voltage RF switch designed for broadband RF applications to handle the industry’s highest peak voltage (Vpk). Its compact size with superior linearity, high isolation, and low insertion loss (IL) make this customizable Nx SPxT switch configurable for a variety of applications like antenna / aperture tuning, tunable filters / harmonic traps, and fully selectable switching.
• An n104 band RFFE reference design solution using the pSemi PE44951 highly integrated two – way phase shifter with DSA.
• A 2.4 GHz IoT connectivity solution system using a Nordic SoC development board with the pSemi PE562212 high performance, fully integrated front-end module.
• Two ultra-wideband (UWB) solutions—the PE423211 and PE42545—showcasing broadband frequency coverage and low-power consumption ideal for battery-powered devices and power-sensitive applications. PE423211 boasts an industry-leading current consumption, while PE42545 has ultra-high frequency performance capabilities, both valuable for in-cabin monitoring systems and RF-based sensors.
• pSemi mmWave beamforming solutions—PE128310 and PE188210—for FR2 integrated system applications.
• An antenna reference design integrated with beamformer and up-/down-converter (UDC)/mixer for mmWave beamforming solutions.

Q-Tech Corporation 

Q-Tech announced its expanded offering of high-stability microprocessor compensated (MCXO) and oven-controlled (OCXO) crystal oscillators. Designed for reliable operation in New Space (low earth orbit) satellite timing and frequency generation applications, the QT2021 Series of MCXOs and the AXIOM75Sx Series of OCXOs meet the critical radiation tolerance specifications required for LEO deployment. The devices in both series offer a wide range of standard frequencies; the QT2021 MCXOs from 10 MHz to 100 MHz and the AXIOM 75Sx OCXOs from 10 MHz to 400 MHz. All are available with either Sine Wave or CMOS logic outputs.

Qorvo

Qorvo announced announced three new MMIC power amplifiers designed specifically for Ku-Band satellite communications terminals. These products are the latest additions to a family of devices designed to enhance performance and efficiency in satellite uplink systems, supporting the growing demand for high speed data communications in defense and aerospace applications. The output power of the amplifier family ranges from 8 W to 55 W, providing flexibility to choose the optimal power required for each specific requirement.

Product Highlights

• QPA1314: This high-power MMIC amplifier operates in the 13.75 to 14.5 GHz range, delivering a saturated output power of 55 W and a linear power of 20 W with 25 dBc third-order intermodulation distortion products. It is packaged in a 15 x 15 mm bolt-down configuration with a copper base for superior thermal performance and reliability. With a large signal gain of 22.5 dB and 30 percent power-added efficiency, it is ideal for both commercial and defense SATCOM and radar applications. 
• QPA0016: Designed for applications requiring 15 W of output power, this amplifier combines high efficiency with a compact 7.5 x 5 mm SMT package, making it well suited for a variety of satcom terminal designs.
• QPA0015: This amplifier delivers 8 W of power in a 7 x 4.5 mm SMT package for high-throughput ground and mobile terminals, offering a balance of power, size and efficiency.

Qorvo also launched three new highly integrated RF multi-chip modules (MCMs) designed for advanced radar applications. The new modules leverage Qorvo’s advanced packaging and optimal process technology to deliver the compact size, superior performance, lower noise and reduced power consumption needed for modern phased array and multifunction radar systems.

Key Features and Benefits:

• QPF5001 12 W X-Band front-end module: Combines a power amplifier, low noise amplifier and limiter in one compact module, reducing the board area by approximately 50 percent compared to discrete component solutions
• QPM2101 S-Band Receive variable gain amplifier (VGA) MCM: Integrates an LNA, 6-bit digital step attenuator, Rx buffer and T/R switch, delivering a 40 percent reduction in board area
• QPB1029 L-Band filter bank MCM: Integrates two switches on both sides of eight filters and a bypass. Housed in a 10 x 10 mm package, it is the industry’s smallest L-band radar eight-channel switched filter bank, enabling radar designers to achieve size, weight, power and cost (SWaP-C) goals.

The Qorvo booth featured their products and activities in the wireless infrastructure activities along with their foundry and services capabilities.

Quantic® Electronics

Quantic® Electronics, a portfolio company of Arcline Investment Management, recently completed the acquisition of M-Wave Design, a leading supplier of ferrite-based RF and microwave components for aerospace, defense and quantum computing applications. M-Wave was featured in Quantic Electronics’ booth.

Reactel 

Attendees saw Reactel's full line of application-specific filters, multiplexers and multifunction assemblies up to 67 GHz. Along with learning about their latest filter innovations, attendees could enter the I Got Pantsed contest and qualify to win a bevy of Maryland-themed items. Also available was the new Short Form Catalog for an overview of their extensive filter portfolio. Bandpass, lowpass, highpass and notch filters are available in an array of topologies such as tubular, LC, cavity, waveguide, ceramic and suspended substrate. Application specific multiplexer and multifunction assemblies are available as well.

Remtec

Remtec Incorporated recently completed its new, 55,000 sq. ft. facility in Canton, Mass. New capabilities that directly result from the move are: increased capacity and processing speeds for Remtec’s existing proprietary solutions; advanced dicing and laser trimming systems; photoimaging, laser etching, laser ablation and like systems; and an array of other new manufacturing infrastructure and process capabilities. Remtec was in booth 2215. 

RF SPIN

RF SPIN's booth, 1149, held their antenna designer team and the owner of RF SPIN. Visitors were able to explore the entire range of cutting-edge antenna solutions, including their new patented lens antennas. A team of experts were available to provide detailed insights into their technologies and answer any questions. RF SPIN recently launched its groundbreaking lens antenna product line. The line features three dual-polarized and four single-polarized lens antennas, operating across a broad frequency range of 730 MHz to 40 GHz. The patented 3D-printed lens technology allows these antennas to achieve an unprecedented increase in antenna gain of up to 6 dB.

RFOptic

RFOptic, Inc. showcased its RFoF and ODL solutions, including live demo, in its booth #1306. On display were its advanced RFoF and ODL solutions for electronic warfare, radar, 5G testing and DAS applications and RFoF for 5G applications. 

Rigol

Rigol offers digital and mixed-signal oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and RF signal generators, arbitrary waveform generators, sensitive measurement products, and data acquisition systems. Their solutions target applications like technical education, embedded design, Wi-Fi integration, EMC and manufacturing.

Rohde & Schwarz

Rohde & Schwarz allowed visitors to explore RF and microwave testing solutions at the Rohde & Schwarz interactive Measurement Playground. Trade show attendees will learn to work with versatile instruments that adapt to customers’ evolving needs. Rohde & Schwarz displayed a range of both new and familiar products including the updated R&S SMW200A vector signal generator features a sleek design, enhanced performance, and unparalleled flexibility to meet the most demanding EVM requirements. Additionally, Rohde & Schwarz presented the new R&S SMB100B RF and microwave signal generator, which delivers outstanding spectral purity and impressive output power, reaching up to 40 GHz. This advancement redefines purity and power in the midrange-class. The highly anticipated R&S SFI100A wideband IF vector signal generator was on display, designed to pave the way for groundbreaking 6G and sub-THz applications. The R&S ZNA vector network analyzer was showcased in a 6G D-band system and component characterization. For those tackling real-world testing challenges, the R&S IRAPS™ provides an excellent solution to capture, analyze, and playback real-world RF spectrums for efficient and insightful platform verification, ensuring you overcome the complexities of real-world testing. Rohde & Schwarz also presented a demonstration of the characterization of the TX/RX multi-antenna chip (CHARM) operating at up to 140 GHz using the D-Band OTA test solution.

Saetta Labs

Saetta Labs is a relatively new company, founded in 2020 by Jason Breitbarth, the previous founder of Holzworth Instrumentation. Jason was on hand to discuss and show the company's Sapphire-load cavity oscillator and discuss plans for the roadmap of that product and capability.

Samtec 

Samtec introduced its newest phase and amplitude stable Nitrowave™ cable assemblies. Demos in the Samtec booth and in partner booths across the show floor included Samtec’s LL043 43.5 GHz and LL071 71 GHz microwave cables in their distinctive orange color.  Another live demonstration featured the newly available BE90A (rated to 90+ GHz), the latest product in the popular Samtec Bulls Eye® high performance test assembly series that features a high-density space-saving design for use on smaller evaluation boards with shorter trace lengths.

Samtec’s ganged Magnum RF® product, featuring industry leading density and novel configurations, was shown in support of mmWave applications. Samtec has also released a new line of RF edge launch connectors spanning DC to 67 GHz with a narrow body design that is 33 percent smaller than traditional edge launch connectors. Interface types include 1.85 mm, 2.40 mm, and 2.92 mm.

SIGLENT Technologies

SIGLENT founders began developing digital oscilloscopes in 2002. After more than a decade of research and development, their products include digital oscilloscopes, handheld oscilloscopes, function/arbitrary waveform generators, DC power supplies, digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers and other general test instruments. SIGLENT is ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015 Certified for its product quality and environmental management programs.

At the show, SIGLENT introduced features that extend the power of SNA (scalar network analyzer) family to material test and multiport devices. They were also showcasing their recently-released SHN900A series handheld vector network analyzer, with frequency range as high as 26.5 GHz. The piece of equipment integrates vector network analysis, time domain analysis, spectrum analysis and cable and antenna analysis into a complete RF test solution. It is specially designed for portable and flexible testing and can be widely used in field testing, R&D, production, maintenance and communication, antenna, base stations, materials and automotive electronics.

Signal Hound

Signal Hound released their first VNA. The VNA400 is a high-performance, USB-powered, 40 GHz, 2-port VNA. It operates from 40 MHz to 40 GHz with sub-Hz resolution, =/- 1 ppm internal TCXO accuracy and a sweep speed of 2000 points per second at 30 kHz RBW. Plus it is a fraction of the cost of other VNAs. There was a demo of their Phase Noise and VCO test system that enables cross-correlation phase noise floors 20-30 dB lower than the capabilities of a single SM200/SM435. They also had the RFS44, a SP4T absorptive solid-state switch, enables RF switching up to 44 GHz across four ports, supporting LF to Ka band, and facilitates pseudo-doppler direction finding with fast switch speed.

Smiths

Smiths Interconnect’s High Frequency SMPM Series Mini-Lock Connector is a 110 GHz unique insulation captivation method and compact, lightweight system with superior RF performance & reliability. Mini-Lock connector features a robust locking mechanism ensuring reliable signal integrity and perfect transmission of data between applications. Mini-Lock connector are suitable for harsh mechanical stress environments such as radars, satellites, space flight, military, and unmanned applications.

Smiths Interconnect has extended its offering of high frequency surface mount chip attenuators with the release of its new TSX Wire Bondable Fixed Chip Attenuator Series, a small, easy-to-implement, high-reliability product qualified for space and defense applications. The new TSXTSX Series WB2 Series is qualified to MIL-PRF-55342 and designed to offer excellent broadband performance up to 50-GHz, while delivering increased power handling in a small 0404 wire bondable package.

Sonnet

Sonnet was featuring it Beowulf Fast Solver which is the world's first commercial solver based on the unified-FFT algorithm. It combines FFT-enhanced fill with FFT-enhanced solve for order N log N scaling fast analysis while able to compute to full numerical precision. v19 comes out this summer with Beowulf, AL Selector for Solver and Preconditioner, Reprise License Manager and Macro Language, XML-Based File Format, Expanded Material Library, Expanded Technology Files, Streamlined Documentation and Enhanced Performance for All Solvers.

Spectrum Control

Spectrum Control launched a family of standard filters for low-pass, high-pass and band-pass applications, with custom derivatives available for any frequency requirement from 500 MHz to 10 GHz. The initial filter in the family was on display for the first time in the Spectrum Control booth. Future products will include mmWave filters and interconnects up to 300 GHz.

Spectrum Control also showcased an innovative new RF front end system-in-package (SiP) platform as part of its SCi Blocks™ family. This unique RF+ SiP breaks through size and performance barriers to deliver a complete wideband RF front end in a 30 mm² BGA package. Extensible, customizable, and digitally enabled, this platform delivers the capabilities of an integrated microwave assembly in a surface mount package. It is ideally utilized as a co-processor to Direct RF FPGAs and mixed signal control processors. It can also be used in any application where size, weight, power consumption and cost are a factor such as smart antennas.

SV Microwave

SV Microwave’s VITA and SOSA products, alongside other new products, were displayed at IMS at booth 905. SV Microwave offers a portfolio of VITA and SOSA products designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern military and aerospace applications. Key offerings include the VITA RF 67 connectors for embedded computing, lightweight VITA 67.3 aluminum connectors, hybrid VITA 66.5 RF/Fiber connectors, and user-friendly VITA 67.3 installation and removal tools. Additionally, the company provides SOSA-aligned D38999 pin and socket contacts, 75 Ω VITA 67.3 SMPM contacts and the recently-licensed NanoRF VITA 67.3 products. The NanoRF VITA 67.3 connector system includes eleven new products, including cable assemblies, backplane and plug-in cable contacts, and various VITA modules, supporting applications like SIGINT, EW suites, UAVs and UGVs.