RF Components and Systems

Huber + Suhner AG,
Herisau, Switzerland +41 (0) 71 353 4111,
www.hubersuhner.com.
RS No. 220

High Power T/R Switch

The P/N M20-064 is a high power T/R switch that operates in a frequency range from 20 to 2500 MHz. These switches utilize the company’s multi-octave technology that is compatible with the latest GaN and LDMOS solid-state amplifiers. The switches are designed for both prototyping and high volume low cost production. This T/R switch is capable of handling up to 100 W, with an ultra low insertion loss of only 1 dB maximum and an output VSWR of < 1.42.

Comtech PST, Hill Engineering Division,
Topsfield, MA (978) 887-5754,
www.comtechpst.com.
RS No. 218

Connectorized
Double-balanced Mixer

The model HMC-C035 is a connectorized GaAs MMIC double-balanced mixer module that is ideal for use as an upconverter or downconverter in military EW/ECM, radar, microwave radio, space and test equipment applications from 23 to 37 GHz. This model is a general purpose, double-balanced mixer housed in a miniature, hermetic module. This mixer provides an input IP3 of +19 dBm, 35 dB of LO/RF and LO/IF suppression, and typical conversion loss of 9 dB.

Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com.
RS No. 219

High Isolation OMTs

This range of ortho-mode transducers (OMT) provides isolation better than 40 dB between the Tx and Rx ports, with 100 dB possible by integrating the OMT with an optional transmit rejection filter. The OMTs are designed to be attached to the conical feed horn in a mobile SATCOM system, and their function is to separate Tx and Rx polarizations and frequencies. Spearheading the range is a Ku-band OMT, which is made from aluminum and measures 55.5 mm in length (excluding filter). It has a typical Rx bandwidth of 11 to 12.75 GHz and a typical Tx bandwidth of 13.75 to 14.50 GHz, with a maximum transmit power of 56 dBm. The range also includes a C-band OMT for use in commercial SATCOM systems and an X-band version for military applications.

Link Microtek Ltd.,
Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
+44 (0)1256 355771, www.linkmicrotek.com.
RS No. 221

Nine-channel Switched

The model 9IFA-20/600-SR is a nine-channel switched filter band used in airborne countermeasure test set applications. Specifications include: nine channels with bandwidth ranging from 10 to 550 MHz; insertion loss of 5 dB; and VSWR of 2.0. This filter offers rejection of 60 dB to 10 GHz, TTL logic, switching speed of 250 ns and DC power of +5 V at 200 mA.

Lorch Microwave,
Salisbury, MD (410) 860-5100, www.lorch.com.
RS No. 222

Wireless Band Loads

The V-Line RF loads are optimized for excellent performance across all wireless bands. Their rugged construction makes them ideal for both base station and in-building wireless systems. These wireless band loads are available from stock, even in large quantities.

MECA Electronics,
Denville, NJ (973) 625-0661,
www.e-meca.com.
RS No. 223

High Pass Filters

Using a seven-section high pass filter design, the VHF series filters provide excellent passband matching (typical VSWR is 1.5), flat passband response and a sharp transition band. The high pass filters deliver excellent sub-harmonic rejection of 850 to 13000 MHz. Built with solid stainless steel unibody construction and coated with a durable gold finish, these units feature SMA type connectors, can handle high power (up to 7 W at input) and are temperature stable from –55° to 100°C. These filters are ideal for eliminating sub-harmonics and for DC blocking. Typical applications include transmitter/receiver filtering, repeaters and lab test setups. Price: in stock, from $24.95 each (Qty. 1–9).

Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com.
RS No. 224

PCS Receive Filter

The part number 8C9-1880-X60N11 is a PCS receive band filter. This unit is centered at 1880 MHz with a flat passband of 60 MHz. Passband insertion loss comes in at less than 0.8 dB, with a passband return loss of greater than 16 dB. The filter also has 60 dB of attenuation at 1930 to 1990 MHz. This unit sized at only 1.75" high × 2.75" wide × 5.5" long has Type N connectors, but can be fitted with most any RF connector.

Reactel Inc.,
Gaithersburg, MD (301) 519-3660,
www.reactel.com.
RS No. 225

WiFi Surface-mount Isolator

The model 2W6NB is a surface-mount microstrip isolator that is designed for WiFi IEEE 802.11a wireless-local-area-network (WLAN) applications from 5.15 to 5.35 GHz. This model provides an excellent match between the antenna and the WLAN receiver circuitry. Occupying a footprint of only 12 × 12 mm for use in PCMCIA cards, the compact isolator achieves port-to-port isolation of 17 dB with an insertion loss of 0.4 dB. Price and availability: less than $5.00 (1,000,000 qty.).

Renaissance Electronics Corp.,
Harvard, MA (978) 772-7774,
www.rec-usa.com.
RS No. 226

Waveguide Broadwall Coupler

This standard range of multi-hole broadwall directional couplers operates in the frequency range from 40 to 2.6 GHz in standard waveguide sizes. The electrical characteristics of high directivity and coupling flatness are achieved by using a precise machined coupling hole pattern and a precision load in the secondary arm. Non-standard configurations or selected parameters are available on request.

RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY (914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com.
RS No. 227

EDGE Radio

The Helios™ II-Plus EDGE radio provides a high level of integration and robust performance. The Helios II-Plus is ideal for manufacturers developing next-generation quad-band handsets incorporating advanced multimedia features such as DVB-H, FM radios, MP3 players, digital cameras and Web browsing. Helios II-Plus reduces radio frequency (RF) board space by an additional 25 percent when compared to the company’s previous Helios design. Skyworks’ radio solution also interfaces with virtually any analog baseband and radically simplifies factory calibration, allowing OEMs to substantially increase production throughput. In addition, Helios II-Plus surpasses GSM and EDGE specifications under a variety of real-world conditions such as extreme temperature, low battery voltage and antenna mismatch. Most importantly, Helios II-Plus enables increased user talk times by exceeding transmitted radiated power (TRP) specifications for improved current consumption.

Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
Woburn, MA (781) 376-3000,
www.skyworksinc.com.
RS No. 228

RF SAW Filter

The W007 is a RF SAW filter for GPS receivers, which is designed for marine navigation as well as automotive and leisure-industry applications. For GPS applications RF filters must be capable of combining a low insertion loss and high rejection and the W007 offers excellent insertion loss/rejection trade-offs. The device has a minimum absolute attenuation of 40 dB at 1710 MHz. The filter center frequency is 1575.42 MHz with a bandwidth of 2.4 MHz, over a temperature range of –40° to +85°C. It is RoHS compliant and available in a lead-free SMD 2.5 × 2 × 0.9 mm package.

TEMEX SAS,
Sophia-Antipolis, France
+33 (0) 4 97 23 30 00, www.temex.com.
RS No. 229

Cavity Filter

The model CFB7-800 is a cavity filter designed to address the interference mitigation requirements for the Public Safety and SMR markets. This filter features a passband of 794 to 806 MHz with an insertion loss of 1 dB. Isolation is specified at 90 dB at F<776 MHz and F>827 MHz. Connectors are SMA female. The design provides high “Q” and stable temperature performance in a small package. Applications include tower top amplifiers and in-building bi-directional amplifier configurations where component size is critical. Size: 2.25" × 3.063" × 7".

Trilithic Inc.,
Indianapolis, IN (317) 895-3600,
www.trilithic.com.
RS No. 230

Amplifiers

Pulsed Radar Amplifier

The model SSPA 3.1-3.5-1500-RM is a high power, pulsed RF amplifier that operates from 3.1 to 3.5 GHz in a rack-mounted configuration. It will also operate down to 3 GHz, if requested. This PA is ideal for S-band military radars. It is packaged in a 3u high, 19-inch rack-mounted enclosure. This amplifier has a typical peak output power of 2000 W at a 5 percent duty cycle with a 64 ms pulse width. This amplifier offers a typical saturated gain of 55 dB with a typical power flatness of ±1 dB.

Aethercomm Inc.,
San Marcos, CA (760) 598-4340,
www.aethercomm.com.
RS No. 231

High Performance Amplifiers

The model AMP2G18-28 is a broadband high performance amplifier that operates in a frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz with a nominal gain of 28 dB. Gain flatness is better than ±2 dB with typical values of ±1.5 dB. Noise figure is better than 4 dB with mid-band values of below 3 dB typical. This amplifier features a P1dB of at least +10 dBm and VSWR is typically better than 2.0. The AMP2G18-28 utilizes the latest in microwave semiconductor technology resulting in an integrated and economical high performance solution.

Amplical Corp.,
Verona, NJ (201) 919-2088,
www.amplical.com.
RS No. 232

Ultra-low Noise Amplifiers

This new line of ultra-low noise JCA amplifiers has just been released. With over twenty new models available to cover many of the popular mi-crowave frequency bands, narrowband models can be optimized for sub 0.5 dB noise figures over 100 to 200 MHz sub-bands, with broadband multi-octave noise figure performance under 1 dB maximum for C-band frequencies and below. Higher frequency models are available upon request.

Endwave Defense Systems,
Sunnyvale, CA (408) 522-3180,
www.endwave.com.
RS No. 233

Detection Log Video Amplifier

The model SDLVA-61F-80-582987-004 option TBRK, MS is a matched set of successive detection log video amplifiers in a compact stacked configuration. This unit operates over 61.25 MHz ±250 kHz and has been designed so that both modules share a common power terminal.

Planar Monolithics Industries,
Frederick, MD (301) 631-1579,
www.planarmonolithics.com.
RS No. 234

Antenna

Telemetry Antenna System

This lightweight segmented reflector antenna system is designed for telemetry applications with integral LNA. Operation is over a 10 percent bandwidth. This antenna system features a lightweight rugged segmented composite construction that breaks down into seven separate pieces for ease of transportation. This reflector antenna operates from 1.71 to 1.85 GHz and provides nominal gain of 23.5 dBi. Also available is an associated low directivity antenna and switch that allows selection between high and low directivity antennas for far/near communication links. Other models are also available for other frequency ranges and applications.

Cobham Defense Electronic Systems, Nurad Division,
Baltimore, MD (410) 542-1700,
www.cobhamdes.com.
RS No. 235

Integrated Circuit

Receiver and Transmitter Chipset

The GaAs MMIC, sub-harmonically pumped receiver and transmitter devices are identified as XR1006-QD and XU1002-QD, respectively. These chips integrate an image reject sub-harmonic anti-parallel diode mixer, an LO buffer amplifier and a low noise amplifier for the receiver, and an output amplifier for the transmitter. The image reject mixer eliminates the need for an image bandpass filter after the amplifier to remove thermal noise at the image frequency. Using 0.15 micron gate length GaAs PHEMT device model technology, these devices cover the 17 to 25 GHz frequency bands. The receiver offers a noise figure of 2.5 dB and 20 dB image rejection across the band.

Mimix Broadband Inc.,
Houston, TX (281) 988-4600,
www.mimixbroadband.com.
RS No. 236

Software

EM Modeling Tool

Additions to the Concerto series 6 high frequency electromagnetic modeling tool include new and enhanced solvers, sophisticated model parameterization and an enhanced scripting capability. Component or system models can be imported from CAD programs, or created using a powerful, built-in, 3D geometric modeler. Users have a choice of three simulation methods to characterize performance. As standard, Concerto offers a 3D Finite Difference Time Domain simulator. A 2D FDTD simulator for axisymmetric geometry is available as is adaptive meshing. Depending on the application, users have two further simulation options—a Method of Moments tool and a new Finite Element Method tool.

Vector Fields Ltd.,
Kidlington, Oxford, UK
+44 (0)1865 370151,
www.vectorfields.com.
RS No. 239

Sources

Customized Direct Synthesizers

The company now offers customized direct frequency synthesizers to meet the most exacting specifications. The company has added the capability to produce variations of standard models with auxiliary outputs and fixed frequency/single frequency, among other options. With its modular architecture, the company can produce many “specials” to fit within 19" cabinets. The standard product line includes high quality, fast-switching, low noise synthesizers in 14 different ranges, with frequency ranges from 0.1 to 40 MHz to 1 to 6400 MHz with optional resolution (&micr0; Hz to kHz). Switching time runs from 1-20 ms, depending on the digit (decade) switched.

Programmed Test Sources Inc.,
Littleton, MA (978) 486-3400,
www.programmedtest.com.
RS No. 241

Multi-band Synthesizer

The MBS-500 multi-band frequency synthesizer is a wideband frequency source designed for use in RF test and measurement applications. This synthesizer operates in a frequency range from 100 to 500 MHz in a single unit. The MBS-500 features step size of 100 kHz, output power of +14 dBm and phase noise of less than –95 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. Including its internal frequency reference, the MBS-500 is packaged in a 3.5" × 2.5" × 0.6" package with SMA output connector.

EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV (775) 345-2411,
www.emresearch.com.
RS No. 240

Surface-mount Synthesizer

The model FSFS315555-500 is a frequency synthesizer that tunes in 5 MHz steps and can work with any external reference source from 10 to 250 MHz, specified for settling time of 50 microseconds or less to within 10 kHz of a new frequency. Fast switching speed and low phase noise are often conflicting goals for a frequency synthesizer, but the new FSFS315555-500 miniature surface-mount frequency synthesizer provides outstanding performance for both parameters across a 2400 MHz tuning range from 3150 to 5550 MHz. The frequency synthesizer is programmed by means of a simple three-wire serial interface.

Synergy Microwave Corp.,
Paterson, NJ (973) 881-8800,
www.synergymwave.com.
RS No. 242

L-band Frequency Synthesizer

The model SFS1680A-LF is an ultra-small smart synthesizer series that eliminates external programming. This product is a new class of synthesizer for a high quality, fixed frequency stable signal source, and makes life simpler for the system designer. The smart design takes care of locking every time the circuit is switched on or even every time it looses lock due to external factors. The design includes features like lock detect. SFS1680-LF delivers clean stable signal with reference spurious suppression better than –80 dBc and phase noise of –106 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. Size: 0.60" × 0.60". Price: $49.00/unit (5 pcs min). Delivery: three to five weeks.

Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700,
www.zcomm.com.
RS No. 243