EuMW 2008: Product Wrap-up

In addition to a varied technical program, EuMW 2008 featured an Industry Exhibition, held Tuesday through Thursday at the Amsterdam RAI. Below please find a sampling of some of the exhibitors and their products:

Acceleware® Corp. announced that Kodak has adopted Acceleware’s Cluster Solution to accelerate the design process for optoelectronic image sensors. Kodak is using Acceleware’s cluster technology in conjunction with Synopsys’ TCAD Sentaurus Device EMW to design advanced image sensors with improved ultra-low-light performance, faster video and that are more easily manufactured. Acceleware’s cluster solution enables companies to significantly reduce design cycle times when investigating pixel array performance including analysis of optical crosstalk for normal and oblique incidence light.

Agilent Technologies Inc. spent the week debuting several new products, including SystemVue 2008, a new electronic design automation (EDA) platform for electronic system-level (ESL) design. The new platform cuts physical layer (PHY) design time in half for high-performance communications algorithms and system architectures, for both wireless and aerospace/defense applications. The company also introduced the new PXB MIMO Receiver Tester for quicker, more accurate test of Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) receivers earlier in the design cycle. Providing the best simulation of real-world conditions available on the market today, the PXB significantly reduces development cycle time. The new instrument transforms MIMO test with its ability to minimize design uncertainty and equipment and lab setup time while maximizing the performance and scalability needed to meet future test needs. Agilent also announced the arrival of the FieldFox handheld RF analyzer -- the world’s most integrated handheld instrument for wireless network installation and maintenance (I&M).

Key measurements include cable and antenna test from 2 MHz to 4/6 GHz, spectrum analysis from 100 kHz to 4/6 GHz, vector network analysis and true average power measurements. In related news, Agilent announced nonlinear vector network analyzer (NVNA) capability for its PNA-X microwave network analyzer, establishing a new industry standard in RF nonlinear network analysis from 10 MHz to 26.5 GHz. Also, the company's Advanced Design System (ADS) 2008 Update 2 provides new updated wireless verification models that are compliant with Version 8.3 of the emerging 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) standard. The new models support creation of Frame structure 1 – FS1 (FDD) multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) signals in 2x2 downlink configurations.

Analog Devices Inc., a leader in semiconductors for signal processing applications, introduced the industry’s first high-performance broadband I/Q quadrature modulator to integrate automatic gain control (AGC) circuitry within a compact 6×6 mm LFCSP (lead-frame chip-scale package). ADI’s ADL5386 provides a unique combination of performance and unmatched integration levels for low intermediate frequency (IF) and radio frequency (RF) transmitters within broadband wireless access systems, microwave radio links, cable modem termination systems and cellular infrastructure equipment.

Anritsu Co. continues its commitment to next-generation wireless technologies with the enhancement of its LTE software and tool set. The improved software packages allow Anritsu’s MS269xA Signal Analyzer series and MG3700A Vector Signal Generator to conduct highly accurate measurements on LTE Uplink and Downlink signals. With the accuracy required for R&D and the speed needed for manufacturing, Anritsu’s test equipment facilitates efficient testing of 3GPP LTE-compliant mobile terminals, base stations and components.

AR is offered a free 2009 full color calendar. The 12” x 12” calendar runs from October ’08 through December’ 09 and features striking color photography related to the industries served by the AR companies. Important industry events are highlighted; and information about the company’s innovations is also included.

Arlon was on hand to display both TC350 and TC600, ceramic powder filled, woven fiberglass PTFE composites engineered to produce laminates with a nominal dielectric constant of 3.50 and 6.15, respectively. The ceramic fills and ceramic styles used in TC350 and TC600 typically reduce drill life compared to conventional PTFE/glass substrates. However, the ceramic reduces smear when compared to typical PTFE/glass substrates. TC350 and TC600 materials used in stripline or microstrip applications can be processed using conventional PTFE ceramic board fabrication processes and techniques.

Cobham Defense Electronic Systems (CDES) - Nurad Division recently developed Model 092-00750, a Global Positioning Systems (GPS) that employs a single feed input SMA or female connector. The antenna provides hemispherical coverage at the L1/L2 bands. Model 092-00750 has a VSWR of 2.0:1, gain of 5 dBi and impedance of 50 Ohms. The three-inch in diameter by .575-inch thick compact design and rugged construction make Model 092-00750 extremely reliable for harsh military shipboard environments.

Computer Simulation Technology AG (CST) announced the release of version 2009 of the electromagnetic simulation software CST STUDIO SUITE™, including its flagship product CST MICROWAVE STUDIO® (CST MWS). Users of CST STUDIO SUITE version 2009 will benefit from numerous enhancements, including a total revision of the tetrahedral frequency domain solver’s mesh adaptation scheme, transient EM/circuit co-simulation, MPI-based parallelization for the fast solution to large problems on clusters, and the porting of the user interface to 64 bit in order to handle the increasing complexity of imported models. In addition, two new simulation tools have been added: CST PCB STUDIO™ and CST CABLE STUDIO™, which are fully integrated in CST DESIGN ENVIRONMENT™. CST also announced True Geometry Adaptation. This represents a breakthrough in high frequency tetrahedral frequency domain solver mesh adaptation schemes. This innovation will be available with version 2009 of the electromagnetic simulation software CST MICROWAVE STUDIO® (CST MWS).Users of CST MICROWAVE STUDIO® (CST MWS) version 2009 will benefit from the total revision of its tetrahedral frequency domain solver’s mesh adaptation scheme. Traditionally, adaptive mesh refinement of HF frequency domain solvers, based on a tetrahedral grid, does not improve on the initial, facetted representation of the structure. The originally created tetrahedra are just divided further where necessary. Here the mesh adaptation will converge, not to the results (e.g. S-parameters) of the actual structure, but to those of the initial, segmented model.

Emerson Network Power featured products from its four distinct product lines – Trompeter, Johnson, Midwest Microwave and Vitelec. Also in attendance was Thunderline Z, who presented its range of hermetically sealed feed through interconnection devices.

Among the products on display was the concentric and field serviceable Trompeter Twin and Triax Connectors. The miniature sized 70 Series of TRB/TRT connectors include bayonet and threaded versions, which provide different levels of mechanical stability and keying.

Emerson’s new line of Johnson SMP Blind-Mate Connectors handles frequencies up to 40 GHz and is compatible with all SMP and GPO® Connectors. The new precision connection interface is a micro-miniature, slide-on/snap-on interconnect system that is ideal for high density packaging.

Emerson Network Power also presented the Midwest Microwave M42 and M52 series of test and measurement cable assemblies that combine high frequency performance with an ultra low insertion loss, providing a cost-effective solution.

EMITE Ing announced the release of its 8x8 MIMO Analyzer® Series E100, the first of its kind to offer the advantages of direct measurements of implemented Diversity Gain (Apparent, Effective, Ideal and Actual), spurious radiation outside operating bands, embedded radiation efficiency, maximum available Shannon capacity and capacity loss due to efficiency, all united in one single and intuitive interface.

Freescale Semiconductor has reinforced its commitment to the commercial aerospace market with the introduction of a high-performance laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) RF power transistor. The latest addition to Freescale’s RF aerospace portfolio, the MRF6V4300N device is optimized for HF to UHF communications. The MRF6V4300N power transistor is ideal for a wide range of applications, including radar and air traffic management systems. It is designed to deliver the highest gain and efficiency in its class. The device delivers RF output power of 300 W CW from 10 to 600 MHz. At 450 MHz, it has a gain of 22 dB and 60 percent efficiency.

Hittite Microwave Corp. announced the HMC-T2000, a compact and lightweight frequency generator that delivers up to +20 dBm (+17 dBm leveled) of CW output power with better than -40 dBc of harmonic rejection at 1 GHz and spurious products better than -42 dBc across the entire frequency range. Phase noise is -83 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz offset from 4 GHz with insignificant deviation over the temperature range 0 to +35°C. The company also launched the HMC614LP4E, a “true RMS” representation of any RF/IF input signal and is ideally suited to wide bandwidth, wide dynamic range applications requiring repeatable power measurement over temperature, especially where RF/IF waveshape and crest factor change with time. The HMC614LP4E employs an innovative new circuit architecture that enables simultaneous measurement of peak power and average power. A peak-to-average output signal provides a direct read of signal crest factor.

In addition, Hittite introduced two new additions to its variable gain amplifier (VGA) product line. These innovative analog variable gain amplifiers are an ideal choice for use in for use in applications where accurate signal level control and high linearity is required. These applications include point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radio, EW, ECM, radar and test equipment within the 6 to 17 GHz frequency range. The company's additions to its medium power amplifier product line were also on display. These GaAs PHEMT MMIC amplifiers provide frequency coverage in the 5 to 18 GHz and 34 to 42 GHz bands, and are ideal for use in a wide range of applications including point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radios, VSAT, military and space, fiber optics, sensors, and test instrumentation.

HVVi Semiconductors Inc., a developer of silicon RF power transistors, announced the company’s first products for airborne Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) applications operating in the 1025 to 1150 MHz frequency band. Based on the industry’s first High Voltage Vertical Field Effect Transistor (HVVFET™) architecture, the new HVV1012-060, HVV1012-100 and HVV1012-250 RF transistors deliver higher output power and gain in a smaller package than competitive technologies. By complementing previously announced products in the 1.2 to 1.4 GHz and 1030 to 1090 MHz bands, the new devices extend HVVi Semiconductor’s growing product portfolio across all three pulsed applications in the L-band frequency.

INTEGRATED Engineering Software announced that its latest version of SINGULA now handles highly lossy materials. Lossy materials exposed to electromagnetic waves generate heat. SINGULA affectively simulates applications such as this by accurately calculating the power loss in the lossy materials. The loss calculations can then be used by the company's thermal analysis software to calculate the thermal distribution. An example of this would be an antenna radiating in the presence of highly lossy materials like biological matter (like an antenna in a cellphone).

Keithley Instruments Inc. introduced the Model 2308 Portable Device Battery/Charger Simulator, a dual-channel battery- and charger-simulating power supply designed to provide the lowest cost testing of both the growing range of mobile phones with new, complex transmission schemes and other types of new portable devices that consume extremely low amounts of power. The Model 2308’s fast transient output response maximizes production yields by maintaining a stable voltage level under dynamic loading conditions. In addition, its measurement engine enables more accurate characterization of both full power operation and low current sleep modes for quantifying power consumption so that design and manufacturing can ensure that battery life of the latest portable electronic devices is maximized. The Model 2308 is optimized for ultra-fast test times, allowing manufacturers to lower their cost of test. Keithley has also expanded its powerful SignalMeister™ software platform to now include RF signal analysis along with RF signal generation. First introduced in 2007, SignalMeister software is now the only software package on the market that integrates signal generation and analysis into one package for unmatched speed and simplicity. Furthermore, SignalMeister now has the capability of generating and analyzing both single-input single-output (SISO) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) signals in the same environment.

Laird Technologies Inc., a leader in the design and supply of customized, performance-critical components and systems for wireless and other advanced electronics, recently announced the addition of four new Bluetooth® modules to its range of wireless products. The company has removed the complexity of adding wireless technology to embedded products with the launch of its ground-breaking new range of Bluetooth modules that extends its current module range to cover almost any short range wireless application. The four new modules incorporate Bluetooth stacks and are pre-approved to minimize the design effort in implementing short range wireless.

EuMW 2008 sees the emergence of a new name in the European microwave market with the launch of the LYNX brand, which has been created through the collaboration of three leading microwave representative organisations – Elexo of France, Globes Elektronik of Germany and Link Microtek of the UK. Offering a variety of high-quality yet low-cost passive microwave components, the LYNX range includes products such as couplers, dividers, attenuators and terminations. Under the terms of the arrangement, stock will be shared between the three LYNX partner companies, enabling customers across Europe to benefit from competitive pricing and fast delivery, backed by a wealth of technical expertise and capability in design, manufacture and support services.

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. announced several families of high-performance components aimed at point-to-point microwave radio block diagrams. These new products include families of Power Amplifiers, Voltage-controlled Oscillators and Driver Amplifiers, as well as a broadband Voltage Variable Attenuator.

Mician GmbH released Version 7.0 of its EM-software tool µWave Wizard™. This release comes in a 64 bit version which is fully integrated into the existing GUI. It allows to utilize all available RAM for more complex and challenging designs like entire feed chains. Also, Mician and EM Invent sp. z o.o. have signed an agreement for the distribution of design tools developed by EM Invent, dedicated to the design of coupled cavity filters. Mician will be distributing EM Invent’s new tools for coupling matrix synthesis of generalized Chebyshev bandpass and bandstop filters (Coupling Matrix Synthesis Wizard) as well as a fully automated combline filter design tool (Combline Filters Synthesis Wizard).

Mimix Broadband Inc. introduced a 5 V InGaP HBT amplifier that combines medium power and high gain with low power consumption. This versatile, multi-purpose amplifier, identified as CGB8001-SC, consumes 100 mA of current and covers DC to 2.8 GHz frequency bands with 27 dBm P1dB and 15.5 dB gain at 2.1 GHz.>. The company also introduced a GaAs MMIC distributed amplifier with 15 dB gain, 22.5 dBm P1dB at 22 GHz, and 4.5 dB noise figure at 26 GHz. This distributed amplifier, identified as XD1008-BD, covers 30 kHz to 40 GHz and includes surface passivation to protect and provide a rugged part with backside via holes and gold metallization to allow either a conductive epoxy or eutectic solder die attach process. The XD1008-BD is ideal for microwave, millimeter-wave, military, wideband and instrumentation applications.

In related news, Mimix Asia and TNO Defence, Security and Safety have signed an extension of the contract to manufacture, promote, distribute and market Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMIC) designed and developed by TNO. The extension of the contract covers the addition of new MMICs, especially an X-band core chip XZ1002, which Mimix Asia will market in combination with an existing 10 W High Power Amplifier XP1006 as a matched Radar Chip set. This X-band Core chip integrates a 6 bits phase shifter, a 5 bits attenuator and LVCMOS digital interface together with the supporting Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), switches and driver circuitry. As both MMICs are manufactured in the same gallium arsenide (GaAs) process, they are an ideal combination for phased-array antenna applications.

National Instruments (NI) introduced a new RF vector signal analyzer, RF vector signal generator and PXI Express 18-slot chassis that offer flexible RF measurements up to 10 times faster than traditional RF instrumentation. The new software-defined modular instruments – the NI PXIe-5663 6.6 GHz RF vector signal analyzer and the NI PXIe-5673 6.6 GHz RF vector signal generator – are complemented by the NI PXIe-1075 18-slot high-bandwidth chassis. The NI PXIe-5663 can perform signal analysis from 10 MHz to 6.6 GHz with up to 50 MHz of instantaneous bandwidth. The company also announced its collaboration with WisyTech, a wireless systems specialty spin-off of Italy’s National Research Council and Politecnico di Milano and partnership with ATE integrator Alfautomazione, on a forthcoming WiMAX toolkit for the NI LabVIEW graphical system design platform.

OMMIC announces the introduction of a new phase shifter MMIC for X-band applications. Applications for the new device include Weather and Military Radars, Satellite Communications and Phased Array Applications in general. In addition, the company announced the introduction of a new Reference Design (Application Board) at 2.5 GHz. This reference design is particularly targeted at new applications such as the 4G mobile standard Long Term Evolution (LTE) and WiMAX base stations in the 2.5 to 2.7 GHz band, but can also be used for other cellular standards.

Pascall Electronics announced an addition to its range of low phase noise ovenised crystal oscillators. The level ‘E’ offers a further 2 dB guaranteed improvement in phase noise on the level 1 performance. At 100 MHz the phase noise offered is -137 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset, -164 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz offset and -178 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. The enhanced product is available from 50 to 140 MHz. The company also launched a new RoHS compliant PLDRO range.

Quartzlock was on hand to introduce its E8-X series of instruments, a breakthrough in exceptionally low-cost, traceable, calibration-free, off-air frequency and time standards. Providing low-distortion 10 MHz sine and 1 PPS outputs, these reference instruments maintain the high frequency and time accuracy required for demanding applications.

Remcom previewed its upcoming release of XFdtd, the company’s multi-purpose electromagnetic simulation software. XFdtd Release 7.0, which is scheduled to be available in early 2009, is designed to increase the productivity of the user with a more intuitive interface and a number of ground-breaking new features. User interface refinements will simplify the learning curve for new users, while experienced users will be able to undertake even more challenging problems with the program’s advanced meshing, parameterization and scripting. These and several other new features are designed to add speed and flexibility, making XFdtd a more accessible and productive tool in terms of what has been available in the market thus far.

RF Micro Devices Inc. announced the addition of four new broadband GaAs PHEMT amplifier integrated circuits (IC) to RFMD’s SUF family of products targeting multiple applications within the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) market. Furthermore, given their broadband frequency performance, the new ICs are also applicable to adjacent growth markets including telecom infrastructure and optical networks.

Rogers Corp.’s Advanced Circuit Materials Division (ACM) was on hand to display examples of its high-performance circuit materials, including the latest addition to its RT/duroid7reg; family: RT/duroid® 6202PR. This high-frequency laminate features low loss and low dielectric constant (2.90 for 0.005-in.-thick laminate) with tight control of dielectric constant (within ±0.04) and tight thickness control. With its excellent dimensional stability and in-plane expansion coefficient closely matched to copper, Rogers' RT/duroid 6202PR provides a stable base for fabricating planar resistors. Ideal for flat and nonplanar structures and in multilayer circuits, Rogers' RT/duroid 6202PR is available with electrodeposited and rolled copper foil.

Rohde & Schwarz was at EuMW 2008 introducing a handful of new products, including the new R&S SMBV100A vector signal generator that provides an output level of typ. +24 dBm up to 6 GHz and a maximum RF bandwidth of 528 MHz. Digital standards such as WiMAX, 3GPP FDD, HSPA and LTE can be configured directly on the instrument using its intuitive user interface.

San-tron Inc. announced a full line of field-replaceable SMAs for applications from DC to 26.5 GHz (and with usable performance to 31 GHz). The connector families include models for mating with 0.012-, 0.015-, 0.018-, and 0.020-in. center pins to accommodate a wide range of RF/microwave circuit dimensions, with the smallest center pins offering the best high-frequency performance.

Sigma Systems Corp. announced its acquisition by inTEST Corp., an independent designer, manufacturer and marketer of semiconductor automatic test equipment (ATE) interface solutions and temperature management products.

Skyworks Solutions Inc., an innovator of high performance analog and mixed signal semiconductors enabling mobile connectivity, introduced the industry’s smallest and lowest profile packaged silicon radio frequency (RF) Schottky diodes in a 0201 surface-mount technology (SMT) footprint. This new family of ultra-miniature and high-performance packaged diodes, which is priced comparably to traditional plastic packages, is ideal for a wide range of high-volume and cost-sensitive applications including CATV/DBS set-top boxes, microwave radios, RFID tags, wireless infrastructure and embedded WLAN 802.11a/b/g/n modules.

Tektronix Inc. announced SignalVu™ vector signal analysis software for DPO7000 and DPO/DSA70000 digital oscilloscope series, enabling engineers to easily characterize and validate wideband and microwave spectral events. One of the paramount trends in today's communications and radar systems is the need for increased information bandwidth and accurate phase and magnitude characterization of wideband signals. SignalVu combines the signal analysis engine of the RSA6100A real-time spectrum analyzer with the powerful triggering capabilities of the industry’s widest bandwidth DPO7000 and DPO/DSA70000 digital oscilloscope series, enabling designers to evaluate complex signals up to 20 GHz without a need for an external down converter. The unique combination provides the functionality of a vector signal analyzer, a spectrum analyzer, and the powerful Pinpoint™ trigger system capabilities of a Tektronix oscilloscope — fully integrated within a single RF test package at a lower price than alternative solutions. SignalVu advances productivity for engineers working on wideband RF components and system design, integration and performance verification, or operations engineers working in networks or spectrum management.

TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. announced the release of its newest highly integrated RF module for GPS (global positioning satellite) navigation systems. The new front-end module combines filter and low noise amplifier (LNA) functions in the smallest package available today, enabling new wireless handset applications as well as mobile and automotive designs. The company also showcased both the TGA4906-SM, a 4 W Ka-band fully monolithic HPA ideally suited for VSAT ground terminal applications, and the TGA2806-SM, which offers excellent performance for cable infrastructure applications as a gain block/transimpedance amplifier. TriQuint was also displaying a series of WiMAX power amplifiers. The AP561 and AP562 amplifiers deliver greater than 1 W linear power at 2.5% EVM, offering 13% PAE to meet the needs of ultra-efficient systems. The AP561 offers 12 dB gain across the 2.3 to 2.9 GHz band; the AP562 offers 12 dB gain across the 3.3 to 3.8 GHz band. The AH314 and AH315 amplifiers provide very low EVM (error vector magnitude) under high back-off power operating conditions while also offering very good gain flatness: less that 0.2 dB over 100 MHz. The AH314 is a two-stage amplifier with 23 dB gain operating from 2.3 to 2.9 GHz; the AM315 offers 25 dB gain from 3.3 to 3.8 GHz. The AH314/315 are ideal for WiMAX base transceiver station (BTS) applications requiring linearity margin prior to final stage amplifiers within the system.

United Monolithic Semiconductor announced the opening of a new design and customer support center in the United States. Based in the New England area, the center will be operational in January 2009 and will contribute to the expansion of UMS’ offer with components operating from DC to 100 GHz, addressing the telecommunication infrastructures, SATCOM, Automotive, Defense & Space, Instrumentation and industrial market sectors. Additionally, UMS will use this US Center to provide its American customers with high level of technical support and fast response to inquiries on existing products and new custom designs.

W.L. Gore & Associates (Gore) introduced an on-line builder for configuring GORE™ Ultra High Density (UHD) Interconnects to use in Bench Top Test Systems, Instrument Probe Cable, Parallel Data Link, Production Floor Equipment and Automated Test Equipment. GORE™ Ultra High Density (UHD) Interconnects provide an integrated system of board mount headers and ganged assemblies with reliable signal integrity performance. Cost savings are achieved through shorter test set-up, fewer calibrations and smaller boards. GORE™ UHD Interconnects enable lower loss, lower skew, better impedance control and shorter board trace lengths.

Z-Communications Inc. announced the release of two new coaxial resonator-based voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO) in the UHF-band that are RoHS compliant. Model ZRO0743B2LF operates from 738 to 748 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0 to 6 VDC, while Model ZRO0915C2LF operates from 902 to 928 MHz with an excellent linear tuning voltage range of 0 to 11 VDC. The company also introduced Model SMV0290A-LF, an RoHS compliant VCO that operates from 284 to 294 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.3-3 VDC.