New Products

New Waves: Test and Measurement

LTE Receiver Measurements

Agilent announces LTE Receiver Measurements as a software upgrade to its proven drive test platform, protecting customers’ previous investments in receiver hardware and offering multiple tests that accelerate deployment of LTE networks. Network equipment manufacturers and wireless service providers can use the software on Agilent receivers to quickly verify base station RF coverage, plot accurate coverage maps and validate planning, all of which speeds the deployment of LTE networks. The Agilent platform offers the most practical and least costly option for initial field testing, and reduces the need for a large number of far more expensive “rack-and-stack” test phones.

Agilent Technologies Inc.,
Santa Clara, CA (800) 829-4444,
www.agilent.com.

RS No. 243

Microwave VNA

The VectorStarTM MS4640A microwave VNA delivers best-in-class frequency coverage of 70 kHz to 70 GHz, dynamic range of 103 dB at 67 GHz, and measurement speed of 20 µs/point to establish a new performance benchmark for S-parameter measurements on RF, microwave and millimeter-wave devices. The VectorStar MS4640A family offers three standard frequency ranges that go to 20, 40 and 70 GHz. This high performance two-port engine is designed to add future capabilities, and is compatible with existing four-port and broadband mmW systems for 70 kHz to 110 GHz measurements, or waveguide banded measurements up to 500 GHz. VectorStar brings unprecedented performance to traditional VNA markets, including aerospace/defense, satellite, commercial microwave communications, materials measurement and advanced research.

Anritsu Co.,
Morgan Hill, CA (800) 267-4878,
www.anritsu.com.

RS No. 216

Spatial Channel Modeling Tool

EB announced the availability of its Spatial Channel Modeling Tool for its EB Propsim radio channel emulators for Mobile WiMAX and 3GPP LTE. The Spatial Channel Modeling Tool supports both the use of SCM and SCME channel models and is ideal for testing a range of applications including mobile devices and base stations. The Tool is based on a geometry-based stochastic modeling method for system-level emulations between multiple base stations and multiple mobile stations. Performance metrics such as throughput and delay are measured over a large number of emulation runs, called “drops”, which consist of a predefined number of radio frames. During a drop, the channel experiences fast fading according to the movement of the terminals.

Elektrobit Corp. (EB),
Oulu, Finland +358 40 344 2000,
www.elektrobit.com.

RS No. 244

VNA Frequency Extension Products

These VNA Frequency Extension products can be used with the Agilent PNA, Anritsu VNA or Rohde & Schwarz ZVA to extend the frequency range capabilities. They cover four frequency bands, from 40 up to 110 GHz, with ongoing development to extend that range to 325 GHz and beyond. The products in the range include the controller box that is used for signal routing, switching and amplification. It communicates with the analyzer providing fully automatic two-port S-parameter measurement and also provides power to the extender heads. The frequency extension head configuration can either be a transmission and or a transmission/reflection unit. It is thus possible to do either a full two-port S-parameter measurement using two T/R heads or only S21 and S11 using the T/R and T configuration.

Farran Technology Ltd.,
Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland +353 21 487 2814,
www.farran.com.

RS No. 218

Calibrated Noise Source

The NW346 series is a broadband calibrated noise source available in standard output levels 6, 15 and 25 dB ENR. These units are designed for noise figure test and are compatible with standard noise figure meters as well as spectrum analyzers and networks analyzers. They are supplied in industry standard packaging and are economically priced with delivery typically from stock.

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

RS No. 219

Portable Signal Generator

LMPL_SG_2000 is a portable signal generator that operates in a frequency range from 1 to 2 GHz. It features a Divide-by-Two auxiliary output, is PC-controlled with user-friendly software, offers eight programmable manually-operated frequencies, programmable amplitude control, output disable, internal or external reference with automatic detection, visual indicator for lock detect, hand-sized rugged metal housing and an AC adapter. Size: 6.5" x 4.3" x 1.2".

General Electronic Devices,
San Marcos, CA (760) 591-4170,
www.gedlm.com.

RS No. 217

Portable Passive Intermodulation Analyzer

This portable PIA enables quick and accurate measurements of the intermodulation characteristics of passive components, e.g. connectors, cable assemblies, antennas, filters and other passive components. Packaged in a shock-proof case the analyzer can be used for the precise analysis of the RF infrastructure quality and performance of radio base stations as well as for laboratory and manufacturing applications. The portable PIAs are available for the following frequency bands: AMPS, EGSM, DCS, PCS, UMTS, UMTS II/LTE and WiMAX.

Rosenberger Hochfrequenztechnik GmbH & Co. KG,
Fridolfing, Germany +49 08684 18-263,
www.rosenberger.de.

RS No. 220

Flexible Multi-standard Test Platform

The R&S CMW500 wideband radio communication tester supports wireless devices through all stages of development and production. When equipped with the appropriate hardware and software components it can perform T&M tasks ranging from RF and protocol tests up to complex application tests. It handles everything from the first steps in developing a wireless device up to the final conformance test. The R&S CMW500 features a frequency range up to 6 GHz and its modular concept enables users to add new standards with optional software updates, yielding minimum test costs and maximum flexibility. It supports the following standards by means of specific feature sets: GSM/(E)GPRS, WCDMA/HSPA, UMTS LTE, TD-SCDMA, CDMA2000® 1xRTT, CDMA2000® 1xEV-DO, Mobile WiMAXTM, WLAN, Bluetooth®, DVB-T and GPS.

Rohde & Schwarz,
Munich, Germany +49 89 4129 13774,
www.rohde-schwarz.com.

RS No. 245

Components

Transfer Switches

The TA/TD Series features SMA connectors and operates in a frequency range from DC to 18 GHz. The TAE/TDE Series also features SMA connectors and a frequency range of DC to 26.5 GHz. Both series are available with failsafe, latching self cut-off or pulse latching functions. Weight (max): 6 oz.

Ducommun Technologies Inc.,
Carson, CA (310) 513-7214,
www.ducommun.com.

RS No. 246

Bias Tee/Diplexer

Mini-Circuits has developed a new bias tee/diplexer (ZABT-2R15G +) that is well suited for Satellite/VSAT, LNB converter, and BUC and modems. The ZABT-2R15G+ can be used as a bias tee or diplexer that can inject 10 MHz and DC on an L-band signal. It can also be used in the reverse direction, which can strip off the DC and/or 10 MHz signal. A prime application for this model is in a satellite system where the basic architecture consists of a modem usually in the base or hub. This modem will convert IF signals to L-band (950 to 2150 MHz). The L-band will then be moved over a cable to the BUC located usually at the antenna. To minimize the length of cables and the number of cables a bias tee diplexer is used to combine the L-band signal and a separate 10 MHz signal that synchronizes the synthesizer internal to the BUC and the DC to power the BUC.

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

RS No. 229

LNA and Mixer Modules

The HMC-C049 is a GaAs MESFET mixer module that provides 7 dB of conversion loss, 48 dB of LO to RF port isolation and a consistent +20 dBm of input IP3 across the frequency range of 7 to 14 GHz. This passive double-balanced mixer module is carefully designed to ensure a wide IF bandwidth of DC to 5 GHz and can operate with an LO power level of +9 dBm. The HMC-C049 is housed in a hermetically sealed module that is assembled and tested to meet MIL-883-STD. The HMC-C050 is a GaAs HBT ultra low noise amplifier that delivers exceptional phase noise performance of -160 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and is designed to operate over the frequency range of 2 to 18 GHz.

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

RS No. 242

Pseudo Elliptic Bandpass Filter

KR Electronics introduces part number 2881, a surface-mount 440 MHz pseudo elliptic bandpass filter. The filter offers a typical insertion loss of 2.5 dB, a minimum 3 dB bandwidth of 50 MHz and a maximum 60 dB bandwidth of 127 MHz. The use of a pseudo elliptic type filter gives performance not typically attainable with all-pole filter types. The typical 3 dB bandwidth is 70 MHz and the typical 60 dB bandwidth is 120 MHz for a shape factor of 1.72:1. The filter is supplied in a surface-mount package measuring 2.25" x 0.5" x 0.3" and can also be supplied connectorized. The filter can be customized for other center frequencies and bandwidths.

KR Electronics Inc.,
Avenel, NJ (732) 636-1900,
www.krfilters.com.

RS No. 221

30 GHz Coax Isolator

This new high frequency coax isolator is designed for satellite uplinks operating from 27.5 to 30 GHz. The 0.50" x 0.50" x 0.63" package includes two mounting holes with 0.37" spacing. This device maintains 18 dB isolation, less than 0.85 dB insertion loss, and better than 1.40 VSWR over the temperature range of -40º to +65ºC. The power ratings are 5 W forward and 0.5 W reverse.

M2 Global Inc.,
San Antonio, TX (210) 561-4800,
www.m2global.com.

RS No. 222

SPDT Switch

The MASW-000825-12770T is a 20 W broadband HMIC™ PIN diode SPDT switch that is designed for WiMAX, LTE and other high linearity/power applications. The compact 3 mm PQFN package of the MASW-000825-12770T offers a small high-power solution. It also offers broadband 50 MHz to 6 GHz operation with excellent isolation to insertion loss ratio for both Tx and Rx states. Specifically, this switch achieves almost 30 dB of Tx to Rx isolation with less than 0.3 dB of associated insertion loss and 64 dBm IIP3 for the 2.3 to 2.7 GHz WiMAX band while reliably handling up to 20 W of CW power.

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc.,
Lowell, MA (800) 366-2266,
www.macom.com.

RS No. 223

Attenuators and Loads

These reverse polarity TNC (RP-TNC) attenuators and loads are specifically designed for Wi-Fi and Wireless LAN systems. These attenuators and loads offer 2 W average power (2 kW peak), DC to 3.000 GHz. RP-TNC reverses the polarity of the interface to female contact pins into the male connectors and male contact pins into the female connectors. Stock – two weeks ARO. The products are made in the USA and offer a 36-month warranty.

MECA Electronics Inc.,
Denville, NJ (866) 444-6322,
www.e-meca.com.

RS No. 224

Miniature Ultra-flat Schottky Detectors

RLC Electronics’ miniature ultra-flat detectors utilize a zero-bias Schottky design. The microwave power is coupled directly to the extremely small components reducing package parasitics and transition mismatches. This design results in a very low VSWR and a flat, smooth output over a wide bandwidth. Options available include negative or positive output, a choice of three output connectors and operation to 26.5 or 40 GHz.

RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY (914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com.

RS No. 225

Amplifiers

GaN Broadband Power Amplifier

The model SSPA 0.8-2.5-125 is a high power, broadband, Gallium Nitride (GaN) RF amplifier that operates from 800 to 2500 MHz. 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 with decent power added efficiency. This amplifier was designed for high efficiency applications. The unit is displayed with a heat sink and this is offered as option. This amplifier operates with a baseplate temperature of 858C with no degradation in the MTBF for the GaN devices inside. It is packaged in a modular housing that is approximately 3.4" (width) by 8.3" (long) by 1.3" (height).

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

RS No. 227

100 W Power Amplifier

Model MSD-2X0X901-GC is a solid-state power amplifier that operates in a frequency range from 1.5 to 1.6 GHz. This PA offers 100 W saturated output power with input power as low as -12 dBm. It has 20 dB of gain control, precision RF power out detector circuitry and temperature compensation. This PA is also available in bandwidth range of 20 percent from 800 MHz to 2.1 GHz with saturated output power up to 150 W.

Microwave Solutions Inc.,
National City, CA (619) 474-7500,
www.microwavesolutions.com.

RS No. 228

2 W Millimeter-wave Power Amplifier

Model AMF-5B-33003500-80-32P is a connectorized high power amplifier/module that operates in a frequency range from 33 to 35 GHz and delivers approximately 2.5 W of saturated power and 2 W of P1dB over a 2 GHz band. The connectorized Aluminum alloy housing is 19 mm high, 76 mm long and 89 mm wide. Connectors are female, K-type. It is intended for bolting to a flat cooling surface. Nominal small-signal gain is over 50 dB. Noise figure is nominally 6 dB. Output VSWR is a maximum of 2.3 and input is 2:1 maximum.

MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 436-7400,
www.miteq.com.

RS No. 230

Modulator Driver

The FO-MDA-40-25G-1 is a low cost, high performance lithium niobate modulator driver that delivers exceptional performance in 300-pin MSA transponders employed in DPSK long-reach 40-Gb/s lightwave communication systems. FO-MDA-40-25G-1 combines monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMIC) developed by Narda specifically for modulator driver applications along with proprietary fabrication techniques. The result is a three-stage modulator driver that produces an exceptional eye pattern and has a 3 dB bandwidth of 85 kHz to 40 GHz, gain of 29 dB, input and output return loss of 12 dB, RMS additive jitter of only 550 ps, rise and fall times (20 to 80 percent) of 10 ps, and output power up to 8 Vpp with an input voltage of 450 mVpp. Size: 1.1" x 1.1" x 0.34".

Narda Microwave-East,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 231-1700,
www.nardamicrowave.com/east.

RS No. 231

Broadcast Pallet Amplifier

The RES-INGENIUM (Orvieto, Italy) LDU671C is a high-linearity pallet amplifier designed specifically for HDTV television broadcasters. It features the powerful MRF6VP3450H LDMOS transistor from FreescaleTM Semiconductor. This Class AB amplifier will typically deliver a robust 150 W average HDTV power (more than 650 W PEP), with 40 percent drain efficiency and shoulders (±4.2 MHz) at -32 dBc. The combination of high-efficiency, high-linearity, ample gain and reduced physical size allows the broadcaster to reduce annual energy consumption, decrease overall transmitter costs and increase reliability. Gain flatness is typically ±0.75 dB.

Richardson Electronics,
LaFox, IL
(800) 737-6937,
www.rfwireless.rell.com/amplifiers.asp.

RS No. 232

RF Driver

This custom RF driver is designed to control an Acousto-Optical Q-switch for IRCM applications. The RF driver generates a crystal stabilized signal in the UHF band, and features a voltage controllable output of up to 10 W CW or pulsed. The RF driver includes pulse modulation capability and provides an output voltage monitor proportional to the output power. The unit incorporates a VSWR fault BIT indicator that shuts down the output if the load VSWR exceeds 3.0 to 1. The RF driver is designed for a full MIL environment.

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

RS No. 233

Antennas

Bidextrous Spiral Antenna

Cobham SASL’s AST-2144 Bidextrous spiral antenna provides a pair of same sense circularly polarized apertures in the form factor of a single spiral antenna. Available in a LHCP or RHCP configuration, the AST-2144 provides smooth gain, controlled axial ratio, and repeatable pattern performance over 2 to 18 GHz that is comparable to Archimedean spirals. It achieves a 3 dB gain improvement over 80 percent of the band when used in place of power-divider and single aperture and is sized to be compatible with standard flange mounted four-hole spiral antennas for ease in retrofitting single aperture antennas. The AST-2144 incorporates an integral flat thin-wall radome for basic environmental protection. Applications include: Airborne Radar Warning Receivers; Airborne Direction Finding (DF) Systems; ESM and ELINT Systems.

Cobham SASL,
Lansdale, PA (215) 996-2416,
www.cobhamdes.com.

RS No. 234

Spiral Antenna

This VHF/UHF cavity backed low profile spiral antenna is qualified for airborne application. The unit is extremely lightweight (5.8 lbs) through the use of composite materials for the housing. The spiral antenna employs unique slow wave technologies to increase the efficiency of this extremely electrically small antenna. The antenna is available in phase and amplitude matched sets for interferometer applications or as single apertures for wideband frequency collection sensor. P/N 092-00744 provides wideband, high efficiency performance in an extremely compact package. The antenna mechanical envelope is a 15-inch diameter by five-inch deep cavity. It operates over the 100 to 1000 MHz frequency range with a nominal VSWR of less than 2.5:1.

Cobham Sensor Systems – Sensor Electronics,
Baltimore, MD (410) 542-1700,
www.cobhamdes.com.

RS No. 235

Processing Equipment

Prep Tool

The CST-400 (3192-004) All-In-One Combination Prep Tool is designed for use with the LMR-400 low loss coaxial cables including standard LMR, DB, FR, PVC, LLPL and -75 and can also be used for the first strip step on LMR-400-Ultraflex. The new tool provides: a combination feature that allows preparation of LMR-400 cables for either crimp or clamp connector attachment; is suitable for use with virtually all LMR-400 connectors; provides consistently sharp cut of dielectric for best VSWR performance; includes a built-in debur tool eliminating the need for a separate debur tool; and offers rugged, lightweight construction.

Times Microwave Systems,
Wallingford, CT (203) 949-8400,
www.timesmicrowave.com.

RS No. 226

Material

Poron Dura-shape Option

Rogers Corp. has achieved another technical first with its product line of PORON® urethanes. This unique PORON material enhancement, the Dura-ShapeTM option, is a layer of polyester sealed between two layers of PORON foam that will help fabricators produce highly accurate gaskets. This new product is the solution that fabricators have been seeking in terms of improved die cutting for high performance gaskets and seals. The “sandwiched” polyester film adds increased dimensional stability to the foam that inhibits it from changing shape during processing. This enhanced feature should allow for faster processing times. In addition to faster processing times, the increased dimensional stability and tougher tear strength of the PORON Dura-Shape option also enables more accurate die-cutting, thereby enhancing product reliability and longevity.

Rogers Corp., Rogers, CT,
(800) 755-6766
www.rogerscorp.com.

RS No. 236

Software

CST STUDIO SUITE Version 2009

CST STUDIO SUITETM 2009 is the culmination of many years of research and development into efficient and accurate computational solutions to electromagnetic designs. It comprises CST’s tools for the 3D EM design and optimization of static to optical frequency applications, as well as synthesis and circuit simulation. All programs are accessible through a common interface, CST DESIGN ENVIRONMENT, which facilitates multi-physics and co-simulation.

CST of America® Inc.,
Framingham, MA (508) 665-4400,
www.cst.com.

RS No. 237

EM Field Solver Update

The new version 5.20 of the EMPIRE XCcelTM 3D EM field solver for the design and analysis of RF and microwave components, antennas, etc., features the Perfect Geometry Approximation (PGA) algorithm to yield highly accurate results for curved and off-axis structures without loss of simulation speed. The on-the-fly code generation for each model and processor produces up to 1,600 million FDTD cells per second on a conventional multi-core PC supporting up to 256 GByte RAM. Other features include an Object Library with 3D, 2D, wire and SMD objects, a Port Library supporting circular waveguides, internal wave guide ports with higher order modes, object snap on edges, corners and midpoint, fast plane wave excitations, superposition of near and far fields and an Update Manager.

IMST GmbH,
Kamp-Lintfort, Germany +49 28429810,
www.empire.de.

RS No. 238

Sources

Phase-locked DRO Replacement

The ESP-100 and ESP-200 were designed as local oscillators in high level mixers designed to test picocell and femtocell base stations. The ESP-100 and ESP-200 operate fixed at 100 MHz and 200 MHz, respectively, and feature extremely low phase noise (<-130 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz, typical). The ESP Series is available with output powers up to +14 dBm, external or internal frequency references, in a small connectorized package, 2.25" 3 2.25" 3 0.6". The ESP Series frequency synthesizers are ideal for broadband and cellular applications requiring a robust test unit with excellent performance.

EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV
(775) 345-2411,
www.emresearch.com.

RS No. 247

Fast Settling Synthesizers

The FSFS series of surface-mount, fast settling synthesizers is designed for frequency hopping and jamming applications. The FSFS315555-500 is the first model released in the series providing under 50 uSec of settling time when commanded for start/stop and stop/start frequency jumps. The synthesizer tunes in 5 MHz steps within the tuning band of 3150 to 5550 MHz, having spurious rejection of 75 dBc typical. The phase noise is -80 dBc/Hz up to 100 kHz and -100 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset from the carrier. This synthesizer requires +5 and +15 V DC for operation and is packaged in a small surface-mount RoHS compliant package, measuring 1.25" x 1" x 0.3".

Synergy Microwave Corp.,
Paterson, NJ (973) 881-8800,
www.synergymwave.com.

RS No. 239

Frequency Source

Model OSC048 is an ultra low phase noise frequency source that is designed and manufactured for harsh tactical radar environments and provides superior performance over dynamic environmental conditions. The 1700 MHz output provides ultra-low phase noise, spurious suppression of -85 dBc, low DC power consumption, and is offered in a compact mechanical footprint. The SSB phase noise profile is state-of-the-art performance for an unheated, statically mounted crystal oscillator.

TRAK Microwave Corp.,
Tampa, FL (813) 901-7200,
www.trak.com.

RS No. 240

Voltage-controlled Oscillator

The model CRO3160B-LF is an RoHS compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in S-band. The CRO3160B-LF operates from 3140 to 3180 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 1 to 4 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -110 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 23 MHz/V. The CRO3160B-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 4.5 dBm at 5 VDC supply while drawing 25 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40° to 85°C. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -13 dBc and comes in Z-Comm’s industry standard MINI-16-SM package measuring 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.22". It is available in tape and reel packaging for production requirements.