New Waves: Amplifiers and Oscillators
Multi-octave Power Amplifier
Model number SSPA 4.0-8.0-10 is a high power, broadband, RF amplifier that operates from 2 to 8 GHz. 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. This amplifier operates with a base plate temperature -20° to +65°C. It is packaged in a modular housing that is approximately 6" by 8" by 1".
Aethercomm Inc.,
San Marcos, CA (760) 598-4340, www.aethercomm.com.
RS No. 216
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
Crystek’s CVCO55CC-1700-1700 voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) operates at 1700 MHz with a control voltage range of 0.3 to 4.7 V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -120 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and offers excellent linearity. Output power is typically +2.5 dBm. Engineered and manufactured in the US, the model CVCO55CC-1700-1700 is packaged in the industry-standard 0.5" x 0.5" SMD package. Input voltage is 5 V, with a maximum current consumption of 25 mA. Pulling and pushing are minimized to 1 MHz and 0.5 MHz/V, respectively. Second harmonic suppression is -15 dBc typical. Price: $18.46 each in volume.
Crystek Corp.,
Fort Myers, FL (239) 561-3311, www.crystek.com.
RS No. 217
RF Power Transistors
These laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) RF power transistors are designed to meet growing demand for reduced power consumption in cellular transmitters. Freescale’s eighth generation high voltage (HV8) RF Power LDMOS technology is engineered specifically to meet the stringent demands of high-data rate applications such as W-CDMA and WiMAX, as well as emerging standards such as LTE and Multicarrier GSM. The portfolio of devices based on HV8 technology is optimized for operation in advanced power amplifier architectures, which includes Doherty used in combination with digital pre-distortion (DPD). A primary benefit of Freescale’s HV8 technology is the increase in operating efficiency that helps reduce total power consumption of a base station system, thereby reducing operating costs.
Freescale Semiconductor,
Austin, TX (800) 521-6274, www.freescale.com.
RS No. 218
Temperature-compensated Crystal Oscillator
The T124 Series of TCXOs is an ultra-low frequency oscillator that is available down to 650 Hz in a low profile, compact SMT package. The T124 Series TCXOs, available from 650 Hz to 1.25 MHz, provide extremely stable, low frequency square-wave output (temperature stability to ±0.3 ppm over -40° to +85ºC). The T124 features 3.3 V input voltage and EFC (electrical frequency control, optional) to adjust for long-term aging. The T124 utilizes a rugged, AT strip crystal to provide superior aging characteristics to 3 ppm over 15 years. With compact size and low power consumption, the T124 Series is ideally suited to low jitter clocking for mobile RF applications.
Greenray Industries Inc.,
Mechanicsburg, PA (717) 766-0223, www.greenrayindustries.com.
RS No. 219
Variable Gain Amplifiers
These digital variable gain amplifiers are ideal for automotive, broadband, cellular/3G, WiMAX/4G, military and test & measurement equipment applications between 30 and 1000 MHz. The HMC680LP4(E) is a digitally-controlled variable gain amplifier that operates from 30 to 400 MHz, and can be programmed to provide from -4 to 19 dB of gain, in 1 dB steps. The HMC681LP5(E) is a digitally-controlled variable gain amplifier that operates from DC to 1 GHz, and can be programmed to provide from 13.5 dB, to 45 dB of gain, in 0.5 dB steps.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343, www.hittite.com.
RS No. 220
SATCOM Pre-filter Amplifier
The SATCOM pre-filter amplifier provides 30 1 dB of transmit band rejection with minimum impact on LNA noise figure. This RF module combines a low-loss input filter with a low noise amplifier, followed by a final clean-up filter. The entire module is housed in a small surface-mount package measuring 4" x 1" x 0.5". Microstrip input and output launches facilitate PCB attachment. Typical noise figure is 1.2 dB with 14 dB gain. The LNA is set for 14 dB gain, but can be set as high as 20 dB. The input filter minimizes transmit band co-site interference, reducing transmit third-order products in the SATCOM receive band. A final bandpass filter further reduces out-of-band interference for a clean receive channel signal. The entire cascade maintains less than 1 dB flatness across the full receive band. The module operates from a single 5 V power supply with a small 65 mA current draw.
K&L Microwave,
Salisbury, MD (410) 749-2424, www.klmicrowave.com.
RS No. 221
MMIC Power Amplifier
The XP1072-BD is a GaAs MMIC high power amplifier with +35 dBm pulsed saturated output power and 22 dB large signal gain. This power amplifier covers 34 to 37 GHz and achieves 25 percent power added efficiency (PAE). The device is well suited for millimeter-wave military, radar, satellite and weather applications. This XP1072-BD multi-stage amplifier delivers industry leading power and efficiency for Ka-band applications, with a saturated output power of nearly 4 W, providing a boost to applications that require both high power and efficiency in a small area.
Mimix Broadband Inc.,
Houston, TX (281) 988-4600,www.mimixbroadband.com.
RS No. 222
56 to 6010 MHz Synthesizers
Mini-Circuits design team can create a custom frequency synthesizer tailored to meet your specific requirements. They will review your requirements and, following technical discussions between your engineers and Mini-Circuits designers, will work closely with you to create final specifications that meet or exceed your requirements. To ensure high yields, the company will factor in component tolerances and even variations in manufacturing processes. You will have full access to performance data from sample units, and can even evaluate sample units in your system to ensure that final production units fulfill your performance requirements. For more information, visit www.minicircuits.com.
Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500, www.minicircuits.com.
RS No. 251
High Performance Amplifiers
MITEQ’s cost-effective high performance LCN amplifier series are now available in frequency ranges from 1 to 2, 2 to 4, 4 to 8, 8 to 12, 12 to 18, 6 to 18 and 2 to 18 GHz. These amplifiers offer excellent low noise figures and great single unit pricing starting at $325.00. The LCN series amplifiers are available from stock, have industry standard hermetic housings, removable SMA connectors and drop in compatibility.
MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 439-9220, www.miteq.com.
RS No. 223
Power Amplifiers
RFMD’s RF720x family of W-CDMA/HSPA+ power amplifiers (PA) is comprised of four PAs designed for 3G multimode devices implementing mode-specific, band-specific front-end architectures. The RF720x product family accommodates all major W-CDMA/HSPA+ bands and band combinations and is optimized to mate with reference designs from the industry’s leading open market 3G chipset supplier. The RF7200 (band 1), RF7206 (band 2), RF7203 (band 3, 4, 9 or 10) and the RF7211 (band 11) are designed for single-band operation, while the RF7201 (band 1/8), RF7202 (band 2/5) and the RF7205 (band 1/5) feature two band-specific PAs integrated in a single module package.
RFMD,
Greensboro, NC(336) 664-1233, www.rfmd.com.
RS No. 224
Low Noise General Purpose Amplifier
The SKY65038-70LF is a low noise amplifier that operates in a frequency range from 250 MHz to 6 GHz. The SKY65038 is a general purpose, broadband amplifier fabricated from Skyworks’ PHEMT process and packaged in a miniature SOT-89 package. The amplifier’s low noise figure of 2 dB and high output IP3 of 40 dBm at 1 GHz allows these devices to be used in various transmit/receive applications. In addition, the amplifier’s output impedance is50 W, which enables these devices to be easily cascaded with a simple input impedance matching network.
Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
Woburn, MA (781) 376-3000, www.skyworksinc.com.
RS No. 225
Bi-directional Power Amplifier
The SMTR2425-11B40-2 is a military grade bi-directional power amplifier (PA) that is capable of up to 10 W of 802.11b and 2 W of 802.11g or 802.16. Primary applications include: WLAN, video link and C2 products for UAVs. The unit operates from 2.4 to 2.5 GHz and outputs +40 dBm exceeding 802.11b EVM requirements. Transmit/receive gains are 25 and 16 dB, respectively. The PA measures 3.5" x 2.9" x 0.56" and weighs approximately 4 oz.
Stealth Microwave Inc.,
Trenton, NJ (888) 772-7791, www.stealthmicrowave.com.
RS No. 226
Ultra-low Noise VCXO
The VFVX100 VCXO is a low jitter and phase noise timing solution for Universal Edge QAM. The VFVX100 provides a PECL or LVPECL output with a frequency range of 200 MHz to 1 GHz (245.76 MHz STD). With less than 0.2 ps jitter, the VFVX100 gives a cleaner I-Q constellation, providing lower BER’s and higher data throughput. Wider pull ranges of ±20 to ±100 ppm are available with phase noise of -142 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset for 622.08 MHz. Operating at +3.3 or +5 V power supply, the VFVX100 typically consumes 0.25 W. The VFVX100 is available in a 9.0 x 14.0 mm surface-mount package and is RoHS 6/6 compliant.
Valpey Fisher Corp.,
Hopkinton, MA (508) 435-6831, www.valpeyfisher.com.
RS No. 227
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
The model CRO0410A-LF is a new RoHS compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in the UHF band. The CRO0410A-LF operates in a frequency range from 390 to 430 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -117 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 17 MHz/V. The CRO0410A-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of -4 dBm at 5 VDC supply while drawing 36 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -30° to 70°C. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -15 dBc and comes in Z-Comm’s industry standard MINI-16 package measuring 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.22".
Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700, www.zcomm.com.
RS No. 228
Components
SMA Attenuators
Designed for volume applications and available from stock, Aeroflex Inmet’s AHC family of SMA attenuators offer performance at an affordable price. These 2 W units operate in a frequency range from DC to 6 GHz with a 1.20 VSWR while providing excellent attenuation flatness. Built for ruggedness, the AHC attenuators are available in dB values of 1-12, 15, 20 and 30.
Aeroflex/Inmet,
Ann Arbor, MI (877) 367-7369, www.rfmw.com/inmet.
RS No. 229
ZigBee Radio Transceiver
CEL is now shipping its MeshConnect ZigBee radio module, adding to its rapidly growing line of ZigBee/IEEE 802.15.4 transceiver solutions. The module, based on CEL’s own MeshConnect single chip integrated circuit (IC), is unique in its ability to deliver market-leading RF performance and range with a very low cost design. It is FCC, CE and IC certified, eliminating costly and time consuming regulatory testing. In conjunction with its development kit, the module is a complete hardware platform with a choice of software tools that enable customers get to market quickly and efficiently.
California Eastern Laboratories (CEL),
Santa Clara, CA (408) 919-2500, www.cel.com.
RS No. 230
SPDT Coaxial Switch
The D2Series SPDT coaxial switches come in a variety of connectors, such as BNC, TNC, N Type, and SMA. Models operate in a frequency range from DC to 12.4 GHz. Actuator options come in Latching and in Failsafe modes, also available are units with TTL circuitry and Integrated Indicator circuits. These switches offer an RF impedance of 50 ohms nominal; operating temperature of -35º to +85°C ambient; operating life of 1,000,000+ cycles; switching time of 35 mSec maximum; switching sequence of Break before Make; and environmentally designed to meet MIL-E-5400 and Mil-S-3928.
Ducommun Technologies Inc.,
Carson, CA (310) 513-7214, www.ducommun.com.
RS No. 231
Flexible Coaxial Cable Assembly
This highly flexible series of phase stable M/W flexible coaxial cable assemblies provides accurate and reliable measurements and claims to offer better performance than general flexible cable assemblies. Typical phase and amplitude stability is ±4º and ±0.08 dB up to 18 GHz. With an impedance of 50 W, the PS-Series exhibits a typical insertion loss for 1 m (including two connectors) of 1.6 dB at 18 GHz and has a VSWR of 1.3 up to 18 GHz.
GigaLane Co. Ltd.,
Gyeonggi-do, Korea +82 31 233 7325, www.gigalane.com.
RS No. 232
Low Pass Filter
Part number 2515-S is a surface-mount 50 MHz group delay and amplitude equalized low pass elliptic filter. The filter offers a typical insertion loss of 1 dB. Passband ripple to 50 MHz is 0.25 dB maximum and the filter attains over 40 dB by 68 MHz and over 60 dB by 73.6 MHz. Group delay variation is < 5 nsec to 44 MHz and typically < 7 nsec to 50 MHz. The filter is supplied in a surface-mount package measuring 2" 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. 233
In-building Combiner Diplexer
Lorch Commercial and Wireless (LCW) offers WP-E056-1, a combiner diplexer that covers the full PCS and AWS frequencies. The combiner diplexer exhibits less than 1 dB of insertion loss across the passbands of 1710 to 1755/2110 to 2155 MHz and 1850 to 1990 MHz while providing greater than 60 dB of isolation. The unit measures 7" x 5" x 2", is well suited for in-building applications and is available from stock.
Lorch Commercial and Wireless,
Salisbury, MD (410) 860-5100, www.lorchwireless.com.
RS No. 234
Drop-in Isolators and Circulators
These drop-in isolators and circulators are designed for 802.11a broadband systems operating in the frequency range of 5.15 to 5.825 GHz. These ferrite devices offer 20 dB isolation over the frequency range of 5.15 to 5.825, allowing manufacturers to stock one device for all 12 of the 802.11a channels. The isolators and circulators feature small dimensions (0.375" x 0.500"), and use ceramic magnets for reliability. Isolators include a termination rated at 10 W.
M2 Global Technology Ltd.,
San Antonio, TX (210) 561-4800, www.m2global.com.
RS No. 235
SMP Connectors
Phoenix’s SMP series subminiature connectors offer superior electrical performance from DC to 26.5 GHz. Blindmate feature allows for board-to-board, cable mount and PCB mount. In-series adapters provide solutions for rack and panel applications. All products manufactured to Mil-Std-348. Features include: subminiature size for high density applications; snap feature for quick mating and reduced assembly time; axial alignment reduces stress from multiple blindmate connections; gang mating is possible. It compensates for up to 0.020" radial and axial misalignment (when used with an adapter); and center-to-center spacing of 0.170".
The Phoenix Company of Chicago,
Wood Dale, IL (800) 323-9562, www.phoenixofchicago.com.
RS No. 236
Power Divider
The model DP-2-218-M-BBis a miniature power divider designed to operate in a frequency range from 2 to 18 GHz. The power divider offers an insertion loss of only 2.2 dB maximum, isolation of 16 dB minimum and a VSWR of 2.0 maximum. The power handling is 1.5 W at 2.0 VSWR and 2.0 W at 1.2 VSWR. The size is only 0.779" x 1.026" x 0.300" with the connector shrouds removed.
Planar Monolithics Industries Inc.,
Frederick, MD (301) 631-1579, www.planarmonolithics.com.
RS No. 237
Waveguide Broadwall Coupler
RLC Electronics offers a standard range of multi-hole broadwall directional couplers that operate in a frequency range from 2.6 to 40 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 electrical parameters are available on request.
RLC Electronics,
Mount Kisco, NY (914) 241-1334, www.rlcelectronics.com.
RS No. 238
Antennas
Cavity Backed Spiral Antennas
Cobham SASL’s ASO/AST-1492 2.4-inch diameter spiral antennas provide superior performance for use in applications requiring circular polarization. With excellent input VSWR, these antennas provide smooth broadband gain, low axial ratios and consistent pattern performance over 2 to 18 GHz. This model was designed and developed for radar warning receiver airborne applications. The ASO/AST 1492 series is available in either a left or right circular polarization antenna. A hemispherical radome is also available for this antenna. Customers can choose either a SMA Female connector (ASO-1492) or a TNC Female connector (AST-1492).
Cobham SASL,
Lansdale, PA (215) 996-2416, www.cobhamdes.com.
RS No. 239
Blade Array Antenna
The model 135DBA1 is a new C/D-band blade array antenna designed for airborne electronic support measures. This antenna provides five simultaneous outputs, four quadrant direction finding beams and an amplified omni-directional beam over the C/D-band frequency range. Model 135DBA1 has a vertical linear polarization and a VSWR of 3:1 maximum. The antenna is qualified for tactical aircraft applications and the radome cover is protected with rain erosion paint for extended life. The antenna also has the capability of integrated BITE function.
Cobham Sensor Systems - Sensor Electronics,
Baltimore, MD (410) 542-1700, www.cobhamdes.com.
RS No. 240
Software
EM Simulation Software
Remcom announces the release of XFdtd® 7.0 (XF7), a new electromagnetic simulation tool for antenna design and analysis, biological EM analysis, microwave circuit design, and other EM simulation applications. XF7 marks a departure from other standard 3D EM solvers with a simplified and streamlined user interface, cross-platform functionality, and several time-saving features that are unique to the market. XF7’s most important benefit is improved efficiency due to faster, easier simulation workflow.
Remcom Inc.,
State College, PA (814) 861-1299, www.remcom.com.
RS No. 241
Foundry Process Design Kit
This process design kit (PDK) for H2W PH50-00 process includes enhancement/depletion-mode PHEMT and HBT process technology. The WIN PDK, developed for use with Advanced Design System (ADS) EDA software from Agilent Technologies, enables high frequency RF and microwave designers to create compact integrated circuits composed of power amplifiers, switches, low noise amplifiers, mixers and logic circuitry. The WIN PH50-00 kit supports a complete ADS front-to-back monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) design flow with design rule checker, and includes discontinuities models, scalable capacitors, inductors and resistors, pads, vias and nonlinear models for active devices (PHEMTs and HBT).
WIN Semiconductors Corp.,
www.winfoundry.com.
RS No. 242
Sources
Ku-band Compact Synthesizer
The BSVQ11 is a small, fine step Ku-band frequency synthesizer equipped with a LCD display to monitor the output frequency. It operates in the 11,500 to 13,700 MHz frequency range and can be stepped in 1 kHz increments. Due to its compact size (140 by 90 by 38 mm) it is suitable as an independent testing tool but can also be integrated into other test equipment. It has good internal reference stability (±0.2 ppm), spurious value (<- 50 dBc) and phase noise better than -100 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz away from the centre frequency. The BSVQ11 joins the company’s product family that covers the 500 MHz to 18 GHz frequency range.
Bonn Hungary Electronics Ltd. (BHE),
Budapest +36 1 233 2138, www.bhe-mw.eu.
RS No. 243
Frequency Synthesizer
The THOR-14000 frequency synthesizer is used as a local oscillator for a VSAT radio receiver. The unit operates from 13800 to 14000 MHz with 1 MHz step size utilizing a 10 MHz reference. The THOR-14000 features fast switching speeds (< 500 mSec), +7 dBm output power and low phase noise (<-85 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz typical). The THOR is housed in a connectorized (optional hermetically sealed), 2.5" x 1.1" x 0.4" package and features two removable SMA connectors that can be gull-winged for SMT applications. The THOR Series, Ku-/K-band frequency synthesizers are ideal for Manpack Radios, UAV, EW, IED Jamming and other mobile applications requiring a high frequency, lightweight design with low power consumption.
EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV (775) 345-2411, www.emresearch.com.
RS No. 244
Composite N Receptacle
Radiall Composite N receptacle is made with a typical metal RF insert, maintaining the standard N dimensions and performance, and a composite (plastic) outer body or housing offered in a variety of colors. Composite N receptacles offer outstanding electrical performance and are the best compromise in terms of weight/cost/mechanical characteristics to replace existing brass technology. These connectors feature 100 percent compatibility with standard N brass connectors (MIL-STD-348-304); intermodulation performance of IMP3 < -115 dBm; low VSWR of 1.14 maximum at 6 GHz; 50 percent weight reduction; and corrosion free housing.
Radiall AEP Inc.,
New Haven, CT (203) 776-2813, www.radiall.com.
RS No. 245
Temperature-compensated Crystal Oscillator
This ultra-compact temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) features solderable reflow and SMD package base offers superior flatness. This TCXO is ultra-compact (2.0 x 1.6), low height (0.8t maximum) light weight and low current consumption type. High frequency (f0 = 52 MHz) and low frequency are available using built in 1/2 frequency divide down function. These TCXOs are RoHS compliant. Applications include: cell phone, base station, GPS and mobile radio application.
TEW America,
San Jose, CA (650) 962-8330, www.tewamerica.com.
RS No. 246
Subsystems
Two Down-converters
The FBC-xx-xx series is a down-converter for use as a frequency extender for noise figure measurement test systems. It is available in a 2U 19 inch rack system. The systems consist of a single waveguide input (WR-28 to WR-10) and an IF output (SMA-F). The RF input frequencies are down-converted to an IF in the 4 to 18 GHz range, which is suitable for frequency extending any standard noise figure analyzer. Also, the FBC-K-xx series is a down-converter for use with a 2 to 20 GHz tuned receiver, which is available in a 1U 19 inch rack system. The system consists of a three RF channel input with one IF output. The three channels are selectable by TTL control.
Farran Technology Ltd.,
Ballincollig, Co. Cork, Ireland, + 353 21 487 2814, www.farran.com.
RS No. 247
Rental Offer
AR has introduced a new rental plan with great low rates and an incredible buyout to make it easy to get the AR equipment you need now. With a three-month minimum rental, credit towards a buyout will accumulate at 90 percent of each rental payment—up to 95 percent of the list price. For full details on AR’s rental program, please visit the company’s website at www.ar-worldwide.com.
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA (215) 723-8181, www.ar-worldwide.com.
RS No. 248
Comb Generator
The innovative SG-CG1 comb generator has a wide input frequency range from 30 MHz to 4 GHz, a low input power requirement of 0 dBm and its output harmonics reaches 18 GHz. It is applicable with an internal (100 to 200 MHz) or external synthesizer. Features include two ECL compatible outputs, 400 kHz tuning step size and PC interface (serial/USB). It can be used for a wide range of applications such as frequency multipliers, signal generators, EMC source, UWB applications and FMCW radars.
Heuermann HF-Technik GmbH,
Aachen, Germany +49 (0) 241 6009-52108, www.hhft.de.
RS No. 249
Test Equipment
Next-generation PHS Technology
Anritsu Co. introduces test solutions that support next-generation PHS (XGP: eXtended Global Platform) to help ensure the successful rollout of XGP in the marketplace. Three software packages have been developed for use with Anritsu’s MS269xA signal analyzers and MG3700A vector signal generator to offer designers and manufacturers of XGP mobile devices, base stations and devices a test solution to ensure the performance of their products and speed time to market. The MX269016A XG-PHS Measurement Software and the MX269909A XG-PHS IQproducer are for use with the MS269xA series, while the MX370109A XG-PHS IQproducer PC software is for the MG3700A.
Anritsu Co.,
Richardson, TX (800) 267-4878, www.anritsu.com.
RS No. 250