This year, Microwave Journal’s editorial focus will be on the microwave supply chain. Our reporting will consider trends in part specification, marketing and procurement as well as the relationship between suppliers and end-users, as this topic relates to the monthly theme.
In February, our “High Frequency Components, Boards and Systems” issue will look at board-level microwave design, which includes single and multi-layer PCBs, hybrids, modules, MCM, LTCC and RF SiPs. Board-level system/subsystem integrators will be our audience. Discrete and MMIC/RFIC component manufacturers, package and material vendors, circuit-board fabrication, assembly and test equipment providers will all benefit from appearing in this issue.
This month’s cover story from Richardson Electronics, a leading distributor of components for the RF and wireless communications markets, discusses what it really takes to get a product to market based on an real case study involving an Asia power amplifier design house. The article presents specific ways that the distributor's application engineers helped the design team avoid potential disaster making a strong case for the benefits of experienced field support and full utilization of today's global supply chain. This article covers the whole effort from conceptualization, specification, design, part spec'ing, prototyping, test and large-scale manufacturing, a unique MWJ cover story that covers the entire microwave eco-system. Other special "supply chain" editorial will focus on a company that is a resource for obsolete ICs and a software company that provides virtual reference designs for component selection via the web.
We also hear from Jim Rautio of Sonnet Software on how his company’s software can now measure anisotropy (material with a dielectric constant that depends on the direction of the electric field) in substrates. Rautio also joins us for an executive interview online. And this month's most valuable product will be the new major release of high speed/RF board design software from Ansoft.
Microwave Journal is now a media partner with DesignCon (Santa Clara, CA, February 1-4). This PCB and packaging conference and exhibition takes place just before our February issue is distributed, but we believe this new partnership will allow us to attract new readers just in time to sign up for the digital edition. Our special bonus distribution this month will be at the Satellite 2010 show in National Harbor, MD (March 15-18).
In March’s Test and Measurement issue, we examine trends in nonlinear device characterization affecting all active microwave devices. Our investigation will present advances from test solution providers such as Agilent, Rohde & Schwarz, Tektronix and Anritsu as well as start-ups Mesuro, NMDG and HFE. The future of component modeling, IP protection and transfer of design data will also be discussed in this cover story. MMIC/RFIC, amplifier and power device manufacturers and their customers will have an interest in this special industry report from Microwave Journal editors.
The March Cable/Connector Supplement compliments our Test & Measurement issue. These two topics have great synergy, as precision cables and connectors play a critical role in measurement accuracy and repeatability. The Cable/Connector Supplement keeps test engineers informed about the latest and the greatest. The subject also plays very well to system integrators working in the defense and telecommunication markets.
Bonus distribution for the March issue and Cable/Connector Supplement includes CTIA wireless in Las Vegas, NV (March 23-25) and the 2010 WAMICON in Melbourne, FL (April 12-13). The Supplement will also be distributed at IMS 2010 in Anaheim, CA (May 23-28).
Speaking of CTIA Wireless, Microwave Journal will be managing the RF/Microwave Zone pavilion at CTIA Wireless for a second year. If your company sells to this market but felt the size of this show is overwhelming or too costly, consider exhibiting in the RF Zone. This is a turn-key, low cost solution. Exhibit with other microwave people at the RF Zone and get the attention of new prospects. Contact your MWJ ad rep for details.
Don't forget - This year's IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium in Anaheim will be early and so will our special show issue. The conference/exhibtion is in May. In order to give advertisers the chance to build up their pre-show buzz, our Show issue is distributed in mid-April. Your marketing efforts before the show will have a great impact on your booth traffic and ultimate success. Make sure you have a strong presence in the magazine more people rely on for complete show coverage. Next month, the WaveGuide will discuss specific editorial and advertising opportunities for this special annual issue.
Remember, our editorial and your advertising work together to help key decision makers select vendors and products. Coordinating your marketing message with related editorial increases your visibility at the right time, for the right audience. To help plan the timing of your marketing programs, here’s a glimpse at the next few months in Microwave Journal.
As marketers in our industry, we want to hear from you. What new products do you have? What advantages do these products offer? Who will benefit? How will it impact commercial and defense systems?