GaAs MMIC Devices
Freescale Semiconductor entered the GaAs MMIC marketplace with the introduction of four new devices designed and optimized specifically for high performance in macro base stations, repeaters and femtocells employed in wireless networks. The devices address low-noise amplifiers and transmit power amplifiers, two elements of wireless infrastructure equipment for which extremely high RF performance is critical. The devices are also designed for low power consumption, resulting in optimized energy efficiency and long-term reliability.
Freescale Semiconductor,
THz Schottky Barrier Diode Foundry Process
The planar Schottky diode process features cutoff frequency (fco) > 1 THz with an ideality factor of 1.1. The low diode turn-on voltage (< 500 mv) allows mixer operation with a LO power below 10 dBm and a conversion loss of 6.5 dB at W-band. GCS's process can be integrated with other passive components, such as MIM caps, spiral inductors, thin film resistors and transmission lines to realize diplexers and filters monolithically. The monolithic integration eliminates unwanted parasitic elements from wire bond, which is highly undesirable at mmW frequencies. For microwave frequency transceiver components, this THz diode is ideal for low conversion loss mixers, with options to be monolithically integrated with HBT circuits (LO and linear PA) and HEMT circuits (LNA, switch and PA).
Global Communications Semiconductor,
Sub-harmonic SMT MMIC Upconverter
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Austin, TX
(800) 521-6274, www.freescale.com.
RS No. 215
Torrance, CA
(310) 530-7274, www.gcsincorp.com.
RS No. 216
The HMC711LC5 is a GaAs MMIC Sub-harmonic upconverter that delivers a small-signal conversion gain of 15 dB and wide IF bandwidth of DC to 3.5 GHz. The HMC711LC5 utilizes a double-balanced mixer that is driven by an active x2 multiplier and followed by a high linearity amplifier. This compact upconverter accepts LO input frequencies from 9.5 to 13.6 GHz, and LO power levels as low as 0 dBm, allowing it to be driven directly from a synthesizer output. The HMC711LC5 also exhibits +28 dBm output IP3 and +17 dBm output P1dB, and operates from a single +5 V supply. This high linearity converter is a much smaller alternative to hybrid style sub-harmonic upconverter assemblies and eliminates the need for wire bonding by allowing the use of surface-mount manufacturing techniques.
Chelmsford, MA
(978) 250-3343, www.hittite.com.
RS No. 217
High Frequency References
The product is available as free running VCOs and phase locked sources with other frequencies possible from 300 to 2500 MHz. Model HFSO1000-12 is a free running VCO operating at 1000 MHz, with +12 V supply, typical tuning range of 100 kHz and phase noise -153 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. This ultra-low-noise VCO is packaged in a compact surface-mount enclosure measuring 12.5 x 12.5 x 4.6 mm. The phase locked option model FCTS1000-X is also available as a surface-mount package measuring 23.9 x 23.9 x 5.6 mm and can be phase locked to an external crystal oscillator source for the required frequency stability. An SMA connectorized package is also available with dual outputs, and can include the internal TCXO or OCXO reference source.
Synergy Microwave Corp.,
Paterson, NJ
(973) 881-8800, www.synergymwave.com.
RS No. 218
GaAs RF Transistors
These 4 W, 4 GHz GaAs RF transistors are highly versatile. TriQuint's newest GaAs PHEMT discrete transistor, TGF2021-04-SG, is a versatile solution for a wide range of applications from 20 MHz to 4 GHz. The TGF2021-04-SG operates at 12 V and produces 4 W (P1dB) with 12 dB gain at 4 GHz. It is well suited as a pre-driver in handheld wireless devices, base station systems or other applications up to 4 GHz.
TriQuint Semiconductor Inc.,
Hillsboro, OR
(503) 615-9000, www.triquint.com.
RS No. 219
Components
RF Coaxial Cable Assembly
The CCK40 Series cable assembly is a new addition to the company's line of low-loss RF coaxial cable assemblies. Designed to operate up to 40 GHz, the CCK40 features rugged stainless-steel solder-clamp construction and heavy duty strain reliefs. This low-loss cable provides an attenuation value of 0.90 dB/ft. at 40 GHz. The CCK40 Series cable offers shielding effectiveness of greater than -90 dB with an operating temperature range of -55° to +85°C (extended range of -55° to +125°C available through special order). The CCK40 Series cable offers a minimum bend radius of 1.0" and is available in-stock with 2.92 mm (K) connectors.
Crystek Corp.,
Fort Myers, FL
(239) 561-3311, www.crystek.com.
RS No. 220
Injector-Diplexer
Microlab announced a new low cost injector-diplexer, to separate or combine the VHF-UHF band from 80 to 520 MHz from all the wireless frequency bands from 698 to 2700 MHz. Using suspended substrate, the wireless frequency loss is minimized to less than 0.5 dB, and the loss at VHF-UHF frequencies is less than 0.3 dB. "Tuned-by-Design" eliminates the high cost of adjusting multiple cavities in conventional designs, while maintaining high isolation between key bands, sufficient for most diplexer applications, such as sharing a common antenna or distributed antenna system.
Microlab,
Parsippany, NJ
(973) 386-9696, www.microlab.fxr.com.
RS No. 221
Solid-state RF Switch
The ZFSWA2-63DR+ is a general-purpose SPDT solid-state absorptive RF switch. With its broad frequency range, fast 35 ns switching time and excellent RF performance, the ZFSWA2-63DR+ is an excellent choice for many applications. In addition to its versatility within system block diagrams, the ZFSWA2-63DR+ is designed for easy integration into prototype design applications. This RF switch provides a wide bandwidth of 0.5 to 6 GHz, high isolation of 65 dB at 1 GHz, fast switching of 35 ns and a rugged case with internal hermetically sealed ceramic semi-conductor module. Price: $69.95 (Qty. 1 to 9).
Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 934-4500, www.minicircuits.com.
RS No. 222
Even Harmonic Mixer
MITEQ's new even harmonic mixer is now available for radar, communication and related test system applications. The model SBE1040LW1 covers from 10 to 40 GHz on the RF input and only requires 5 to 20 GHz for the LO, with an output IF of DC to 4 GHz. The even harmonic nature of this mixer reduces the need for high frequency LO sources. This model operates over a -54° to +85°C temperature range, and is ideal for rugged military systems applications.
MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 436-7400, www.miteq.com.
RS No. 223
Variable RF Attenuators
The model 794M calibrated 0-to-40-dB variable attenuator provides flat frequency response from 4 to 8 GHz and provides direct readout of attenuation values. Its precision makes the model 794M an excellent choice for measurement applications. Model 794M has attenuation accuracy of ±2.5 dB, handles 10 W average and 5 kW peak RF input power, and has a maximum VSWR of 1.25:1 and insertion loss of 0.5 dB or less. It is housed in a rugged enclosure, utilizes Type-N female input and Type-N male output connectors, and measures 8.5" x 5.2" x 1.7" and weighs 5.7 lb. The model 794M is accompanied by the model 793FM, which has an attenuation range of 0 to 20 dB and has identical characteristics to the model 794M except for accuracy of ± 1 dB. Both models are available from Narda for immediate delivery.
Narda Microwave-East,
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 231-1700, www.nardamicrowave.com.
RS No. 224
Custom Microwave Sub-assemblies
Phase Matrix's Microwave Components group designs and manufactures custom RF and microwave sub-assemblies and components up to 50 GHz for commercial and military applications. Circuit designs include built-in control, monitoring and test functions. Manufacturing techniques employed include soft-board, thin-film chip and wire, and surface-mount assembly as required for specific applications. Phase Matrix specializes in reproducing replacement parts for Avantek and Watkins-Johnson custom oscillator sub-assemblies. In addition, Phase Matrix has supplied custom amplifiers, VCOs, DTOs, up/downconverters, frequency multipliers, diplexers, SPMT switches, filters, variable attenuators and phase-locked oscillators.
Phase Matrix Inc.,
San Jose, CA
(408) 428-1000, www.phasematrix.com.
RS No. 225
Directional Coupler
Pulsar model CS20-52-436-9 is a new 20 dB coupler that operates in the frequency range of 2 to 40 GHz with 1.6 dB insertion loss. Directivity is greater than 10 dB and flatness is ± 0.5 dB 2 to 20 GHz and ±1.0 dB 2 to 40 GHz. The VSWR is 1.80:1 maximum and the unit can handle 20 W into a 1.20:1 load. Connectors are 2.92 mm female.
Pulsar Microwave,
Clifton, NJ
(973) 779-6262, www.pulsarmicrowave.com.
RS No. 226
Terminated Diplexer
Reactel part number 2DMPX-102-N11 is a terminated diplexer. This unit exhibits superior VSWR performance in both the passband (120 to 1000 MHz) and reject band (20 to 100 MHz). This high power unit offers 0.7 dB of insertion loss and greater than 70 dB of rejection. Please contact the factory for this or any other filter requirement that you have.
Reactel Inc.,
Gaithersburg, MD
(301) 519-3660, www.reactel.com.
RS No. 227
High Frequency Test Cables
RF Industries offers a line of 18 GHz precision test cables in standard or custom lengths, suitable for production or lab environments. Featuring high-grade, passivated, stainless steel SMA males with PTFE insulators, this unique cable is configured for low loss and low VSWR. With triple shielding for optimum EMI protection, they are very phase-stable during mechanical and environmental stresses. The cable is also manufactured in accordance with MIL-DTL-17, type IX specification. Other features include high velocity of propagation, wide operating temperature and blue FEP jacket. Armored versions for rugged field applications are also available.
RF Industries,
San Diego, CA
(858) 549-6340, www.rfp2.com.
RS No. 228
Power Dividers and Combiners
RLC Electronics' series DCB-1020 is an in phase power divider/combiner with high isolation, small size and superior performance in a single package. All microstrip and stripline power dividers typically pass DC on all ports. These units utilize microstrip construction with blocking capacitors on all ports except those that are intended to pass DC.
RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY
(914) 241-1334, www.rlcelectronics.com.
RS No. 229
Amplifiers
X-band Amplifiers
AML announces the availability of a low noise X-band amplifier, model number AML812L3003. This LNA operates in the frequency range of 8 to 12 GHz with small-signal gain over 30 dB and a noise figure of 1.1 dB typical. Output P1dB is +10 dBm minimum. This amplifier is available in a SMA connectorized housing with internal voltage regulation and reverse voltage protection.
AML Communications Inc.,
Camarillo, CA
(805) 388-1345, www.amlj.com.
RS No. 230
100 W Amplifier System
AR Modular RFís model KAW2020M16 is a 100 W amplifier system used in simulated combat training environment. This model operates in a frequency range from 220 to 245 MHz. This newly designed unit is only 2RU high and will run cool at full power in harsh environments. The system features forward and reflected power indication, with full overdrive, VSWR and over-temperature protection.
AR Modular RF,
Bothell, WA
(425) 485-9000, www.ar-worldwide.com.
RS No. 241
Small Form Factor Module Designs
Increasing demands for reductions in size and weight, and ongoing requirements for higher levels of functionality and overall efficiency, are driving innovations in packaging and amplifier design at the module level. Building on device knowledge and integration expertise, Empower has designed and delivered high performance, multi-function modules that are integral building blocks in demanding defense and commercial applications. Features include: internal DC-DC converters for battery operation; advanced control functions and performance monitoring; high efficiency, Doherty designs; and latest GaN on SiC Technology.
Empower RF Systems Inc.,
Inglewood, CA
(310) 412-8100, www.empowerrf.com.
RS No. 231
S-band Power Amplifier
The MKU PA 3430 A is a two-stage S-band power amplifier that has been built using the latest 28 V LDMOS technology. It operates in the 3400 to 3600 MHz frequency range, has a typical output power of 20 W (CW), a minimum saturation power of 30 W (CW), weighs 140 g and measures 80 by 59 by 20 mm. Furthermore, the PA has an ON/OFF function and an output monitor for observing the output power. It has been developed both for digital applications (WiMAX) and analog transmission systems.
Kuhne electronic GmbH,
Berg, Germany
0049-(0)9293-800 939, www.kuhne-electronic.de.
RS No. 232
Power Amplifier Module
Mimix Broadband Inc. introduces a 3.5 to 6 GHz 3 W power amplifier module (PAM) housed in an RoHS-compliant, 7 x 7 mm package. This highly linear two-stage amplifier delivers 18.5 dB of gain and 34 dBm of power at 1 dB compression point. Identified as XP1044-QL, this PAM provides less than 2.5 percent EVM at 26 dBm output power with 802.16 OFDM signal and peak to average ratio of 9.17 dB. The input and output of the device are internally pre-matched, facilitating a simplified input and output match. The XP1044-QL is designed for WiMAX applications between 4.9 and 5.9 GHz, and the performance can be shifted by adding external matching components to cover applications between 3.5 and 5 GHz.
Mimix Broadband Inc.,
Houston, TX
(281) 988-4600, www.mimixbroadband.com.
RS No. 233
Power Amplifiers
Skyworks Solutions Inc. has introduced five 3 x 3 mm power amplifier modules (PAM) with an integrated daisy chain coupler for next-generation platforms. These PAMs support all required modulations for a given frequency band including CDMA, WCDMA and LTE handsets and datacards. In addition, they enable a variety of compatible baseband/RF architectures.
Skyworks Solutions,
Woburn, MA
(781) 376-3000, www.skyworksinc.com.
RS No. 234
Antenna
S-band Blade Antenna
Cobham Sensor Systems, Baltimore announces model 11C22900, a rugged and reliable S-band blade antenna designed for telemetry applications. The antenna frequency range is 2.2 to 2.3 GHz, VSWR is 2:1 maximum, the polarization is vertical and its radiation pattern is similar to a quarter-wave stub. This unit is sealed from water and is capable of handling 250 W CW of power. It is finished in flat black epoxy paint.
Cobham Sensor Systems,
Baltimore, MD
(410) 542-1700, www.cobham.com.
RS No. 235
Material
High Frequency Laminates
Rogers recently launched the RO4360 high frequency laminates, the latest addition to the RO4000® product family. RO4360 thermoset laminate materials are specially formulated to meet a Dk of 6.15 and exhibit a low dissipation factor of 0.0038 at 10 GHz. RO4360 laminates possess a Z-axis coefficient of thermal expansion of 30 ppm/°C (CTE) for dependable plated-through-hole (PTH) quality in multilayer circuit and package designs and are lead free process capable. Look for Rogers bonding layer with a matching 6.15 dielectric constant coming soon.
Rogers Corp.,
Chandler, AZ
(480) 961-1382, www.rogerscorporation.com.
RS No. 236
Software
System Simulation Software
ACS recently released Version 1.02 of the LINC2 VSA (Visual System Architect) system simulation software. This new version adds a measurement option for tracking signal levels relative to P1dB (one dB gain compression) at every node in the system. When plotted, Signal/P1dB shows at a glance whether the signal level at any component is at, above or below the componentís P1dB compression point.
Applied Computational Sciences (ACS) LLC,
Escondido, CA
(760) 612-6988, www.appliedmicrowave.com.
RS No. 237
Sources
Frequency Synthesizer
The SLX-4000 is a miniature broadband frequency synthesizer for battery powered military systems and devices. The unit operates from 2000 to 4000 MHz (octave bandwidth) locked to a 10 MHz external reference and features 5 MHz step size. The unit also features +4 dBm output power, low spurs and extremely low current draw (+5 V at 60 mA, typical). Fast switching units are also available. The SLX Series is housed in an ultra-miniature 0.5" square package.
EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV
(775) 345-2411, www.emresearch.com.
RS No. 238
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
Micronetics introduces a RoHS compliant MW500-1838 voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). The MW500-1838 1/2" smt VCO has a tuning range of 2570 to 2655 MHz from 1 to 5.5 V tuning using a 5 V supply. Output power is +2 dBm ±1.5 dBm while using less than 30 mA of current.
Micronetics Inc.,
Hudson, NH
(603) 883-2900, www.micronetics.com.
RS No. 239
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
Z-Communications Inc. announces a new RoHS compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) model SMV3330A-LF in S-band. The SMV3330A-LF operates at 3300 to 3360 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.5 to 2.5 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -84 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 125 MHz/V. The SMV3330A-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 5 dBm at 3 V DC supply while drawing 14 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -5° to 60°C. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -20 dBc and comes in Z-Commís SUB-L package measuring 0.3" x 0.3" x 0.08".
Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA
(858) 621-2700, www.zcomm.com.
RS No. 240