Balancing commercial and defense technologies was the theme of Military Communications (MILCOM) Conference 2013 in San Diego, CA Nov 18-20.  Last year MILCOM was blown away by hurricane Sandy and cancelled.  This year it took a hit as the “Classified Sessions” were cancelled due to budget cuts that did not allow the military to travel to the conference.  The show moves back to the east coast to Baltimore next year, so we expect everything will be back to normal and the conference/exhibition will draw a strong attendance again.

• See our Photo Gallery and Video Gallery for highlights of the MILCOM show.

The plenary speakers headlined the conference sessions with the noted speakers including Dr. Irwin Jacobs, Founding Chairman and CEO Emeritus of Qualcomm; Lt. Gen. John Toolan, Jr. – USMC, Commanding General, Marine Expeditionary Force; Larry Payne, Vice President – US Federal, CISCO Systems; Alfred Grasso, President and Chief Executive Officer, The MITRE Corporation; and Maj. Gen. Steven W. Busby – USMC Commanding General, Third Marine Aircraft Wing. The technical sessions had 459 papers and proposals submitted and included tracks on Waveforms and Signal Processing, Networking Protocols and Performance, Cyber Security and Trusted Computing, System Perspectives, Services and Applications, Selected Topics in Communications, and International Perspectives on Communications.

The exhibition seemed was a light on traffic due to the session issues but most exhibitors were satisfied with the quality contacts they made at the event. Microwave Journal made the rounds to most of the RF and microwave companies and below is a summary of some of the products found on the show floor.

Aeroflex was showing their 7700 integrated microwave test solution that provides RF component, module and system manufacturers a flexible and scalable test environment for today’s testing requirements including future requirements. It leverages the architecture of the synthetic product family and hardware from Aeroflex in a small footprint. It operates up to 6 GHz and can offer faster test times than traditional rack and stack equipment. They were also showing their portable broadband signal analyzer designed to find and to solve tough RF issues. It combines live and off-line signal analysis capabilities to address a variety of applications.

Agilent Technologies was showing off their FieldFox portable testers, PXI-based modular testing systems and MXA Signal Analyzer. The MXA features 10 Hz to 3.6, 8.4, 13.6, or 26.5 GHz operation; internal preamplifier options up to 26.5 GHz; 25 MHz (standard); 40, 85, 125 or 160 MHz analysis bandwidth; fast sweep capability ships standard with new instruments (requires Option B40 or DP2 or MPB); and real-time spectrum analyzer capabilities with 100% probability of intercept for signal duration as short as 3.57 µs. From fully modular hardware to software leverage to worldwide support, the PXI VSA is the low-risk way to manage change and be ready for future requirements. A typical M9391A configuration includes four individual PXIe modules – M9300A frequency reference, M9301A synthesizer, M9214A Digitizer and M9350A Downconverter. It can be combined with the M9381A Vector Signal Generator for a fast, compact RF component test solution.

Altera had a host of demonstrations from various partner companies showing off the FPGA technology and are the reported to be the first to publish open source reference designs for EW and radar applications. One interesting partner was TrellisWare Technologies who was demonstrating their joint analog, digital interference cancellation (JADIC) solution. The system eliminates interference to communications systems from other strong interfering systems such as IED jammers and others. It uses both analog and digital cancellation techniques and can detect signals below -120 dBm. See our demo videos linked above.

Analog Devices recently introduced the AD9361 which is a high performance, highly integrated RF Agile Transceiver™. Its programmability and wideband capability make it ideal for a broad range of transceiver applications. The device combines an RF front end with a flexible mixed-signal baseband section and integrated frequency synthesizers, simplifying design-in by providing a configurable digital interface to a processor.  The device supports RF 2 × 2 transceiver with integrated 12-bit DACs and ADCs, 70 MHz to 6.0 GHz operating frequency, TDD and FDD operation, tunable channel BW from <200 kHz to 56 MHz, dual receivers: 6 differential or 12 single-ended inputs, noise figure < 2.5 dB, RX gain control, real-time monitor and control signals for manual gain and independent automatic gain control. See our video of demo of this product linked above and product feature in our Jan issue.

Anite announced at the show that they enhanced their Propsim Mobile Ad-hoc Network (MANET) testing toolset to offer an even higher level of emulation capability for realistic testing of tactical communications equipment under fading conditions. Users are able to perform more precise and repeatable testing related to functionality and interoperability as well as access a ready-made set of scenarios for tactical radio and MANET testing. Based on the Propsim radio channel emulator, Anite’s Propsim MANET testing toolset allows the user to emulate any network topology in a laboratory environment. This advanced lab-based testing approach simplifies and speeds up testing, leading to a more cost-efficient way of verifying performance. Propsim F32 is reported to be the only radio channel emulator with the capacity to test up to eleven VHF/UHF radios in full mesh configuration where each radio directly communicates with any other radio in the network.

Anritsu was featuring their VectorStar B with industry-leading pulse capability and internal dual source features that can be configured for component, on-wafer, signal integrity and radar applications. It offers accuracy, long-term calibration stability, and industry’s best broadband frequency coverage. VectorStar B features new PulseView and DifferentialView capabilities and a variety of features and options to cover a wide range of measurements, from S-parameter measurements on microwave filters, to pulse distortion or noise figure measurements on mm-wave components for use in high-performance radar systems.

AR was showing off their portable, lightweight, fully automatic band-switching RF booster amplifier for multi-band VHF/UHF Tactical Radio equipment employing legacy, proprietary and emerging waveforms. The amplifier covers the frequency band of 30-512 MHz using six high speed auto switching filters to assure harmonic suppression and is SINCGARS, HAVEQUICK, and ECCM compatible. The amplifier includes power supply voltage spike suppression, a DC/DC convertor for wide DC input range, RF sensing, T/R switching, Automatic Level Control (ALC), six automatically switched harmonic filter bands (DAMA capable), and protection against antenna mismatch and over-temperature. Protection against accidental polarity reversal is provided. The amplifier comprises a rugged 2-piece aluminum case. Optional interface coaxial cables and shock mounting plate are available.

Cobham was showing their switching, dual-band, dual-beamwidth transmit/receive antenna and positioner system. It utilizes a 48 inch single-piece parabolic antenna with dual-band feed assembly for the narrow beam pattern and a tapered horn antenna for the broad beam pattern. The controller accepts azimuth and elevation angle data and positions the antennas appropriately.

Cree was featuring their GaN MMIC foundry services several processes including .4 micron, 28 V process (DC to 8 GHz), .25 micron 28 to 40 V process (DC to 18 GHz) and a .4 micron 50 V process (DC to 6 GHz). Full wafer and shared mask services are both available and process design kits are available with AWR and Agilent Technologies support.

The Dover Companies were grouped together in a row making a very significant group of companies including DowKey Microwave, K&L Microwave, Pole Zero and Dielectric Labs. DowKey was featuring several microwave components including their Reliant switch with a design life of 5 million cycles. Designs cover DC to 4 GHz, 4 to 12.4 GHz, 12.4 to 18 GHz and 18 to 26.5 GHz all with low insertion loss and high isolation. K&L was featuring a low profile switched filter bank with high-speed TTL. It covers 3.5 to 5.5 GHz with channels centered at 3.5, 4, 5 and 5.5 GHz and high out-of-band attenuation and channel to channel isolation. They also were featuring a JTIDS/MIDS triple band bandpass filter that provides secure communications for US and NATO air and missile defense platforms utilizing TDMA in the 962 to 1215 MHz band. Pole Zero featured a co-site interference filter/amplifier solution that will restore sensitivity to 2 transmitters that are in near proximity in applications such as UAVs. Dielectric Labs was featuring their thin film, ceramic miniature microwave filters and oscillators.

Emerson Network Power was displaying their microwave, QPL and space rated connectivity solutions.  They have QPL parts for attenuators (0 to 40 dB, DC to 18 GHz, MIL-DTL-3933), terminations (SMA/Type N, DC to 18 GHz, MIL-DTL-39030) and connectors (SMA, DC to 18 GHz, MIL-PRF-39012).

Feko was displaying the antenna design tool, AntennaMagus, and easy to use matching circuit optimization and antenna analysis software, Optenni Lab. AntennaMagus allows the user to select from a library of antennas or add your own design and export the model of design antennas to 3D EM simulators such as Feko. Optenni Lab includes automatic impedance matching tools and antenna bandwidth estimation. It is designed to speed up the antenna design process and obtain antennas with optimal total performance.

First RF was displaying impressive antenna capability with a multi-band blade antenna that cover 5 bands in a single design including omni directional UHF plus hemispherical forward coverage in L-, S- and C-Bands and contains a full-duplex active phase array plus Ku-Band coverage. Another multi-band design for vehicles and rotary winged aircraft is a high gain, omni S- and C-Band antenna designed to meet MIL-Std-810 environments and additional vibration conditions.

Florida RF Labs was featuring test cable assemblies operating from DC to 65 GHz. Their premium test cables come with various features including armor, thermal vacuum, ultra low VSWR, weatherized, low PIM, extended booting, low insertion low and high frequency (to 50 GHz).  They also have options for highly flexible versions (up to 65 GHz) with various other features. They also offer components for test cables such as terminations and attenuators.

Hittite has a broad range of components and integrated assemblies for military applications. An example they were showing off was their Ka-Band block upconverter with HPA. Input frequency range is 1 to 2 GHz, output frequency range is 29 to 31 GHz, conversion gain is 65 dB, output power is 37 dBm (-30 to +5 dBm input power), phase noise is -113 dBc/Hz (at 10 MHz) and spurious is -60 dBc. The unit is designed for single carrier use in satellite communications and covers both commercial and military bands.

Isola provides high performance materials for RF/microwave and high-speed digital applications.  They were featuring their TerraGreen halogen-free, ultra low loss material that performs up to 20 GHz with stable Dk between -55 and +125 degrees C. They were also featuring their Astra MT very low loss material with the same stable Dk and operating frequency range. Astra MT also offers a low Df of .0017 making it a cost-effective alternative to PTFE and other laminates.

Mercury Systems was featuring their RF/microwave technologies that includes expertise in ferrites, mixers, high power amplifiers and switches, VCOs, low noise products and test equipment as well as integrated combinations to support customer’s needs. To meet the growing need for components and integrated assemblies, Mercury’s Advanced Microelectronics Center provides world-class design and manufacturing capabilities.  The company can design and optimize microwave systems from end-to-end.

Microsemi recently acquired Symmetricom who manufactures highly precise timekeeping technologies and solutions that enable next generation data, voice, mobile and video networks and services. It provides timekeeping in GPS satellites, national time references, and national power grids as well as in critical military and civilian networks.  Microsemi intends to leverage this expertise to expand their markets.

One of the most interesting finds at the exhibition was Mitre Corp's 3D printed UAV.  The entire UAV is made of parts printed by a 3D printer snapped together uisng plastic connectors that are also printed.  The entire vehicle can be printed in 36 hrs (or 12 hrs using 3 printers). The engine, battery, etc. are all off the shelf parts making the entire UAV cost only $2000 (~$500 in printed parts).  An Android phone is used as the computer to guide it autonomously using a preloaded fligth plan or it can be guided in R/C mode.  See our video linked above for a full description and demo.

National Instruments and RADX introduced the RADX LibertyGT™ Model 1200B (“1200B”) COTS Bench-top SDSI. Designed to address high-performance, high-throughput wireless communications, RF and microwave test and measurement applications, the 1200B is a turnkey, multifunction, COTS, bench-top Software Defined Synthetic Instrument that is modular, programmable, upgradable, reconfigurable and cost-effective.    The 1200B’s modular architecture combines an extensive library of RADX COTS Real-time Measurement Science Software and Firmware modules with a powerful collection of advanced, COTS NI PXI modules and LabVIEW® system design software—all housed in an integrated, field-service-optimized bench-top enclosure equipped with a comprehensive RF Interface Unit and High-Definition touch-screen display.

NXP Semiconductors is a leading provider of components to the Aerospace and Defense market for over 30 years. NXP’s components are applied in a wide array of Aerospace and Defense systems including Radar, SDR (Software Defined Radio), ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) and EW (Electronic Warfare). They were featuring many of their high power LDMOS and other power transistors.

Planar Monolithics Industries (PMI) was featuring several components such as their 315 to 362 MHz successive detection log video amplifiers with a fast rise time of 35 nsec max and a recovery time of less than 500 nsec. It is temperature compensated so that log accuracy over better than +/- 2.5 dB over the full operating range of -33 to +77 degrees C. Another product on display was their extended range detector logarithmic video amplifier design for ultra low DC power consumption with CW immunity. It operates over the 2 to 18 GHz range with only 3.9 W max DC power. They also were featuring their .85 to 18 GHz vector modulator that provides 0.1 dB attenuation resolution and a phase shift resolution of 0.8 degrees. The attenuation is phase invariant and the phase is amplitude invariant making it ideal for nulling unwanted signals.

Tecore Networks was showcasing multiple tactical communication platforms for military deployment including its Network in a Box (NIB)® and RAVEN™ solutions. Both solutions, which can be deployed as a standalone system or networked together in a mobility network, provide dynamic and secure 3G/4G tactical communications in non-permissive and austere environments enabling users to achieve rapid information dominance in any setting.

Times Microwave was on site with their coaxial cables and cable assemblies for demanding interconnect applications that cover military-aerospace, shipboard and commercial wireless applications and include high-performance flexible, semi-flexible and rigid coaxial cable assemblies, and flexible 50 Ohm LMR® cables, connectors and assemblies. They have recently added smaller diameter flexible cables to their line (.086 and .047).

Radio Design Group was showing off their wideband isolation amplifier that provides high reverse isolation for applications where it is desired that signals travel in one direction. Two stages of low noise, high dynamic range amplification coupled with inter-stage attenuation, provide high performance while maintaining over 80 dB of reverse isolation. They were also featuring their modular RF distribution unit to interface between various platform antennas and receiving systems.

R&S had a large presence showing off their military radios, networking, air traffic control solutions and more.  They are developing a new generation of software defined radios - the R&S®SDxR radio family, in conjunction with the innovative waveforms of the R&S®HDR family, provide the network-ability and interoperability that enable network centric operations. They had their air traffic control VCS-4G VoIP system on display that provides an all IP-based system that provides interoperability among all types of systems. They also had their test and measurement systems that we all are familiar with.

We also dropped by to see Teledyne (including the Microwave Systems Division and others), CPI (GaN SSPAs and TWTs/TWTAs), CST (modeling software), Skyworks/Trans-Tech (components, filters and resonators) and Thales (TWTs, data links and systems). See everyone next year in Baltimore which promises to be a better year than the last two.