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RF/microwave connectors are small and often overlooked, but they serve as gateways for many electronic devices and systems, linking components and systems together to enable proper operation. Coaxial connectors are often taken for granted—until they fail. They are instrumental to the operation of many electronic devices and systems, from cellular telephones and wireless data networks to the most advanced radar and electronic-warfare (EW) systems. Whether designing or simply maintaining electronic devices and systems, understanding the role of the RF/microwave connector can help to boost both performance and reliability.

A ready reference poster of multiple RF/microwave amplifier graphs and tables from AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation .

Software-defined RF test system architectures have become increasingly popular over the past several decades. Almost every commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) automated RF test system today uses application software to communicate through a bus interface to the instrument. As RF applications become more complex, engineers are continuously challenged with the dilemma of increasing functionality without increasing test times, and ultimately test cost. While improvements in test measurement algorithms, bus speeds, and CPU speeds have reduced test times, further improvements are necessary to address the continued increase in the complexity of RF test applications.

Higher data rates introduce new challenges for test solutions. There are several 20+ Gbit/s high speed standards (Table 1) that are driving the upper end of the test spectrum to 70 GHz and even 110 GHz. Accurate measurements are needed to better understand higher order harmonics, as will new challenges related to conductor skin effects and dielectric losses on PC boards, along with the design trade-offs related to choices of vias, stackups, and connector pins.

PIN diodes are essential tools in the designer’s handbook. There are many resources that provide information about PIN diode characteristics and integration. However, practical information about selecting the proper PIN diode-based product for a specific application is extremely hard to find.

Narda’s new PIN Diode Control Products Application Note was created to fill this void. It includes basic discussions of PIN diode characteristics, the most commonly used PIN-diode based products, and the trade-offs encountered in designing products around them. The merits of various types of control products within a specific category (analog and digital attenuators, for example) are discussed as well.

With today’s emphasis on superior performance in a smaller, lighter, more cost-effective package, why settle for yesterday’s chip and wire solutions? Narda Defense Technology Solutions has pioneered the development of high performance, densely packaged Integrated Microwave Assemblies and Sub-Systems in footprints previously considered unachievable.

By leveraging commonly available multi-layer board materials with unique interconnection techniques, and incorporating DSP and sophisticated monitor and control functions, our solutions are currently redefining “State of the Art.”

Including: Module and Subsystem Solutions to 40 GHz; Frequency Converters, LNA’s; BUC’s & SSPA’s, EW, Radar, Radio and SATCOM Applications and Pin Diode Switch Products.