Below please find Microwave Journal's annual European Microwave Week new product wrap up. This year's conference and exhibition, which ran from October 8-12 in Munich, Germany, was a worthy successor to last year's show in Manchester, England, with over 300 companies announcing a variety of new products and important news items. Thanks once again to this year's Online Show Daily sponsors: AWR®, HUBER+SUHNER and Keithley Instruments Inc..
Acceleware® Corp., a developer of high performance computing (HPC) solutions, recently announced a partnership agreement through which Agilent® Technologies will resell the Acceleware acceleration products throughout its worldwide sales organization to Agilent Antenna Modeling Design System (AMDS™) customers.
Aeroflex announced the commercial availability in Europe of its new Synthetic Multifunction Adaptable Reconfigurable Test Environment (SMART^E™). Delivering on the flexibility and modularity that synthetic test systems have promised, but never quite achieved, SMART^E introduces a new, truly synthetic test environment that includes hardware, software, test practices and support required by customers for a complete test solution.
In addition, the company utilized its presence at European Microwave Week 2007 for the European launch of its new modular RF test platform for wireless applications up to 6 GHz. The scaleable platform has the flexibility to easily perform at any stage of wireless development from research to manufacturing, and can integrate seamlessly into any wireless market including cellular, wireless data, RFIC test and military/aerospace.
Agilent Technologies exhibited its new One Box Wireless Networking Test Set for Mobile WiMAX devices and its support for MIMO, Wave 2 system profiles. The new N8300A wireless networking test set and N6301A OFDMA measurement application software provide a complete one-box transmitter and receiver test solution for Mobile WiMAX devices. Agilent’s Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA), Signal Studio and Mobile WiMAX Test Set measurement solutions have been enhanced to facilitate testing of the WiMAX Forum’s Wave 2 system profiles, including Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO). The ability to test Wave 2 system profiles is crucial to the successful deployment of Mobile WiMAX products. Agilent’s measurement solutions include a range of new test capabilities that support physical (PHY) layer signal generation and analysis for Wave 2 system profiles. Specific capabilities include matrix A and matrix B signals for downlink, uplink collaborative MIMO, and creation of HARQ bursts and uplink sounding zones.
Agilent also introduced its newest test and measurement solutions for 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE). Featuring industry-leading performance and functionality, the company’s LTE solutions help R&D engineers speed development of their evolving LTE designs for next-generation mobile communications products.
The latest update of the Agilent EEsof Advanced Design System (ADS) was on display together with enhancements to the company’s Genesys software. The new release of the ADS software includes serializer/deserializer (SERDES)/Verilog analog mixed-signal (AMS) co-simulation, and other signal integrity capabilities that give designers a more complete signal integrity design flow for serial links, and confidence that analog and digital components will work together. Genesys 2007.08 includes enhanced statistical and electromagnetic analyses that provide affordable, first-pass accuracy for RF and microwave designs, resulting in shorter physical design cycles and faster time to market. These new statistical analysis features, together with the newly integrated Agilent Momentum GX high-performance planar-3D EM simulator, enable highly accurate physical design.
AMCAD Engineering announced the launch of its new generation pulsed IV/RF measurement system. This Pulsed IV/RF System will offer AMCAD customers the most versatile, robust and accurate Pulsed IV/RF measurement system on the market. Developed over a 15-year period at the XLIM laboratory (formerly IRCOM), this system has continuously been tested and improved by the research team to satisfy the most demanding of test requirements. Now brought to the state of a reliable product by the AMCAD development team, this system offers state-of-the-art features and functionalities, combined with great robustness and accuracy.
Analog Devices Inc. announced the ADF4157, a new high frequency, fractional-N PLL synthesizer for applications that require low phase noise and ultra-fine-tuning resolution, such as satellite communications, private mobile radios (PMR), instrumentation and wireless base station equipment, including those that support GSM, PCS, DCS, WiMAX, CDMA and W-CDMA networks. The 25-bit fixed-modulus divider provides for ultra-fine frequency resolution. Design and simulation software, which greatly simplifies and streamlines loop filter design, is available free of charge as a download from Analog Devices’ web site at http://www.analog.com/adisimpll.
Anritsu Co. introduced the MG37020A fast-switching microwave signal generator that utilizes an advanced VCO-based hardware architecture to achieve best-in-class frequency switching speed of 100 μsec per point. The fast switching speed, and a number of other high-performance specifications and design advantages, make the MG37020A well suited for integration into automated test systems used in defense signal simulation and manufacturing ATE where minimum test time and maximum throughput is critical. Anritsu also introduced the S311D/S312D Site Master™ cable and antenna analyzers that combine a wide frequency of 2 to 1600 MHz, ease of use and high accuracy in an extremely portable, rugged design that weighs less than five pounds. Developed to test the RF performance of P25 and TETRA systems in the VHF/UHF, 400 and 700 to 800 MHz bands, the S311/S312D are ideally suited for Land Mobile Radio (LMR) and Public Safety system technicians and engineers. Lastly, the company introduced the first Mobile WiMAX handheld test solution specifically designed for deploying, installing and maintaining Mobile WiMAX networks. Incorporated into Anritsu’s award-winning BTS Master and Spectrum Master platforms, the Mobile WiMAX test capability provides field engineers, technicians and contractors with an easy and highly accurate method for conducting RF, demodulation and Over-The-Air (OTA) measurements on WiMAX signals.
Applied Wave Research Inc. (AWR®) announced the completion and release of a Microwave Office® 2007 design software simulation library that features NXP Semiconductor’s sixth-generation laterally-diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) devices. The simulation library provides power amplifier (PA) and base station design engineers, as well as designers of worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) and wireless broadcasting equipment with AWR- and NXP-proven large signal circuit simulation models.
AR Modular RF introduced model KMS2250, a 2.45 GHz, 200 W, solid-state LDMOS power amplifier module. Designed for a medical ablation system, model KMS2250 has various industrial/scientific/medical applications. The 53 dBm linear power amplifier has built-in output power control adjustable externally from 10 to 200 W (a 100 W unit is also available). It incorporates built-in gating/RF blanking and an RF monitoring port. The amplifier is protected from thermal overload, over-power, over-voltage and wrong voltage polarity, as well as having an internal isolator with excellent VSWR.
In related news, AR/RF Microwave Instrumentation released its newly engineered 5S10G20A and 20S10G20A solid-state amplifiers and is offering both models with excellent price-performance ratios. The amplifiers, which are ideal for EMC testing and wireless testing, each cover the 10 to 20 GHz frequency range. Model 5S10G20A offers 5 W of power, and model 20S10G20A provides 20 W.
Arlon displayed high performance, "Best-in-Class" CLTE-XT for multi-layer, phase sensitive microwave circuits for radar, antennas and other circuits requiring high reliability. CLTE-XT represents the eXtended Technology of the existing CLTE product line. CLTE-XT is a micro dispersed ceramic PTFE composite utilizing a woven fiberglass reinforcement to provide the highest degree of dimensional stability, critical in multi-layer designs. CLTE-XT is in a league of its own when utilizing thin (0.005 and 0.010, for example) substrates or when CLTE-XT is combined with thin film resistor conductor materials such as Ohmega-Ply® and TCR® foils utilized for embedded resistors. The company also announced new low loss, low PIM antenna materials for base station antennas, in addition to new thermally conductive low loss PTFE laminates for power amplifiers and circuits that require higher dielectric constant stability vs. temperature.
ATC announced the introduction of the company's new 800 series multilayer capacitor (MLC) products. The 800 series utilizes a rugged NPO ceramic construction built in ATC's traditional case A and B configuration (0.55" x 0.55" and 0.11" x 0.11"). The 800 series was designed to provide superior performance, especially at wireless frequencies and throughout the RF and microwave spectrum. Capacitance values and voltage ratings are equivalent to ATC's 100 series MLCs.
Based on AVX Proprietary RFAP thin-film technology, the LP0402N series harmonic low pass filters from AVX Corp. are ideally suited to applications in wireless communications, WLANs, GPS and WiMAX. A key benefit of these filters is their tiny 0402 package size coupled with significantly better RF performance than larger Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) devices.
Delivering superior RF performance in high frequency wireless systems, the DB0603N 3 dB 90-degree coupler from AVX features a miniature 0603 package size and low insertion loss of typically 0.2 dB. The couplers suit applications in balanced amplifiers and signal distribution in wireless communications for frequency bands at 3.5, 3.0, 2.4 and 2.14 GHz.
Computer Simulation Technology (CST) announced further acceleration boost for the upcoming version 2008 of its market and technology leading Time Domain solver within CST MICROWAVE STUDIO® (CST MWS) through Acceleware’s new ClusterInABox™ D30. The company also announced the acquisition of the LINMIC software package, including source code and all IP rights.
Daa Sheen Technology displayed the company's RF microwave coaxial connectors that include SMA/SMB/SMC/MMCX/MCX/N/BNC/TNC/FME/7/16/1.6/5.6/SMZ/SMP/MIMI UHF/UHF, CATV/satellite and cable assemblies.
Endwave Corp., a provider of high frequency RF modules for telecommunications networks, defense electronics and homeland security systems, introduced new millimeter-wave amplifiers that exhibit exceptional performance characteristics over broad bandwidths. The Endwave LA series of millimeter-wave amplifiers include 10 models covering 33 to 75 GHz in up to 20 GHz bandwidths. They feature P1dB input powers as high as +11 dBm, noise figures as low as 7 dB and gain options from 10 to 40 dB. Additional performance characteristics include input/output VSWR of 2.2, and gain flatness of ±3.0 dB.
Filtronic Compound Semiconductors Ltd., Newton Aycliffe, UK, announced the release of a new high linearity broadband MMIC amplifier — the FMA3025SOT89E. Operating over the 250 to 4000 MHz frequency band, the FMA3025SOT89E provides a best-in-class combination of noise figure and linearity when compared to alternative competing solutions. Fabricated using high reliability GaAs PHEMT technology, this new broadband MMIC is ideally suited for applications where high linearity is required. Features include: high dynamic range, lead-free industry-standard SOT-89 package, RoHS compliant, single 5 V supply, 14 dB gain (at 0.9 GHz), input and output return losses <-15 dB, 24 dBm P1dB output power at 5 V, output IP3 greater than 40 dBm in any condition and 2.2 dB NF.
In related news, Filtronic introduced the release of a new family of broadband MMIC amplifiers — the FMA3007, FMA3008, FMA3009 and FMA3058. Filtronic’s broadband MMIC products are high performance 2 to 20 GHz Gallium Arsenide monolithic traveling wave amplifiers suitable for use in broadband communications, instrumentation and EW applications. The die is fabricated using high reliability GaAs PHEMT technology.
G.T. Microwave introduced model R8N-39-2BU, a SP8T phase and amplitude matched absorptive PIN diode switch that operates from 0.5 to 3 GHz. Across the entire band, VSWR is less than 1.6, insertion loss is less than 1.75 dB and the isolation is greater than 60 dB. This unit is amplitude matched within 0.25 dB port-to-port and phase matched within 3.0 degrees port-to-port. With three-bit binary differential logic it is RS-485 compatible with a switching speed less than 100 ns. The unit has a two-inch from flat to flat decagon shape with a thickness of 0.75 inches.
G.T. Microwave also showcased model S4N-69-1AB, a medium power low harmonic SP4T absorptive PIN diode switch that operates from 2 to 18 GHz. Across the entire band, VSWR is less than 2.1, insertion loss is less than 4.5 dB and the isolation is greater than 60 dB. This switch can handle +27 dBm CW with less than 60 dBm harmonic content. It has a two-bit binary TTL compatible logic with a switching speed less than 900 ns. The unit measures 2.50" x 1.25" x 0.50".
Hittite Microwave was on hand to introduce 24 new products that have debuted in Q3 2007. The company has introduced 75 new products between Q1 and Q3 2007 and now offers more than 550 standard products. Hittite's standard and custom IC, module and subsystem products address broadband, cellular, microwave and millimeter-wave, military and space market applications.
HUBER+SUHNER launched its new QMA attenuator series. It offers attenuation values with 3, 6 and 10 dB (other values are available on request), 2 W attenuation and is applicable for frequencies up to 18 GHz. The QMA coaxial connectors from HUBER+SUHNER are designed to replace SMA connectors. Suitable applications include radio base stations and other radio equipment, especially where high density connector population is required. The QMA interface features a snap-lock mechanism that makes it fast and easy to mate and de-mate, yet requiring a very low mating force. The interface retention force is 60 N. The snap-on mating mechanism of QMA connectors makes it up to 10 times faster to mate and de-mate than conventional SMA connectors. This results in a reduction of the user’s total operating costs without loss of quality or functionality. The replacement of the threaded coupling mechanism by the snap-lock mechanism increases the packing density, as no connectors torque wrench clearance is required.
In addition, the company introduced ruggedized, 18 GHz test cables that provide excellent durability and reliable stability vs. bending and torsion, while remaining exceptionally flexible. Performances are ideal for applications like outdoor and on-site tests of wireless communication systems for the location and identification of cable and antenna system faults, for the measurements of isolation and gain, and for the design, deploy and optimization of wireless devices and networks.
Providing design engineers with a range of discrete and network resistive devices for applications requiring a high degree of stability and reliability, TT electronics IRC Advanced Film Division offers a comprehensive range of high temperature resistive products, including the PFC-HT Series chip resistor, PFC-HT Divider Series voltage divider, 1900 Series DIP resistor network and 4700 Series SIP resistor network. The devices are constructed using IRC’s patented TaNFilm® self passivating resistive technology.
Jazz Semiconductor® announced the availability of its 0.18-micron Silicon Radio platform for complete radio integration. The 0.18-micron Jazz Silicon Radio platform allows complete integration of the radio in a wireless device on a single piece of silicon integrating the transceiver, antenna switch, power amplifier (PA) and controllers, eliminating the need for expensive discrete GaAs devices. Jazz's 0.18-micron RF CMOS process (CA18) and its 0.18-micron SiGe BiCMOS process (SBC18) include an SOI option that enables the integration of the antenna switch, but, unlike other solutions, also enables the integration of the power amplifier. This new technology promises to deliver higher levels of integration for future cell phones, wireless LANs and WiMAX systems, while displacing chips today built in more expensive GaAs and reducing die costs up to 50 percent.
JFW Industries showcased its complete line of 6 GHz RF components. These high performance products include DC to 6 GHz fixed attenuators with N or SMA connectors, DC to 6 GHz rotary attenuators, 0.2 to 6 GHz digitally programmable attenuators (TTL, Ethernet and RS-232 compatible) and 2 to 6 GHz broadband power divider/combiners. Custom designs are available upon request.
Johanson Technology Inc. (JTI), a company specializing in ceramic passive components for RF and microwave, announced the 3500FB39A0050 WiMAX filter balun for the mobile WiMAX market (802.16e). This 50:50 balun and bandpass filter integrated passive component covers the 3.4 to 3.6 GHz band. The part is pin compatible with the 2345FB39A0050 (covering the 2.30 to 2.39 GHz band) introduced earlier this year. Both units offer outstanding performance in cost-effective LTCC technology and come in a 2.5 x 2.0 x 1.1 mm package. Detailed specifications are available upon request.
Keithley Instruments Inc. released the industry’s leading 4x4 multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) RF test system for R&D and production testing of next generation RF communications equipment and devices. Keithley’s MIMO RF test system consists of its new Model 2920 Vector Signal Generator (VSG) and Model 2820 Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA), Model 2895 MIMO Synchronization Unit, and powerful MIMO Signal Analysis Software. No other MIMO test system in the industry offers: support for 4x4 MIMO applications; support for a multitude of commercial standards, including cellular, WiMAX and WLAN; ±1 nanosecond signal sampler synchronization; less than 1 nanosecond peak-to-peak signal sampler jitter; and less than 1 degree of peak-to-peak RF-carrier phase jitter.
One of the UK’s leading manufacturers of microwave component technology launched two ranges of solid-state amplifiers in response to growing demand. Labtech Microwave’s LMA and LMB branded series are linear low noise broadband and narrow bandwidth limiting amplifiers, respectively. LMA006 to 009 have been designed to include all parasitic elements thus enabling excellent gain flatness performance combined with good noise and output power. LMA009, for example, operating over the frequency range of 2 to 18 GHz, incorporates gain slope correction for system integration applications. The gain slope is required to overcome losses in systems where there are varying lengths of RF cables. In addition, the LMA009 automatically compensates for heat fluctuations, ensuring the gain level is constant over a wide temperature range.
Germany’s own Mician GmbH displayed Version 6.5 of its EM-software tool μWave Wizard.™ With this recent release the GUI has an improved modern and more user friendly design. A key new feature is a fast frequency sweep based on adaptive rational function interpolation. This technique enables 'smooth' S-parameter plots to be obtained over a broad frequency range with only a few samples being calculated. Another new feature of version 6.5 is the inclusion of finite wall conductivity losses directly into the mode matching method and its derivatives (BCMM), as well as in the 2D FEM method. Furthermore, full 3D visualization of electromagnetic fields and a series of new, flexible elements comprising various types of dielectric resonators have been included.
Microwave Device Technology Corp. (MDT) introduced the MSD7800 series of PIN diode microwave switch drivers specified to switch in less than 10 ns. The MSD7801 is a single PIN driver designed for SPST switches and the MSD7802 is designed as a complementary driver for SP2T switches. Other driver configurations are available upon request.
Microwave Marketing featured products from five different companies. Linwave Technology showcased miniature Ka + 28 GHz block upconverters, for example, while BSC Filters introduced a handful of new items, including suspended substrate filters to 40 GHz, integrated switches and multiplexers. Santron announced the release of a new high performance SMA connector to address the problem of signal transmission and fragility of solder joints in hand-formable cable assemblies. The company's new eSMA connector features a new extended ferrule and enhanced performance from an innovative internal design. This connector also features: failure-proof coupling nuts; EZ style, solder free, captivated center contacts; and a solder damming positive cable stop. EM Research highlighted its SLX Series of ultra-miniature synthesizers that feature a frequency range of 50 MHz to 6 GHz, a step size from 5 kHz to 10 MHz and a supply voltage of +3.3 or 5 VDC. Gowanda was on hand to showcase its products for the defense and aerospace, and medical applications markets.
The Microwave Innovation Group (MIG) demonstrated the latest version of WASP-NET®, the fast hybrid EM CAD and optimization engine that utilizes the advantages of all four common EM solvers (MM/FE/MoM/FD) in one tool. An important new feature is a new graphical user interface with all modern visualization features that makes this advanced CAD tool user friendly for even the inexperienced EM CAD engineer. Other features include a user friendly synthesis wizard for designing slot-arrays with prescribed performance, advanced MoM algorithms for handling large antenna arrays such as narrow-wall slot-arrays, microstrip antennas, reflect-arrays, microstrip components such as filters, transformers and spiral inductors, efficient inclusion of losses, prediction of power capability, dielectric loaded horns, arbitrarily shaped OMT structures, advanced coax and squarax elements, and true 64-bit capability with enhanced memory handling.
Mitsubishi Electronic Corp. introduced the new GaAs HEMT MGF4941AL that is mainly intended for use in Ku-band. Typical applications are the first stage LNAs for down converters in Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) receivers operating in the 10 to 12 GHz range. The MGF4941AL is available in the new 4-pin plastic mold package.
Mimix Broadband Inc. introduced surface-mount technology (SMT) packaged, gallium arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) receiver and transmitter devices that cover the 10 to 18 GHz frequency bands. The receiver has a noise figure of 2.7 dB and 20 dB image rejection across the band. The transmitter has a +11 dBm output P1dB, 8 dB conversion gain and 15 dB image rejection across the band. The receiver integrates an image-reject mixer, an LO buffer amplifier and a low noise amplifier. The transmitter integrates a balanced, image-reject mixer, an LO buffer amplifier and an output RF amplifier. The image-reject mixer eliminates the need for an image bandpass filter after the amplifier to remove thermal noise at the image frequency. This receiver and transmitter pair, identified as XR1007-QD and XU1005-QD, respectively, is well suited for wireless communications applications such as millimeter-wave point-to-point radio, local multipoint distribution services (LMDS), SATCOM and VSAT applications. Also, the company introduced a surface-mount (SMT) packaged four stage GaAs MMIC linear power amplifier with +35 dBm OIP3 and 23 dB small signal gain. This power amplifier, identified as XP1031-QK, covers 37 to 42 GHz and comes in a high performance, RoHS compliant, 7x7 mm SMT package, offering excellent RF and thermal properties. This device is ideal for wireless communications applications such as point-to-point radio, LMDS, SATCOM and VSAT applications, and can be used in conjunction with Mimix's XR1008-QB receiver and XU1006-QB transmitter to form a complete SMT 38 GHz transceiver solution.
The new A7-MX bb frequency and phase analyzer from Quartzlock features low noise level and high resolution. This analyzer offers phase noise with -135 dBc/Hz at 1 Hz offset noise floor and measurements from 100 MHz to 500 Hz. Phase/frequency data and Allan variance are displayed/plotted in real time with both absolute and relative frequency displayed on a large high resolution digital display over the 40 kHz to 65 MHz bandwidth. Measurement times from 1 ms to 2000s enable phase data for intermittent phase perturbation analysis and is the only way to solve for occasional phase disturbance and long-term drift measurements.
Remcom announced the release of XFDTD® 6.5. XFDTD is a full wave 3D electromagnetic solver based on the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. Applications include microwave, RF, antennas, scattering, biological EM, photonics, packaging, EMC and specialized materials. XFDTD 6.5 includes important industry-leading features from previous versions such as the patent-pending Fast Meshing Algorithm and both distributed memory MPI cluster computing and GPU hardware acceleration.
Rogers Corp. showcased several advanced circuit materials. These products are used in a wide range of high frequency applications, including the advanced packaging, antenna and power amplifier markets. The company displayed the following products:
Advanced Packaging Materials
* Thermoset Materials: Products such as RO4350B™, RO4450B™, RO4450D™ laminates offer low moisture absorption and low loss, as well as FR4 and lead-free multi-layer processing capabilities. They are also available in 0.004" to 0.060" thicknesses.
* Thermoplastic Materials: The RO2800® and ULTRALAM® 3000 materials are available in thin dielectric layers (0.001" to 0.004") and exhibit low loss and low moisture absorption. They also are lead-free, making them environmentally friendly.
Antenna Grade Materials
* This wide range of antenna grade materials exhibit losses as low as 0.0013 and reduced PIM. A variety of options including thick dielectric grades and high Dk are also available.
Headquartered in Munich, Rohde & Schwarz, a supplier of microwave test and measurement equipment, showcased the R&S FSU67 spectrum analyzer as the first instrument worldwide that allows spectrum analysis up to 67 GHz in a single sweep. In addition, a new mm-wave converter expands the frequency range of the R&S ZVA high-end network analyzers to 110 GHz. Plus, the new R&S SMF100A signal generator generates highly pure signals up to 43.5 GHz. With the new R&S NRP-Z81 broadband power sensor, Rohde & Schwarz is also expanding its product range of USB-capable power sensors. For the first time, RF detector, analog and digital signal processing as well as the entire evaluation logic of a peak power meter are combined in a compact sensor that can be directly remote-controlled via USB. By featuring a video bandwidth of up to 30 MHz and a rise time of 11 ns, the R&S NRP-Z81 allows high-resolution envelope analyses. Complete statistical analysis of a signal can be performed within only a few milliseconds. For average power measurement, it provides a dynamic range of 80 dB. The instrument's frequency range from 50 MHz to 18 GHz makes it suitable for sophisticated measurements on radar and mobile radio signals and helps to save on space and costs.
In addition, the R&S ZVA-Z110 mm-wave converters add the frequency range from 75 to 110 GHz (W-band) to the high-end network analyzers from Rohde & Schwarz. This covers important frequency bands such as for vehicle distance radar (77 GHz) or aerospace and defense applications (94 GHz). Additional hardware is not necessary, which saves time and cost. Moreover, Rohde & Schwarz is the first provider to support multiport measurements in the W-band. The four-port models of the network analyzers do not require an additional external generator, which considerably reduces measurement times. The R&S FSU67 from Rohde & Schwarz extends the upper frequency limit in spectrum analysis from 50 to 67 GHz. This eliminates the need for external harmonic mixers. Featuring a continuous frequency range starting from 20 Hz, the R&S FSU67 also performs harmonics measurements in one go without requiring any modifications to the test setup. Other outstanding characteristics of the spectrum analyzer include high measurement accuracy without unwanted products, and excellent RF performance.
The new RosenbergerHSD® interconnect system has been developed for HighSpeedData transmission in excellent quality. RosenbergerHSD is a symmetrical, impedance controlled 100 Ω interconnect system for transmitting data streams at high bit rates. The high performance digital system prevents interference through crosstalk and external sources. Performance is achieved by using an optimized shielding concept with complete braid connection to the outer contact of the connector. The RosenbergerHSD interconnect system enables applications up to 1.6 Gbit/sec. – 800 Mbit/sec. on two differential pairs each at 10 m length – for example, in automotive electronics (LVDS cameras, USB connections or IEEE 1394 applications). Furthermore, the RosenbergerHSD system can also be applied for digital infotainment electronics, digital symmetrical networks or even radio base stations. The product spectrum consists of PCB connectors and four-pole cable assemblies.
Synergy Microwave Corp. announced the new DCO and DXO micro series of miniature voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO) for C-band and X-band applications. These VCOs are based on Synergy’s proprietary patented technology and patents pending, which enhances bandwidth, reduces phase noise and improves immunity to phase hits. Several models are available with starting frequency at approximately 4 to 9 GHz, in tuning bandwidths of approximately 1000 MHz, and tuning voltages ranging from 0 to a maximum of 24 VDC. These new series of VCOs are packaged in Synergy’s tiny VCO surface-mount package measuring 0.3" x 0.3" x 0.1" (LxWxH), are RoHS-compliant, and can be delivered in tape and reel for automatic assembly processes.
Taconic was at the show focusing on the following: TacLamPLUS — a solution for millimeter-wave applications of the best cost/performance factor; base material with heavy metal cladding — ideal for thermal management of power amplifier printed circuit boards; substrates with very low profile copper foil cladding — for best PIM performance of antenna printed circuit boards; TacPreg — RF prepreg of low loss factor for multilayer printed circuit boards.
In related news, the Advanced Dielectric Division of Taconic featured a variety of unique products that offer low loss and high reliability for conventional and multilayer RF and high speed digital board fabrication.
Screening can and RFI shielding specialist Tecan was on hand to offer free design assistance to electronics designers looking for solutions to EMI/RFI problems. With the benefit of more than three decades of experience in the field, Tecan offers tailored design solutions — from multi-cavity structures to standard or customised enclosures — in some cases designed and dispatched in 48 hours. Aimed at waveguide applications, TECfin Connect is a versatile range of gold- and silver-based plating finishes designed to provide optimum performance. The finishes have been exclusively developed by Tecan to change surface properties for custom waveguides in the aerospace, defence, medical, security scanning and communications sectors. The company was also offering a select range of standard cans on pick-and-place tape reels for the convenience of small, medium and high-volume OEMs and CEMs. They are exclusively available in the UK from Hitek Electronic Materials.
Tektronix introduced the ultrawideband (UWB) V2.1.0 software package for its high performance real-time oscilloscopes, which incorporate RSAVu. Designers will be able to analyze RF and microwave signals with up to 20 GHz modulation bandwidth using the company's familiar RSAVu software on the DPO/DSA70000 series oscilloscopes. UWB V2.1.0 includes the instrument control and connectivity to enable RSAVu Analysis on Tektronix oscilloscopes. RSAVu Analysis strengthens Tektronix’s offering by adding pulse measurements, phase noise measurements and transient signal analysis. Analysis can be done across microwave, electrical and optical waveforms, up to 200 Mpts at 50 GS/s on four simultaneous channels. Time gating cursors within these waveforms along with packet/pulse finder help designers analyze the intended signal that may be separated by time, power level or frequency from other traffic. Resolution bandwidth, which trades off time resolution and frequency resolution, provides the best insight into complex modulated signals.
In a couple of industry news related items, Thales-MESL Ltd., a manufacturer of microwave components for the communications and defence industries, announced it has been acquired from Thales Holdings UK plc, a subsidiary of Thales SA, by a combination of industrial investors, Lars McBride, Anthony Smith and William Buist-Wells. The company will in the future be known as MESL Microwave Ltd.
Meanwhile, Trackwise and Epitome Components formally announced the launch of Trackwise Epitome India, a new joint venture established to provide volume manufacturing of specialist RF PCBs for Indian-located wireless infrastructure equipment manufacturers and assemblers. The new company brings together the high quality, high volume manufacturing expertise of Epitome India with over ten years’ specialist RF PCB know-how from Trackwise.
TriQuint Semiconductor Inc. celebrated the milestone of 100 million units for its family of GSM/GPRS and EDGE Transmit (Tx) modules at the 5th anniversary of its Design Center in Munich, Germany. Pioneered by the engineering staff in Munich, these modules represent an industry first, achieving a 6x6 mm footprint and cementing TriQuint’s position as a leading provider of highly integrated modules for wireless handsets. Modules allow cellular handset vendors to replace several discrete parts with one integrated component; for example, these complete front end modules integrate multiple power amplifiers, filtering, control circuitry, the switch function and ESD protection. TriQuint Semiconductor also announced the availability of a new high-voltage heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) family of power amplifiers for 3G and 4G base stations. The new PAs offer exceptionally high efficiency when used in a Doherty configuration, the design most commonly employed by base transceiver station manufacturers. The new devices can substantially increase efficiency in 3G cellular base stations, which can lead to greater energy savings while reducing waste heat nearly 50 percent. Used in a Doherty configuration, the devices have delivered efficiency levels of 57 percent, surpassing that offered by laterally-diffused metal oxide semiconductor (LDMOS) transistors, or more expensive gallium nitride (GaN) devices.
Tyco Electronics announced the M/A-COM MASW-008075, a SPDT 3 V switch fabricated for applications that require high linearity, low insertion loss and high isolation. This low cost switch is ideally suited for 802.11b/g applications with a bias of 3 V. The MASW-008075 switch has a low typical insertion loss of 0.40 dB while achieving an isolation of 25 dB and P1dB of 28 dBm.
The company also introduced a new line of M/A-COM radiating cable antennas designed to replace conventional antennas in applications that require wide frequency bandwidths (100 to 6000 MHz) and deployment in physical spaces that present extreme challenges to traditional antenna solutions. The M/A-COM radiating cable antenna series is ideal for cellular, Bluetooth and WLAN frequency band installations, as well as airborne, vehicular and ground-based applications.
Look for more in-depth product and news coverage from Microwave Journal next year, as the 2008 EuMW conference and exhibition moves to Amsterdam, The Netherlands from October 26-31.