New Waves: High Frequency Components, Boards and Systems

Multi-position Switch

The QK series of coaxial multi-position switches feature K type connectors that operate in a frequency range from DC to 40 GHz. Available actuator options include normally open and TTL circuitry with integrated indicator circuits. Terminated models are also available with the 2.4 mm connector. Features include: an RF impedance of 50 ohms nominal; operating temperature of -35° to +85°C ambient; operating life of 1,000,000+ cycles; switching time of 15 mSec maximum; a switching sequence of Break Before Make; and is designed to meet MIL-E-5400 and Mil-S-3928.


Ducommun Technologies Inc., Carson, CA (310) 513-7214,
www.dt-usa.com.

RS No. 216

Fixed Chip Attenuator

EMC Technology introduces a new high frequency, wire bondable chip attenuator, KFA. Designed with the KTVA footprint in mind, this component offers a flat attenuation from 16 to 36 GHz. The KFA chip attenuator can handle 200 mW and is available in 1 to 10 dB with an operating temperature from -55° to +150°C. The KFA is also available for high-reliability applications under the HRKFA part number with Group A, B and C life testing according to Mil-PRF-55342. This new attenuator is available with gold wire bondable terminals and a platinum silver, solder attachable ground plane in an ultra miniature chip size of 0.065" × 0.120". The KFA ultra broadband attenuator is available for immediate delivery.

EMC Technology,
Stuart, FL (800) 544-5594,
www.emct.com.

RS No. 217

Pseudo Elliptic Bandpass Filter

KR Electronics introduces a 550 MHz pseudo elliptic bandpass filter. The filter offers a typical insertion loss of 3.5 dB, a 3 dB bandwidth of 55 MHz and a 60 dB bandwidth of 100 MHz. The use of pseudo elliptic type filters at bandwidths as low as 10 percent allows performance not easily attainable with all-pole filter types. The filter is supplied in an SMA package measuring 0.6" x 0.6" x 2.25" and can also be supplied in a surface-mount package. The filter can be customized for other center frequencies and bandwidths.

KR Electronics Inc.,
Avenel, NJ (732) 636-1900,
www.krfilters.com.

RS No. 218

PCS Combiner Diplexer

The WP-E026-O is a combiner diplexer that covers the lower 700 MHz band and PCS frequencies. The combiner diplexer exhibits less than 0.3 dB of insertion loss across the passbands of 698 to 746 MHz and 1850 to 1990 MHz while providing greater than 80 dB of isolation. The unit measures 8" × 5" × 3", meets IP67 weatherproofness and is available from stock.

Lorch Commercial and Wireless, Salisbury, MD (410) 860-5100,
www.lorchwireless.com.

RS No. 220

Fixed Attenuators

The 615 series attenuators feature attenuation values to 90 dB in a single package. These RoHS compliant, fixed attenuators are available in N-male/female configuration covering all commercial wireless bands from DC to 2 GHz. Indoor/outdoor use with 2 W average (1 kW peak) power handling. Standard attenuation values of 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 dB available from stock to four weeks ARO. These attenuators are made in the USA and offer a 36-month warranty.

MECA Electronics,
Denville, NJ (973) 625-0661,
www.e-meca.com.

RS No. 221

Power Connectors

With a 40 amp max current rating, Phoenix’s Power Connectors are designed to meet the increasing system power requirements that are driving the need for improved current density. Contacts are screw-machined for precision, high-reliability and high-current applications. Features include: single power connector accommodates a maximum of 40 amps based on a 20°C temperature-rise with zero airflow; secure, push-on snap facet for easy and quick mating; available in board-to-board and cable-to-board configurations; SMT, Cable and thru-hole designs; pick-and-place and tape-and-reel versions; and custom cable assemblies are also available.

The Phoenix Co. of Chicago,
Wood Dale, IL (800) 323-9562,
www.phoenixofchicago.com.

RS No. 223

Threshold Detector

Model TD-30T-SHS-218-30DBAMP Options DAC, DS, is an ultra-high speed, high sensitivity threshold detector designed for broadband applications in the 2 to 18 GHz frequency range. This model offers an eight-bit digital control to adjust the threshold level and has TTL output. Size: 2.5" × 2.0" × 0.5" and the power supply is ±12 V.

Planar Monolithics Industries,
Frederick, MD (301) 631-1579,
www.planarmonolithics.com.

RS No. 224

Wideband Bandpass Filter

The 11AS-6/18.16G-11 is a wideband bandpass filter that offers a passband of 6 to 18.16 GHz. Featuring loss of 1 dB and rejection in excess of 60 dB, this unit is perfect for portable or “hi-rel” applications.

Reactel Inc.,
Gaithersburg, MD (301) 519-3660,
www.reactel.com.

RS No. 225

High Power Directional Couplers

These high power directional couplers offer accurate coupling, low insertion loss and high directivity in a compact package. The standard units are optimized for 2 octave bandwidths and are available with a choice of coupling values. These units are ideal for sampling forward and reflected power with a negligible effect on the transmission line and very low intermodulation products.

RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY (914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com.

RS No. 226

PA Duplexers

The TRITIUM II PA-Duplexer Module™ family includes the TQM663029A, (PCS band), the TQM613029 (cellular band) and the TQM653029 (AWS band). Together with TriQuint’s SP3T antenna switch, GPS LNA/filter module and RF filters, the TRITIUM II PA-Duplexers™ provide customers a complete front-end solution for multi-band CDMA handsets. Utilizing in-house technology enables TriQuint to offer a solution that is more cost-effective, more efficient and half the size of solutions comprised of discrete components.

TriQuint Semiconductor Inc.,
Hillsboro, OR (503) 615-9000,
www.triquint.com.

RS No. 227

Amplifiers

GaN RF Amplifier

Model SSPA 0.1-0.8-125 is a high power, broadband, Gallium Nitride (GaN) RF amplifier that operates from 100 to 800 MHz. This PA is ideal for broadband military platforms as well as commercial applications because it is robust and offers high power over a multi-octave bandwidth with excellent power added efficiency. This amplifier was designed for high efficiency applications. The amplifier operates with a base plate temperature of 85°C with no degradation in the MTBF for the GaN devices inside. It is packaged in a modular housing that is approximately 2.5" (width) by 6.4" (long) by 1.06" (height). This amplifier has a typical P3dB of 125 W at room temperature.

Aethercomm Inc.,
Carlsbad, CA (760) 598-4340,
www.aethercomm.com.

RS No. 228

20 W Solid-state Amplifier

AR’s model 20S6G18, a 20 W solid-state amplifier covering 6 to 18 GHz, provides high gain, low noise, good linearity and excellent mismatch capability. The amplifier also delivers superior error vector magnitude (EVM) performance. With a minimum of 43 dB gain and a typical noise figure of 6 dB, the 20S6G18 offers significant advantages over traveling wave tube amplifiers in this frequency range.

AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA (215) 723-8181,
www.ar-worldwide.com.

RS No. 229

Gain Block Amplifier

The Hittite HMC599ST89E is a GaAs PHEMT-based, wide dynamic range gain block MMIC amplifier that is rated from 50 to 960 MHz and delivers 14 dB gain, +39 dBm output IP3, and noise figure as low as 2 dB. Input and output return losses are excellent at 15 dB or better. The HMC599ST89E can be used as a cascadable 75 ohm RF or IF gain stage as well as a PA or LO driver with up to +19 dBm output P1dB compression. This versatile MMIC amplifier exhibits excellent gain and output power stability over temperature, and requires a minimal number of external bias components. The HMC599ST89E is housed in an industry standard RoHS compliant SOT89 package, and can be powered directly from either a +3 or +5 V supply.

Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com.

RS No. 230

Linear Power Amplifier

The XP1050-QJ is a QFN packaged GaAs MMIC linear power amplifier with 49 dBm OIP3 and 14.5 dB small-signal gain. This power amplifier operates in a frequency range from 7.1 to 8.5 GHz and includes an integrated temperature compensated on-chip power detector. The amplifier comes in an RoHS compliant, industry standard, fully molded 6×6 mm QFN package and includes on-chip ESD protection structures and DC bypass capacitors to ease implementation and volume assembly. The XP1050-QJ is well suited for wireless communications applications such as point-to-point radio, LMDS, SATCOM and VSAT applications.

Mimix Broadband Inc.,
Houston, TX (281) 988-4600,
www.mimixbroadband.com.

RS No. 231

Ultra-low Noise Amplifier

Mini-Circuits ultra-low noise ZX60-0916LN+ boasts a noise figure of only 0.55 dB, while delivering 18 dB gain and a high output power of up to 16.5 dBm, making it a very desirable amplifier in today’s market. Ultra reliable and packaged in a rugged patented unibody housing, using SMA connectors, these amplifiers provide for a broad range of applications from 824 MHz to 960 MHz, including: CDMA: 824 to 894 MHz, GSM Rx: 880 to 915 MHz and GSM Tx: 925 to 960 MHz. Mini-Circuits 5 V amplifiers ZX60-0916LN+ are available from stock at the low price of $39.95 (1-9).

Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com.

RS No. 232

Multi-band, Multi-mode Power Amplifier

The SKY77441 is a fully matched 16-pin surface-mount module developed for LTE FDD (Band 7) and TDD (Bands 38 and 40) applications and covers the 2.3 to 2.7 GHz range. It delivers over 26 dBm of linear power output with full LTE resource block allocation under either quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK), or 16 quadrature amplitude modulations (QAM), and over 28 dBm of linear output power under wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) modulation. Small and efficient, the LTE FEM integrates the input and output matching networks, the power amplification stages, and the power detection in a single 4 × 4 × 0.85 mm package.

Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
Woburn, MA (781) 376-3000,
www.skyworksinc.com.

RS No. 233

Low Noise Amplifiers

These surface-mount filtered GPS low noise amplifiers (LNA) offer multiple gain stages of 26 to 38 dB with more than 35 dB of out-of-band rejection at 1575.42 MHz. This new small surface-mount design exhibits a low noise figure of 1.8 dB, and operates from a 5 to 32 V supply while only consuming 77 mA. These filtered amplifiers offer a four-pin design for easy mounting and customer selected 26, 32 or 38 dB gain options while still maintaining a low 1.8 dB noise figure from 0° to 70°C. Spectrum also offers these filtered LNAs in connectorized hermetic packages for in-line booster applications or other harsh environments.

Spectrum Microwave,
Delmar, DE (888) 553-1531,
www.spectrummicrowave.com.

RS No. 234

Power Amplifier

The model SM7177-43 is a COFDM power amplifier designed primarily for the Euro­-p­ean D-ENG market. The unit operates from 7.1 to 7.7 GHz with a P1dB of +43 dBm. Gain is 55 dB with a flatness of ±0.5 dB across the band. Standard features include forward and reflected power detection, TTL on/off, gain control and an RF sample port. In module form, the unit measures 7.5" x 3.97" x 0.79".

Stealth Microwave Inc.,
Trenton, NJ (609) 538-8586,
www.stealthmicrowave.com.

RS No. 235

Antennas

Omnidirectional Antennas

This new series of omnidirectional biconical antennas, models 3180, 3181 and 3182, are designed for broadband spectrum monitoring. The omnidirectional radiation pattern means the antenna can receive signals from every direction around its axis. In addition, for models 3180 and 3182, the elements have been optimized to avoid any splitting of the main radiation beam in the elevation cut. Models 3180 and 3182 are designed to cover the traditional frequency range of EMC measurements, from 30 MHz to 1 GHz. The antennas also cover all of the VHF and part of the UHF bands, making them ideal for spectrum monitoring of FM, TV and some cellular phones.

ETS-Lindgren,
Cedar Park, TX (512) 531-6400,
www.ets-lindgren.com.

RS No. 236

Devices

Twin Transistor

The UPA828TD twin transistor combines two closely matched silicon NPN chips in a miniature 1.2 × 1.0 × 0.5 mm 6 pin leadless RoHS-compliant package. Ideal for VCO applications, the UPA828TD enables oscillator and buffer amplifier functions to be combined in one miniature device. Its small size and extremely low power consumption make it a great choice for portable, battery-powered products. Typical specifications at 1 V, 3 mA, 2 GHz include: noise figure of 1.3 dB, insertion power gain |S21e|2 of 7.5 dB and frequency fT of 9 GHz. Price: $0.68 (10K).

California Eastern Laboratories,
Santa Clara, CA, www.cel.com.

RS No. 237

High Voltage Vertical Field Effect Transistor

This High Voltage Vertical Field Effect Transistor (HVVFET™) architecture is designed for radar applications in the UHF band. This HVVFET operates in a frequency range from the 420 to 470 MHz band. The HVV0405-175 offers UHF system designers a fully qualified 175 W RF power transistor with unsurpassed gain and ruggedness specifications. HVVi also recently announced the HVV0912-150, a new addition to the company’s growing family of power transistors for Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) applications. Operating across the 960 to 1215 MHz band, the HVV0912-150 is designed for ground-based DME systems that require a wider bandwidth than the company’s earlier announced parts for airborne DME applications.

HVVi Semiconductors Inc.,
Phoenix, AZ (480) 776-3800,
www.hvvi.com.

RS No. 238

Processing Equipment

Electric CNC Coax Bender

Winton Machine introduces its newest bench top all electric CNC coax bender. The model CX6 coax bending machine is built to bend semi-rigid coax cable. This production ready bender is microprocessor controlled with a standard keypad and display to allow the operator to easily program the cable. The design of the carriage spindle allows it to position the end of the coax cable to get right up next to the bend tooling on the very last bend. This often translates into avoiding a trimming operation after bending.

Winton Machine Co.,
Suwanee, GA (770) 831-1917,
www.wintonmachine.com.

RS No. 239

Sources

RF Modules

Laird Technologies’ LT2510 is a fifth generation 2.4 GHz FHSS module that sets the standard for industrial RF communication. Based on its established proprietary FlexRF™ technology and operating in the globally available 2.4 GHz spectrum, the LT2510 is optimized to outperform conventional wireless standards. Embedded with Laird Technologies’ robust server-client protocol, the LT2510 permits each module to communicate with any other in-range module for true peer-to-peer operation. “Out of range” modules can be reached via a meshing topology. The configuration and test software enables OEMs to structure and optimize networks to suit their application.

Laird Technologies Inc.,
St. Louis, MO (800) 492-2320,
www.lairdtech.com/wireless.

RS No. 219

Frequency Synthesizers

The HFS-1540 and HFS-2150 frequency synthesizers are designed for dual-channel tele­met­ry receivers utilizing auto-tracking antenna systems. The HFS-1540 operates from 1435 to 1540 MHz and the HFS-2150 operates from 1850 to 2150 MHz, both units in a step size of 100 kHz. The HFS units feature excellent phase noise (<-95 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz), +13 dBm power output, from a +5 VDC at 165 mA power source. HFS units are housed in small, surface-mount packages, 1.25" × 1.00" × 0.24", and are designed for high-vibration tolerance.

EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV (775) 345-2411,
www.emresearch.com.

RS No. 242

Frequency Doubler

MITEQ introduces its new frequency doubler, model SYS2X1428N01U, which produces a doubled output of +29 dBm from 27,500 to 28,500 MHz with an input harmonic rejection of -20 dBc typical. This doubler requires an input level of 10 dBm typical, +15 VDC at 740 mA and -15 VDC at 10 mA. It is supplied with type “K” female connectors. Model SYS2X1428N01U measures 1.29" x 1.20" x 0.27" without connectors.

MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 436-7400,
www.miteq.com.

RS No. 243

Frequency Multipliers

The Crystek Pocket Passive Doubler (CPPD) series of frequency multipliers is design­ed in a rugged SMA housing for easy in-line assembly and operation in test equipment and general lab use. The CPPD-0.85-2 will accept an input frequency from 0.85 to 2.0 GHz and multiply by a factor of two to achieve output frequencies from 1.7 to 4 GHz. Likewise, the input for the CPPD-2-4 is 2 to 4 GHz with an output of 4 to 8 GHz. The CPPD frequency multipliers feature an input drive level of +10 to +20 dBm with a typical conversion loss of 15 dB for the CPPD-0.85-2.0 and 13 dB for the CPPD-2-4.

Crystek Corp.,
Fort Myers, FL (239) 561-3311,
www.crystek.com.

RS No. 240

Voltage-controlled Oscillators

This series of surface-mount voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO) offers excellent performance for wireless communications and instrumentation
applications. The special design enables the customer to cover frequency ranges from 5 MHz to 7 GHz and provides linear monotonic tuning over the entire tuning range. Operating voltages of +5, +12 and +15 VDC, and tuning voltages ranging from 0 to +20 VDC are available.

Emhiser Micro-Tech,
Verdi, NV (775) 345-0461,
www.emhiser.com.

RS No. 241

Voltage-controlled Oscillator

Model ZRO0833A1LF is a compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in the UHF band. The ZRO0833A1LF operates from 826 to 841 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.3 to 4.7 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -122 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 5 MHz/V. The ZRO0833A1LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of -4 dBm at 5 VDC supply while drawing 13 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40° to 85°C. This VCO features typical 2nd harmonic suppression of -15 dBc and comes in Z-Comm’s industry standard MINI-16-SM package measuring 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.22". It is available in tape and reel packaging for production requirements. The ZRO0833A1LF is also ideal for automated surface-mount assembly and reflow.

Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700,
www.zcomm.com.

RS No. 245

Double Oven Controlled Crystal Oscillator

This latest version of the DX-170 double oven controlled crystal oscillator (DOCXO) is available in a 28 × 36 × 19 mm package, half the size of its predecessor, requiring less power while offering the same high stability required for telecom, measurement and military applications. With temperature stability as tight as 0.2 ppb and aging of 0.2 ppb, the DX-170 offers excellent holdover stability. The reduced package size saves space in base stations and expands the variety of applications possible for measurement and military.

Vectron International,
Hudson, NH (603) 598-0070,
www.vectron.com.

RS No. 244

Test Equipment

Signal Generator

The Merlin product line of handheld signal generators is designed for CATV installation testing. The standard cable modem receiver signal strength must be between -15 dBmV, and +15 dBmV for proper HDTV picture quality. To test system components for either egress, or ingress susceptibility, Merlin, used with selective frequency receivers, must overcome natural cable system losses; hence the relatively high output power level of +20 dBmV at 75 ohms of impedance (up to +40 dBmV possible on request). Frequencies are available from 100 to 160 MHz.

Noisecom,
Parsippany, NJ (973) 386-9696,
www.noisecom.com.

RS No. 247

Handheld Test Instrument

The S412D LMR Master is a handheld test instrument exclusively for the installation, verification and service of the new US government-mandated P25 Public Safety communications systems. A lightweight, easy-to-use battery-operated instrument, the LMR Master combines the functionality of a cable and antenna analyzer, spectrum analyzer, interference analyzer, and power meter, significantly reducing the number of tools field technicians and engineers must use, thereby saving time and money while ensuring accuracy. The S412D provides the full suite of measurements offered by Anritsu’s Site Master analyzers, plus P25 transmitter measurements and P25 coverage mapping.

Anritsu Co.,
Morgan Hill, CA (800) 267-4878,
www.us.anritsu.com.

RS No. 246

Test Cables

The ZMA series precision coaxial connectors reduce annual cable replacement rates from six per year to practically none by using bayonet coupling connectors instead of threaded connectors. MegaPhase’s ZMA bayonet coupling connectors offer many critical advantages over standard threaded connectors. Since the connectors can easily be mated and de-mated by hand with a quarter turn, no torque wrenches are needed, making it ideal for applications where space is tight. The connectors are “keyed” with lugs in two-, three- or four-lug styles. Since the MegaPhase ZMA connectors provide a high coupling force, they are ideal for extreme vibration applications where insufficient room is available for spring loaded blindmate panels.

MegaPhase LLC,
Stroudsburg, PA (570) 424-8400,
www.megaphase.com.

RS No. 222