General-purpose Test Environment
For high-performance, high-speed testing of RF and microwave devices, Aeroflex introduced the SMART^E™ 5300 general-purpose test environment. The DC to 40 GHz SMART^E 5300 is unique in its ability to test, monitor and control any Device Under Test (DUT) within a single test environment. SMART^E 5300 is designed for parametric and functional testing in the military/aerospace and high-performance commercial markets. The system is ideal for customers with one or more of these demanding RF/microwave test requirements: high throughput production; large number of unique tests per DUT; highly repetitive tests per DUT; product lines requiring rapid software reconfiguration of test systems; and replacement of racks of older or obsolete equipment with a "synthetic" or software-defined test environment.
Aeroflex,
Plainview, NY (703) 629-0331,
www.aeroflex.com.
RS No. 216
Vector Network Analyzer
The N9923A FieldFox RF vector network analyzer (VNA) provides the best measurement stability, 0.01 dB/degree Celsius, and offers integrated QuickCal calibration capability available in a handheld VNA. QuickCal enables consistent measurement results and confidence in the data while eliminating the need to carry a calibration kit into the field. The FieldFox RF VNA expands Agilentís handheld instrument portfolio and is designed for field engineers working in aerospace, defense and network equipment manufacturing, who characterize or troubleshoot RF components for mission-critical communication systems. As a full two-port network analyzer, the FieldFox RF VNA allows operators to simultaneously measure and display all four S-parameters.
Agilent Technologies Inc.,
Santa Clara, CA (800) 829-4444,
www.agilent.com.
RS No. 217
Handheld Spectrum Analyzers
Anritsu Co. announced it has expanded the test capability of its MS2712E and MS2713E Spectrum Master handheld spectrum analyzers to include signal analyzer capabilities. With the new 10 MHz bandwidth demodulation option, the MS2712E/MS2713E can test and verify the RF quality, modulation quality and downlink coverage quality for all the major wireless standards. The new option allows a full suite of RF, demodulation and Over-the-Air (OTA) measurements to be made efficiently and accurately with the MS2712E/MS2713E. Users can conduct these critical tests to improve the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) associated with call drop rates, call block rates and call denial rates. With the Spectrum Master, field technicians can troubleshoot down to the Field Replacement Unit (FRU) in a base stationís transmitter chain. The result is fewer costly no trouble faults (NTF) associated with card swapping, and lower inventory of replacement parts.
Anritsu Co.,
Morgan Hill, CA (408) 778-2000,
www.anritsu.com.
RS No. 218
Three-channel Power Meter
AR's model PM2003 is a three-channel power meter with exceptional high-speed measurement capability and a wide dynamic range. Model PM2003 delivers 200 readings per second with one channel and 100 readings per second when two channels are used. Two channels at a time can be simultaneously displayed and recorded; the third channel can be easily switched in to be displayed or recorded.
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA (215) 723-8181,
www.ar-worldwide.com.
RS No. 256
AWR Design Environment
Version 9.01 of the AWRDE is now available for download from www.awrcorp.com. This new release delivers more than 100 enhancements that increase productivity, including key new features to AWR's APLAC® harmonic balance engine, AXIEM™ 3D planar electromagnetic (EM) simulator and new elements. AWRDE Version 9.01 adds a new harmonic balance mode to the APLAC simulator that increases simulation speed for microwave nonlinear circuits, especially when there are an equal number of linear and nonlinear models or more linear than nonlinear models.
AWR Corp.,
El Segundo, CA (310) 726-3000,
www.awrcorp.com.
RS No. 248
Power Conditioning Products
Hittite has introduced its 24th product line, Power Conditioning, ideal for low noise voltage regulation in automotive telematics, cellular/4G, WiMAX/4G, military and test equipment applications. The HMC860LP3E is a low noise, high PSRR (Power Supply Rejection Ratio), quad output linear voltage regulator. It features a low noise band gap reference externally decoupled for best in-close noise performance. high PSRR in the 0.1 to 10 MHz range provides excellent rejection of preceding switching regulator noise. The HMC860LP3E provides four voltage outputs, which are adjustable from 2.5 to 5.2 V, and are ideal for conditioning the DC power supply to many low noise frequency generation subsystems including Hittiteís broad line of PLLs with integrated VCOs.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com.
RS No. 220
PXI Programmable Amplifier and Attenuator
NI expanded its automated test product line with two new RF signal conditioning modules that enhance the measurement accuracy and flexibility of PXI-based RF and microwave test systems. In applications such as RF signal path degradation modeling, field strength metering and receiver testing, engineers can combine the new NI PXI-5695 8 GHz programmable RF attenuator with a vector signal generator (VSG) to improve RF signal quality at low power levels. Engineers can integrate the NI PXI-5691 8 GHz programmable RF preamplifier, which also functions as a power amplifier, with VSGs to increase maximum power and with vector signal analyzers (VSA) to measure low-level signals.
National Instruments,
Austin, TX (800) 531-5066,
www.ni.com.
RS No. 221
SPDT Switch
The new PE42556 single-pole double-throw (SPDT) RF switch is designed on Peregrineís UltraCMOS™ silicon-on-sapphire process technology, features excellent broadband RF performance from 9 kHz up to 13.5 GHz without gate or phase lag and insertion loss drift, and ensures fast switch-settling time. The HaRPô-enhanced switch has best-in-class linearity, making it ideal for use in test and measurement applications including Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and general-purpose test and measurement; RF/IF transceiver signal switching; filter bank switching; and discrete DSA stages.
Peregrine Semiconductor Corp.,
San Diego, CA (858) 731-9400,
www.psemi.com.
RS No. 222
Autotest Option
A new 2261 Autotest Option has been developed for the 2201 ProLock, which eliminates the need for an external PC to control the system, making the service test system for 3G mobile phones self-contained. Previously, tests were controlled through test scripts running on a PC utilizing the companyís 7310 Lector and Scriptor remote control software. With the new option, the test scripts can reside on the instrument itself and a comprehensive test system for service can be reduced to the companyís 2201 ProLock with the 4916 Antenna Coupler and the 4921 RF Shield.
Willtek Communications
GmbH, Ismaning, Germany +49 89 99641 132,
www.willtek.com.
RS No. 223
Logger with TETRA Protocol
The WiNRADiO PFSL-G3 Portable Field Strength Logging and Surveillance System for mobile signal coverage measurements now features an optional TETRA control protocol decoder. The PFSL-G3 system includes a wide-band HF/VHF/UHF calibrated measuring receiver to measure and log signal strength, combined with an integrated GPS receiver. The signal levels can be measured in µV, dBm or S-units, while field strength can be displayed in µV/m or dBµV/m. Readouts can be shown as instantaneous, peak or average values, calculated over user-definable intervals. It is a ruggedized easily transportable unit, which includes the control computer, the receiver, rechargeable batteries and associated subsystems.
Radixon UK Ltd.,
Evesham, UK +44 (0)870 446 0449,
www.radixon.co.uk.
RS No. 255
Components
Absorptive Switch Matrix
AKON Inc.'s switches and filters division developed a 36-throw absorptive switch matrix measuring 7.3" x 5.4" x 1.2". The model A35-WH183 operates over the 0.3 to 3.3 GHz frequency range, with less than 10 dB insertion loss, less than 0.8 dB peak-to-peak variation between the J0 input port and any output port, less than four degrees phase variation, 70 nanoseconds or less switching speed, and +30 dBm maximum operating import power. The unit is ideal for airborne EW/ECM applications.
AKON Inc.,
San Jose, CA (408) 432-8039,
www.akoninc.com.
RS No. 224
Ceramic Bandpass Duplexer
The AM1880-1960D268 surface-mount monoblock ceramic duplexer is an excellent choice for use in base station transceivers serving wireless communication applications. The duplexerís center frequency is 1920 MHz and transmit band (1850 to 1910 MHz) insertion loss is less than 3.4 dB. Return loss is at least 11 dB, and rejection is at least 49 dB. Insertion loss in the receive band (1930 to 1990 MHz) is less than 3.7 dB, return loss is greater than 11 dB, and rejection is at least 54.5 dB. The 50 ohm duplexer will handle RF input power of 2 W and measures 4.6 x 23 x 6.5 mm.
Anatech Electronics,
Garfield, NJ (201) 772-4242,
www.anatechelectronics.com.
RS No. 225
Flexible Cable Assemblies
These low VSWR flexible cable assemblies feature Times Microwave Systems T-Flex® cable. Three-foot long, 0.141" diameter assemblies, terminated with SMA male connectors, exhibit VSWR characteristics of 1.35:1 from 45 MHz to 18 GHz. Suitable for applications through 20 GHz, these 50 ohm flexible cable assemblies meet all MIL-C-17 requirements. EAM's flexible cable assemblies feature excellent corrosion resistance with stable attenuation and phase characteristics over time. Available in standard and custom lengths, these flexible cable assemblies feature PTFE (Teflon®) dielectric with silver plated copper tape and braid shield and fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) jacket.
Electronic Assembly Manufacturing Inc.,
Methuen, MA (978) 374-6840,
www.eamcableassemblies.com.
RS No. 227
Resistive Couplers
The compact and easy to use IMK Series resistive couplers function well over a DC to 15 GHz range. Insertion loss is comparable to the more complicated frequency sensitive couplers. This 0.120" x 0.120" device is available with a coupling range from 6 to 30 dB and is rated at 1 W. Samples of the IMK Series resistive coupler are available.
International Manufacturing Services Inc.,
Portsmouth, RI (401) 683-9700,
www.ims-resistors.com.
RS No. 228
75 Ohm Programmable Attenuator
The new 75P-167 is the companyís latest solid-state, 75 ohm programmable attenuator. It offers 127 dB of dynamic range with 1 dB resolution. Specifically designed for DOCSIS and MoCA testing, it operates from 800 to 2200 MHz and switches attenuation settings in less than two microseconds. F Female connectors are standard, but other options are available upon request.
JFW Industries,
Indianapolis, IN (317) 887-1340,
www.jfwindustries.com.
RS No. 229
Tappers
New values for the DN range of tappers are available for outdoor and in-building distributed antenna system applications, where tappers can replace directional couplers at far lower cost and improved performance. The new 20 and 30 dB tappers add to the range of taps that starts at just 3 dB, a 2:1 split. All have much improved VSWR over previous tapper designs and are 50 percent lower in price than the equivalent directional coupler. Each has a bandwidth covering all of the wireless bands from 380 to 2700 MHz, thus including Tetra, SMR/PMR and all cellular bands, including the new 700 MHz and WiMAX 2500 MHz band. Also important, the guaranteed Passive Intermodulation (PIM) performance of all models is <-150 dBc.
Microlab,
Parsippany, NJ (973) 386-9696,
www.microlab.fxr.com.
RS No. 230
Triple-balanced Mixer
MITEQís model TBR0058LA3 is a wideband triple-balanced mixer that utilizes a dual quad circuit to provide performance in overlapping RF and IF frequency ranges. This device has an RF and LO of 500 to 8000 MHz and an IF response of 50 to 3000 MHz. This product is well suited for military and commercial applications and is also available in higher-level diode options for increased 1 dB compression and third-order intercept.
MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 436-7400,
www.miteq.com.
RS No. 231
PIN Diode Switch
Model SS153DHS is a SP5T reflective PIN diode switch that operates from DC to 18 GHz and provides fast switching speed, high isolation, low insertion loss, and is housed in a rugged compact package. Together these features make the switch an excellent choice for applications ranging from electronic warfare systems and simulators to automated test equipment. The model SS153DHS has switching speed of 20 ns, insertion loss ranging from 2.6 dB from 2 to 12 GHz and 3.6 dB from 12 to 18 GHz, maximum VSWR of 2:1 and isolation up to 65 dB. It can handle up to 200 mW of RF power and can survive RF power input of 1 W CW and 20 W peak (1 µs pulse width, 5 percent duty cycle).
Narda,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 231-1700,
www.nardamicrowave.com/east.
RS No. 232
Linearized X-band Attenuator
The model AAT-30-479/5S is a linearized X-band atttenuator that operates in a frequency range from 8 to 12.4 GHz. This new 0 to 60 dB linearized attenuator offers a maximum insertion loss of 3 dB and a maximum VSWR of 2:1. Attenuation is accomplished with a transfer function of 10 dB/V; typical DC power required is +15 VDC at 100 mA.
Pulsar Microwave,
Clifton, NJ (973) 779-6262,
www.pulsarmicrowave.com.
RS No. 233
Composite Connectors
The N and 7/16 Composite Connector Series has been expanded with over 20 new variations of plugs, jacks and receptacles. The single-piece design permits the contact pressure to be equally distributed by diverting the entire tightening torque force through pressure on the ground contact junction, which improves the intermodulation level. The electrical performance includes a low operating VSWR, 1.10 maximum up to 7.5 GHz for 7/16 receptacles. Designed to be installed in telecommunications equipment such as remote radio heads, antennas, filters, etc., the connectors are manufactured with corrosion free, composite materials that are UV resistant and meet IEC 68-2-5 and IEC-68-2-9.
Radiall USA Inc.,
Chandler, AZ (480) 682-9400,
www.radiall.com.
RS No. 234
VHF LC Triplexer
Reactel part number 3TP-90/150-11 is a VHF LC triplexer. This unit exhibits low loss and high isolation as it splits the VHF band into three individual bands. This unit has a high power option and can be outfitted with most any RF connector. Please contact the factory for this or any other filter requirement.
Reactel Inc.,
Gaithersburg, MD (301) 519-3660,
www.reactel.com.
RS No. 236
Circuit Insertion Switch
Relcomm Technologies introduces a cost-effective solution for a circuit insertion type relay. This RRTL-series relay is RoHS compliant and is fitted with type 'N' connectors in a failsafe configuration. The relay is sand and dust proof and has no exposed moving parts for reliable installation. Performance to 4 GHz; maximum characteristics to 2 and 4 GHz in a 50 ohm system; VSWR of 1.15:1 and 1.30:1, insertion loss of 0.15 and 0.25 dB, with isolation greater than -60 dB. Twelve and 24 V operating voltages are available.
RelComm Technologies Inc.,
Salisbury, MD (410) 749-4488,
www.relcommtech.com.
RS No. 237
Drop-in Circulator
Renaissance has recently developed a 700 MHz drop-in circulator with outstanding linear performance for LTE requirements. This device delivers better than -100 dBc IMD for two tone 0.25 W power levels. In addition, Renaissance is offering this circulator with a 13 percent bandwidth in a compact 1.25 inch square cost-effective package. Renaissance continues to provide the cellular infrastructure community with solutions to their most difficult design challenges and has already begun working on new designs for anticipated upcoming requirements at 2.1 GHz to support its customers.
Renaissance Electronics Corp.,
Harvard, MA (978) 772-7774,
www.rec-usa.com.
RS No. 238
Miniature Ultra Flat Schottky Detectors
RLC Electronicsí miniature ultra-flat detectors utilize a zero-bias Schottky design. The microwave power is coupled directly to the extremely small components reducing package parasitics and transition mismatches. This design results in a very low VSWR and a flat, smooth output over a wide bandwidth. Options available include negative or positive output, a choice of three output connectors and operation to 26.5 or 40 GHz.
RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY (914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com.
RS No. 239
Mixers
Sage Laboratories offers a complete line of standard mixers in various configurations including double balanced, triple balanced, image reject mixers, I/Q Modulators and Single Sideband Modulators. These are available as connectorized, drop-in or surface-mount configurations. Designs conform to MIL-DTL-28837 requirements and are screened to MIL-STD-883. Standard designs offer high isolation betweenports and low conversion loss while offering wide broadband performance. The connectorized mixers are environmentally sealed and include field replaceable SMA connectors. Drop in designs provide an inexpensive alternative for customers installing mixers in sealed housings. Sage Laboratories designs and builds custom mixers to meet demanding requirements.
Sage Laboratories,
Hudson, NH (603) 459-1600,
www.sagelabs.com.
RS No. 240
Amplifiers
X-band AGC Amplifier
Model AMLSW3011 is a GaAs X-band switched gain selectable amplifier that has excellent state-to-state gain and phase tracking. The amplifier offers selectable gain steps of 0/10/20 and 30 dB. A minimum OIP3 of +35 dBm is provided in any of the gain states. This amplifier is also available with an input detector option that limits the output power to +30 dBm maximum under conditions of high input drive. This feature protects components that follow the amplifier in the system cascade. DC voltage is 12 to 18 VDC.
AML Communications Inc.,
Camarillo, CA (805) 388-1345,
www.amlj.com.
RS No. 242
Monolithic IF Amplifier
The Mini-Circuits PSA-0012+ is optimized for use in critical IF amplifier applications having an ideal combination of low gain of 15 dB, low noise of 2.3 dB and high output power of +22 dBm. Operating over a broad frequency range of 50 to 6000 MHz, the PSA-0012+ covers a wide range of typical IF bands making this amplifier ideal for use in a variety of applications. With 12 dB input and 15 dB output return loss, the PSA-0012+ can be integrated into critical circuits with confidence that VSWR interactions with source and load components will not affect performance. In addition, this model is pin-for-pin compatible to the M/A-COM MAALSS0012 IF amplifier and can provide comparable performance making it an ideal replacement part.
Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com.
RS No. 243
Power Amplifier
Stealth Microwave, a division of Micronetics Inc., has released the SMTR2224-11G40-RSS, a military grade bi-directional power amplifier (PA) that is capable of up to 10 W of 802.16e and 50 W of 802.11b. Primary applications include WLAN, video and C2 products for UAVs. The unit operates from 2.2 to 2.4 GHz and Tx/Rx gains are 38 and 13 dB, respectively. The PA measures 4.4" x 5.4" x 1.3".
Stealth Microwave Inc.,
Ewing, NJ (888) 772-7791,
www.stealthmicrowave.com.
RS No. 245
Devices
Mixer/Detector Diodes
This family of surface-mount GaAs and Silicon Schottky mixer/detector diodes are designed for high volume pick and place applications. These control devices are delivered in a plastic SMT package with standard 45 mils W x 75 mils L x 31 mils H dimensions. Their performance and mechanicals allow them to be easily dropped into existing designs. The SMGS family of detectors and mixers includes GaAs model SMGS11, which is ideal for temperature compensation applications. This device operates at > 26.5 GHz and features a minimum breakdown voltage of 5 V, a typical capacitance of 0.10 pF and a maximum resistance of 7 ohms.
Aeroflex/Metelics,
Sunnyvale, CA (888) 641-7364,
www.aeroflex.com/metelics.
RS No. 246
RF Power Transistor Clamping Devices
The TO270WB and TO270WBL clamping devices enhance the connection between a plastic-packaged RF power transistor and the ground plate of an RF amplifier. Often these high-power plastic-packaged devices are just bolted down. The new clamps improve both the electrical ground and the thermal ground, thus increasing P1dB, decreasing IMD3, while improving thermal performance and reliability.
Richardson Electronics,
LaFox, IL (800) 737-6937,
www.rell.com.
RS No. 247
Sources
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
The MW500-1840 1/2" SMT voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) has a tuning range of 1640 to 1850 MHz from 0.2 to 4.8 V tuning using a 5 V supply. Output power is +8 dBm±1.5 dBm across the band over temperature while using less than 40 mA of current.
Micronetics Inc.,
Hudson, NH (603) 883-2900,
www.micronetics.com.
RS No. 250
5 and 24 GHz FMCW Products
The company has broadened its portfolio of Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) products by adding both the 5 GHz RS3400S/00 FMCW and the 24 GHz RS3400K/00 FMCW versions to the existing 10 GHz RS3400X/00 FMCW model. All three products are fully synthesized, exhibit low power consumption and offer a wideband sweep for high accuracy. Typical applications include level gauge measurement, collision avoidance in industrial applications, speed measurement, etc. Also, a complete kit for easy evaluation and control of the unit from a PC is available.
Sivers IMA AB,
Kista, Sweden +46-8-703 68 00,
www.siversima.com.
RS No. 251
Direct Synthesizer/Up Converter
Model SYN152 is an X-band direct synthesizer/up converter that specializes in low residual phase noise ranging from -129 dBc/Hz to -151 dBc/Hz at an X2 L-band Multiplied Output. This unit provides fast LVTTL switching speed between multiplied X-band output and IF supplied output. Additional advanced features of this product include X2, X3, X4 and X17 multiplied output ports while maintaining a compact footprint of 5.46"x 3.74" x 0.41". This model is ideal for airborne applications with its low profile, hermetically-sealed, laser welded package.
TRAK Microwave,
Tampa, FL (813) 901-7200,
www.trak.com.
RS No. 252
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
Z-Communications Inc.ís new RoHS compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) model CRO2660B-LF in S-band operates at 2660 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -114 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 5 MHz/V. The CRO2660B-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 3 dBm at 5 VDC supply while drawing 20 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -20° to 70°C. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -20 dBc and comes in Z-Commís standard MINI-16 package measuring 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.22". It is available in tape and reel packaging for production requirements.
Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700,
www.zcomm.com.
RS No. 254