Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/10626-new-products

New Products

February 5, 2011

Low Phase Noise Assembly
This integrated microwave assembly (IMA) is an example of AML's capabilities to design, test and deliver physically small multi-functional assemblies. These application specific designs offer the system designer complex functions housed in a high-density package. The illustrated product comprises a 4 W low residual phase noise amplifier, a digitally-controlled attenuator, detector, drain pulser switch function, power supply conditioning and gain temperature compensation. Performance characteristics of this design include fast rise/fall time (< 50 ns) and minimum pulse droop (< 0.5 dB). Product is hermetically sealed and fully supports wide temperature operation in military environments.
AML Communications Inc.,
Camarillo, CA
(805) 388-1345
www.amlj.com

High Pass Filters
Encased in a rugged SMA housing, this new line of high pass filters, the CHPFL series, is designed for test equipment and general lab use. Five models, with frequency ranges from DC to 100 MHz through 1 GHz, compose the CHPFL line. The Crystek CHPFL high pass filter line has excellent out-of-band rejection, and features seventh order Butterworth response and 50 ohm SMA connectors. All filters in the CHPFL family are rated at +36 dBm (4 W), with an operating temperature of -40° to 85°C and storage temperature of -55° to 100°C.
Crystek Corp.,
Fort Myers, FL
(239) 561-3311
www.crystek.com

High Q Porcelain Capacitors
DLI introduced the new C18 series of enhanced voltage high-Q porcelain capacitors. With voltage ratings up to 2000 V, the C18 is designed to be the most robust "1111" high-Q capacitor available today. The C18 is available in both ultra stable (0±15 ppm/°C) CF and temperature compensating (+90 ppm/°C) AH dielectrics, and is form-factor compatible with its existing line of C17 "1111" capacitors.
Dielectric Labs,
Cazenovia, NY
(315) 655-8710
www.dilabs.com

Chip Termination
IMS announced the availability of its compact 0505 size chip termination rated at 25 W characterized for DC to 40 GHz operation. The NDX-0505SG features Aluminum Nitride (AlN) substrate material that is an environmentally-safe alternative to BeO and has demonstrated return loss better than 20 dB over DC to 40 GHz. Terminal finishes for the NDX-0505SG can be RoHS compliant Platinum Silver or Sn62 solder fused over Platinum Silver. Applications for the NDX-0505SG chip termination include, but are not limited to, handheld radio terminals, RF test and measurement instrumentation, amplifier circuits and power converters.
International Manufacturing Services Inc.,
Portsmouth, RI
(401) 683-9700
www.ims-resistors.com

Unbalanced to Unbalanced RF Transformer
The Mini-Circuits TRS2-252+ is a 4 to 2500 MHz, unbalanced to unbalanced RF transformer featuring good return loss, 20 dB typical at 1 dB band. These transformers offer high IP2 of 105 dBm typical and high IP3 of 53 dBm typical. This 100 to 50 ohm RF transformer is small in size and aqueous washable. Applications include VHF/UHF, receivers/transmitters, impedance matching and push-pull amplifiers. This transformer is RoHS compliant in accordance with EU Directive (2002/95/EC). Price: $2.75 each (Qty. 100).
Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 934-4500
www.minicircuits.com

L-band to Ka-band or Ka-band to L-band Mixer
MITEQ is offering a new line of mixers designed specifically for satellite applications. The TBS2731LW1 is ideally suited for converting from L-band to Ka-band or Ka-band to L-band. The mixer has superb conversion loss and VSWRs as well as excellent spurious response and outstanding LO isolations. This device meets rugged environmental MIL specs, operates over a -54° to +85°C temperature range and is ideal for rugged military and commercial system applications.
MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 436-7400
www.miteq.com

63 dB Attenuator
The model DA64-63B switched-bit attenuator offers the high level of performance required in electronic warfare and radar systems as well as precision automated test equipment. Model DA64-63B is a 6-bit device that provides attenuation of 0 to 63 dB in 1 dB steps, and operates from 2 to 6 GHz with a switching speed of 30 ns (50 percent TTL to 90 percent RF) and rise and fall times of 10 ns. It has insertion loss of 4.3 dB or less, VSWR of less than 2:1, and attenuation flatness of ±0.5 dB to 31 dB and ±1 dB to 63 dB. The model DA64-63B will handle up to +23 dBm RF input power, operates from +5 VDC at 350 mA, and measures 1" × 0.75" × 0.24". Control is provided by TTL.
Narda Microwave-East,
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 231-1700
www.nardamicrowave.com/east

Two-way Power Divider
Pulsar model PS2-54-450/18S covers the frequency range of 2 to 40 GHz with 2.5 dB insertion loss, 13 dB isolation and a maximum VSWR of 1.90:1. Amplitude and phase balance are 0.6 dB and ±8 degrees, respectively. Maximum input power is 10 W. 2.92 female connectors are utilized in a housing with dimensions 1.25" × 1.0" × 0.40".
Pulsar Microwave Corp.,
Clifton, NJ
(973) 779-6262
www.pulsarmicrowave.com

Size 22 Socket Contacts
The NSX series Size 22 socket contact helps reduce the cost of ARINC 600 connectors. The contact combines a stamped and rolled clip in-side a screw machined body. This clip provides low insertion force and low electrical resistance through the use of three points of electrical contact. The new design also avoids stubbing since the three springs center the pin during mating. The PC tail contacts are completely intermateable with existing ARINC 600 plug connectors, are compatible with existing PC board layouts and are fully qualified under ARINC 600 specifications. The clip members are plated with 50 microinches of gold, with flash gold on the contact body to eliminate tin-lead and achieve RoHS compatibility. The contacts are also available in a removable version for use with existing two-piece inserts.
Radiall USA Inc.,
Chandler, AZ
(480) 682-9400
www.radiall.com

Low Pass Filters
RLC Electronics now offers fourth order tubular Bessel low pass filters with 3 dB cutoffs from 1 to 22 GHz. Computer design and tubular construction allow RLC to maintain excellent group delay characteristics with reasonable rejection while extending its 3 dB cutoff approaching 30 Giga bits. These filters should be regarded as compromise designs for pulsed systems where truthful reproduction of the pulse shape is important. Primarily used on lightwave receivers to reduce the impact of higher order distortion and noise, these high frequency filters are essential for today's high bit rate applications.
RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY
(914) 241-1334
www.rlcelectronics.com

Digital Attenuators
Skyworks introduced two digital attenuators with superior attenuation accuracy for base station, cellular-head end, repeater, test equipment and femtocell manufacturers. The 6 bit device has a 0.5 dB least significant bit (LSB) and the 7 bit device has a 0.25 dB LSB. These attenuators provide precise control over multi-standard radio transmitters and receivers, allow the user to configure the device for serial or parallel control, and do not utilize blocking capacitors so that low frequency operation is possible.
Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
Woburn, MA
(781) 376-3000
www.skyworksinc.com

Lightning Protection Products
The new LP-STRL series is part of its Times-Protect™ line of RF lightning and surge protection products. The LP-STRL series is an exceptional DC blocked design with outstanding surge performance designed for the new Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Public Safety requirements in the 680 to 2200 MHz range. With its excellent PIM performance, low insertion loss and low return loss over the entire operating band and superior surge performance, the Times-Protect™ LP-STRL product family is unequaled. Its fully weatherized construction meeting IP67 standard allows for outdoor as well as indoor installation. The LP-STRL series has high power handling capability and will withstand multiple strikes.
Times Microwave Systems,
Wallingford, CT
(203) 949-8400
www.timesmicrowave.com

L-band Space-qualified Isolator
The model FMP145 is a new space qualified L-band high power isolator. The device offers 400 W peak/150 W CW operation over critical altitude with no multipaction breakdown events. Integrated with custom high power TNC connectors and termination screened to MIL-PRF-55342, the isolator provides superior voltage breakdown performance and low insertion loss over harsh thermal and dynamic environments.
TRAK Microwave Corp.,
Tampa, FL
(813) 901-7200
www.trak.com

Next-gen Cable Technology
W.L. Gore & Associates has introduced the next generation in cable technology for high data-rate applications. This technology consists of a new differential cable design with lower SCD21 (differential-to-common-mode conversion) and a very high level of signal fidelity. Additionally, it provides the only cable solution that addresses the degradation in performance caused by SCD21. Engineered for InfiniBand® and other high data-rate applications, this new design has yielded SCD21 values that are typically below -40 dB and consistently well below -25 dB across a 20 GHz bandwidth.
W.L. Gore & Associates,
Newark, DE
(410) 506-7787
www.gore.com

Amplifiers

Power Amplifiers
These two new gain block solutions expand its high performance power amplifier family targeting cellular infrastructure applications. The new MGA-31589 and MGA-31689 0.5 W gain blocks feature high linearity, high gain, superior gain flatness and low power dissipation. The MGA-31589 gain block addresses cellular and WiMAX wireless base station and other wireless systems operating between 450 to 1500 MHz, while the MGA-31689 device addresses these applications operating between 1500 to 3000 MHz. The MGA-31x89 power amplifier family is optimized for frequency in order to deliver improved performance across all the major cellular bands—GSM, CDMA and UMTS—plus next-generation LTE bands.
Avago Technologies,
San Jose, CA
(800) 235-0312
www.avagotech.com

Compact Communications Amplifier
The PCM3R3SCO (SKU 7091) is one of a series of communications amplifiers. This 900 MHz compact linear power amplifier is one of a series that covers 450, 700, 800, 900, 1800, 1900 and 2100 MHz bands and is suitable for use in commercial LTE networks and public safety wireless communication applications. The amplifier employs latest generation LDMOS device technology and is highly efficient. The amplifier has an advanced built-in predistortion engine with wide instantaneous correction bandwidth, which ensures low distortion and wide dynamic range operation. Efficiency of up to 40 percent is possible in this series where the high performance is achieved by employing advanced RF design techniques.
Empower RF Systems Inc.,
Inglewood, CA
(310) 412-8100
www.empowerrf.com

MMIC Distributed PA
The model EWH2001ZZ distributed power amplifier (PA) is designed for commercial, industrial and military applications from DC to 20 GHz. Based on GaAs pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility-transistor (PHEMT) technology, the monolithic-microwave-integrated-circuit (MMIC) distributed PA delivers +26 dBm typical output power at 1 dB compression (P1dB) through 12 GHz and typically +23 dBm through 20 GHz. The amplifier features impressive gain and gain flatness over its broad bandwidth, with small-signal gain of typically 19 dB at 2 GHz and typically 18 dB at 20 GHz, with gain flatness of ±2 dB from DC to 20 GHz. In fact, the broadband amplifier provides usable gain of 10 dB through 30 GHz. In addition, gain remains flat with temperature, with typical temperature-dependent gain variations of only 0.03 dB/°C from DC to 20 GHz and at operating temperatures from -55° to +85°C.
Endwave Corp.,
San Jose, CA
(408) 522-3100
www.endwave.com

MMIC Power Amplifier
The HMC930 is a GaAs PHEMT MMIC distributed power amplifier die that operates between DC and 40 GHz, and delivers up to 13 dB of gain, +33.5 dBm output IP3 and +22 dBm of output power at 1 dB gain compression. The input and output return losses of the HMC930 are better than 12 and 16 dB respectively, across the band. The gain flatness is excellent at ±0.3 dB from 12 to 32 GHz, while a slightly positive gain slope in this same band makes the HMC930 ideal for microwave radio, and military EW and ECM applications. This compact power amplifier die occupies less than 4.25 mm2, consumes only 175 mA from a +10 V supply, and is specified for operation over the -55° to +85°C temperature range.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA
(978) 250-3343
www.hittite.com

RF Driver Amplifier
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc. introduced the MAAM-009563, a two-stage HBT driver amplifier for cellular and WiMAX infrastructure applications. This driver amplifier covers a broad frequency range of 250 to 3000 MHz with excellent linearity of 47 dBm output IP3 and typical gain of 19.5 dB. The broad operation is achieved using external matching components, where component values are selected to center the 200 MHz instantaneous bandwidth within the overall frequency range. The lead-free SOIC-8EP surface-mount plastic package is RoHS compliant and compatible with solder reflow temperatures up to 260°C. The ESD susceptibility achieves a class 2 ESD rating.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc.,
Lowell, MA
(978) 656-2539
www.macomtech.com

Solid-state Amplifiers
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation has introduced a family of new solid-state amplifiers that are more compact, more efficient, and more powerful than previous models. The new "S" Series covers 0.8 to 4.2 GHz and powers up to 1200 W. These models employ a new design that delivers more than twice the power of older models. With these improvements, AR has maintained the superior rugged design for mismatch tolerance and excellent linearity.
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA
(215) 723-8181
www.ar-worldwide.com

Detector Log Video Amplifier
PMI model SDLVA-218-71-70MV is a CW Immune, extended range detection log video amplifier (ERDLVA) that offers 71 dB dynamic range over the frequency range of 2 to 18 GHz. This model offers a maximum rise time of 35 nsec and a recovery time of less than 350 nsec. The unit is temperature compensated such that log linearity over temperature remains less than ±1.5 dB over the full operating temperature range of -20° to +85°C. This model is supplied in a compact housing measuring only 3.5" × 2.5" × 0.5".
Planar Monolithics Industries,
Frederick, MD
(301) 662-5019
www.pmi-rf.com

GaN Power Amplifier
TriQuint's new 30 W GaN power amplifier, TGA2576, supports C-IED and general EW applications across a 2.5 to 6 GHz frequency range. The new device is fabricated using TriQuint's production-released GaN on SiC process; it typically offers 30 percent PAE and 25 dBm of small-signal gain. Die-level samples were available beginning November 2010; packaged samples are expected to be available in early 2011.
TriQuint Semiconductor Inc.,
Hillsboro, OR
(503) 615-9000
www.triquint.com

Semiconductor/IC

High Power Pulsed Transistor
The high power pulsed transistor part number ILD2735M120 is designed for S-band radar applications operating over the 2.7 to 3.5 GHz instantaneous frequency band. Under 300 us/ 10 percent pulsing conditions, it supplies a minimum of 120 W of peak output power with 8 to 9 dB gain typically. Maximum reliability is achieved through all-gold metal contacts, wire-bonding and package.
Integra Technologies Inc.
El Segundo, CA
(310) 606-0855
www.integratech.com

Software

Electromagnetic Analysis Software
Remcom announces a new version of XGtd®, a tool for far zone radiation, RCS and EMI/EMC for electrically large platforms. The most important benefits of XGtd Release 2.5 are performance enhancements that shorten run times and increase customer productivity. A new 64-bit version and the inclusion of an optimized ray engine (ORE) make even complex ray-tracing computations faster. Improvements to graphical displays also eliminate steps in workflow and shorten the time it takes to achieve results. New enhancements in XGtd 2.5 include: 64-bit version supports larger, more complex models and factor of 1.5 to 2 times speedup; and Optimized Ray Engine increases speed for large or complicated models.
Remcom,
State College, PA
(814) 861-1299
www.remcom.com

Sources

Ultra-miniature SMT Synthesizer
The SLX-1350 is an ultra-miniature SMT synthesizer that operates over the frequency range 675 to 1350 MHz in 1 MHz steps, features low spurs (<-60 dBc), low harmonics (<-15 dBc), 0 dBm nominal output power and low phase noise (<-85 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz (Fout at 675 MHz)). Because of exceptional performance and its small (0.5" sq × 0.15") size, this low-cost unit is ideally suited for use in SWaP-C applications. The SLX Series is available in designs from 50 MHz to 6 GHz, in fixed-frequency or serially-programmable bandwidths to an octave. Custom units utilize external references from 5 to 125 MHz, select supply voltages (+3, +3.3, +5 or +8 VDC), 10 KHz to 10 MHz step sizes and temperature range (-40° to +85°C).
EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV
(775) 345-2411
www.emresearch.com

High Accuracy TCXO
The Charon is a high stability 7×5 SMD digitally-controlled temperature controlled crystal oscillator (DCTCXO) designed and specified to bring together the highest stability TCXO performance with digital frequency control, separate low frequency output, timer and alarm functionality. Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) controlled high accuracy TCXO with embedded timer and alarm function. Using Rakon's advanced Pluto™ analogue frequency compensation system, the DCTCXO achieves unrivalled frequency stability. A custom ASIC, Charon (Pluto's moon) has been designed to closely interface with the Pluto ASIC to provide the extra enhanced functionality in a miniature 7×5 SMD package. In addition to market leading stability, the Charon device features integrated timing and control functions.
RAKON Ltd.,
Auckland, New Zealand
+64 9 571 9216
www.rakon.com

Voltage-controlled Oscillator
Z-Communications announces a new RoHS compliant VCO model CRO2595A-LF in S-band. The CRO2595A-LF operates at 2570 to 2620 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -110 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 21 MHz/V. The CRO2595A-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 9 dBm at 5 VDC supply while drawing 27 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40° to 85°C. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -20 dBc and comes in Z-Comm's standard MINI-16-SM package measuring 0.5" × 0.5" × 0.22". It is available in tape and reel packaging for production requirements. The CRO2595A-LF is also ideal for automated surface-mount assembly and reflow.
Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA
(858) 621-2700
www.zcomm.com

Test Equipment

RF Signal Generator
Introducing the SG384, a 4 GHz RF signal generator from SRS. It offers a DC to 4 GHz frequency range with 1 µHz resolution, AM, FM, M and PM, with -116 dBc/Hz phase noise at 20 kHz offset from 1 GHz, full octave frequency sweeps, an OCXO timebase and standard RS232, GPIB and Ethernet interfaces. Options include clock outputs, analog I/Q inputs and a rubidium timebase. US list price $4,600.
Stanford Research Systems Inc.,
Sunnyvale, CA
(408) 744-9040
www.thinkSRS.com

Passive Intermodulation Analyzer
Anritsu introduces the MW8219A PIM Master, a field test solution that can accurately and quickly locate the source of passive intermodulation (PIM), whether it is at the base station or in the surrounding environment. Covering the PCS and AWS cellular frequency ranges, the MW8219A provides field personnel with a test system that can help ensure optimum network performance and also locate PIM faults before intermodulation distortion adversely affects signal transmission. PIM Master has been designed to work with Anritsu's S332E/S362E Site Master™, MS2712E/MS2713E Spectrum Master™ and MT8212E/MT8213E Cell Master™ handheld analyzers, as well as the MT8221B/MT8222A/MT8222B BTS Master™ handheld analyzers.
Anritsu Co.,
Morgan Hill, CA
(800) 267-4878
www.us.anritsu.com

Signal Analyzer
Tektronix Inc. announced a significant expansion of its spectrum and vector signal analysis offerings with the introduction of the new RSA5000 Series Signal Analyzer. The new instruments raise the price-performance bar for mid-range signal analyzers by offering more than double currently available acquisition bandwidth and the world's best real time capabilities. By combining reduced time-to-insight and lower cost, the new series is ideal for numerous design and operations applications including spectrum management, radar, electronic warfare, radio communications and EMI/EMC. Featuring advanced time, amplitude and DPX™ trigger functions combined with swept DPX, the RSA5000 Series delivers discovery and capture of these intermittent and rapidly changing signals and up to 85 MHz bandwidth.
Tektronix Inc.,
Beaverton, OR
(800) 833-9200
www.tek.com