Microwave Journal
www.microwavejournal.com/articles/8758-new-waves-passive-components

New Waves: Passive Components

November 1, 2009
Power Divider

Model PD0218-S2 is a two-way Wilkinson power divider that was just released and covers most military and EW bands from 2 to 18 GHz. These power dividers are available in octave and multi-octave bandwidths and are available from Aeroflex/Inmet stock. The designs are based on an industry standard footprint, and achieve excellent isolation, loss and phase characteristics while offering an economic solution for various market applications.


Aeroflex-Inmet
Ann Arbor, MI
(734) 426-5553

www.aeroflex.com
RS No. 216

Ceramic Duplexer

The model AM1880-1960D268 is a surface-mount monoblock ceramic duplexer designed for use in base station transceivers serving wireless communication applications operating in the 1850 to 1960 MHz band. The transmit-to-receive response of the duplexer includes insertion loss from 1850 to 1910 MHz of 3.4 dB or less and return loss of at least 11 dB. Attenuation ranges from 45 dB from DC to 1000 MHz to 38 dB from 2040 to 2100 MHz. Antenna-to-receiver response includes insertion loss of 3.7 dB or less from 1930 to 1990 MHz and attenuation ranging from 51 dB from 1850 to 1910 MHz to 30 dB from 2150 to 2210 MHz. Rejection in the transmit band is at least 54 dB and 49 dB in the receive band. The 50 ohm duplexer will handle RF input power of 2 W and measures 4.6 × 23 × 6.5 mm.

Anatech Electronics
Garfield, NJ
(201) 772-4242

www.anatechelectronics.com
RS No. 217

Elliptic Type Low Pass Filter

KR Electronics introduces part number 2927, a surface-mount 440 MHz elliptic type low pass filter. The filter has < 3 dB attenuation at 440 MHz and > 50 dB at 520 MHz. The filter is supplied in a surface-mount package measuring 1.0" × 0.5" × 0.3" and can also be supplied connectorized. 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

Directional Coupler

The model 101004006 is a directional coupler that operates in a frequency range from 1 to 4 GHz. This model offers coupling (with respect to output) of 6 ± 0.5 dB and frequency sensitivity of ± 0.5 dB. The directional coupler features directivity of > 20 dB, maximum VSWR (any port) of 1.2, insertion loss of < 1.3 dB, maximum power rating (Input) of 20 W Average, 3 kW Peak. This model offers SMA female standard connectors and operates in a temperature range from -54° to +85°C. Delivery: Stock to 30 days.

Krytar
Sunnyvale, CA
(877) 734-5999

www.krytar.com
RS No. 219

Power Dividers

Microlab/FXR announced an important wideband addition to its already wide range of $ Saver power splitters/dividers. The new low cost, two-, three-, four- and eight-way power dividers, Dx-63FF series, cover from 1700 to 4200 MHz to not only include the PCS and UMTS bands but the new 2.5 to 2.7 MHz WiMAX/LTE expansion band up, and 3.5 GHz WiMAX bands. Microlab/FXR Model Dx-63FF series of Wilkinson style power dividers has been designed for low power applications where output isolation is preferable over lowest possible loss. The wide frequency range of this design allows use with multi-band antennas and leaky cable systems. Lower loss dividers that enhance receive sensitivity and preserve transmitted power over the same wideband are also available from Microlab/FXR in the Dx-82FN and Dx-86FN series.

Microlab/FXR
Parsippany, NJ
(973) 386-9696

www.microlab.fxr.com
RS No. 220

Temperature-compensated Cavity Filters

NIC’s new temperature compensated cavity filters have a percentage bandwidth as narrow as 0.5 percent. This design offers an economic solution to meet the temperature performance, but avoids using expensive cavity housing material such as Invar. The design is also optimized with maximum resonator quality factor, which ensures low insertion loss operation of the filter. Features include: stable operation over temperature; narrow bandwidth; high selectivity and low insertion loss; custom designs available; and stability as low as ± 2 ppm.

Networks International Corp.
Overland Park, KS
(913) 685-3400

www.nickc.com
RS No. 221

Directional Couplers

The CHP series of 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
Mount Kisco, NY
(914) 241-1334

www.rlcelectronics.com
RS No. 222

Compact Lumped Element Diplexer

Trilithic has released a new series of compact lumped element diplexers designed specifically for the 802.11, 5 GHz WiMAX bands. These diplexers feature high isolation and low insertion loss in a 1.25" × 1.25" × 0.5" package. This diplexer combines the full 2.4 to 2.5 GHz and 4.9 to 5.9 GHz bands with a maximum insertion loss of 1.5 dB in either band, a maximum passband VSWR of 1.5:1 and a minimum of 45 dB isolation between bands. It can accommodate up to 5 W in each band simultaneously. Both connectorized and PCB mount versions are available. Other band combinations are available.

Trilithic Inc.
Indianapolis, IN
(317) 895-3600

www.trilithic.com
RS No. 223

Components

Eight-way Active Splitter

CAP introduces the MCA2016 dual eight-way active splitter. This high linearity multi-coupler is suitable for satellite IF signal distribution and supports all analog and digital standards, from 950 to 1450 MHz. Featuring extremely flat gain and phase linearity response, it also offers LNB bias capability on its feeds, complete DC power supply redundancy without diode OR-ring, all in a one EIA rack unit (1.75") height 19" rack mount chassis.

CAP Wireless
Newbury Park, CA
(805) 499-1166

www.capwireless.com
RS No. 224

Cable Assemblies

EAM announced the availability of dozens of quick turn RG cable assemblies. These 50 and 75 ohm RG cable assemblies can be supplied with a wide range of coaxial connector types, including 7/16, BNC, Type N, MCX, MHV, SHV, TNC, UHF, MMCX and MIL-qualified connectors for harsh environments. EAM’s RG cable assemblies are available in a variety of constructions using a wide range of dielectric materials, jacket materials and shield materials depending on performance requirements. Cable sizes include outside diameters of 0.098", 0.195" and 0.390", and assemblies can be manufactured to meet a host of mechanical and electrical requirements.

Electronic Assembly Manufacturing Inc.
Methuen, MA
(978) 374-6840

www.eamcableassemblies.com
RS No. 225

Step-down DC/DC Converter

The LTC3619 is a dual output, high efficiency, 2.25 MHz, synchronous buck regulator with programmable average input current limit. It can deliver up to 800 mA of continuous output current from one channel and 400 mA from the other with efficiencies as high as 96 percent. Using a constant frequency and current mode architecture, the LTC3619 operates from an input voltage range of 2.5 to 5.5 V, making it ideal for single-cell Li-Ion and USB applications. It can generate two independent output voltages as low as 0.6 V, enabling it to power the latest generation of low voltage DSPs and microcontrollers. The LTC3619 uses a switching frequency of 2.25 MHz, which allows for the utilization of tiny, low cost ceramic capacitors and inductors less than 1 mm in height.

Linear Technology
Milpitas, CA
(408) 432-1900

www.linear.com
RS No. 226

Frequency Mixer

Model SYM-63LH+ is an ultra broadband double balanced mixer utilizing core and wire transformers and a diode quad in a ring configuration. The transformers are designed to provide ultra wide bandwidth using simulation software together with Mini-Circuits proprietary transformer technology. These mixers provide an IF response from DC to 1000 MHz and are especially useful in wideband system applications such as IED. Price: $12.95 (QTY 10 to 49).

Mini-Circuits
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 934-4500

www.minicircuits.com
RS No. 227

Integrated Switch Solutions

Renaissance Electronics has developed integrated switch solutions that covers diverse market sectors such as consumer electronics, military, aerospace, automotive, communications, semiconductor and medical. The ability to integrate state-of-the-art RF components like MEMS, hermetic switches and 10 million life cycle coaxial switches in custom specified configurations has yielded highly reliable solutions with unsurpassed MTBF. Designs are available in standard configuration of reciprocal or non-reciprocal and/or blocking or non-blocking formats. Renaissance can design and integrate other RF components like LNAs, mixers, amplifiers, filters, attenuators, couplers, dividers/combiners and detectors, to build custom RF/microwave switch matrices that meet cost and performance goals.

Renaissance Electronics Corp.
Harvard, MA
(978) 772-7774

www.rec-usa.com
RS No. 228

High Power Hybrid

Response Microwave announ­-ced the availability of its new application specific 3 dB, 90° quadrature hybrid for use in high-power telecom distribution applications. The new unit operates between 800 to 2400 MHz. Electrical performance offers typical insertion loss of 0.3 dB, isolation of 23 dB minimum, VSWR of 1.22:1 maximum and coupling of 3 0.5 dB. Average power handling is 200 W. Unit is available with type N female connectors standard and alternate interfaces available upon request. The package size is 5.6" × 1.54" × 1.02", plus connectors. Units accommodate environmental extremes from -35° to +80°C. Delivery is from stock.

Response Microwave Inc.
Devens, MA
(978) 772-3767

www.responsemicrowave.com
RS No. 229

Digital Frequency Discriminator

Sage Laboratories introduces its newest addition to the IFM/ DFD family of products. The FDFD7409-4 is a broadband (2 to 18 GHz) digital frequency discriminator incorporating a pulse detector/processor. Processing pulse widths as narrow as 80 ns up to CW, the DFD provides fast and accurate identification of threats. With ultra-low power consumption and small, lightweight packaging, this cost-effective model continues to build the Sage legacy of high-capability Instantaneous Frequency Measurement Receivers. This model is available with an optional VME interface as well as 50 ns pulse capability.

Sage Laboratories
Hudson, NH
(603) 459-1600

www.sagelabs.com
RS No. 230

Amplifiers

Hybrid Power Amplifier Modules

AR’s new line of wideband, hybrid power amplifier modules (HPM) cover the 6 to 18 GHz frequency range, and are the result of combining Microelectronic technology with the latest developments in thin film substrates. These hybrid modules require a single DC voltage source and are 50 ohm cascadable building blocks with output powers up to 37 dBm. AR offers in-house capabilities to create custom HPM design solutions with frequencies from DC to 40 GHz. Bring AR your requirements and they will work with you to create a solution.

AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation
Souderton, PA
(215) 723-8181

www.ar-worldwide.com
RS No. 231

MMIC Power Amplifiers

These two new GaAs PHEMT, ½ and 1 W power amplifiers are ideal for high linearity transmit chains in Point-to-Point/Point-to-Multi-Point microwave radio, military & space, VSAT, and test applications from 16 to 24 GHz. The HMC756 and the HMC757 are GaAs PHEMT, ½ and 1 W power amplifier dies that are rated from 16 to 24 GHz, and provide up to 23 dB of small-signal gain across the band. These three-stage, balanced power amplifiers are also capable of providing +33 dBm of saturated output power at 28 percent PAE and +30 dBm of saturated output power at 30 percent PAE, respectively, from a +7 V supply. The HMC756 and the HMC757 Power Amplifiers also feature output IP3 of up to +41 dBm, P1dB output power up to +32 dBm, and require no external matching components.

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

www.hittite.com
RS No. 232

High Power Pallet Amplifier

MITEQ introduces a new addition to its family of broadband high power amplifiers. Model AMF-8B-18002650-70-37P is a plate mounted high power amplifier, covering 18 to 26.5 GHz and delivering a minimum of 5 W of saturated power. The SMA connectorized module has a base of 5" wide, 5.24" long and 2" high including fins on top. Housing is EMI and environmentally shielded, and can operate in baseplate temperatures up to 60°C. The power amplifier includes over temperature protection in addition to full internal regulation. A 20 dB output coupled port is optional.

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

www.miteq.com
RS No. 233

RF Amplifier

OPHIR RF solution for your 2 to 6 GHz, 50 W RF power requirement of EN 61000-4-3:2006 is now available. The 5193 is a 50 W multi-octave broadband 2 to 6 GHz amplifier system. This 5.25" compact and lightweight amplifier utilizes Class A/AB linear power devices that provide an excellent third order intercept point, high gain, and a wide dynamic range. Optional digital controller is available to display the amplifier operating status and remote interface with Ethernet, IEEE488 and RS232. In stock.

OPHIR RF
Los Angeles, CA
(310) 306-5556

www.ophirrf.com
RS No. 234

High Power Pallet Amplifier

The PP88-108-800 is a high power Class AB Pallet Amplifier providing 800 W CW power output in an extremely small footprint. Featuring the latest generation LDMOS transistors, the PP88-108-800 provides the highest power density of any FM pallet in the world today. Thermal tracking bias allows the PP88-108-800 to operate Class AB while providing 800 W CW with a typical efficiency of 80 percent.

Power Module Technology Inc.
Carson City, NV
(775) 883-1122

www.pmtrf.com
RS No. 235

Broadband Amplifiers

The R&S BBA100 is the most flexible and advanced broadband amplifier system on the market. Its mod­ular design allows users to select frequency range and output power to suit their requirements. The built-in expansion capability protects capital investment. Individual amplifier modules can be replaced quickly and easily, making downtime a thing of the past. The R&S BBA100 is ideal for EMC applications in test houses and the electronics and automotive industry. The high quality and reliability of the amplifiers will also benefit research institutes, development labs and government agencies, as well as radiocommunications applications. The amplifier will have three frequency bands that cover the range from 9 kHz to 1 GHz and provide power up to 500 W. The base unit includes comprehensive control functions.

Rohde & Schwarz GmbH & Co. KG
Munich, Germany
+4989/4129-0
www.rohde-schwarz.com
RS No. 236

Antennas

High Power, Crossed Notch Antenna

Model 94800568 is a dual-linear, high-power, crossed notch antenna that operates over the 2 to 18 GHz frequency range. The antenna VSWR is 2.5:1 maximum and < 2.0:1 over 90 percent of the frequency range. Antenna gain ranges between 5 and 10 dB, and is +8 dB nominal. The port-to-port isolation is more than 20 dB and RF power is 500 W CW at each port simultaneously. Model 94800568 is suitable for high-power ECM applications; it is also suitable for feeding reflector antennas, wide-band antenna arrays and other broadband applications.

Cobham Sensor Systems - Sensor Electronics
Baltimore, MD
(410) 542-1700

www.cobham.com
RS No. 237

Broadband Conical Monopole Antenna

The low-loss antenna BCM40 supports a monopole antenna characteristic and an ultra broad frequency band (1.2 to 40 GHz). This antenna covers all major frequency bands, ideal for surveillance applications with a very robust casing and design. The BCM40 antenna is manufactured precisely, offers good matching and an antenna gain of ca. 0 dBi. The robust casing allows for indoor and outdoor use even in moist conditions.

Heuermann HF-Technik GmbH
Stolberg, Germany
+49 2402/9749764

www.hhft.de
RS No. 238

Integrated Circuit

MMICs

Endwave Corp. has announced the release of an extensive product line of microwave and millimeter-wave integrated circuits (MMIC) for use in microwave radios and other high frequency systems. The product line consists of a wide variety of circuit types including amplifiers, voltage-controlled oscillators, up and down converters, variable gain amplifiers, voltage variable attenuators, fixed attenuators and filters. Both bare die and QFN packaged devices are available. Devices are available over the full microwave radio frequency range of 7 to 38 GHz and the product line also includes devices for the new E-band (71 to 76 GHz and 81 to 86 GHz) frequency range. The product line has been derived from Endwave’s extensive design library created while providing custom microwave and millimeter-wave RF modules to radio systems OEMs.

Endwave Corp.
San Jose, CA
(408) 522-3100

www.endwave.com
RS No. 239

Materials

Patented RF Packages

Patents have been awarded to RF packages for the company’s components, which includes attenuators, power dividers/combiners and switches. This cost-effective, special high frequency plastic patented package is entirely built from printed circuit material. The frames, the internal isolation and cover parts are achieved by printed circuit layers. The individual parts are pressed and soldered in the soldering machine together with the connectors, producing a very mechanically robust RF module. The RF shielding is made by connecting through the single printed circuit layers and is in accordance with standard full metal housings.

eubus GmbH
Munich, Germany
+49 (0) 89 540 32 733

www.eubus.net
RS No. 240

6.15 DK Laminates

Rogers Corp. has introduced RO4360™ laminates, developed for the special requirements of high-frequency amplifier designers. RO4360 laminates feature a dielectric constant of 6.15 and loss of 0.003 at 2.5 GHz. The laminates are based on a ceramic-filled, thermoset resin system reinforced by glass fiber for excellent mechanical stability compared to PTFE woven glass. RO4360 laminates provide the performance and reliability designers need in a lower total PCB cost solution. The new product features low dissipation factor, generous power-handling capability, and improved thermal conductivity. Environmentally friendly RO4360 laminate materials are RoHS compliant and compatible with standard printed circuit board processing methods.

Rogers Corp.
Chandler, AZ
(480) 961-1382

www.rogerscorp.com
RS No. 241

Capacitor

Multilayer Capacitors

ATC announced the introduction of non-magnetic (non-nickel) barrier layer multilayer capacitor products. They are manufactured in 600L, S and F (0402, 0603, 0805) EIA case sizes as well as 800 A and B (0.055" × 0.055" and 0.11" × 0.11") signature case sizes, and 800R NPO Ceramic, High RF Power Lowest ESR MLCs (0.070" × 0.090"). ATC’s new non-magnetic MLCs are designed and manufactured to provide the same superior performance as the current nickel barrier versions. These products are suitable for use in MRI and other medical electronics applications. They also may be used in applications where there is a concern regarding passive intermodulation distortion in wireless communications systems.

American Technical Ceramics
Huntington Station, NY
(631) 622-4700

www.atceramics.com
RS No. 242

Software

3D Planar EM Analysis Software

AWR announced significant performance enhancements to its AXIEM 3D planar electromagnetic (EM) analysis software that greatly increase the software’s speed, accuracy and capacity. AXIEMs proprietary solver and meshing algorithms have made it possible for the first time to migrate EM analysis from a back-end, post-verification tool to an upfront design diagnostic solution. With nearly linear scaling achieved through its novel method-of-moments (MoM) engine, AXIEM even in its first year of commercial availability, outperforms competing 3D planar solutions that have been on the market for more than a decade.

AWR
El Segundo, CA
(310) 726-3000

www.awrcorp.com
RS No. 243

Sources

Voltage-controlled Oscillator

Crystek’s CRBV55FL-0200-0239 RedBox voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) operates from 200 to 239 MHz with a control voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -123 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and has excellent linearity. Output power is typically +9 dBm. Crystek’s RedBox line comprises VCOs enclosed in a robust aluminum enclosure (1.25" × 1.25" × 0.58") with SMA connectors, enhancing the VCO’s durability and making integration of a VCO into any application an easy, plug-and-play option.

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

www.crystek.com
RS No. 244

Reference Oscillators

The PLXO Series phase-locked crystal oscillator can be designed to operate at select custom frequencies from 200 to 350 MHz as a reference oscillator in military and other electronic systems. The PLXO units feature excellent phase noise (<-119 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz) and low power consumption (+12 V at 155 mA). The PLXO units are housed in a rugged, connectorized package (1.50" × 1.50" × 0.6") to withstand harsh environments. The PLXO-250 units also feature no sub-harmonics and a wide operating temperature range (-30° to +70°C).

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

www.emresearch.com
RS No. 245

Voltage-controlled Oscillator

The model CRO3400C-LF is a RoHS compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in S-band. The CRO3400C-LF operates at 3400 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -112 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 5 MHz/V. The CRO3400C-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 3 dBm at 5 VDC supply while drawing 24 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40º to 85ºC. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -20 dBc and comes in Z-Comm’s standard MINI-16-SM package measuring 0.5" x 0.5" x 0.22".

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

www.zcomm.com
RS No. 246

Test Equipment

Vector Network Analyzer

Anritsu Co. announces it has extended the low-end frequency of its MN469xB VectorStar 4-port test sets, making the instruments the first microwave multiport Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) solutions to measure down to 70 kHz. The MN469xB series now combines DC coverage and the wide dynamic range time domain capability of a VNA, making the test sets ideal for digital engineers who need to conduct signal integrity measurements on passive high-speed balanced transmission lines and connections in order to optimize their Gbit designs. Two models are available in the MN469xB series. The MN4694B covers up to 40 GHz, while the MN4697B has a frequency range up to 70 GHz. Both include bias tees for active measurement applications.

Anritsu Co.
Morgan Hill, CA
(408) 778-2000

www.us.anritsu.com
RS No. 247

Spherical Near-field Arch Roll Scanner

The NSI-700S-300 Spherical Near-Field Arch Roll Scanner is designed for precision testing of stationary Antennas Under Test (AUT). An innovative probe motion design delivers spherical measurement accuracies for antennas rivaling those currently obtained only with planar scanning techniques. The scanner’s arch provides accurate probe motion over an extended hemispherical scan area, and its software supports multi-beam, multi-frequency control of the RF subsystem and includes an ‘on-the-fly’ probe position correction subsystem to maintain probe position accuracy on the order of 0.0025" (63 microns).

Nearfield Systems Inc.
Torrance, CA
(310) 525-7000

www.nearfield.com
RS No. 248