New Products

6 to 18 GHz, 3 W Amplifier
AML announces the immediate availability of a high power broadband amplifier model AML618P4202. This amplifier operates over 6 to 18 GHz with industry best DC to RF efficiency. Output P1dB is +35 dBm (3 W) minimum. Gain is 42 dB minimum with flatness within ±2.5 dB maximum. DC current at +12 VDC is under 2.5A. Dimensions are 2.85"L × 1.5"W × 0.5"H. Operating temperature range of -54° to +85°C is available as an option.
AML Communications Inc.,
Camarillo, CA
(805) 388-1345,
www.amlj.com

0.8 to 4.2 GHz Solid-state Amplifier
AR has introduced a new solid-state microwave amplifier, model 175S1G4, that covers 0.8 to 4.2 GHz and has a power output of 175 W. This amplifier employs a new design that delivers more than twice the power of older models. The new, more efficient design consumes less power and incorporates both USB and Ethernet interfaces in addition to the standard IEEE and RS-232 interfaces. With these improvements, AR has maintained the superior rugged design for load tolerance and excellent linearity.
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA
(215) 723-8181,
www.ar-worldwide.com

Voltage-controlled Oscillators
Crystek’s CVCO55FLM voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO) contain an extra modulation port (TX modulation), making the family an ideal choice for transmitter applications. The modulation port has a negative slope and a typical modulation sensitivity of -20 KHz/V. The CVCO55FLM-0172-0210 operates from 172 to 210 MHz with a control voltage range of 0.2 to 4.8 V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -119 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset and has excellent linearity. Output power is typically 0 dBm.
Crystek Corp.,
Fort Myers, FL
(239) 561-3311,
www.crystek.com

Low Noise Amplifier
Model ALN-85305020-H1 is a W-band low noise amplifier that operates in a frequency range from 65 to 100 GHz with a maximum 6 dB noise figure and minimum 20 dB gain. The amplifier incorporates the internal integrated voltage regulator and operates at +8 to +12 VDC and typically draw 80 mA current. The RF connectors for the amplifier are standard WR-10 waveguide with UG387/U Mod flange and measures 1.60" long, 1.2" wide and 0.6" tall. This amplifier is an excellent choice for instrumentation, lab testing and wideband receiver applications. Nominal gains of 10 to 50 dB are available upon request.
Ducommun Technologies Inc.,
Carson, CA
(310) 847-2859,
www.ducommun.com

3G Power Amplifier
The EPA8100A 3G power amplifier is aimed at the Chinese TD-SCDMA market. The PA targets all TD-SCDMA/HSDPA platforms and is packaged in the industry standard 3 by 3 by 1 mm form factor. It has a built-in 20 dB directional coupler, integrates all matching and biasing circuitry, and is fully compatible with mainstream PAs used in TD-SCDMA mobile phones and data cards in terms of package form factor, pin-out assignments and performance. It features high linearity and output power, high power added efficiency, low quiescent current consumption, ultra-low temperature sensitivity over voltage from -40° to +85°C, digitally controlled power mode operation, as well as 100 percent compatibility with other mainstream 3G PAs.
Epic Communications Inc. (Epicom),
Hsinchu City, Taiwan
886-3-577-5776,
www.epic.com.tw

Miniaturized Power Amplifier
Integra Technologies announced its highest power MPA, part number MPAL2731M130. It is a miniaturized power amplifier that is internally matched to 50 ohms. It is designed for S-band radar systems and operates over the instantaneous bandwidth of 2.7 to 3.1 GHz. It utilizes gold metal LDMOS transistor technology operating in common source configuration. It may be operated in class B, AB and A mode. It is operable over nearly any pulse width and duty factor. Under 300 µs/10 percent pulsed operation it can be used to supply a minimum of 130 W of peak pulse power over the instantaneous frequency range of 2.7 to 3.1 GHz. All devices are 100 percent screened for large-signal RF parameters. Sampling now.
Integra Technologies Inc.,
El Segundo, CA
(310) 606-0855,
www.integratech.com

High Power Amplifier Module
With a frequency range of 1,280 to 1,300 MHz, the new MKU PA 131000 CU power amplifier utilizes the latest LDMOS-technology to provide excellent efficiency, together with good linearity. It is suitable for analog and digital transmission systems as well as scientific/medical applications such as linear accelerators. The input power is 20 to 30 W and the output power is 1,000 W CW. Safe operation is provided by a built-in sequencer that controls internal procedures or external components, e.g. a coaxial relay. Other key features include protection against overheating, a milled copper case for optimum heat transfer; special versions and accessories are deliverable on demand.
Kuhne electronic GmbH,
Berg, Germany
+49 (0) 9293 800939,
www.kuhne-electronic.de

Highly Linear RF Driver Amplifier
The MAAM-009560 is a HBT driver amplifier for cellular and WiMAX infrastructure applications. This driver amplifier covers a broad frequency range of 250 to 4000 MHz with excellent linearity of 42 dBm OIP3 over a greater than 20 dB input power range, as well as features a typical gain of 15 dB. The lead-free SOT-89 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

Low Noise Amplifiers
Maxim Integrated Products introduces the MAX2686/MAX2688, low noise amplifiers (LNA) designed for GPS-enabled applications operating in the 1575 MHz band. Packaged in a 0.86 × 0.86 mm, 0.4 mm-pitch wafer-level package (WLP) with only four pins, these LNAs minimize solution footprint for today’s continually shrinking handheld designs. Maxim’s advanced SiGe BiCMOS technology enables this space-saving design. Device specifications outperform GaAs and PHEMT LNAs and integrated RF CMOS receivers, and performance surpasses today’s larger competitive options.
Maxim Integrated Products,
Sunnyvale, CA
(800) 998-8800,
www.maxim-ic.com

Low Noise Amplifier
MITEQ Inc. introduces a new addition to its family of ultra-broadband LNAs. The model JS4-00104000-58-5P is very low noise, lightweight, and has a small profile and footprint. The Kovar housing is a hermetically sealed package. This unit has a low noise figure of 5.8 dB maximum. The input and output port VSWR is a maximum of 2.5:1. Small-signal gain is 30 dB minimum and P1dB is +5 dBm minimum. The JS4-00104000-58-5P comes with various options such as various bandwidths, and input/output DC block. Operating temperature is -54° to +85°C case.
MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 436-7400,
www.miteq.com

Wideband Gain Blocks
The BGA28xx series of gain blocks is a recent addition to NXP’s portfolio of RF products, and these gain blocks offer best-in-class linearity versus current consumption. Optimized for satellite LNBs, the BGA28xx products are also well suited for general-purpose applications. These devices join other NXP discrete and integrated building blocks, including oscillators, amplifiers, switches and biasing, to provide complete coverage for all LNB architectures. As a key benefit, the new BGA28xx gain blocks do not require an output inductor when using them at the output stage. Features of this product family include: performance up to 3 GHz (optimized for 250 to 2150 MHz); internally matched (50 Ω); and small 2×2 mm 6-pin SOT363 plastic SMD package.
NXP Semiconductors,
San Jose, CA,
www.nxp.com

Phase-locked Oscillator
The PLS-17000-P100I is a high performance, low noise, 17 GHz phase-locked oscillator (PLO) with a 100 MHz OCXO internal reference. The design of this PLO’s primary source consists of a low noise, bipolar-silicon-transistor oscillator. In addition, a frequency doubler and a buffer amplifier in the output path provides the desired frequency, power output and load isolation. Power output is 13 dBm minimum into a 50 ohm load. Phase noise at 10 kHz and 100 kHz offsets is better than -110 dBc/Hz. The PLS-17000-P100I is housed in a compact (2.25" × 2.25" × 0.92") connectorized package. Phase Matrix’s PLOs are available in frequencies up to 50 GHz and up to 1 W of power output with internal or external reference oscillators. These products are designed for use in commercial as well as high-reliability military applications.
Phase Matrix Inc.,
San Jose, CA
(408) 428-1000,
www.phasematrix.com

Low Phase Noise VCO
Z-Communications Inc. announces a new RoHS compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) model CRO3150A-LF in S-band. The CRO3150A-LF operates at 3125 to 3175 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.5 to 4.5 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -108 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 21 MHz/V. CRO3150A-LF is well suited for fixed wireless and digital radio applications that require ultra low phase noise performance. The CRO3150A-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 4.5 dBm at 5 VDC supply while drawing 25 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40° to 85°C. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -19 dBc and comes in Z-Comm’s standard MINI-16-SM package measuring 0.5" × 0.5" × 0.22".
Z-Communications Inc.,
Poway, CA
(858) 621-2700,
www.zcomm.com

Components

RF Connectors
HD-BNC™ is the newest line of small form factor RF connectors designed to support rapidly growing demand for high bandwidth, high reliability interconnection in the broadcast and telecommunications industries. The high-density BNC series (HD-BNC) is based on the familiar quarter-turn BNC coupling connector pioneered by Amphenol in the late 1940s, but with patented design advancements that permit a four-fold reduction in footprint and more than 20 percent reduction in weight while maintaining true 75 ohm performance and the robust mechanical properties expected from a BNC interface. The Amphenol HD-BNC was developed in close collaboration with leading industry equipment makers and system integrators to address the most common issues with conventional high density solutions including interface robustness and signal loss related to long cable runs.
Amphenol RF,
Danbury, CT
(800) 627-7100,
www.amphenolrf.com

Cavity Bandpass Filter
The model Wifi2437-6A is a ruggedized, weatherproof cavity bandpass filter for outdoor WiFi installations that has excellent rejection, handles up to 40 W of RF input power and is extremely selective. The Wifi2437-6A has a center frequency of 2437 MHz and a bandwidth of more than 30 MHz (2427 to 2447 MHz), along with maximum insertion loss of less than 2 dB and passband ripple of less than 0.2 dB. The filter has rejection of at least 60 dB at 2412 and 2462 MHz and return loss of more than 18 dB. The unit measures 108 × 56 × 29 mm and uses SMA female connectors. The Wifi2437-6A is ruggedized and weatherproofed for use in outdoor environments, and has an operating temperature range of -40° to +70°C.
Anatech Electronics,
Garfield, NJ
(973) 772-4242,
www.amcrf.com

42 GHz Bandpass Filter
Model EWT-31-0245 is a coaxial bandpass filter with a center frequency of 42 GHz. With a 3 dB bandwidth of 1000 MHz minimum, the insertion loss at center frequency is 1.5 dB. Rejection at 40 GHz is greater than 50 dB and the VSWR is 1.5:1. This compact filter design has an overall size of 1.20" × 0.5" × 0.5". This model is supplied with 2.4 mm connectors.
Eastern Wireless TeleComm Inc.,
Salisbury, MD
(410) 749-3800,
www.ewtfilters.com

Surface-mount Fixed Attenuators
This new wideband surface-mount fixed attenuator is optimized for performance from DC to 20 GHz. Utilizing EMC’s 40 plus years of experience in refining attenuation solutions, the TS09 offers the best performance to date for high frequency applications in an SMT package. These devices have been noted for their excellent performance and small size, measuring only 0.070" × 0.060" (1.78 × 1.62 mm). The TS09 wideband fixed attenuator handles 200 mW of input power and is available in dB values from 0 to 10 dB in 1 dB increments.
EMC Technology,
Stuart, FL
(772) 600-1620,
www.emc-rflabs.com

Broadband Resistive Couplers
IMS announced the expansion of its line of low loss broadband resistive couplers to include wire bondable terminals and alternate configurations. The IMK Series couplers now come in both forward and reverse facing directions, coupling values from 6 to 30 dB and are rated at 1 W dissipated power and 5 W through power. The IMK Series resistive couplers are compact (0.120" × 0.120") alternatives to more complex narrow band couplers. They have been characterized to 20 GHz and can exhibit insertion loss less than 1 dB loss for nominal values greater than 18 dB.
International Manufacturing Services Inc.,
Portsmouth, RI
(401) 683-9700,
www.ims-resistors.com

Three-way Power Dividers
Marki Microwave announced the release of a new line of broadband three-way power dividers. These power dividers are constructed using a unique design approach that enables industry leading isolation and amplitude/phase balance. The three-way power divider line launches with two models: the 0.4 to 12 GHz PD3-0R412 and the 0.6 to 16 GHz PD3-0R616. Custom designs are also available. Contact the factory for more information.
Marki Microwave Inc.,
Morgan Hill, CA
(408) 778-4200,
www.markimicrowave.com

+12 to +33 dBm Limiter
The Mini-Circuits VLM-63-2W+ is a +12 to +33 dBm limiter that operates in a frequency range from 30 to 6000 MHz. This limiter features low insertion loss, 0.4 dB typical. The limiters offer fast recovery time, 5 nsec typical; excellent VSWR, 1.05:1 typical; and low leakage power, 11.5 dBm typical. Applications include: protects low noise amplifiers and other devices from ESD or input power damage and military, hi-rel applications. This limiter is RoHS compliant in accordance with EU Directive (2002/95/EC). Price: $51.95 (1-9).
Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com

SP6T Switch
The SEM163 SP6T electromechanical switch is designed for operation from DC to 18 GHz. The switch is a normally-open configuration and includes an indicator circuit. Insertion loss is less than 0.5 dB, VSWR is less than 1.5:1 and isolation is as high as 80 dB. It employs SMA female connectors and measures 2.5 high by 1.1 in. square. It operates from 28 VDC and requires 140 mA of actuating current. Other models in the DC-to-18 GHz SEM163 family include latching configurations, TTL control, suppression diodes, and self-energizing and de-energizing capabilities. The model SEM163 and all other members of the SEM163 family are in stock and available for immediate delivery.
Narda Microwave-East,
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 231-1700,
www.nardamicrowave.com/east

Digital Phase Shifter
Model number PS-360-3237-5-292FF is a 32 to 37 GHz digitally-controlled phase shifter with capability for phase shifting from 0 to 349°. Five logic lines allow various phase shift with a LSB of 11.25°. Key specifications include an operating frequency of 32 to 37 GHz; insertion loss of 8 dB; VSWR of 2.0:1; LSB of 11.25 degrees; maximum phase shift of 348.75 degrees; control bits of 5-Line TTL; switching speed of < 500 nsec; and 2.92 mm connectors. Size: 1.29" × 1.75" × 0.5".
Planar Monolithics Industries Inc.,
Frederick, MD
(301) 662-5019,
www.pmi-rf.com

Directional Coupler
Pulsar model C40-22-481/6N covers the frequency range of 200 to 2000 MHz with a power rating of 200 W, 40 ± 1 dB coupling, 0.4 dB insertion loss and 20 dB directivity. Coupling flatness is ± 1.0 dB and VSWR is 1.2:1. Outline dimensions are 3.0" × 2.6" × 1.0".
Pulsar Microwave Corp.,
Clifton, NJ
(973) 779-6262,
www.pulsarmicrowave.com

Low Noise Block Down Converter
These high stability C-band PLL low noise block (LNB) down converters are the company’s latest addition to its SATCOM products. The down converters feature input frequency from 3.4 to 4.2 GHz, LO frequency of 5.15 GHz and output frequency from 950 to 1750 MHz. Typical specifications include noise temperature of 20K to 30K, and LO stability ±2 to ±25 kHz over temperature, excellent offset. Phase noise is -73 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz and input/output VSWR is 2.2:1. The temperature range is between -40° to +60°C.
Raditek,
San Jose, CA
(408) 266-7404,
www.raditek.com

Programmable Step Attenuators
RLC Electronics’ PA series attenuators are binary programmable step attenuators designed to operate from DC to 20 GHz. Two basic models offer attenuation ranges of 15 and 70 dB. Control is in standard format: 1-2-4-8, etc. The attenuators are available with failsafe or latching operation, 12 or 28 V coils and optional TTL drivers, with a choice of frequency ranges.
RLC Electronics Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY
(914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com

mm-wave Converters
The FC1001V V-band converter platform and the FC1001E E-band converter platform are designed to enable radio link manufacturers to slash time to market for next generation radio links with a transfer rate up to 10 Gb/s, and at low cost. Applications other than point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radios include WLAN, measurement systems and defense and secure communications. These high performance converters can easily be customized and are available in several configurations including with or without internal LO synthesizers or optional diplexer.
Sivers IMA AB,
Kista, Sweden
+46 87036800,
www.siversima.com

Times-Protect Smart-Panel
Times Microwave Systems has introduced the Times-Protect Smart-Panel™, a revolutionary concept in shelter and base station entrance panels. Intelligently designed to eliminate traditional entrance panel shortcomings and vastly improve the protection of expensive base station equipment, the Smart-Panel is truly a product for 21^st century needs. The Smart-Panel provides for highly desirable single point grounding while eliminating the expense and potential incorrect installation of external grounding kits. The Smart-Panel design provides for bulkhead mounting of the surge protectors directly on the panel for superior surge performance.
Times Microwave Systems,
Wallingford, CT
(203) 949-8400,
www.timesmicrowave.com

Monolithic 90 Degree Hybrids
Valpey Fisher Corp. Microwave Products Group introduces a new product family of miniature monolithic 90 degree hybrids. The VFHY100 series consists of eight different models spanning the frequency range of 600 MHz to 4 GHz and are offered in a miniature 1.5 × 2 mm leadless package. Valpey Fisher’s RF/microwave passive products utilize a custom design and monolithic manufacturing process offering outstanding electrical performance and part to part repeatability when compared to existing solutions. Samples are available upon request.
Valpey Fisher Corp.,
Hopkinton, MA
(508) 435-6831,
www.valpeyfisher.com

Antenna

Patch Antenna Elements
Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products’ patch antenna elements now meet Iridium Satellite Communications’ “Iridium Compatible Equipment (ICE) Certification” requirements. This certification saves customers time when using Iridium-certified antennas in their applications by eliminating the need for re-certifying equipment when using the patch antennas according to Iridium’s guidelines. Currently, the PA25-1621-025SA and PA45-1621-1575SA patch antennas are ICE-Certified; however, several of Spectrum’s antennas and assemblies are in the approval process and certification is expected in 2011.
Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products,
Fairview, PA
(814) 474-1571,
www.specemc.com

Semiconductor/IC

LDMOS Power Transistor
Freescale Semiconductor has introduced a 50 V, 600 W LDMOS power transistor that continues to deliver its full rated gain and output power even after withstanding a load mismatch of 65:1 VSWR. This ruggedness capability supports harsh RF circuit environments in highly mismatched applications such as CO₂ laser exciters, plasma generators and MRI power amplifiers. The MRFE6VP5600 is also well-suited to be used in defense/aerospace amplifiers (pulsed operation or CW), HF/VHF radio amplifiers, RF plastic welding amplifiers, particle accelerator amplifiers, and various other industrial, medical and broadcast amplifiers. This high-gain LDMOS transistor operates over the frequency range from 1.8 to 600 MHz.
Richardson Electronics for Freescale Semiconductor,
(800) 737-6937,
www.rell.com/RFPD

Source

SMT Frequency Synthesizer
The HFS-2500 operates over 2000 to 2500 MHz for advanced electronic warfare applications. This unit features exceptionally-low phase noise (<-121 dBc/Hz at 100 KHz offset), fast switching (<5 mSec), 10 MHz step size, +5 dBm output power; supply voltages are +5 V DC A-VCC/+8 VDC D-VCC and programming is via three-wire serial interface. The HFS-2500 is housed in a small, surface-mount package (1.25" × 1" × 0.24") and operates in harsh environments over the temperature range of -40° to +85°C.
EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV
(775) 345-2411,
www.emresearch.com

System

Bitshark Family
The Bitshark family of products provide small form-factor, high performance reconfigurable radio solutions that integrate with different host platforms. This family has been specifically designed to handle many different waveforms, including 2G/3G/4G cellular. These platforms are capable of operating from 300 MHz to 4 GHz, handling RF channel bandwidths up to 50 MHz. Total power consumption for a single Rx tuner solution is < 1 W.
EPIQ Solutions,
Schaumburg, IL
(847) 598-0218,
www.epiq-solutions.com

Test Equipment

Millimeter & Sub-millimeter Cal Kits
The new Series 704, 721 and 741 range of millimeter and sub-millimeter Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) calibration kits have applications in millimeter and sub-millimeter waveguide vector network analyzer calibration and precision measurements. With three metrology grades and with models from 110 to 500 GHz, the calibration kits utilize National Physics Laboratory (NPL) applied technology, which uses line lengths of 3/4λg or 5/4λg. In the 110 to 330 GHz frequency range, two lines (offsets) are used that each give a nominal 3/4λg phase change at a point in the band. In the 260 to 500 GHz frequency range, three lines (offsets) are used that each give a nominal 5/4λg phase change at a point in the band.
Flann Microwave Ltd.,
Bodmin, Cornwall, UK
+44 (0)1208 77777,
www.flann.com

Signal Generator
The HMC-T2220 is a new and easy to implement 10 MHz to 20 GHz synthesized signal generator that provides high output power, low harmonic levels and broad frequency range for only $9,998.00. Ideal for use in automated test and measurement environments, research, and development laboratories, the HMC-T2220 is a compact and lightweight frequency generator that delivers up to +28 dBm of CW output power in 0.1 dB steps over a 60 dB dynamic range. Harmonic rejection is better than -30 dBc and spurious products are better than -57 dBc across the entire bandwidth. Phase noise is -99 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset at 10 GHz with insignificant deviation over the temperature range of 0 to +35°C. The broad frequency range of 10 MHz to 20 GHz covers all major communication bands with frequency resolution of 1 Hz and fast switching speed of 300 µs.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA
(978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com