Components
Millimeter-wave Balanced Mixers
Ducommun Technologies offers balanced mixers that are available in six waveguide bands to cover the frequency spectrum from 26.5 to 110 GHz. These mixers employ high power performance GaAs Schottky beamlead diodes and balanced configuration to produce superior performance and a moderate LO pumping level. The mixers are designed for full RF waveguide band operation with extremely wide IF bandwidth. Typical conversion loss for these mixers is 5 to 10 dB. Ducommun mixers can be used for test equipment, communication systems and radar receivers where frequency down conversion is required.
Ducommun Technologies
Carson, CA
(310) 847-2859
www.ducommun.com
Narrow Band Width UHF Filter
EWT-11-0652 is a narrow bandwidth cavity filter with a pass- band from 460-465 MHz. Insertion loss over the passband is <1.5 dB and has >55 dB rejection at 455 MHz. VSWR over the passband is 1.5:1. This unit is designed to withstand 100 W CW. Supplied with SMA Female connectors, however other connector options are available. The overall size is 5.15"L × 4.00"W × 4.00"H.
Eastern Wireless TeleComm Inc.
Salisbury, MD
(410) 749-3800
www.ewtfilters.com
Tri-band Frequency PPLs
The HMC837LP6CE and HMC840LP6CE include a wideband, low noise VCO with auto-calibration subsystem, low noise PFD and dividers, and a precision charge-pump. The HMC837LP6CE and HMC840LP6CE feature exact frequency mode operation, deliver exceptional phase noise and industry-leading spurious performance while consuming only 630 mW. Level of phase noise performance: -227 dBc/Hz Figure-Of-Merit (FOM) in fractional-N mode and -230 dBc/Hz FOM in integer-N mode. The integrated double-sideband phase noise for these products is lower than -50 dBc. The RMS jitter is less than 180 fs. Both the HMC837LP6CE and the HMC840LP6CE are housed in 6 × 6 mm plastic leadless surface- mount packages and provide excellent temperature stability from -40° to +85°C.
Hittite Microwave Corp.
Chelmsford, MA
(978) 250-3343
www.hittite.com
Microwave Power Module
L-3 Electron Devices announced its new M1291 high power density Microwave Power Module (MPM). The M1291 is capable of producing 110 W of saturated RF output power at 33 percent efficiency over the 30 to 31 GHz frequency band and operates from 270 VDC prime power. A pre-distortion linearizer allows the M1291 MPM to provide 50 W of MIL-STD-188-164 linear power with excellent spurious performance at -60 dBc. Advanced packaging techniques provide an ultracompact 9" × 8" × 2.75" form factor, which features an integrated heatsink and is available with forced air cooling for airborne operation in the -55° to +85°C temperature range.
L-3 Electron Devices
San Carlos, CA
(650) 486-5585
www.l-3com.com
RF Switch Box
Mini-Circuits’ USB-4SPDT-A18 is a general purpose USB controlled RF switch box containing four electro-mechanical SPDT, absorptive failsafe RF switches constructed in break-before-make configuration and powered by +24 VDC with a switching time of 25 mSec typical. The four switches can be set up as: four independent SPDT switches, two SP3T switches, one SP4T switch and a SPDT switch, a single SP5T switch, or other configurations. The RF switches operate over a wide frequency band from DC to 18 GHz, have low insertion loss (0.2 dB typical) and high isolation (85 dB typical) making the switch box perfectly suitable for a wide variety of RF applications. The USB-4SPDT-A18 is constructed in a plastic case (size: 4.26" × 6.08" × 2.25") with 12 SMA(F) connectors (IN, J1, J2 for each switch), a 2.1 mm DC socket, and a USB type B port.
Mini-Circuits
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 934-4500
www.minicircuits.com
Two-way Power Divider
Narda, an L-3 communications company, introduced the model 4372-2, a two-way power div-ider that operates from 800 to 2500 MHz and is an excellent choice for a broad array of applications, including commercial wireless and defense systems. The model 4372-2 has an amplitude balance of 0.2 dB or less, phase balance of 3 deg. or better, insertion loss of 0.4 dB or less, isolation of at least 22 dB, and VSWR of no more than 1.35:1. The power divider can handle an RF input power of 30 W, has SMA female connectors, and measures 3.1" × 1.6" × 0.5". The model 4372-2 is in stock and available for immediate delivery.
Narda Microwave-East
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 231-1700
www.nardamicrowave.com/east
18 GHz Cavity Filter
NIC introduces a Ku-band Cavity bandpass filter designed for use in airborne, ship-mount and vehicle-mount applications in harsh military environments. This filter offers low insertion loss of < 1 dB and high selectivity in a small package size of approximately 1.4" × 0.5" × 0.35". These filters can be custom designed for center frequencies up to 20 GHz and 3 dB bandwidth from 1 to 50 percent. Custom designs are available up to K-band.
Networks International Corp.
Overland Park, KS
(913) 685-3400
www.nickc.com
RF Digital-to-analog Converter
The DAC1627D is a 16-bit dual-channel LVDS DDR interface digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that supports output update rates of up to 1.25 Gsps. It is claimed to offer best-in-class single tone SFDR performance and two-tone intermodulation distortion over a broad output bandwidth of 200 MHz. Developed primarily for wireless infrastructure applications, the DAC1627D1G25 is fully compliant with the multi-carrier GSM spectral mask and the LTE and LTE-Advanced transmit specification, making it suitable for multi-standard radio base stations.
NXP Semiconductors
Eindhoven, The Netherlands
+44 795 828 7483
www.nxp.com
Solid-state Switch
PMI model no. P16T-0R5G18G-60-T-SFF is an absorptive, solid-state switch that covers the 500 MHz to 18 GHz frequency range. This model offers a low insertion loss of 6.5 dB typical and 7.5 dB maximum, very high isolation of 70 dB typical and 60 dB minimum and a switching speed of 100 nsec maximum. This switch is supplied in a compact package and designed for commercial and military applications.
Planar Monolithics Industries Inc.
Frederick, MD
(301) 662-5019
www.pmi-rf.com
Directional Coupler
Pulsar model CS20-53- 436-13 is a new 20 dB coupler covering the frequency range of 1 to 40 GHz with 1.6 dB insertion loss. Directivity is greater than 10 dB and flatness is 0.6 dB, 1 to 20 GHz and 1.5 dB, 1 to 40 GHz. The VSWR is 1.80:1 maximum and the unit can handle 20 W into a 1.20:1 load. Connectors are 2.92 mm female.
Pulsar Microwave Corp.
Clifton, NJ
(973) 779-6262
www.pulsarmicrowave.com
High Power, Low Pass Filters
RLC Electronics is re-introducing another new product to its filter line. The cut-off frequency for the newest filter has been extended to 4000 MHz. The line of high power low pass filters are designed for high power systems in the frequency range of 100 to 2000 MHz. Conservatively rated at 500 W under extreme temperature and altitude conditions these filters have low VSWR and approximately 2/3 the loss of the F-80 series. These filters offer the flexibility of choosing your cutoff as well as the number of sections for a truly custom high power low pass product.
RLC Electronics Inc.
Mount Kisco, NY
(914) 241-1334
www.rlcelectronics.com
Dual Directional Coupler
Werlatone continues to set the standard in high power RF components with the model C8858. This small 40 dB dual directional coupler, measures only 2.86" × 1.16" × 0.535". While providing exceptionally low loss, 0.4 dB maximum, it covers a full 10 to 1000 MHz bandwidth and is rated at 250 W CW. This unit is suitable for commercial and/or military applications.
Werlatone Inc.
Patterson, NY
(845) 278-2220
www.werlatone.com
Amplifiers
Rack-mount Amplifiers
Models C090105-50 and C090105-53 are X- band high power rack-mount amplifiers operating over the 9 to 10.5 GHz bandwidth. The model C090105-50 amplifier delivers 100 W minimum of output power across the entire bandwidth with greater than 52 dB of small signal gain. The model C090105-53 amplifier delivers 200 W minimum of output power across the entire bandwidth with greater than 52 dB of small signal gain. These amplifiers can be factory tuned to provide 100 or 200 W for adjacent bands including 8.5 to 9.6 GHz and 10.7 to 11.7 GHz. Enclosure size: 19" × 24" × 8.75" panel height.
AML Communications
Santa Clara, CA
(408) 727-6666
www.amlj.com
20 W Solid-state Amplifier
AR’s model 20S4G18, a 20 W solid-state amplifier covering 4 to 18 GHz, provides high gain, low noise, good linearity and excellent mismatch capability. The amplifier also delivers superior error vector magnitude performance. With a minimum of 43 dB gain and a typical noise figure of 6 dB, the 20S4G18 offers significant advantages over traveling wave tube amplifiers in this frequency range.
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation
Souderton, PA
(215) 723-8181
www.arworld.us
Wideband Amplifier Range
Spanning frequencies from 1 to 20 GHz and operating temperatures from cryogenic to +100°C, the AOX amplifier series features 21 different models, each offering one or more octaves of bandwidth. For all the models, the gain is typically in the 26 to 28 dB region with guaranteed minimums of 22 to 25 dB and variation with frequency for some bands of better than 0.75 dB. Noise figure at +25°C and at 6 GHz is 3 dB and this reduces to around 0.5 dB at temperatures of 4°K. All the amplifiers deliver typically +13 dBm of output power at the 1 dB gain compression point while third order intercepts are up to +28 dBm and input/output VSWR is 2.0:1/2.3:1. Housings for all the amplifiers are 31.5 by 27.5 by 10.0 mm.
AtlanTecRF
Braintree, UK
+44 1376 550220
www.atlantecrf.com
“AB” Linear Amplifier
Comtech PST has announced the release of a solid-state Class “AB” linear amplifier that operates over the full 2500 to 6000 MHz frequency bandwidth and delivers a minimum of 150 W into a 2:1 load VSWR. This high gain amplifier uses the latest GaN technology and is packaged in a standard rack mountable enclosure measuring 19" × 22" × 5.25". The unit has an internal power supply that operates from 100 to 265 VAC, 47 to 400 Hz single phase making it ideal for both laboratory and airborne applications.
Comtech PST
Melville, NY
(631) 777-8900
www.comtechpst.com
Low Noise Ka-band Amplifier
MITEQ’s new model JS3-18002200-15-10P is a low noise Ka-band amplifier with 1.5 dB maximum noise figure and 26 dB minimum gain in a small hermetically sealed Kovar chassis with field replaceable K-connectors. MIL-883 screening is also available. Different connector options are also available.
MITEQ Inc.
Hauppauge, NY
(631) 439-9469
www.miteq.com
QBS-560 Broadband Amp
Spectrum Microwave now offers a new broadband 800 to 2500 MHz, 25 W design to its family of S.M.A.R.T. power amplifiers with the new QBS-560. This power amp provides 25 W of output power with 2.5 amps of current at 28 VDC. With 39 dB of (Psat) gain, this 21 to 30 VDC unit offers 1 dB of saturated gain flatness and automatically adjusts the active biasing to enhance efficiency under various load conditions. This advanced push-pull design incorporates an integral heatsink and is designed to withstand a 10:1 load mismatch. The QBS-560 broadband amp is for both military and communications applications.
Spectrum Microwave
Philadelphia, PA
(215) 464-4000
www.spectrummicrowave.com
Antennas
Radome-packaged Antennas
Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products announced its high performance radome antenna assemblies designed for Plug-n-Play use in ISM, Satellite and WiFi applications. These antennas are available in three basic antenna sizes, designed for specific frequency bands. Spectrum’s radome-packaged antennas are ideal for medium and high gain applications, and include industry-standard cables such as RG-316 to MMCX or SMA connectors, with other options available.
Spectrum Advanced Specialty Products
Fairview, PA
(888) 267-1195
www.specemc.com
Material
Laminates for High Power Applications
TSM-DS3 is the newest addition to the TSM-DS family of thermally stable, industry-leading low loss cores. This ceramic-filled laminate with low (~5 percent) fiberglass content has a dissipation factor of 0.0011 at 10 GHz and thermal conductivity of 0.65 W/M K. In addition to high power applications, TSM-DS3 was developed to have very low coefficients of thermal expansion for demanding thermal cycling. RF-35TC is suited for high power applications where every 1/10th of a dB is critical and the PWB substrate must diffuse heat away from transmission lines and surface-mount components. The low z axis coefficient of thermal expansion and temperature stable Dk make RF-35TC ideal for narrowband and broadband overlay couplers. RF-35TC has a dissipation factor of 0.0011 at 10 GHz and thermal conductivity of 0.92 W/M K (with 1 oz copper cladding).
Taconic
Petersburgh, NY
(800) 833-1805
www.taconic-add.com
Semiconductor/IC
Sub-harmonically Pumped Mixer MMIC
Endwave Corp. has announced the release of a new sub-harmonically pumped mixer (2 × LO) MMIC. Designed and manufactured in cooperation with WIN Semiconductor Corp.’s 0.1 µm PHEMT process development, model EWM9002ZZ offers a broadband frequency performance of 67 to 97 GHz with LO to RF isolation of over 30 dB and a conversion loss of 12 dB. The device, which can be used both as an upconverter or downconverter, also delivers RF return loss at better than 10 dB, LO drive level of +15 dBm, and is highly repeatable. Each die is visually inspected to MIL-STD-2010. The mechanical measurements of the die are 1.815 × 1.295 × 0.05 mm. Bare die prices at 1000 pieces are $45. Delivery is available directly from Endwave.
Endwave Corp.
San Jose, CA
(617) 803-9791
www.endwave.com
RF Power Transistor
TriQuint announced a new packaged GaN discrete RF power transistor, the T1G4005528-FS. It offers more than 55 W of compressed output power and greater than 50 percent efficiency optimized for the 3.1 to 3.5 GHz band. The new T1G4005528-FS is ideal for narrow and wideband applications, offering exceptional performance from DC to 3.5 GHz. The T1G4005528-FS offers >14 dB of linear gain at 3.3 GHz and operates at 28 V; it is available in an earless ceramic package. Power, gain, and efficiency can be optimized for a particular application with simple matching networks external to the device. Applications for the T1G4005528-FS include military and civilian radar, professional and military radio communications systems, test instrumentation, avionics and wideband or narrowband amplifiers. Samples will be available in the third quarter.
TriQuint Semiconductor
Hillsboro, OR
(503) 615-9000
www.triquint.com
Sources
VSAT Frequency Synthesizer
The LX-1750 from EM Research is a cost-effective frequency synthesizer operating in the VSAT Block II IF frequency band from 950 to 1750 MHz housed in a miniature surface-mount package (0.75" square). The unit features 500 KHz step size, +7 dBm output power and +5 VDC supply voltage with extremely low power consumption (<60 mA). Locked to an external 10 MHz reference, the LX-1750 exhibits extremely low phase noise (<-100 dBc/Hz at 100 KHz). LX units are available from 50 to 6000 MHz as fixed frequency up to octave bandwidths. Custom units feature external references from 5 to 125 MHz or optional internal references, select supply voltages (+3, +3.3 or +5 VDC), 10 KHz to 10 MHz step sizes and optional wide operating temperature range (-40° to +85°C).
EM Research Inc.
Reno, NV
(775) 345-2411
www.emresearch.com
Fully Integrated TCXOs
Rakon’s fully integrated RTX-A TCXOs offer typical phase noise of -154 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset for a 50 MHz TCXO. The RTX7050A (7.0 × 5.0 mm) and RTX5032A (5.0 × 3.2 mm) employ an analogue IC for both the oscillator and temperature compensation. Frequencies are available from 5 to 52 MHz. With exceptional frequency stability down to ±0.1 ppm, the RTX-A series is available over a wide temperature range of -40° to +85°C. Choose the RTX7050A or the RTX5032A when low phase noise is critical for your next requirement. These TCXOs are suitable for use in microwave communications.
Rakon Ltd.
Auckland, New Zealand
+64 9 571 9216
www.rakon.com
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
Z-Communications Inc. announced a new RoHS compliant VCO model CRO2912A-LF in S-band. The CRO2912A-LF operates at 2875 to 2950 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 1 to 18 VDC. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -113 dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 9 MHz/V. The CRO2912A-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of 0.5 dBm at 8 VDC supply while drawing 25 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40º to 85ºC. This VCO features typical second harmonic suppression of -15 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
Test Equipment
Testing For W-CDMA/GSM Devices
The MX848001E-17 Simultaneous 64QAM/MIMO option enables the MD8480c Signaling tester to conduct protocol-based testing on new W-CDMA/GSM wireless devices that incorporate this feature. Simultaneous 64QAM/MIMO offers network operators and consumers 42 MB/s download speeds similar to DC-HSDPA, with the advantage that spectrum is conserved through use of a single 5 MHz channel rather than the two channels required for DC-HSDPA. With this option, the MD8480C now supports all W-CDMA data rates, from 12.2 kB/s voice calls to 42 MB/s data calls, including new category 17, 18, 19 and 20. The MD8480C is available in a range of configurations starting at $109,290, and the MX848001E-17 software option can be easily added to MD8480Cs with E-version base station cards. Upgrades to MD8480C testers with C-version base station cards and the MD8480B signaling tester are available.
Anritsu Co.
Richardson, TX
(972) 644-1777
www.anritsu.com