Base Station Tester
Aeroflex Ltd. launched an extended version of its TM500 industry-standard base station tester capable of emulating several thousand LTE user equipments, fading channel models and LTE-A CA functionality in a benchtop unit. The TM500 Test Mobile delivers more leading edge LTE-A development capability with a higher UE density than any other solution on the market. LTE-A CA was first supported on the TM500 in early 2012, and has since been used by operators worldwide to demonstrate the real-world performance of CA technology in field environments.
Aeroflex Ltd.,
www.aeroflex.com
PCB Analyzer
Agilent Technologies Inc. introduced the E5063A PCB analyzer for printed circuit board impedance test in manufacturing. The solution offers technology breakthroughs in accuracy, repeatability and reproducibility. The analyzer also provides a dedicated user interface with broader language support, and more robustness against electrostatic discharge for PCB manufacturing environments. Tighter impedance tolerance is a direct result of increasing data rates; more accurate impedance test solutions for PCB manufacturing is now required to achieve signal integrity.
Agilent Technologies Inc.,
www.agilent.com
Cable and Antenna Analyzer
Anritsu introduced the Microwave Site Master S820E, the world’s first handheld cable and antenna analyzer with frequency coverage up to 40 GHz. In addition to providing the widest frequency coverage of 1 MHz to 40 GHz, the Site Master S820E offers field technicians, engineers and wireless network installers industry-leading dynamic range, directivity, and durability so they can conduct highly accurate measurements during the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of microwave communications systems. Additionally, Anritsu announced the Site Master S820E will feature VNA measurement functionality.
Anritsu Co.,
www.anritsu.com
SDR Platforms
Ettus Research, a National Instruments company, introduced the USRP X300 and USRP X310 high-performance, modular software de-fined radio (SDR) platforms. Both platforms combine two RF transceivers covering DC to 6 GHz with up to 120 MHz bandwidth and a large user-programmable Kintex-7 FPGA. The USRP X300 and USRP X310 both feature multiple high-speed interface options, including PCI Express, dual 10 Gigabit Ethernet and dual 1 Gigabit Ethernet and is available in a convenient desktop or rack-mountable half-wide 1U form factor.
Ettus Research,
www.ettus.com
Loss Testing Platform
Introbotix announced ACCU-Prober with TVNA™, a new configuration of the popular high frequency loss testing platform. TVNA is an Introbotix developed test method that utilizes high frequency TDR measurements to produce insertion and return loss data. In studies, data produced with TVNA showed an excellent correlation with measurements taken by a traditional network analyzer. TVNA is also probe independent and can be used with any comparable probe solution, such as microwave probes or launch connectors.
INTROBOTIX,
www.introbotix.com
Test Harness
LadyBug Technologies’ latest enhanced test harness helps programmatic users, such as ATE builders, to interrogate and control any of LadyBug’s broad line of sensors. The full featured RF power sensor control system includes source code in C++ and C# and is available at no cost from the downloads section of LadyBug’s website. The included source code helps to shorten system development time for custom test systems, built-in applications and other purposes.
LadyBug Technologies,
ladybug-tech.com
8-Switch Matrix
Mini-Circuits’ USB-8SPDT-A18 is a general purpose USB controlled RF switch matrix containing eight electro-mechanical SPDT, absorptive fail-safe RF switches constructed in break-before-make configuration and powered by +24 V DC with a switching time of 25 mSec typical. The eight switches can be set as: eight independent SPDT switches, a 2 × 8 switch, a SP5T switch and a transfer switch, two transfer switches and many other configurations. The RF switches can be operated remotely using the supplied GUI program, or programmed by the user using the included API DLL com object.
Mini-Circuits,
www.minicircuits.com
Portable Test Sets
The R&S®CTH family of portable radio test sets was designed for fast and easy testing of analog FM radios in the field. Both test sets perform frequency and power measurements on transmitters and receivers. The R&S®CTH200A also finds cable faults between the radio and the antenna and performs over the-air measurements. Users can check the functionality of their radios just before they are put into operation. The compact, battery-operated, 4.05" × 7.95" × 1.45" test sets only weigh about 1.2 lb.
Rohde & Schwarz,
www.rohde-schwarz.com
Test and Debug Solution
Tektronix announced the industry’s first compliance test and debug solution for Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP+) compatible products. Based on Tektronix DPO/DSA/MSO70000 oscilloscopes, the new QSFP+ solution includes all the necessary components to design, test and validate QSFP+ designs including HCB fixtures and test automation and debug software tools. QSFP+ is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for data communications applications. It interfaces a network device motherboard such as for a switch, router, media converter or similar device to a fiber optic cable.
Tektronix Inc.,
www.tektronix.com
Digital Attenuators
Vaunix has announced the addition of two new models to its family of LDA series digital attenuators. This product family now offers attenuators with up to 120 dB of programmable attenuation through 6000 MHz. The LDA-102E and LDA-602E have input power of up to 2 W. The LDA-102E offers frequency coverage of 0.1 to 1000 MHZ while the LDA-602E ranges from 400 to 6000 MHz. Programmable for ATE applications, the attenuators can also be used in WiMAX, 3G, 4G, LTE, DVB fading simulators and engineering and production test labs.
Vaunix Technology Corp.,
www.vaunix.com
Components
2-Way Power Divider
The AM1500PD902 two-way power divider cover 800 to 2200 MHz with insertion loss of 0.5 dB, isolation of at least 18 dB, amplitude balance of 0.5 dB, phase balance of 5°, and VSWR of 1.4:1. It handles 100 W CW, uses Type-N female connectors and measures 2.1" ×2.1" ×1".
Anatech Electronics Inc.,
www.amcrf.com
Low Frequency Attenuators
Coaxial Components Corp. introduced DC to 4 GHz attenuators. By utilizing an innovative alternative to high-cost stainless-steel production, Coaxicom’s attenuators provide a cost-effective solution for general applications and in-field use. The low-frequency attenuator line is available in Type N (5910) and SMA (3910) series with an average power rating of 2 W. The attenuators are available in reverse polarity, between series adapters, as well as 50 or 75 Ω. These new attenuator models are RoHS and REACH compliant.
Coaxial Components Corp.,
www.coaxicom.com
Power Inductors
Coilcraft’s new compact PFD3215 series coupled chip power inductors provide high efficiency and excellent current handling in a rugged, low-cost part. The dual-wound PFD3215 features a 1:1 turns ratio and is designed for use in a variety of circuits including flyback, multi-output buck and SEPIC. These versatile inductors can also be used as two single inductors connected in series or parallel, as a wideband transformer or as a common mode choke.
Coilcraft CPS,
www.coilcraft.com
Non-Reflective Switch
Custom MMIC introduced a new DC to 18 GHz SPDT non-reflective switch, the CMD195C3, housed in a 3 × 3 mm RoHS-compliant SMT package. The CMD195C3 has an insertion loss of 2.25 dB at the low end of its bandwidth, which then reduces monotonically to 1.5 dB at the higher frequencies. The positive slope in insertion loss versus frequency allows for several of the CMD195C3s to be cascaded together without the need for additional gain equalization circuitry.
Custom MMIC,
www.custommmic.com
Variable Attenuators
Fairview Microwave’s line of variable step attenuators come in 3 and 6 GHz frequency models and several different connector configurations including SMA and N type connectors with side or rear mount positions. Several of these attenuators are hot-switchable, meaning attenuation can be changed on the fly without powering down the system, allowing test data to be read continuously. Several models with varying attenuation adjustments are available including 0 to 12 dB attenuation in 1 dB steps and 0 to 40 dB attenuation in 10 dB steps.
Fairview Microwave Inc.,
www.fairviewmicrowave.com
Hybrid Couplers
KRYTAR’s 90° hybrid couplers are designed to perform many functions, including splitting and combining signals in amplifiers, switching circuits, and antenna beam-forming networks used in a wide range of commercial and military applications. KRYTAR’s new hybrid coupler, model 3010040, delivers excellent versatility from 1 to 4 GHz with excellent phase and amplitude matching. Typical specifications include amplitude imbalance: ±0.6 dB; phase imbalance is ±6°; isolation is >17 dB; maximum VSWR: 1.30; insertion loss is <1.0 dB.
KRYTAR Inc.,
www.krytar.com
Ferrites
A new line of ferrites from Leader Tech offers electronics manufacturers an extremely cost-effective alternative for controlling unwanted EMI/RFI interference. The company’s CE83 material ferrites are available in multiple solid and split core styles to fit data and power cables with diameters ranging from 0.138" to 0.500". The new formulation is optimized for problem frequencies between 10 MHz to 1 GHz and delivers peek impedance at 300 MHz.
Leader Tech,
www.leadertechinc.com
Buck Converter
Linear Technology announced the LTC3638, a 140 V input-capable high efficiency buck converter that delivers up to 250 mA of continuous output current. It operates from an input voltage range of 4 to 140 V, making it ideal for telecom, industrial, avionic and automotive applications. The LTC3638 utilizes internal synchronous rectification and a programmable hysteretic-mode design to optimize efficiency over a broad range of output currents. It delivers efficiencies as high as 88 percent and requires only 12 µA of quiescent current, maximizing battery run time.
Linear Technology Corp.,
www.linear.com
Microlithic Mixer
Marki Microwave’s newest mixers, the ML1-1850 and ML1-1644 offer DC to 24 GHz and DC to 21 GHz (3 dB) IF response with RF/LO bands of 18 to 50 GHz and 16 to 44 GHz, respectively. Designed to scan the DC to 18 GHz band in tuner applications, both low-loss mixers cover the entire band with less than 10 dB of conversion loss. They feature 35 dB typical LO-RF isolation and excellent spur cancellation, including 56 dBc of typical 2xIF spurious suppression.
Marki Microwave Inc.,
www.markimicrowave.com
SP9T Switch
Mesa Microwave Corp. has a new high power SP9T switch. It features 100 W, 950 to 1050 MHz, isolation of 45 dB, and a temperature range of -55° to +85°C.
Mesa Microwave Corp.,
www.mesamicrowave.com
Converters
Norden Millimeter has designed and is manufacturing a configurable line of down and up converters that cover the 2 to 18 GHz frequency band using Norden standard building blocks. These converters can be customized to cover the 2 to 8 GHz, 2 to 18 GHz, 6 to 18 GHz, 8 to 12 GHz and 8 to 18 GHz. The converters were designed to operate with a 0.5 or 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth. The converter IF center frequency can be set between 1 and 4 GHz.
Norden Millimeter,
www.nordengroup.com
Power Dividers
Pasternack Enterprises introduced a brand new line of Wilkinson power dividers (also referred to as Wilkinson power splitters). These multi-octave power dividers cover popular communications bands from 0.5 to 2.7 GHz including 3G and 4G, plus WiFi bands and are well suited for applications such as in-building distributed antenna systems (DAS) or test environments. Pasternack is offering two Wilkinson designs covering 0.5 to 2 GHz and 0.7 to 2.7 GHz bands.
Pasternack Enterprises Inc.,
www.pasternack.com
Absorptive Switch
Pulsar Microwave Corp.’s new PIN diode switch, P/N SW16AD-32, covers the frequency range of 0.5 to 10 GHz with 5 dB max insertion loss and 60 dB isolation. The maximum RF input power is +23 dBm and the switching time is 100 nano-seconds. TTL Schottky diodes are utilized with ±5 V DC at 400 mA required. Outline dimensions are 8.5" × 3.5" × 0.6".
Pulsar Microwave Corp.,
www.pulsarmicrowave.com
Drop-In Isolator
Renaissance has developed a new low cost, high power, drop-in isolator to protect expensive amplifiers from unwanted reflected power levels at S-Band frequencies. Covering 2.7 to 2.9 GHz, this isolator provides a VSWR of 1.25:1 at input and output ports with loss of 0.4 dB and isolation of 20 dB over -30° to +85°C. Optimized for aeronautical communication and navigation systems, this isolator can be provided in phased matched sets.
Renaissance/HXI,
www.rec-usa.com
High Power Switch
RLC Electronics’ high power switch line provides proven reliability, long life and outstanding electrical performance in SP2T-SP6T and DPDT (transfer switch) configurations. The switch features extremely low insertion loss and VSWR over the entire DC to 9.75 GHz range, while maintaining high isolation. The unit can handle average power requirements of approximately 600 to 700 W at 6 GHz and over 1000 W at 2 GHz. It can be provided in latching self-cutoff or pulse latching mode, in addition to failsafe.
RLC Electronics,
www.rlcelectronics.com
Active Multiplier
Model SFA-923963618-10SF-S1 is a W-Band X6 active multiplier with center frequency at 94 GHz with minimum ±2 GHz operational bandwidth. The active multiplier converts 15.33 to 16.0 GHz/+5 dBm input signal to deliver 92 to 96 GHz frequency band with more than +18 dBm power. The active multiplier exhibits better than 60 dBc superior harmonic suppression performance. It draws 780 mA current from a +6 V DC power supplier.
SAGE Millimeter Inc.,
www.sagemillimeter.com
Lead Isolator
Skyworks Solutions Inc. introduced a 2110 to 2170 MHz single junction, robust lead isolator in an industry leading, small footprint, 11 × 11 mm surface mount package. The SKYFR-000727 is ideally suited for various wireless/cellular infrastructure applications including small-cell designs where space constraints exist. Designed for automated SMT placement, the isolator’s insertion loss is less than 0.30 dB over an operating temperature range of –40° to +100°C. In addition, it is beryllium oxide free.
Skyworks Solutions Inc.,
www.skyworksinc.com
Lowpass Filter
Spacek Labs model LPF1-86-11 is an E-Band lowpass filter in WR-12 waveguide. It has a pass band of 71 to 86 GHz with an insertion loss of 1.5 dB typical and 2 dB maximum. The reject band is 91 to 140 GHz, with 20 dB rejection at 91 GHz and 35 dB minimum over the rest of the band. This series of filters can be made from 18 to 110 GHz.
Spacek Labs Inc.,
www.spaceklabs.com
GaN Switches
RFMW Ltd. announced design and sales support for a pair of high power GaN SPDT switches from TriQuint. The TGS2352-2-SM covers frequencies from 500 MHz to 12 GHz and handles input power up to 20 W while the TGS2353-2-SM extends frequency coverage to 18 GHz and handles up to 10 W of input power. Both offer switching speeds <35 nS and control voltages of 0/-40 V. Both switches are offered in a 4 × 4 mm QFN package featuring an AlN ceramic base.
TriQuint, distributed by RFMW Ltd.,
www.triquint.com
Directional Coupler
Model DDH 4016 is a highly reliable, broadband dual directional coupler, ready for quick-turn and volume production. Operating in the 1 to 6 GHz frequency range and rated at 250 W CW, the DDH 4016 is designed for use across multiple broadband test applications. This low loss unit provides insertion loss of 0.2 dB max, VSWR (ML) of 1.20:1, coupling flatness of ±0.5 dB, and directivity of 18 dB. Package size is 2.67" × 1.75" × 1.12".
TRM Microwave,
www.trmmicrowave.com
Attenuator
Richardson RFPD Inc. announced immediate availability and full design support capabilities for a new 30 dB, SMA-connectorized attenuator from Wavelex. The WAT06E precision attenuator operates from DC to 6 GHz, with 50 Ω impedance, with up to 30 dB attenuation, and features 20 W continuous wave (CW) RF power handling and 1.2:1 VSWR. It is ideally-suited for wideband power attenuation, high power measurement, high power IP measurement, and RF bench test applications.
Wavelex, distributed by
Richardson RFPD Inc.,
www.wavelex.com
Low Pass Filter
Werlatone introduced its new line of high power, absorptive filters with the Model AF9350. This UHF, low pass filter covers the 10 to 500 MHz band, and has an average power rating of 400 W CW. The AF9350 incurs a rejection of 45 dB minimum at the 750 to 3000 MHz band and power rating of 25 W CW from 501 to 5000 MHz. This compact design measures just 4.5" × 1.75" × 1.13" and is ideal for military and commercial applications.
Werlatone,
www.werlatone.com
Cables and Connectors
Mini-DIN Adapters
The Amphenol Connex line of low PIM mini-DIN, or 4.1/9.5, adapters are ideal for wireless applications requiring consistent electrical performance, low return loss and low IMD. This series has been engineered to exceed wireless industry performance standards and to match the physical performance expectations of its larger predecessor, the 7/16 connector. The 4.1/9.5 adapters are available with Type-N and 7/16 DIN connector interfaces. These coaxial adapters feature precision machined brass bodies and contacts.
Amphenol Connex,
www.amphenolconnex.com
Low-PIM Adapters
P1dB Inc. introduced a full line of low-PIM adapters within its P1LP-ADP line. Available for 7/16 and Type N within-series applications and 7/16 between-series (Type N and SMA) applications, the high-performance line of adapters complements P1dB’s high quality low-PIM cable assemblies. The bodies of the adapters are silver plated phosphorus bronze and offer the same low-PIM performance as silver without fear of tarnishing. Contacts are either silver-plated beryllium copper or silver plated beryllium copper over phosphorus bronze.
P1dB Inc.,
www.p1db.com
Push-On Adaptors
Response Microwave Inc. announced the availability of a new series of quick connect male adaptors that expedites general DUT testing. The new units are available in SMA18, SMA27, N, 7/16, TNC and TNCA interfaces and operate incrementally over the DC to 27 GHz range. Typical electrical performance offers insertion loss of 0.3 dB and VSWR of 1.2:1 max. Units mate to any standard female and offer a unique detent coupling mechanism that does not degrade electrical performance. Durability through 500 mating cycles revealed no physical degradation.
Response Microwave Inc.,
www.responsemicrowave.com
PIM Rated Jumpers
Times Microwave Systems announced the availability of its full line of PIM rated jumper cables, including PIM rated jumpers for plenum applications. PIM testing includes the important dynamic testing in order for cables for provide good PIM performance after installation. All Times Microwave PIM assemblies are 100 percent tested for static and dynamic PIM and verified to provide stable PIM performance prior to shipment. These cables include SPP™ – Plenum rated and UL listed; SPF™ – Fire retardant for riser use; and SPO™ – outdoor rated.
Times Microwave Systems,
www.timesmicro.com
Low PIM Adapters
Trilithic Inc. has released a new series of DC to 6 GHz, low PIM adapters with -168 dBc PIM at 1800 MHz, 43 dBm per tone with VSWR: 1.2:1 maximum. Connector configuration is 7/16 DIN male to N female. Inner contact: silver plated Be-Cu. Connector body: Silver/Tri-metal plated brass. Dielectric: PTFE. RoHS compliant. Contact factory for price and delivery.
Trilithic Inc.,
http://rfmicrowave.trilithic.com
Amplifiers
Hybrid PA
Model 50HM1G6AB-47 is a compact, wide-band, Class AB solid state hybrid power amplifier module that instantaneously covers 1 to 6 GHz. It operates from a single DC voltage and provides 48 dB of typical gain with excellent gain flatness, low noise figure and low inter-modulation distortion for military and wireless applications. The unit offers over voltage and RF input overdrive protection, and has a fault monitor for over/under current. Additional output power levels in Class A and Class AB configurations are available.
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
www.arworld.us
SSPA
COMTECH PST introduced a new high power density solid state RF module quickly becoming available in today’s marketplace. Comtech’s latest development continues to expand on its proven innovative integrated RF GaN power amplifier designs by further increasing the RF power density. Consistent with its planned technology development roadmap, Comtech introduced the latest in GaN-based 6 to 18 GHz RF amplifier. This highly integrated design is ideal for use in communication, electronic warfare and radar transmitter systems where space, cooling and power are limited.
COMTECH PST,
www.comtechpst.com
Driver Amplifier
Eclipse Microwave’s EMD1211 is a GaAs MMIC general purpose driver amplifier. This amp module is ideal for applications that require a typical output of +30 dBm at 10 GHz while requiring only 300 mA from a +12 V supply. Gain flatness of this device is less than 2.0 dB from DC to 20 GHz. The EMD1211 comes in a small connectorize module ideal for commercial and industrial applications.
Eclipse Microwave,
www.eclipsemicrowave.com
TTL Amplifier
MSH-4627908-TTL is a 10 W amplifier optimized for the operating frequency range of 5.2 to 5.8 GHz with 28 dB min of gain and 6 A max fully matched to 50 Ω. TTL provides fast blanking and is customizable. This model is suitable for a range of applications which include test systems, defense or aerospace, and can be easily modified to meet your requirements. It is designed to meet MIL-STD-883 and is manufactured in compliance with AS9100.
Microwave Solutions Inc.,
www.microwavesolutions.com
Pulse Amplifier
RFHIC introduced its new GaN power amplifier, RRM2735160-35. This amplifier can revamp existing solutions or be designed for cutting-edge uses. Supremely designed for radar systems operating in the 2.7 ~ 3.5 GHz range, this high performance amplifier utilizes state-of-the-art GaN-SiC transistors, achieving 35 dB gain (typical) with drain efficiency of 40 percent (typical). It is also matched for 50 Ω input/output.
RFHIC,
www.rfhic.com
Power Amplifier
Model AHP2475-03-3433-W42 is a temperature compensated waveguide power amplifier offering 34 dB linear gain and 33 dBm typical output power at 1 dB gain compression point over the frequency range from 24.0 to 25.5 GHz with excellent gain flatness as well as good temperature stability. The amplifier requires a single DC power supply +8.5 ~ 10.0 V. The package size of the amplifier is 1.7" × 1.2" × 0.40".
Wenteq Microwave,
www.wenteq.com
Packages
QFN Packages
High temperature co-fired ceramic (HTCC) QFN packages from Barry Industries feature low-loss broadband transitions for superior performance over frequency. They are tested to 40 GHz. HTCC construction provides for enhanced mechanical strength and higher thermal conductivity compared with LTCC. These hermetically sealable air cavity packages conform to JEDEC MO-220 footprints. Lids are available from the factory.
Barry Industries Inc.,
www.barryind.com
Sources
TCXO
The new Connor-Winfield CSBxx Series are surface mount, 5 × 7 mm, 3.3 V, LVCMOS or clipped sinewave temperature compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO) designed to be emergency beacon frequency references requiring tight ±0.2 ppm frequency stability and frequency slope control of only ±0.7 ppb/min. The low power dissipation of 6 mW allows it to power up immediately with an accurate frequency. Class 1 devices operate over -40° to 55°C and Class 2 devices operate -20° to 55°C.
Connor-Winfield,
www.conwin.com
VCO
Crystek’s CVCO55CC-3850-3850 voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) operates at 3850 MHz with a control voltage range of 0.5 ~ 4.5 V. This VCO features a typical phase noise of -110 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and has excellent linearity. Output power is typically +7 dBm. Engineered and manufactured in the USA, the model
CVCO55CC-3850-3850 is packaged in the industry-standard 0.5" × 0.5" SMD package. Input voltage is 8 V, with a max. current consumption of 35 mA. Pulling and pushing are minimized to 1 MHz and 0.2 MHz/V, respectively.
Crystek Corp.,
www.crystek.com
Frequency Synthesizer
PMI Model No. PFS-618-CD-1 is a high speed frequency synthesizer that operates over the frequency range of 6 to 18 GHz. This model covers the complete 6 to 18 GHz frequency in 100 kHz steps with an output power of +10 dBm minimum. The unit is accurate to within ±1 MHz and settles within 1 usec maximum. This model features low SSB noise and a low spurious output of -55 dBc maximum. Harmonics are kept below -30 dBc.
Planar Monolithics Industries,
www.pmi-rf.com
Waveguide Noise Sources
QuinStar Technology Inc. introduced the QNS-FB15LE series of waveguide noise sources. The QNS series waveguide noise source comes in standard (Q,U, V, E and W) full waveguide bands. The QuinStar QNS series noise sources have 15 dB ENR with 0.015 dB/°C of noise power output stability over temperature and 0.15 dB/1 percent over bias voltage. Typical ENR flatness is ±0.5 dB over any 10 GHz region and ±1.25 dB over the full band. QuinStar also offers QIF series full band matching isolators as an option.
QuinStar Technology Inc.,
www.quinstar.com
Miniature VCO
The DCO200400-5 is a broadband miniature VCO covering from 2 to 4 GHz and sized only at 0.3 inches square. This tiny VCO boasts low noise of -90 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset, making it ideal for hand-held test equipment and microwave point-to-point radio applications. The output power of -2 dBm minimum comes from a bias requirement of only +5 V at 46 mA (max). Tuning requirement for the full band is 0.5 to 18 V. Second harmonic is suppressed by 12 dB minimum.
Synergy Microwave Corp.,
www.synergymwave.com