X-Microwave is offering two mmWave reference design kits based on up- and down-converter RFICs from Analog Devices and built using X-MWblock® modular building blocks.

The XM-RDK-201, using the ADMV1013 up-converter, and XM-RDK-202, using the ADMV1014 down-converter, include all components to up- and down-convert mmWave waveforms from 22 to 44 GHz, with the IF frequency range from 800 MHz to 6 GHz.

“The ADMV1013 and ADMV1014 up/down-converters are highly integrated ICs that can serve many applications, but require additional components to use them effectively.” said Erik Luther, vice president at X-Microwave.

The X-Microwave reference design provides “a ready-to-use solution for both component evaluation and prototyping production integrated microwave assemblies.”

Using X-Microwave’s modular building blocks, the reference design kits include the required supporting components for generating and filtering the local oscillator, with a 90 degree hybrid coupler for the IF input and output. The PLL/VCO and up- and down-converters can be programmed with a controller touch screen interface, which is included in the reference design.

The X-Microwave design system (X-MWsystem) consists of modular X-MWblock drop-in components, including amplifiers, mixers, switches and attenuators, from the industry’s leading component manufacturers. Individual X-MWblocks can be connected together without soldering to rapidly build RF and microwave assemblies from DC to 60 GHz.

X-MWblocks are designed for use in production applications, either individually as single-function connectorized modules or combined in a cascade, to rapidly produce custom integrated microwave assemblies.