New Waves: Industrial, Scientific and Medical Applications
Solid-state Amplifiers
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation’s new solid-state amplifier family covers the 8 to 20 GHz frequency range. Model 5S8G20A offers 5 W of power and model 20S8G20A provides 20 W. Both models are perfect for EMC and wireless testing. Like the other members of the “S” Series amplifiers, both models are extremely tough, durable and are full Class A. They have superior linearity and they are 100 percent VSWR tolerant. Even when mismatch is severe, AR’s “S” Series amplifiers will not fold-back or shut down. They continue to deliver 100 percent of the rated power to the load.
AR RF/Microwave Instrumentation,
Souderton, PA (215) 723-8181,
www.ar-worldwide.com.
RS No. 216
Software and Foundry Process
A catheter developed by Meridian Medical Systems (MMS) simultaneously delivers microwave radiation for tissue heating and directly senses the temperature of the heart wall using a radiometer remote sensing device fabricated as a microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC). The MMIC was designed using AWR's Microwave Office® high-frequency EDA software and transferred to TriQuint Semiconductor's foundry using a process design kit (PDK) developed jointly by AWR and TriQuint. For more information, visit www.awrcorp.com.
AWR/TriQuint,
www.mms-llc.com.
RS No. 241
Reference Oscillators
This phase-locked crystal oscillator (PLXO) series is a great companion to high frequency synthesizers requiring reference oscillators from 5 to 420 MHz. The PLXO units feature excellent phase noise at 230 MHz (<-130 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz). The PLXO is available in a miniaturized surface-mount package, 0.9" x 0.9" x 0.15", or connectorized version, 1.5" x 1.5" x 0.6". The PLXO units are ideal for use as reference oscillators in VSAT radios, point-to-point and point-to-multipoint radios, test equipment, industrial controls and military applications.
EM Research Inc.,
Reno, NV (775) 345-2411,
www.emresearch.com.
RS No. 217
Micro-miniature 5 to 2000 MHz Couplers
These 5 to 2000 MHz DBTC directional couplers are available in nine different coupling values ranging from 9 to 20 dB that deliver extremely flat coupling over very broad multi-octave bandwidths. Standing just 0.15” square, these very small and inexpensive 50 and 75 ohm models employ LTCC construction to embed circuits inside the ceramic base, thus realizing excellent temperature stability, repeatability and ruggedness. Patented with additional patent pending. Price: from $1.99 each (Qty. 25).
Mini-Circuits,
Brooklyn, NY (718) 934-4500,
www.minicircuits.com.
RS No. 218
Four I/O RF Switch Matrix
The model 18A1NAI is a four I/O RF switch matrix with four coupled ports that operate between 100 and 55 MHz. This matrix is designed for RF simulation applications that require ability to inject and measure signal integrity in the presence of an interference signal. The maximum input power level at any I/O port is 1 W and the unit is fully programmable using GPIB commands. This model operates in a frequency range from 100 to 550 MHz, offers input power level of 1 W and all paths have 90 dB/1 dB or 130 dB/1 dB programmable attenuators.
Renaissance Electronics Corp.,
Harvard, MA (978) 772-7774,
www.rec-usa.com.
RS No. 219
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
These economical voltage-controlled oscillators offer low phase noise in the industry-standard one half inch square package. Model MD107MST operates in a frequency range from 1405 to 1480 MHz and is rated -108 dBc at 10 kHz offset. Many other catalog models are available and custom designs can be supplied with no NRE.
Modco Inc.,
Sparks, NV (775) 331-2442,
www.modcoinc.com.
RS No. 221
Voltage-controlled Oscillator
The model SMV0290A-LF is a RoHS compliant voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) in the VHF-band. The SMV0290A-LF operates in a frequency range from 284 to 294 MHz with a tuning voltage range of 0.3 to 3 VDC. This VCO features an excellent typical phase noise of -118 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and a typical tuning sensitivity of 9 MHz/V. The SMV0290A-LF is designed to deliver a typical output power of -1 dBm at 3.3 VDC supply while drawing only 17 mA (typical) over the temperature range of -40° to 85°C. This VCO comes in Z-Comm’s industry standard SUB-L package with low shield measuring only 0.3" x 0.3" x 0.08".
Z-Communications Inc.,
San Diego, CA (858) 621-2700,
www.zcomm.com.
RS No. 222
Amplifiers
Solid-state Power Amplifier
The part number SSPA 8.5-9.6-30-28V is a high power, X-band, solid-state power amplifier that operates from 8.5 to 9.6 GHz. The saturated output power is 30 W typical at 25°C. Typical small-signal gain is 50 dB. Noise figure is 10 dB typical at 25°C. Input VSWR is 2.0 maximum. Output VSWR is 2.0 maximum. This unit is equipped with Aethercomm’s proprietary DC switching circuitry that enables and disables the DC-DC circuitry in 1000 nSec maximum. This power amplifier operates from a +28 VDC power supply with a class A bias of typically 11.0 amps. This amplifier operates from -40° to +65°C base plate temperature. This SSPA is ideal for X-band radar and communication systems that require high reliability and high power in a rugged and compact module. Standard housing size is approximately 8.78" x 7.75" x 1.20".
Aethercomm Inc.,
San Marcos, CA (760) 598-4340,
www.aethercomm.com.
RS No. 223
Low Noise Amplifiers
These three new SMT packaged GaAs PHEMT MMIC low noise amplifiers (LNA) are ideal for automotive, broadband, cellular/3G, WiMAX/4G and fixed wireless applications from 2.1 to 6 GHz. The HMC715LP3E, HMC716LP3E and HMC717LP3E are GaAs PHEMT MMIC LNAs that are rated from 2.1 to 2.9 GHz, 3.1 to 3.9 GHz, and 4.8 to 6 GHz, respectively. These high linearity LNA MMICs deliver up to 19 dB gain and +33 dBm output IP3, with noise figure as low as 0.9 dB. In addition, the HMC715LP3E, HMC716LP3E and HMC717LP3E can operate from either a +3 or +5 V bias supply, making them ideal for infrastructure and subscriber applications in automotive, Cellular/3G, WiMAX/4G and other broadband wireless transceivers.
Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Chelmsford, MA (978) 250-3343,
www.hittite.com.
RS No. 224
Distributed Amplifier
The XD1008-BD is a GaAs MMIC distributed amplifier with 15 dB gain, 22.5 dBm P1dB at 22 GHz, and 4.5 dB noise figure at 26 GHz. This distributed amplifier covers 30 kHz to 40 GHz and includes surface passivation to protect and provide a rugged part with backside via holes and gold metallization to allow either a conductive epoxy or eutectic solder die attach process. The XD1008-BD is ideal for microwave, millimeter-wave, military, wideband and instrumentation applications.
Mimix Broadband Inc.,
Houston, TX (281) 988-4600,
www.mimixbroadband.com.
RS No. 225
Ka-band Waveguide LNAs
The AMFW-8F-17702130-120-23P is a low noise, high dynamic range Ka-band waveguide front-end. Isolator protected at both the WR-42 waveguide input and SMA(F) connector output, the low noise amplifier is lightweight and offers an extremely small profile and footprint. The aluminum alloy housing is environmentally sealed and comes with a mounting plate. EMI shield and weather-resistant packaging options are also available. LNA includes reverse voltage, over current and over temperature protection in addition to full internal regulation. The AMFW-8F-17702130-120-23P offers a typical noise temperature of 100K, with a maximum of 120K, and it is capable of a minimum 23 dBm of P1dB across the full band, 17.7 to 21.3 GHz. Output IP3 is 33 dBm minimum.
MITEQ Inc.,
Hauppauge, NY (631) 436-7400,
www.miteq.com.
RS No. 226
Low Noise Amplifier
R&K has introduced two broadband low noise amplifiers (LNA) that operate in a frequency range from 2 to 10 GHz, at output power of +10 dBm (at 1 dB Comp), and available with two gain types of +29 dB (LA0210G-3010-M) and +42 dB (LA0210G- 4010-M). Features include: noise figure of 3 dB, supply input of DC +5 V, lightweight and easy-to-use compact package. As a low noise pre-amplifier, these products are suitable for many commercial applications.
R&K Co. Ltd.,
Shizuoka-Pref., Japan 0545-31-2600,
www.rk-microwave.com.
RS No. 227
Antennas
Ambidextrous Spiral Antenna
Cobham SASL’s ASO-1995 ambidextrous spiral antenna provides dual circular polarization performance in the form factor of a single spiral antenna. With excellent input VSWR, these antennas provide smooth broadband gain, controlled axial ratio, and repeatable pattern performance over 2 to 18 GHz comparable to Archimedean spirals. This model was designed and developed for applications requiring a low cost solution for a single aperture dual circular polarized antenna element. The ASO-1995 ambidextrous antenna is a proven choice for amplitude monopulse RWR, ESM and ELINT applications. It is an excellent low power dual circular aperture for flight line test sets and is a cost-effective aperture for use in an RF threat simulator laboratory. The nominal 2.4 inch diameter x 1.5 inch height ASO-1995 antenna is sized to be compatible with existing spiral apertures to allow retrofitting of single polarization spirals to a dual circularly polarized antenna.
Cobham SASL,
Lansdale, PA (215) 996-2416,
www.cobhamdes.com.
RS No. 228
Passive Components
Surface-mount Bandpass Filter
This small, high performance, surface-mount, group delay equalized, elliptic bandpass filter is supplied in a surface-mount package measuring 0.5" x 1.5" x 0.3". KR 2818-2 has a 70 MHz center frequency with a 0.35 dB bandwidth of 40 MHz. Passband group delay variation is less than 2.5 nsec. The filter offers excellent symmetry and quick transition to the stopband. The filter can be customized for other center frequencies and bandwidths.
KR Electronics Inc.,
Avenel, NJ (732) 636-1900,
www.krfilters.com.
RS No. 230
AWS Cavity Duplexer
The WP-100069 is a duplexer that covers the full Advanced Wireless Services (AWS) frequencies. The WP-100069 duplexer exhibits less than 0.5 dB of insertion loss across the passbands of 1710 to 1755 MHz and 2110 to 2155 MHz while providing greater than 80 dB of rejection. The unit measures 5.0" x 4.0" x 2.3" and is available from stock.
Lorch Commercial and Wireless,
Salisbury, MD (410) 860-5100,
www.lorchwireless.com.
RS No. 231
Directional Couplers
MECA’s 715 series directional couplers feature unique air-line construction that provides for the lowest possible insertion loss (less than 0.1 dB), high directivity (30 dB typical) and exceptional VSWR (1.10:1 typical) across the 0.800 to 2.200 GHz and 2.000 to 4.200 GHz bands. Rated for 500 W average power (10 kW peak). Nominal coupling values of 6, 10, 20, 30 and 40 dB. These couplers are available from stock to two weeks ARO. The couplers are made in the US and offer a 36-month warranty.
MECA Electronics,
Denville, NJ (973) 625-0661,
www.e-meca.com.
RS No. 232
Ultra-broadband Threshold Detector
This ultra-broadband threshold detector operates in a frequency range from 2 MHz to 18 GHz. The VSWR is 1.9 maximum and the thru path insertion loss is 2.5 dB maximum. The dynamic range is -30 to 0 dBm with a 10 kHz video bandwidth. The output polarity is positive and the threshold level is 0 to 2.5 V. The size is 2.90" x 2.50" x 0.5". PMI offers many threshold detector designs with features to satisfy virtually any system requirement.
Planar Monolithics Industries Inc.,
Frederick, MD (301) 631-1579,
www.planarmonolithics.com.
RS No. 233
500 W Combiner
The model PP2-18-450/22N is a high power combiner that can deliver 500 W to the sum port over the frequency range of 2 to 200 MHz, with 0.6 dB insertion loss, 20 dB isolation and VSWR of 1.30 maximum. Amplitude and phase unbalance are 0.3 dB and 5 degrees, respectively. Connectors are N female and the dimensions of the housing are 5" x 3" x 1.5".
Pulsar Microwave Corp.,
Clifton, NJ (973) 779-6262,
www.pulsarmicrowave.com.
RS No. 234
WiFi/WiMAX Power Dividers
The model 151-173-002 is a two-way, 50 Ohm, DC to 6 GHz, 1 W unit with SMA female connectors. Insertion loss is ±0.5 dB maximum DC to 4 GHz and ±0.8 dB maximum 4 to 6 GHz with maximum VSWR 1.50. Model 151-231-004 is a four-way, 50 Ohm, DC to 6 GHz, 5 W unit with SMA female connectors. Insertion loss is ±1.0 dB nominal with maximum VSWR 1.50. These devices are ideal for dividing signals for in-building wireless, WiFi, WiMAX and Homeland Security/Public Safety systems.
BroadWave Technologies Inc.,
Franklin, IN (317) 346-6101,
www.broadwavetech.com.
RS No. 220
18 to 40 GHz High Pass Filter
The part number 7HS-18G/40G-K11 is a broadband high pass filter passing 18 to 40 GHz. This small unit features low loss and in excess of 30 dB rejection from DC to 16 GHz. The company manufactures many different varieties of filters; please contact them with your specific need.
Reactel Inc., Gaithersburg, MD
(301) 519-3660,
www.reactel.com.
RS No. 235
Dual Directional Couplers
These high power directional couplers offer accurate coupling, low insertion loss and high directivity in a compact package. The standard units are optimized for two 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 Inc.,
Mount Kisco, NY (914) 241-1334,
www.rlcelectronics.com.
RS No. 236
Dual Directional Coupler
Werlatone’s patented design provides continuous 10 to 500 MHz bandwidth, 100 W CW power handling, at 40 dB coupling. Available with all SMA connectors, this low loss design provides superior performance throughout the entire bandwidth. The model C8155-102 provides insertion loss of 0.35 dB, VSWR(ML) of 1.20, coupling flatness of 40 dB ±0.5 dB and directivity of 20 dB. Package size: 1.5" x 0.95" x 0.52". Note: Non-connectorized version, Model C8189.
Werlatone Inc.
Brewster, NY (845) 279-6187,
www.werlatone.com.
RS No. 237
Subsystem
RF Subsystem
This E-band radio link RF subsystem operates over the E-band frequency spectrum from 71 to 86 GHz. One of its applications can be found in the E-band multi-gigabit wireless communication system, which offers local area networks and “Virtual Fiber” local loop for wireless transmission of data, voice and video at 1-10 Gbps speed. DTI’s E-band radio link RF subsystem includes two transceiver blocks. The block A transmits at the frequency of 71 to 76 GHz and receives at 81 to 86 GHz, while the block B works at the opposite frequency ranges. Each block has transmitter (TX), receiver (RX), local oscillator (LO) chain and phase-locked dielectric resonator oscillator (PLDRO) modules.
Ducommun Technologies Inc.,
Carson, CA (310) 847-2859,
www.dt-usa.com.
RS No. 238
Test Equipment
High Performance Synthesizer
The KHP-S500530 is a high performance, high resolution synthesizer that operates in a frequency range from 5 to 5.3 GHz. This synthesizer is housed in a small connectorized package that measures 20 x 12 x 3 cm. The step size in the 300 MHz operating bandwidth is 1 Hz with maximum phase noise of -105 dBc/Hz at 1 kHz, -120 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz, -120 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz, and -120 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. Non-harmonic spurious suppression is -60 dB typical with RF output power of +10 dBm over the specified operating band.
Synergy Microwave Corp.,
Paterson, NJ (973) 881-8800,
www.synergymwave.com.
RS No. 239
Transmission-line Components
TuffGrip Adaptor
This 7-16 bullet adaptor is designed to facilitate RF testing at the cell tower top. Current adaptor designs are small, making them difficult to handle particularly with gloves in cold weather and are easily lost or dropped creating a hazard. The new Times TuffGrip Adaptor (stock code 3191-291) 7-16 female bullet adaptor features the patented TuffGrip handle that provides a secure way to grip the device during use. It has superior RF characteristics through 6 GHz and is manufactured from 100 percent stainless steel.
Times Microwave Systems,
Wallingford, CT (203) 949-8400,
www.timesmicrowave.com.
RS No. 240