Industry News

An LTCC Double-balanced Mixer

Double-balanced mixers are used extensively in transmitters and receivers. For frequencies below 5 GHz, the designs are normally realized using ferrite-based transformers, because they are very compact and their technology is mature. As the operating frequency increases, distributed element baluns become smaller in size and more attractive. Semiconductor-based mixers...
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Design Advantages of CDMA Power Amplifiers Built with MOSFET Technology

CDMA power amplifiers are now being produced in volume using MOSFET technology, enabling improvements in amplifier performance and system cost. This article discusses the design characteristics of these very flexible and stable devices and explains how...
Each of the many process technologies that can be used for RF power amplifiers - GaAs HBT, PHEMT, InGaP HBT and silicon RF MOSFET - have different advantages, such as better frequency characteristics, wider linearity and higher power capability. A fundamental comparison of the different process technologies is shown...
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Specifications and Definitions for Quadrature Demodulators and Receiver Design Measurements

This article discusses the common and questionable definitions of the specifications for quadrature demodulators, including gain, intercept point and noise figure. Emphasis is on the mapping between single-tone measurement data and the modulated signal...
The quadrature demodulator is used in either heterodyne or homodyne receivers. In commercial communication receivers, the local oscillator frequency ranges from a few kilohertz to a few gigahertz. It is usual to test the individual part with a single tone to avoid the complexity of the baseband waveform. The...
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Reviewing the Basics of Suspended Striplines

Suspended striplines are widely used for several reasons. They provide high Q-factor, wide bandwidth and good temperature stability. This tutorial reviews some of the basic principles and new concepts for suspended striplines.
There are several reasons for the wide use of printed transmission lines. They are simple to produce, they operate over a wide bandwidth, and have small weight and dimensions. The earliest form of printed transmission lines was the stripline ( Figure 1a ). 1,2 The printed stripline consists of...
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New Products

COMPONENTS SMT Compatible Multi-interface Connector Series This 1.0/2.3 multi-interface connector series features an SMT design that facilitates PCB assembly and also accommodates tight packaging density. These connectors are available with 2, 3 and 4 coaxial interface combinations in the same housing. Frequency coverage is from DC to 2 GHz...
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Around the Circuit

INDUSTRY NEWS Spectrum Control Inc. has acquired all of the outstanding common stock of FSY Microwave Inc. The purchase of FSY will enable Spectrum Control to expand its existing SPECWAVE line of ceramic-based wireless products and custom engineered wireless solutions. Texas Instruments Radio Frequency Identification Systems announced the launch...
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New Literature

Inductor Products Catalog This 10-page catalog features the company's WL series of wire wound chip inductor products, designed to provide excellent performance at competitive prices. Product descriptions, features, applications, specifications, circuit applications, outline drawings and selection guides are provided. American Technical Ceramics, Jacksonville, FL (631) 622-4700. Circle No. 200...
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