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The mmWave Special Focus section is part of the August issue that is a separate eBook covering mmWave Technology. The technical articles cover custom Uni-guide connectors for dual-ridged waveguide, Q- and V-Band advanced communications technology, and leveraging the potential of 5G mmWaves. The product articles cover PA MMICs for Ka-Band SATCOM, mmWave and Sub-THz antenna test systems and new products from various companies.

This eBook contains articles that address four main topics within radar: design basis, market applications, SWaP and testing. The first and fourth articles, by PseudolithIC and RFOptic, respectively, address new materials and design approaches for enabling radar. The first article introduces heterogeneous compound semiconductors as solutions for manufacturability and power management challenges. The fourth article, on the other hand, addresses the advantages of RF-over-fiber, including signal integrity and immunity to EMI. The second article, from Engalco Research, reviews the different types of SSPAs and their respective market segments, including radar and electronic warfare. The third article, from Times Microwave, and the sixth, seventh and eighth articles, from Knowles Precision Devices, demonstrate technologies aimed at improving SWaP for radar systems. The third article focuses on multiport connectors for harsh environments, while the seventh article discusses the use of capacitors as bypasses for MMIC amplifiers. The sixth and eighth articles both address the benefits of using filters in radar and electronic warfare receivers. Finally, the fifth article provides an in-depth tutorial on testing and troubleshooting AESA TR modules to save time and resources. This eBook covers a wide range of technologies related to radar enablement and radar applications.

The first article provides an overview of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market, including the projected market growth in the 2020s and the benefits of UAVs in reducing costs and casualties. The second and third articles address the defense side of the market, providing a history and update on emerging technologies for drone detection and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS). The fourth and fifth articles take a deeper technical dive, focusing on the range and size benefits of using phased-array and X-Band radars and addressing the underlying circuitry. The sixth article changes the focus to materials and introduces a new aerogel antenna. The lightweight, embeddable material improves aerodynamics and enables a higher payload. Finally, the seventh article explores solid-state power amplifiers, including their packaging and impact on electronic warfare and radar systems. This eBook covers a wide range of topics related to drones and defense technologies.

The articles compiled in this eBook explore a diverse range of topics with practical insights and emerging strategies aimed at engineers, system architects, and technical decision-makers. We begin with “The Future of Wireless: Technologies Overcoming 5G Struggles,” an exploration of the current hurdles facing 5G/6G deployments—such as spectrum limitations and coverage. In “Wideband IQ Emulation and Analysis for RF Design and Debug,” we delve into the expanding role of wideband I/Q signal generation and analysis in supporting modern RF systems. This article outlines the techniques and instrumentation making that possible. The hardware used in signal analysis is also undergoing a transformation, and “Evolution of Interconnects in Benchtop RF Test” covers how modern interconnect solutions are improving performance, reducing signal loss, and enhancing test repeatability. “Advanced Power Integrity Measurement Solutions” addresses the challenges of maintaining stable, noise-free power in densely packed, high-speed circuits. Wireless systems are only as good as their antennas, and “Evaluating Antenna Testing Options” reviews a variety of test environments, from anechoic chambers to over-the-air (OTA) setups. Finally, in “Noise in Traffic: Signal Emulation for Automotive Apps,” we tackle the complexities of testing communication systems within the increasingly electrified and connected automotive landscape. Simulating realistic traffic noise and signal interference is essential to ensuring vehicle systems remain safe and effective under all conditions. Each article in this collection offers a view into the challenges and solutions shaping the world of signal analysis. Together, they reflect a shared goal: empowering engineers and developers to push the limits of what’s possible with confidence and precision.

This A&D Electronics Special Supplement eBook covers topics such as applications for RF over fiber technology, international spectrum supportability for software defined radios, troubleshooting AESA T/R modules and test stations, liquid cooled SSPAs for SATCOM uplinks, SMT mmWave converters with digital control, fiber optic cables for harsh environments, high-power solid-state amplifiers and power MOSFETs/ICs.

This eBook explores the trends in T&M from equipment to procedure, including calibration, test methods and software advancements. The first article provides a market overview, including projected overall growth, success drivers and a breakdown of the equipment market ecosystem. The second article in this eBook highlights the benefits of coaxial conductive testbeds in comparison to standard over-the-air (OTA) testing for a variety of DUTs. The third article compares passive versus active wideband load-pull methods. It highlights the advantages of wideband active load-pull solutions and includes case studies on their applications. The fourth article uses a case study on voltage variable attenuators to address advancements in software techniques for RF component testing and calibration. The fifth article explores different types of RF benchtop testing and the evolution of testing components, cables and instrumentation. Finally, in the sixth article, Spectrum Control addresses the four trends transforming the test and measurement sector.

As AI use increases, the IoT widens, 6G expands and quantum advantage gets closer on the horizon, technologists must consider the infrastructure needed to enable and support this growth. Learning from history, the RF and microwave industry is relying on higher frequency expansion to support these new innovations, this time turning to the sub-THz and THz bands. This eBook highlights new innovations, requirements and best practices for the sub-THz and THz market. The first article addresses the challenges and potential solutions regarding the characterization of D-Band power amplifiers. The second article focuses on fabrication techniques and cost, including material selection and nanofabrication, for components supporting THz frequencies. The third article, focusing on sub-THz antenna design, and the fifth article, focusing on sub-THz and THz reflection coefficients in different materials, address the rising influence of 6G communications. Finally, the fourth article addresses the importance of noise sources in test and measurement setups and the industry’s new noise-related technologies in climbing frequency bands. Altogether, this eBook addresses a variety of innovations and ongoing challenges in the RF and microwave industry’s foray into the sub-THz and THz frequency bands.

The Satellite & Space Special Focus eBook covers space grade RF connectors, smart sourcing for RF, space situational awareness, and SATCOM market trends and forecasts. There are product feature articles covering K-/Ka-Band SATCOM with embedded encryption, radiation tolerant MOSFETs, and fusion of SDR and SoC technologies. There is also a Tech Brief on precision frequency control and timing from PLDROs along with a new products section.

This eBook includes articles on challenges, best practices and goals in the satcom industry. The first article, addressing interference patterns in the lunar environment, and the fourth article, embracing a collaboration for innovation theme, focus on antennas. The second article addresses fixture and testing challenges at high frequencies and offers solutions for chip bonding, fixturing and mounting. The third article broadens the horizon with commentary on the shift from satellite-to-satellite capabilities to direct-to-device capabilities. When we previously needed a separate satellite phone, we are now able to use satellite service on the phones in our pockets. The fifth article, focusing on the RF signal chain for satcom applications, and the seventh article, focusing on harsh environment fixed attenuators, both bring readers back to the hardware aspect of satcom requirements. Finally, the sixth article addresses the system design challenges for engineers, specifically the impacts of the Doppler effect on LEOs and large constellations.

The growth drivers for revenue in the radar market relate to the fast capability evolution of phased array radar systems and the new applications that these capabilities and technologies will enable. However, these capabilities and applications will not evolve without advancements across the phased array radar supply chain. Exploring the latest developments in the ecosystem and supply chain forms the basis for the articles in this eBook. The first article addresses how emerging gradient index technology, coupled with additive manufacturing techniques, can provide different solutions for phased array performance and SWaP-C challenges. The second article explores the differences between digital and hybrid phased arrays. It looks at the proper way to power the FPGAs that are crucial for either beamforming/beam steering approach. The third article reminds readers that radar systems operate in environments with intentional and unintentional interfering signals. It discusses architectures and challenges for protecting the systems in the presence of these interferers. The fourth article describes simulation techniques to provide faster, less expensive ways to predict phased array performance. The fifth and final article describes an over-the-air approach to testing and calibrating millimeter wave phased arrays.