IMS2011: Day 2 Technology Report
By Ron Grunsby and Jim Pomager
We continue our review of the new and innovative technologies we saw at the IMS2011 Exhibition with our Wednesday report.
See also our IMS2011 Day 1 and Day 3 technology reports.
Aeroflex
Aeroflex demonstrated a new version of its SGA analog signal generator armed with popular avionics waveforms. (Check out our video demo of the instrument.) This option enables the SGA to internally generate waveforms required for testing avionics functions, including instrument landing systems (ILS), VHF omnidirectional radio (VOR), and marker beacons. The touchscreen SGA is available with operating frequencies of 100 MHz to 3 or 6 GHz, and features phase noise performance of -135 dBc/Hz at 1 GHz and frequency-switching speeds of 100 ms. Aeroflex also showed its 7100 LTE Digital Radio Test Set, which now supports testing of W-CDMA/HSPA, GSM/GPRS, and data call hand-over between LTE and HSPA.
Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies introduced five new PNA microwave vector network analyzer models. They are available with two-port internal single-source or four-port internal dual-source configuration in frequency models 13.5, 26.5, 43.5, 50, and 67 GHz. Click here for a video demo. They also announced the Agilent 8990B, a peak power analyzer that offers faster measurement speed and greater measurement accuracy in peak power-pulse analysis for the aerospace, defense, and wireless markets. In addition, Agilent released Electromagnetic Professional 2011.07 (EMPro), an electromagnetic modeling and simulation platform that creates 3-D models and analyzes the electrical performance of packages, connectors, antennas, and other RF components. Click here for a video demo of some of the new capabilities in EMPro.
Analog Devices
At IMS2011, Analog Devices introduced the ADL5565, a differential RF/IF amplifier for driving high-speed 12-bit to 18-bit A/D converters. It achieves excellent HD3 and OIP3 distortion levels (–103 dB and 51 dBm at 100 MHz; –95 dB and 47 dBm at 200 MHz). They also unveiled two 1-watt, 2-stage RF driver amplifiers that can cover the entire cellular frequency range used in wireless communications systems. The ADL5605 driver amplifier covers the 700-MHz to 1000-MHz frequency range, and the ADL5606 driver amplifier operates in the 1800-MHz to 2700-MHz range. They also showcased a PLL synthesizer for wireless communication systems and new releases of two RF design tools, the ADIsimRF and the ADIsimPLL. Click here for a video demo of the upgraded RF software tools.
Corry Micronics
Corry Micronics introduced a new dual-channel USB 2.0 filter during IMS2011. This laboratory-grade, USB-compliant filter features >80-dB attenuation above 1 GHz, 90-ohm impedance, and typical insertion loss ranging from 0.1 dB at 10 MHz up to >80 dB at 1 to 6 GHz. Corry also displayed samples of its custom microwave housing capabilities. Corry's turn-key program includes machining and plating the housing, soldering the filters, hermetic seal and life testing services, and electrical and mechanical qualification. The company has also developed a unique gold plating and soldering process that outperforms conventional techniques.
CPI (Communications & Power Industries) Beverly Microwave Division
CPI (Communications & Power Industries) Beverly Microwave Division is now building L-band and S-band solid-state power amplifiers (SSPAs) using gallium nitride (GaN) transistors. They showcased a new GaN SSPA for S-band radar applications at the show. The air-cooled, pulsed module delivers 1.3 kW of peak power at 10% duty at 2.7 to 2.9 GHz. The S-band SSPA modules operate off of 30 volts DC. Click here to watch a video demo.
Crane Aerospace & Electronics
One of the highlights at the Crane A&E booth was the company's Multi-Mix technology for multilayer microwave integrated circuits and micro-multifunction modules (MMFM). By fusion bonding layers of fluoropolymer composite substrates on top of one another — rather than side by side — Multi-Mix allows the integration of active and passive functions into self-contained modules with smaller footprints and lighter weight than conventional hybrids. Other microwave products on display included the VME master oscillator, a multi-frequency source for radar systems; an L-band multi-frequency source for rugged airborne environments; and a new 1- to 2-GHz switch matrix system for SATCOM ground station applications.
Dow-Key Microwave
Dow-Key displayed a wide range of switching solutions at its booth, including high-reliability space-qualified switches, coaxial switches covering DC to 40 GHz, and, notably, a number of switch matrix products. Among the switch matrixes presented was the 4104 Series electromechanical, bi-directional switch, which is available in multiple switching configurations and features front keypad and LCD touch screen local controls, as well as Ethernet or GPIB remote control. The company also showed the 3204 Series, a non-blocking, full fan-out, solid-state switching system that operates from 20 to 200 MHz (IF band). Dow-Key specializes in developing custom switch solutions to meet challenging specifications.
Giga-tronics
Giga-tronics showcased technologies from its three product lines at its booth: custom switching systems, YIG-tuned bandpass and band-reject filters, and test instrumentation. Of particular interest to IMS attendees were the company's microwave power amplifiers. Giga-tronics recently introduced three new instrument-grade broadband microwave power amplifiers — the GT-1020A, GT-1040A, and GT-1050A — covering the frequency range of 100 MHz to 20, 40, and 50 GHz. Also on display was the 2- to 20-GHz, 10 W GT-1000A, positioned as a traveling wave tube amplifier (TWTA) replacement. All Giga-tronics MPAs are intended for use in R&D laboratories, ATE systems, wireless communications, EW, and other applications.
Hittite Microwave Corporation
Hittite Microwave Corporation featured 33 new products at IMS. The company's flagship wideband PLL + VCO product, the HMC830LP6GE, made its debut at the show. This new device is a fractional-n PLL with an integrated VCO covering 25 to 3000 MHz. Click here to view its performance on a demo board using an Agilent phase noise analyzer, measuring real-time, in-band phase noise at -110 dBc, far-out phase noise approaching -170 dBc, and overall integrated phase noise at -59 dBc all at 2 GHz. Other new products include the HMC-T2270, Hittite's first 10-MHz to 70-GHz synthesized signal generator; a compact universal wideband multi-standard, multi-carrier radio; and a high-speed, multimode ADC that provides up to 12-bit resolution at up to 640 MSPS.
Integrated Microwave Technologies (IMT)
IMT, a supplier of digital microwave solutions for defense, security, and law enforcement applications, showcased its X-Tender-HP digital repeater at IMS2011. This unit integrates components from IMT's STx COFDM transmitter, SRx dual diversity COFDM receiver, and ALPA auto-leveling power amplifier to provide cross-band repeating, multi-camera encoding, local encoding/multiplexing at the repeater site, and bi-directional radio links. Also featured at IMT's booth were its VSTx COFDM transmitters and VSRx dual-diversity COFDM SD receivers and its MobilCMDR two-way COFDM diversity handheld receiver.
LCF Enterprises
LCF Enterprises was at the show promoting their RF power amplifiers. One of their newest products is the 25- to 1000-MHz, 80 W, broadband DC amplifier module with 34 dB of gain and a size of 6.0 x 2.5 x 1.27 inches. Options available with the modules include a test fixture, which includes cooling and additional protection. The rack mount version is 19 x 18 x 7 inches and weighs less than 25 lbs. Customization is available.
M/A-COM Technology Solutions
M/A-COM Tech launched a new family of GaN (gallium nitride) RF power transistors at IMS2011. Intended for L- and S-Band pulsed radar applications, these GaN-on-SiC (silicon carbide) devices are available either as transistors or pallets and utilize a 0.5 micron HEMT (high electron mobility transistor) process. They feature high output power (up to 250 W peak) and wide operating bandwidths (up to 3500 MHz). M/A-COM Tech plans to release additional GaN products for L-band radar, avionics, electronic warfare (EW), military communications, and general purpose applications later this year.
Mini-Systems
Mini-Systems, a supplier of high-reliability, precision components to the medical, military, aerospace, and telecommunications industries, displayed hundreds of products from across its catalog at its IMS2011 booth. There were thick- and thin-film chip resistors, capacitors, lightweight metal/glass sidewall packages, custom thick film hybrid circuits, and multi-chip modules. The company prides itself on its consistent short lead times, on-time deliveries, product quality, and responsive customer service.
Murata Electronics North America
Murata Electronics North America announced the launch of its latest front end modules for WiFi and Bluetooth applications at IMS. These microwave monolithic integrated devices (MMID) combine Murata's power amplifier, low-noise amplifier, and switching product into single packages for the 2.45-GHz and 5-GHz bands. The modules can be combined with a highly integrated, single chip radio to facilitate a connectivity solution for the cellular phone, portable device, and personal computer markets. The line has the ability to support 802.11b/g and Bluetooth and/or 802.11a. The flexibility of the MMID series' shape and size allows for placement almost anywhere on the board where there is space.
NTT Advanced Technology Corporation
NTT Advanced Technology Corporation (NTT-AT) displayed their GaN epitaxial wafers with high mobility for electronic devices. They use four different substrates — sapphire, Si (silicon), SiC (silicon carbide), and GaN — and can provide substrates in large sizes (up to 6 inches with Si and sapphire). Applications include power amplifiers, vehicle power devices, and power electronics, such as power supplies and DC/DC converters. NTT-AT can make customized wafers to meet R&D specialized needs and mass production requirements. Small quantities can also be supplied for prototype production. Click here for a video about these GaN epitaxial wafers, including some of the novel techniques NTT-AT uses to fabricate them.
RF Micro Devices (RFMD)
RFMD made several big announcements during the week. One was that its GaN power semiconductor process has been qualified for 65 V operation, up from 48 V. This bump in operating voltage now enables RFMD (and its foundry customers) to fabricate miniature 0.5-kW power devices with high operating efficiency for L- and S-band radar applications. On the product side, RFMD launched a new family of narrowband voltage-controlled oscillators (VCOs) with integrated dividers, intended primarily for point-to-point (P2P) radio, but also with applications in SATCOM, T&M, aerospace, defense, and others. Also on the P2P front, RFMD announced a new line of integrated radio chipsets targeting the cellular backhaul market.
Rogers Corporation
Rogers Corporation introduced attendees to the newest member of the company's RT/duroid product line for high-power applications in the high-reliability and defense markets — the RT/duroid 6035HTC high-frequency laminate. This printed circuit board (PCB) material has high thermal conductivity of 1.44 W/m-K, z-axis dielectric constant of 3.5., and low loss tangent of 0.0013 at 10 GHz. The laminate also features a unique filler system that is non-abrasive, minimizing its impact on drillability and tool life. Applications include high-power RF and microwave amplifiers as well as power amplifiers, couplers, filters, combiners, and power dividers. Click here for a video about the RT/duroid 6035HTC.
Rohde & Schwarz
R&S introduced several products to the U.S. market during the week, but the ones that drew the most attention (from attendees and other equipment vendors alike) were two new vector network analyzers for the production and development of RF components. The mid-range R&S ZNB, intended for development labs and production lines, covers the frequency range of 9 kHz to 4.5 or 8.5 GHz and has a dynamic range of 140 dB. The R&S ZNC, for passive component testing, covers 9 kHz to 3 GHz and has a dynamic range of up to 130 dB. Both new VNAs feature an impressive, large touchscreen display and a sweep time of 4 ms with 401 points of resolution. For more on these and other new R&S instruments at IMS2011, check out our video.
Sonnet Software
Sonnet Software demonstrated new features in the professional and student versions of Sonnet Suites, the company's high-frequency electromagnetic (EM) software platform. Sonnet has doubled the memory limitations in its student-level Sonnet Lite Release 13, launched during the show, and has tripled the analysis speed for large circuits in Release 13 of its professional edition, which will be available in four weeks. Click here for a video demo of these new features. Sonnet also offered training classes at IMS, showing attendees how the software works and what it "feels" like. People who took the classes received free upgrades from Sonnet Lite to Sonnet LitePlus — a nearly $500 upgrade.
Tektronix
Tektronix' new RSA5000 Spectrum Analyzer made its official trade show debut at IMS2011. This mid-range signal analyzer boasts a capture bandwidth of up to 85 MHz and is capable of collecting up to 292,000 spectrum updates per second (over the full bandwidth) and measuring spectral transients as brief as 5.8 µs. Tektronix also had its new MSO/DPO/DSA70000C oscilloscope — and its impressive 100 GS/s sample rate — on display. Finally, the company demonstrated examples of its equipment working in conjunction with instruments from partners SenarioTek, Mesuro, and X-COM Systems. (See our IMS2011 video demo of X-COM's capture playback system using a Tektronix spectrum analyzer as the front end digitizer.)
Toshiba America Electronic Components
Toshiba's big announcement at IMS2011 was the availability of a new GaN power amplifier for Ku-band satellite communication (SATCOM) applications, such as very small aperture terminals (VSATs). The TGI1314-25L is a GaN HEMT device that operates in the 13.75- to 14.5-GHz frequency range with output power of 25 W. It delivers 44-dBm output power with 39-dBm input power, linear gain of 8 dB, and drain current of 2.5 amps (all typical). Toshiba representatives also presented a paper on a new 20 W Ka-band GaN transistor at IMS; the company expects the product to be available in early 2012.
X-COM Systems
X-COM Systems was at the show demonstrating how the company's IQC2110 signal recorder can be used to capture streaming bandwidth from a spectrum analyzer, convert the digital data to analog I and Q, and drive a signal generator to rebroadcast the signal at the original carrier or any arbitrary carrier. The IQC2110 can continuously record and play back the full 16-bit I and Q data stream from digital spectrum analyzers with bandwidths up to 150 MHz. X-COM also demonstrated their Spectro-X software, using it to find a signal of interest in a radar waveform captured by the IQC2110. Click here and here for X-COM video demos from IMS2011.
Continue on to our IMS2011: Day 3 Technology Report.