MTT-S 2006: Notes From The Exhibition Floor - Part 3
By Christine
Brearey
Editor 
In this final installment of our three-part series from the exhibition floor at the IEEE MTT-S 2006 International Microwave Symposium (IMS), we conclude our coverage highlighting the products, news, and industry developments from the show.
Plan ahead for MTT-S 2007, which will be held June 3 - 8, 2007, in Honolulu, Hawaii! (More information is available at http://www.ims2007.org.) We hope to see you there!
For more coverage of IEEE MTT-S 2006, see the following:
Advantest introduced the
U3771/U3772 portable microwave spectrum analyzer (see
related story). The company claims that this new field unit has the
smallest and lightest (less than 6 kg) form factor in the industry, and it
supports measurements from 9 KHz to 31.8 / 43 GHz (depending on the model). The
U3771/U3772 employs new software technologies that enable image suppression and
a variety of data analysis functions. Likewise, the analyzer can be operated on
battery power, making it suitable for monitoring the microwave and millimeter
wave bands that are used in satellite transmissions and between cellular base
stations.
Auriga presented its newest
offerings in test, characterization, system integration, and device modeling
products and services at the show. Among them were the AU6700
Pulsed IV/RF Device Modeling Test System, AU8000
Device Modeling Software, and a number of synthetic instruments. In
addition, booth visitors could see the AU11000
50 MHz to 50 GHz Synthetic Vector Network Analyzer (SVNA), which provides
vector network analysis in a range of industries and applications including
wireless communication, military radar, and more.
TOP AVX previewed its new Ultra Maxi series of single-layer ceramic capacitor (see
related story). This new series features X7R characteristics and a
dielectric constant of 60,000, which the company says is twice the previous
industry high for grain boundary barrier layer (GBBL) formulations. Ultra Maxi
capacitors are RoHS-compliant and lead-free, and are available in voltage
ratings of 6.3, 16, and 25 VDC. The company also introduced its new short-form catalog during the
event. For more information, visit the AVX
storefront.
Cobham Defense Electronic Systems
Cobham Defense Electronic
Systems, (formerly Chelton Microwave)promoted its new products for defense and
aerospace applications. The company specializes in high-power microwave
components, sub-systems, and integrated assemblies. Cobham also provides
advanced digital military vehicle tactical communication and information
systems, soldier situation awareness products, and integrated navigation
management tools. For an overview of Cobham Defense Electronic Systems
capabilities, download the company's
brochure.
Cobham's
Continental Division touted its integrated
waveguide systems for terrestrial, maritime, aerospace radar, scientific, and
communication applications. The company provides a wide range of
solutions, including integrated waveguide assemblies and subsystems, custom
waveguide assemblies, high-power coaxial components, filter products, antenna
feed assemblies, and more.
dBm's main focus at the show
was its new SSG,
a low-noise, fast-settling CW synthesized signal generator. The SSG is small,
lightweight, and low cost, with a rugged build suitable for the lab or for
high-speed, high-volume production testing environments. Frequency and amplitude
controls are via the front panel and LAN, GPIB, and RS232.
EDO Corporation focused on
its IMA tuner/receivers and converters at the show. Two of the products on
display at EDO's booth were a Ka-band low-noise receiver/downconverter and a
Ka-band frequency converter, both of which provide a low-noise pHEMT preamp for
use in satellite applications. The company also showcased its S-band
downconverter, which features high gain and spurious performance for uninhabited
airborne platforms and other harsh environments.
Emerson Network Power Connectivity Solutions
Emerson Network Power
introduced a new line of Type N connectors that meet or exceed the performance
requirements of MIL-PRF-39012 (see
related story). These Type N connectors feature operation to 18 GHz, and
all contacts are plated with 50 micro-inches of gold. Captivated flexible cable
contacts can be crimped or soldered.
Maury showcased its new USB-controlled
HGT High-Gamma Tuners for high-power and on-wafer GSM applications. These
0.8 to 8 GHz tuners feature the ability to achieve VSWRs above 600:1. In
addition, Maury also unveiled new DLL functions for its ATS
device characterization system, an automated impedance control system that
enables users to introduce a wide range of known source and load impedances into
a device under test (DUT) to determine a variety of device parameters under real
operating conditions. The company also launched a new product
catalog during the show.
Microphase featured its new
diplexer design, which supports MoCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance)
requirements and enables networking of digital video and broadband over existing
coaxial cabling in the home (see
related story). Microphase designed this diplexer to separate the c.LINK
WAN and LAN frequency bands in the presence of CATV frequencies that typically
operate from 5 to 42 MHz and 54 to 860 MHz.
Microwave Dynamics
introduced an addition to its PLO
series of phase-locked dielectric resonator oscillators (PLDRO), the
PLO-2200. This external-reference dual-output PLDRO is hermetically sealed for
airborne and space applications. Operating frequencies range from 4 to 19 GHz,
with a temperature range of -55 to 105 Celsius. Other PLDROs on display at
Microwave Dynamics' booth were the PLO-2001 and PLO 3001, which are packaged
to replace and retrofit old cavity oscillators.
The company also introduced
the PLASY-300, an internal switch bank oscillator designed to replace expensive,
heavy, and bulky synthesizers. Six single fixed frequencies are selected through
a D-sub connector one at a time, and frequencies may be 4 to 27 GHz.
Mimix officially introduced
its recently released X-band radar chipset to the RF/microwave design community
during MTT-S (see
related story). This gallium arsenide (GaAs) chipset incorporates a
digital attenuator, phase shifter, driver, and power amplifier for applications
including phased array antenna systems, air traffic control, and weather
monitoring.
In addition, Mimix CEO Rick Montgomery updated
members of the RF Globalnet team on some of the company's recent milestones
and future plans. Among the issues discussed was the company's recent decision
to go 100% fabless by divesting its GaAs foundry (see
related story), a move that has resulted in greater operational
efficiencies for Mimix, enabling it to focus more on specific customer needs.
Montgomery also described plans for continuing the company's growth in the
defense and space sectors, as well as upcoming initiatives around automotive,
KA-band satellite, WiMAX, and home gateway applications.
Narda Microwave-East's booth
focused on the company's capabilities in the design and manufacture of
high-performance microwave
integrated circuits (MICs)
at frequencies up to 44 GHz for both commercial and military applications.
Products on display included broadband microwave amplifiers, fiber optic
drivers, frequency sources and synthesizers, SATCOM converters, multi-functional
module, and integrated PIN diode switch/control product assemblies.
In addition, Narda Safety
Test Solutions displayed its newest site survey and personal safety equipment at
the booth.
Narda Microwave-West introduced a new line of amplifiers
for use in commercial, military, test equipment, prototype, and laboratory applications. These amplifiers are available with quick turnaround times -- some are "off the shelf" and the rest are available four weeks from the time of order (in most cases).
Pascall launched a new range
of high-performance 50 to 130 MHz oven-controlled crystal oscillators (OCXOs) (see
related story). The oscillators are available with either mechanical or
electrical tuning, with the option of a low noise reference voltage output to
allow the oscillator to be tuned using an external potentiometer, and are housed
in a SMA connectorized package.
Remtec displayed new
large-scale, leadless SMT ceramic packages based on the company's proprietary
plated copper on thick film (PCTF) technology (see
related story). With its ductile structure of plated copper over thick
film on ceramic, this technology permits the design and manufacture of leadless
ceramic chip carriers and packages larger than .75 inch on a side. Featuring
wrap-around interconnections, plugged via holes, hermetic-filled vias, and
integrated passives, these packages provide electrical and thermal performance
for high circuit/power density applications.
Sirenza featured its new SZP
series single-stage high-linearity power amplifier ICs at the show. These 2-watt power amplifiers are aimed
specifically at the emerging WiMAX and the expanding Wi-Fi end markets and
feature a single 5 Vdc supply with an adjustable on-chip active bias circuit.
Sirenza also showed voltage
controlled oscillator (VCO) modules that are available in a variety of
industry standard packages and typically operate in the range of 50 MHz to over
4 GHz.
In addition, Sirenza also
introduced its newly updated product
selection guide at the show.
Storm Products–Microwave
featured its Storm Flex line of miniature flexible cables and announced the
addition of a 0.160" diameter cable to this product line (see
related story), which previously included 0.055" and 0.096"
diameter cables. The Storm Flex line is suitable for applications that call for
electrical performance typical of 0.047", 0.086", or 0.141"
semi-rigid assemblies.
T-Tech, manufacturer of
printed circuit board prototyping systems, demonstrated a new approach to
surface sensing of PCB substrate materials with its recently developed Pneumatic
Pressure Foot device (see
related story). Used in conjunction with any of T-Tech's Quick Circuit
chemical-free in-house circuit board manufacturing systems, the Pneumatic
Pressure Foot enables PCB engineers to achieve an extremely precise depth of cut
and minimal contact with the material (eliminating scarring). The device
includes a retrofit kit for easy installation.
TT electronics displayed its
microwave/RF termination resistors for operation at frequencies up to 40 GHz (see
related story). Designated the MWR Series, these chip resistors are
constructed using a TaNFilm self-passivating thin-film resistive element, which
provides a stable corrosion-resistant device suitable for use in harsh
environments.
TT also introduced a new
high-speed, digital termination ball grid array package designed to prevent
signal theft in consumer electronics devices (see
related story). The CHC Series package is suitable for manufacturers of
set-top boxes, digital TVs, personal video recorders, DVD players, and other
digital consumer electronics.
Vector Fields announced a
new version of Opera, its electromagnetic design software. Opera
version 11 includes a range of enhancements and additions, such as multi-physics
capabilities (Demagnetization and Quench modeling), a new file manager, and
improvements to the user interface.
In addition,
Vector Fields also announced a new award program to honor the best 2006 student
paper based upon either of Vector Fields electromagnetic design software
programs, Concerto or Opera (see
related story). The contest is intended to celebrate the achievements of
Bill Trowbridge, founder and former chairman of Vector Fields Ltd., who retired
last year.
W. L. Gore announced the
release of the Gore Phaseflex 110 GHz test assemblies (see
related story). Internal ruggedization makes these assemblies crush- and
torque-resistant, while still maintaining a small outer diameter of only
0.165" (nominal). Typical insertion loss for a 16 cm assembly at 110 GHz is
2.1 dB.
Xpedion demoed its GoldenGate
RFIC Simulator, a simulation and analysis solution for integrated RFIC
design. GoldenGate allows designers to characterize their designs prior to
tape-out, as well as perform analyses previously not available at the circuit
level such as ACPR, blocker analysis, and post-parasitic simulation.
Z-Communications
introduced several new designs at the show, one of which was the SFS0915A-LF
0.6" x 0.6" Smart Synthesizer series. The SFS0915A-LF
delivers a stable signal with reference spurious suppression better than -70 dBc
and noise within the loop better than -92dBc/Hz.
In
addition, Z-Comm also announced its new SMT power splitter/combiners for WiMAX
applications. The SMT series offers low insertion loss, high isolation, low VSWR,
and phase tracking in a 0.3" x 0.3" package.
The
company also featured its 800 MHz to 2 GHz SLV series oscillators, which provide
a phase noise of -122dBc/Hz at 10 KHz offset for RFID applications. This series
of oscillators is suitable for high data rate applications with reduced
microphonic effects and phase hits.
