MTT-S 2006: Notes From The Exhibition Floor -- Part 2
By
Christine Brearey
Editor
At the 2006 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS), attendees learned about the latest developments in RF and microwave research, and saw many of the newest products and technologies in the industry. In Part 2 of this series, we continue to highlight all of the essential news from the show floor.
For more coverage of IEEE MTT-S 2006, see the following:
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) displayed a variety of ICs, with an emphasis on wireless infrastructure solutions designed to handle the signal processing challenges of base stations for single or multicarrier, direct conversion, or superheterodyne radio designs (see related story). Among the new products introduced were the ADF4108, which the company claims is the industry's first 8 GHz phase-locked loop (PLL) synthesizer, used to implement local oscillators in the up-conversion and down-conversion sections of wireless receivers and transmitters in high-frequency systems (see related story). ADI also launched a new quadrature modulator that operates from 50 MHz to 2200 MHz, making it well-suited for low intermediate frequency (IF) and RF applications (see related story).
For more information, visit the ADI Web site.
TOPAnritsu's main focus at the show was the introduction of
the MS2781
B Signature High-Performance Signal Analyzer, which brings
a full suite of physical layer measurements of both fixed and mobile WiMAX
signals to the line (see
related story). The MS2781 B can display a variety of measurements,
including a constellation of a mobile WiMAX signal with 64QAM, 16QAM, and QPSK
formats simultaneously, as well as BPSK pilots.
Anritsu also introduced the MS2717A, designed for engineers and technicians who need advanced spectrum analysis tools on a limited budget. Covering the 100 kHz to 7.1 GHz range, this economy spectrum analyzer handles most wireless frequencies. Anritsu also introduced the MT8222A handheld base station test tool, which combines the company's UMTS Master MT8220A handheld Node B analyzer with its VNA Master MS2024A handheld vector network analyzer in a single solution. this new tool was developed for the deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting 2G/2.5G and 3G wireless base stations.
For more information, visit the Anritsu storefront.
AR
Worldwide's Modular RF division featured the custom-built KMS1070
amplifier module for wireless broadband networks. This 43 dBm linear
power amplifier has a scalable gain of 20 to 50 dB and is designed to meet the
WiMAX (802.16d) specifications. The Modular RF division also featured its KMW1031
booster amplifier for multi-band VHF/UHF tactical radio equipment. Modulation
formats include SINCGARS, HPW, and HAVEQUICK, plus 12 kbps and 16 kbps data and
16 kbps UHF SATCOM (Non-Dama) voice link.
AR Worldwide's RF/Microwave Instrumentation division highlighted its two new amplifiers for WiMAX applications, the 15S5G7 and 30S5G7, introduced earlier this year (see related story). These broadband amplifiers can also be used as substitute transmitters.
For more information, visit the AR Worldwide storefront.
Avago
showed several products at the show, including the MGA-635T6 low-noise amplifier
(LNA) module (see
related story). The MGA-635T6 is low-cost solution for handsets that
improves global positioning system (GPS) receiver sensitivity to assure reliable
satellite location of mobile phones.
The
company also introduced the ACFM-7101 quintplexer module (see
related story). This module combines five individual FBAR (film bulk
acoustic resonator) filters to produce a passive solution for dual-band cellular
communications with GPS. The ACFM-7101 quintplexer module directs PCS and
cellular signals from the same antenna without the use of switches and control
logic.
For more information, visit the Avago Web site.
Cadence
previewed the Cadence
RF SiP Methodology Kit during MTT-S. The RF SiP Kit includes new
Cadence SiP RF products and methodologies for automating and accelerating the
entire design process of RF SiPs (systems-in-package) for wireless
communications applications. It also provides SiP implementation methodologies
based on an 802.11 b/g wireless local-area-network (WLAN) design.
Cadence also demoed its other
Cadence Kits, including the RF
Design Methodology Kit and AMS
Methodology Kit.
The
big news for Diablo at the show was its acquisition of Inter-Continental
Microwave, a company that specializes in
the design and manufacture of RF and microwave test fixtures, non-coaxial
calibration standards, and automatic device handling systems. A number of
Inter-Continental Microwave products were on display, including its test fixture
solutions and calibration standards. Diablo, which specializes in thin-film
solutions, also highlighted its chip
resistors at the show.
Dielectric
Laboratories, Inc. (DLI) introduced its new XtremeQ filter series (see
related story). These filters are made to meet customer specifications,
utilizing high-performance ceramic materials that deliver the combination of
compact footprint, targeted RF properties, and automated assembly using standard
surface-mount technology. DLI also previewed its new Flexi-Q devices, specially
designed to reduce the risk of mechanical stress cracking (see
related story). The Flexi-Q devices will be available starting in the
fall of 2006.
EM
Researched displayed its new MBS-3000
multi-band frequency synthesizer. Featuring small size, rugged construction,
and low power consumption, the MBS-3000 is suitable for use in portable test
instruments and other mobile applications. It is available in frequency bands
from 50 MHz to over 8 GHz, with step sizes from 10 KHz to 10 MHz.
For more
information, visit the EM
Research storefront.
Giga-tronics announced its new line of Panther 2500 series signal generators (see related story). Utilizing proprietary technology tat provides phase noise of -111 dBc @ 10 KHz and 100 KHz offset on a 10 GHz carrier frequency, this new signal generator meets the requirements of high-resolution radar testing, RF and microwave component and subsystem testing, and LO substitution. The Panther 2500 is also suitable for RFIC testing, antenna characterization, and manufacturing applications.
For more information, visit the Giga-tronics Web site.
Integra
introduced a new line of output and driver devices to complement its current
line of pulsed bipolar avionics transistors. These new devices include the IB0912M500
500 watt L-band TACAN transistor, the IB0912M350
350 watt L-band TACAN transistor, the IB1011S1500
1500 watt L-band avionics transistor, and the IB1011L470
470 watt L-band avionics transistor, all of which utilize
a low-loss internal input impedance matching structure to yield maximum device
gain and to ease the implementation of external matching circuitry. Emitter
ballast resistance is incorporated on the active cell for optimum thermal
distribution, and all devices are 100% screened for large signal RF parameters.
Krytar highlighted its zero-bias
Schottky detectors and planar-doped
barrier detectors at its booth. The zero-bias Schottky detectors are
designed for military environments; the
200 series detectors cover a frequency range from 10 MHz to 40 GHz with a VSWR
of 1.35 dB to 20 GHz, 1.5 dB to 26.5 GHz, and 2.0 dB to 40 GHz. Kyrtar detectors
feature a low-level sensitivity specification of 0.5 mV/µW with an output
capacitance of 30 pF and an operating temperature of -54° to 100° C.
For more information, visit the Krytar storefront.
Locus featured several new products at the show, including its L61000 Series X-band LNA, which features an input isolator, integral fault alarm, standard interstage transmit filter, and the option of cooled operation for lower noise temperature performance. Locus also showcased its L81000 Series KbBand LNA for 20.2 to 21.2 GHz military and commercial systems.
For more information, visit the Locus Microwave Web site.
Microwave
Communications Laboratories
Microwave
Communications Laboratories, Inc. (MCLI) introduced its RF Solutions Series.
Focusing on the frequency range of 0.8 to 2.5 GHz, this new series includes
two-way through eight-way power dividers/combiners as well as directional
couplers. SMA and Type N connectors are both available.
For more information, visit the MCLI Web site.
Microwave Device Technology
(MDT) recently announced the re-certification of its ISO9001.2000 quality
standard. This certification applies to all silicon and GaAs diodes,
oscillators, and transceivers manufactured by MDT. Among the ISO9001.2000
products MDT featured at the show were its Gunn
diodes and fixed-frequency
transceivers.
For more information, visit the MDT storefront.
Modelithics made several
announcements during Microwave Week, including the immediate availability of
high-accuracy models for Johanson Technology's inductor and capacitor products (see
related story). These models will be added to Modelithics CLR
Library later this year and made available for microwave circuit simulators.
In addition, Modelithics announced another collaboration, this one with American Technical Ceramics (ATC) to develop substrate-scalable models for a wide variety of ATC's RF/microwave and high-power passive components (see related story). The initial models will be made available starting in Q3 2006.
For more information, visit the Modelithics storefront.
Network
Sciences showcased its line of UM Series crystal filters, which are available in
all filter design approximations from 40 to 200 MHz. Fractional passband
bandwidths range from .015% to 0.6%, in two-pole to 10-pole configurations. The
bandpass/band reject filters, packaged in surface-mount and leaded hermetic
enclosures, are available with delay equalization and in phase-matched sets.
For more information, visit the Network Sciences storefront.
Planar introduced its new line of high-gain amplifiers with integrated digital attenuation control. These amplifiers feature a frequency range of 100 MHz to 18 GHz, and a minimum gain of 50 dB. The attenuation range is 0 to 60 dB (1 dB resolution), with real-time attenuation control via the front panel optical encoder knob.
For more information, visit the Planar Electronics Technology storefront.
The major announcement from
Rohde & Schwarz (R&S) was the introduction of its FSUP
Signal Source Analyzer. At an input frequency of 640 MHz and a frequency
offset of 10 kHz, the phase noise value of the R&S FSUP with an internal
reference source is -136 dBc (1 Hz) and at 10 MHz frequency offset -165 dBc (1
Hz).
R&S also introduced its AFQ100A I/Q Modulation Generator for use in R&D and production. This product provides a memory clock of 300 MHz combined with a memory depth of up to 1 Gsample. in addition, the company highlighted new capabilities in its FSL spectrum analyzer, as well as its WiMAX/WiBro product line, both of which are now available.
For more information, visit the R&S storefront.
Winchester exhibited its Quick Connect SMA Connectors at the show. This series incorporates a push/pull style of mating that does not require special tooling for mating/unmating, and they are fully intermateable with any standard SMA jacks or Winchester's SMA bulkhead jacks. Typical applications for these connectors include PCB test boards, microwave subsystems, base stations, test equipment, and mobile radios.
For more information, visit the Winchester Electronics storefront.
WiseWave/Ducommun
Technologies
WiseWave
Technologies, recently acquired by Ducommun Technologies Inc. (DTI), featured
its microwave and millimeter wave components and sub-assemblies at the show,
including its 77
GHz SP4T and SP10T PIN switches. These switches operate at the RF frequency
range from 75 to 78 GHz and are offered with built-in TTL driver to ease the
channel switching and reduce the switching time. Likewise, the SP4T and SP10T
switches are suitable for automotive radar applications.
For more information, visit the WiseWave/Ducommun Technologies storefront.