MTT-S 2007: Notes From The Exhibition Floor -- Part 1
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By
Christine Brearey
Editor
The atmosphere during the 2007 IEEE MTT-S International Microwave Symposium (IMS 2007), held June 3 - 8 at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu, was fun, relaxed, and casual, as was evidenced by the colorful Hawaiian shirts dotting the show floor. Some exhibitors even facilitated the recreational mood at their booths, providing ping pong, a pool table, and even massage therapy!
Even though attendance was lower (7,307 attendees, down from 12,216 in 2006), the show definitely benefited from its unique location, drawing a significantly higher percentage of Asian participants than in years past. And the many new product introductions, industry announcements, pre-release demos, and, of course, renewed acquaintances made the exhibition a memorable experience for most everyone in attendance.
In this two-part article series, we will explore the latest technologies and major headlines from the IMS 2007 exhibition floor. Click on the company names below to see what happened at their booths during the show.
Acceleware, developer of special-purpose software/hardware acceleration products, demonstrated its latest solution, ClusterInABox Quad, consisting of four NVIDIA GPUs with 6 GB of onboard memory in a single system (see related story). It supports simulations for finely meshed models of up to 200 million cells, including boundaries with computations performed at speeds up to 1.7 GCells/s. Acceleware also announced the integration of its hardware solutions with CST's time domain solver within MICROWAVE STUDIO (see related story).
For more information, visit the Acceleware Web site.
Aeroflex announced that its 3280 Series spectrum analyzers now feature digital demodulation for the analysis of 802.11a, b, and g wireless networks (see related story). This new capability can be operated in one of two modes -- full-frequency mode and dual-channel mode. Digital demodulation allows you to analyze the transmitter characteristics of wireless devices in wireless design, research and development, and production test applications.
For more information, visit the Aeroflex Web site.
Agilent
Technologies
Agilent
introduced several of its latest design and
measurement solutions at the show (see
related story). Among the
highlights were MXG
signal generator and MXA
signal analyzer for R&D and manufacturing applications. The Agilent N9020A MXA features a new instrument security option for secure
measurement environments, a new phase-noise measurement application, MATLAB
drivers, time gating, and an enhanced 802.16 OFDMA (Mobile WiMAX) measurement
application. Agilent
EEsof EDA demonstrated its full line of electronic design automation (EDA) software, including Advanced
Design System (ADS), RF
Design Environment (RFDE), IC-CAP, Momentum,
Electromagnetic
Design System (EMDS), GENESYS,
SystemVue, and GoldenGate.
For more information, visit
the Agilent Technologies and
Agilent EEsof EDA
storefronts.
Anritsu Company
Anritsu announced its new MS2690A and MS2691A signal analyzers for measurements on next-generation wireless communications systems, devices, and base stations (see related story). Both analyzers can conduct fast and accurate measurements at frequencies of 3.6 GHz or higher and have no band-switch points from 50 Hz to 6 GHz. The company also introduced the S311D/S312D Site Master cable and antenna analyzers for testing of P25 and TETRA systems in the VHF/UHF, 400 MHz, and 700 to 800 MHz bands (see related story). These analyzers combine a frequency range of 2 to 1600 MHz, ease of use, and high accuracy in a portable, rugged design that weighs less than 5 pounds.
For more information, visit
the Anritsu storefront.
Ansoft's big announcement was the release of HFSS v11, the company's flagship product (see related story). The new higher-order, hierarchical basis of HFSS v11 combined with an iterative solver provides accurate fields, smaller meshes, and efficient solutions for large multi-wavelength structures. HFSS is widely used for designing RF/microwave components, on-chip passives, PCB interconnects, antennas, and IC packages.
For
more information, visit the Ansoft
storefront.
Applied Wave Research
Applied Wave Research (AWR) showcased the latest releases of its high-frequency software, Microwave Office design suite and Visual System Simulator (VSS), both in 2007 versions (see related story). Microwave Office 2007 features a new circuit extraction technology developed specifically to reduce the time required for the initial modeling of complex interconnects. VSS 2007 introduces RFA technology, an advanced system-level radio frequency architectural planning and specification tool for creating and verifying the initial specifications of a radio design before committing to hardware and/or a particular circuit design.
For
more information, visit the Applied
Wave Research storefront.
Arlon Materials For Electronics
Arlon's focus at the show was its soon-to-be-released TC600, a woven fiberglass-reinforced, ceramic-filled, PTFE-based composite material for use as a printed circuit board substrate. TC600 was designed to provide improved heat transfer through increased thermal conductivity while maintaining low dielectric loss, low insertion loss, and mechanical robustness to the 6.15 dielectric constant market. Arlon also featured its CLTE-XT, a micro-dispersed ceramic PTFE composite utilizing a woven fiberglass reinforcement to provide dimensional stability in multi-layer designs.
For more information, visit the Arlon Materials For Electronics storefront.
Auriga declared judgment day for "toast" with the release of its AU4550 Pulsed IV/RF System, a standalone bench-top solution for measuring pulsed IV/RF data in pulsed DC device modeling (see related story). This new system offers state-of-the-art measurement science in a compact, versatile, and highly adaptable desktop-sized package. In addition, Auriga announced that it had acquired the DiVA Pulsed IV Instrument series from Nanometrics Industries (see related story). With this acquisition, Auriga will explore embedding DiVA technology into its own technology and offering one system with a broader range of pulsed IV solutions.
For more information, visit the Auriga Measurement Systems storefront.
Cadence announced the addition of PCB RF technology and design methodology to the company's Allegro PCB Design XL and GXL offerings (see related story). Previously, Allegro was geared toward digital designs, but it now moves into the microwave and mixed-signal realm by including RF CAD (computer-aided design) tools. Allegro's suite of "RF-aware" capabilities now include bi-directional IFF (information flow framework) interfaces, which link the common modeling and simulation environments.
For more information, visit the Cadence Design Systems storefront.
The primary focus for Ciao was its line of RF and microwave amplifiers and assemblies for both the defense and commercial industries. Ciao offers broadband, ultra-broadband, and multi-octave amplifiers, in addition to low-noise, GPS, and limiting amplifiers. In addition, Ciao offers custom amplifier designs, usually at the same cost of the catalog product.
For more information, visit the Ciao Wireless storefront.
At its cabana-themed booth (complete with a massage table and masseuse!), CST previewed the upcoming release of CST Studio Suite version 2008, including the 3-D EM time domain tool CST Microwave Studio (see related story). The new release of Studio Suite will feature the addition of project management facilities, structural parts availability via copy/paste or sub-model imports, and automatic software updates. Acceleware's Accelerator A30 and ClusterInABox Dual D30 hardware acceleration solutions will also be available for Microwave Studio 2008 (see related story).
For more information, visit the CST storefront.
EM Software demonstrated its FEKO EMC software used for electromagnetic field analysis of 3-D structures. FEKO EMC simulations are based on the solution to Maxwell's equations by the method of moments (MoM) and is suitable for use in antenna design, antenna placement analysis, electromagnetic interference (EMI) studies, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis, RF circuit and component design, and bioelectromagnetic analysis. EM Software also announced that it will launch a new release of FEKO in July.
For more information, visit the EM Software & Systems storefront.
Fairchild displayed its latest RF solutions for 3G handset, WLAN, and WiMAX applications, including its RF power amplifiers for W-CDMA/HSDPA (see related story). These amplifiers address the need to improve battery life in next-generation 3G handsets by offering decreased current consumption at all power levels. In addition, Fairchild's technologists presented the paper "A WCDMA HBT Power Amplifier Module with Integrated Si DC Power Management IC for Current Reduction under Backoff Operation" at the symposium.
For more information, visit the Fairchild Semiconductor Web site.
Forstar, a company specializing in the production of RF connectors, cable assemblies, and microwave components, highlighted its CQA series of miniature push-pull, interlock RF connectors at the show. This series is based on a SMA connector design and features quick action, improved anti-vibration, and strong electronic and mechanical performance. The CQA series can be used in electronic equipment and communication systems.
For more information, visit the Forstar storefront.
Integra's focus was its S-band silicon bipolar power transistors, designed to address civilian and military radar applications, including ground, naval, and airborne mechanically and electronically scanned antennas. These common-base transistors offer high pulsed RF power, high gain, and a small footprint. In addition, Integra featured its CW VDMOS transistors in a wide range of power ratings and industry-standard footprints.
For more information, visit the Integra Technologies storefront.
JFW showcased a variety of products, including its new line of broadband high-power switches. Designed for applications where precision and reliability are critical, this new line of switches boasts a low insertion loss of 1 dB typical to 1.5 dB maximum, and a low VSWR of 1.4:1 maximum. Connector options for these switches include SMA, TNC, or N. Custom configurations are also available.
For more information, visit the JFW Industries storefront.
Keithley announced a series of enhancements to its Model 2910 RF Vector Signal Generator, including additional wireless signal generation waveforms, a new power calibration feature, and increased arbitrary waveform generator (ARB) memory to accommodate more and larger waveforms (see related story). The model 2910 uses versatile software architecture to adapt to the changing test requirements of the wireless market. In addition, the model 2910's continuous tuning capability from 400 MHz to 2.5 GHz covers the ISM bands used for wireless communications.
For more information, visit the Keithley Instruments storefront.
Maury introduced its new EMIT series of automated tuners, optimized for high speed in-fixture and on-wafer applications. Based on Maury's Electronic Microwave Impedance Technology (EMIT), these 800 MHz to 10 GHz tuners provide power amplifier and wireless transceiver manufacturers with a straightforward and cost-effective solution for fast prototype development and final product testing.
For more information, visit the Maury Microwave Corporation storefront.
Microsemi featured a variety of new microwave and RF power products at its booth (see related story). The company introduced its new InGaP HBT power amplifiers for 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN applications, including the new LX5535, the most powerful unit in Microsemi's amplifier portfolio. Microsemi also featured its GigaMite RF PIN diodes for WLAN and WiMAX, and its high-power, high-performance radar/avionics transistors and modules.
For more information, visit the Microsemi storefront.
Mimix focused on its new XX1001-QK 1 QFN packaged active doubler and power amplifier for microwave, point-to-point radio, VSAT (very small aperture terminal), E-band radio, automotive, and satellite communications applications. The company also introduced the XU1009-BD, a 18 to 36 GHz GaAs MMIC transmitter for point-to-point radio, LMDS (Local Multipoint Distribution Service), SATCOM, or VSAT applications (see related story), and the CMM4000-BD, a 2 to 18 GHz GaAs MMIC wideband buffer amplifier for fiber optic, microwave radio, military, space, telecom infrastructure, test instrumentation, and VSAT applications (see related story).
For more information, visit the Mimix Broadband storefront.
National Instruments Corporation
National Instruments (NI) showcased its recently introduced line of PXI RF switches for video and communications test applications (see related story). The 11 new modules include 4x1, terminated 4x1, dual 4x1, and 8x1 multiplexers, as well as quad SPDT (single pole, double throw) and dual-terminated SPDT general-purpose configurations. NI also noted its joint initiative with BAE and Phase Matrix to develop a PXI Express-based synthetic instrument for military and commercial RF and microwave applications (see related story).
For more information, visit the National Instruments Web site.
Nitronex, supplier of Gallium Nitride-on-Silicon RF power transistors for wireless communications applications, displayed its newly developed 4 watt pre-driver power transistor (see related story). Designated NPTB00004, this high-power, high efficiency transistor is designed for a wide variety of applications within the cellular, WiMAX, and broadband markets. Nitronex also featured the NPT25100, its new 100 watt GaN-on-Si (gallium nitride on silicon) power transistor, designed specifically for 2.3 to 2.7 GHz WiMAX applications (see related story).
For more information, visit the Nitronex Web site.
Planar Electronics Technology featured its new configurable system platform, the PET-VI. This platform consists of three plug-and-play, field-replaceable modules, namely the power supply module, computer module, and the RF module. In addition, it is user configurable and easily adaptable to meet many military and commercial requirements.
For more information, visit the Planar Electronics Technology storefront.
QuinStar's focus was on its custom modules, including the new QTH series of 200 watt high-power terminations with a Ka- to W-band frequency range. These terminations are suitable for use in high-power source test sets and instruments. The company also featured its Ka- to W-band noise source covering the frequency range of 18 to 110 GHz in seven waveguide bands with up to full standard waveguide band coverage.
For more information, visit the QuinStar Technology storefront.
R&D Microwaves showcased its 30 dB dual directional couplers, covering wireless applications in the 800 to 2170 MHz band. These patent-pending couplers are suitable for antenna power monitoring applications in base station installations. In addition, R&D featured its unequal power dividers that use a novel, patented airline coaxial structure.
For more information, visit the R&D Microwaves Web site.
RF Micro Devices (RFMD) highlighted its new portfolio of GaAs pHEMT low noise amplifiers (LNAs) for wireless infrastructure (see related story). These new broadband LNAs offer capabilities from 700 to 3800 MHz and provide a combination of noise and linearity performance. The company also demonstrated its GaN high power products for commercial and military applications, including the new RF393X family of 48 V gallium nitride (GaN) power transistors, offering power performance from 10 W to 120 W and wide tunable bandwidth (see related story).
For more information, visit the RFMD storefront.
RLC, designer and manufacturer of precision microwave components, displayed its newly-launched variable phase shifter. The model PSM-10 provides a full 360 degrees of phase shift, which is accomplished over a /-10% bandwidth using two manual adjustment controls of 0 to 180 degrees each. Input and output impedance for the PSM-10 is 50 ohms.
For more information, visit the RLC Electronics storefront.
Sonnet's primary focus was the newly launched Sonnet Suites Professional Release 11. This new version of Sonnet Suites features co-calibrated ports, which are based on a new de-embedding technology that enables perfect calibration of internal port groups (see related story). Sonnet Release 11 also includes a 64-bit electromagnetic (EM) solver capable of full-wave EM analysis with no limitation on the computer's physical memory capacity.
For more information, visit the Sonnet Software storefront.
SUSS featured its SussCal Professional calibration software for accurate 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-port RF and microwave measurements. SussCal Professional includes the LRM and RRMT calibration methods and can automate the calibration process in conjunction with a semiautomatic or fully automated probe system. The software also handles an unlimited number of calibration substrates and stores their positions in relation to the device under test, eliminating probe crashes and device damage.
For
more information, visit the SUSS
MicroTec storefront.
Terabeam showcased its HGM and HGV series Gunn oscillators and VCOs, featuring InP diodes and covering the 7 to 100 GHz range. In addition, they displayed the HLNA (low-noise amplifiers), HHMPA (power amplifiers), and HAFM (frequency multipliers) millimeter-wave product lines. Terabeam also distributed its new millimeter-wave components catalog on CD-ROM, which highlights its new low-noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, and active multipliers, and provides mixer conversion loss and SPDT switch specifications.
For more information, visit the Terabeam HXI storefront.
Trilithic, manufacturer of RF attenuators, switches, and custom assemblies, highlighted its new 18 GHz fixed attenuators and power dividers featuring input power of up to 150 watts CW. These attenuators are suitable for test environments and production applications. The company also featured its variable attenuators, including new programmable attenuators in both relay and solid-state formats.
For more information, visit the Trilithic Web site.
TriQuint featured two new high-power amplifiers, the TGA4916 and TGA4906, for the design of SATCOM ground terminal RF chipsets (see related story). These GaAs MMICs were developed for products that deliver satellite-based Internet service, data transfer, and video uploads/downloads. TriQuint also introduced several RF packaged products. Known as the MFC series, these GaAs ICs were developed for use in point-to-point radio and satellite communications applications (see related story).
For more information, visit the TriQuint Semiconductor Web site.
M/A-COM's focal point was its newly released HMIC PIN diode SP2T 8 watt switch that operates from .05 to 6 GHz for use in Wi-Fi and WiMAX applications (see related story). M/A-COM also presented a new line of radiating cable antennas for cellular, Bluetooth, and WLAN frequency band installations, as well as airborne, vehicular, and ground-based applications (see related story). In addition, the company announced the expansion of its RFID reader module line to include new I/Q (in-phase/quadrature), source, and transmit modules (see related story).
For more information, visit the Tyco Electronics - M/A-COM storefront.
Gore showcased its 100 Series Assemblies for use on devices where critical signals must reach tightly spaced connection points (see related story). These flexible and semi-rigid assemblies are available as small as 0.047 in. (1.2 mm) and can fit on less than 0.085 in. (2.2 mm) centers. A full portfolio of GORE 100 Series Connectors, including test adapters, is also available to help RF designers save weight, reduce the size, and improve the performance of their devices.
For more information, visit the W. L. Gore storefront.
Zeland demonstrated the newest versions of its IE3D And Fidelity software (see related story). Version 12.12 of IE3D, Zeland's method-of-moments-based electromagnetic (EM) software for high-performance network distributed simulation and optimization, introduces the conjugate match factor for RFID antenna designers. In addition, it includes the IE3D FastEM Design Kit for real-time full-wave EM tuning, optimization, and synthesis.
For more information, visit the Zeland Software storefront.