Reflective Switch for 23-30 GHz
Hittite Microwave, the world class supplier of
complete MMIC based solutions for communication & military markets, has introduced
a new reflective, SP4T switch that is ideal for demanding applications requiring
broadband performance, low insertion loss, fast switching speed and high power handling
capability. The
HMC1084LC4 is a broadband reflective GaAs MESFET SP4T switch that
provides frequency coverage from 23 to 30 GHz, with 11 dB return loss,
26 dB isolation and 2.8 dB insertion loss at 30 GHz, and a switching
speed of 15 ns.
Puzzle for September 15th
Take a much-deserved break and work this week's
Radio & Radar themed crossword puzzle. This one won't take too long. All the
words are pulled from a hand-built list of terms, names, and abbreviations that
have only to do with science, mathematics, and engineering. If you want a crossword
with names of movie stars and obscure countries, try the local newspaper. If you
want to exercise your nerd knowledge, this is the one for you.
and AS9100 Certifications
NuWaves Engineering, an international Radio Frequency
and Embedded Systems solutions provider, announces it has achieved both
ISO 9001:2008 and AS9100:2009 Rev C certifications for its Quality Management
System by EAGLE Registrations Inc. Its scope includes research and development as
well as design and production of RF systems and subsystems. "NuWaves is excited
to join the top tier suppliers in our industry with these highly respected quality
certifications," said Jeff Wells, President and CEO of NuWaves Engineering. "It's
a testament to our employees and their dedication."
Unit for Phased Array
Radar
Planar Monolithics Industries has introduced PMI Model No. IFE-DRS-KIT, an
Integrated
Front End (IFE) unit that consists of a low noise amplifier, RF
Log Detector, and a low noise video amplifier. This integrated unit was designed
to support a phased array radar automated test set. Operational frequency is in
the 9-10 GHz band with an input power level of -40 to -48 dBm.
for Wireless Range
Linx Technologies has published a white paper
titled, "Considerations for Wireless Range." Author Justin Hopper writes,
"One of the first questions one asks when evaluating a wireless system is 'what
range will it get?' The answer to the wireless range question is somewhat complicated.
The range of a wireless system is dependent on several interdependent factors. Some
are internal to the design of the product and some are external. There are
ways of estimating the wireless range of a system by taking into account several
factors. The first factors in determining wireless range..."
Engineers and Technicians
My electronics career began in the USAF as
a radar system maintenance specialist, where I did not have exposure to engineers
except a rare visit by a communications officer during system certification tests.
Following separation (aka "getting out"), I went to work as an electronics
technician for Westinghouse at the Oceanic Division in Annapolis, Maryland. It was
the first time I worked alongside engineers. My nature is to be subservient and
respectful toward people put in charge of my activities, whether at work or otherwise,
so I was surprised to witness an
underlying rift
that persisted between engineers and technicians. A minority of the techs seemed
to harbor resentment for the engineers and took every opportunity to highlight their
mistakes, no matter how minor. Derisive comments were usually reserved for the benefit
of co-workers, not the engineers themselves (backbiting). I admired
most of the engineers enough that it motivated me to spend many years taking classes
part-time to earn my own BSEE degree. On one occasion a production test technician
discovered an incorrect voltage reference level on a comparator circuit in a very
complex mixed signal circuit...
IDGA's
Military Antennas East Summit
will address the evolving development of antennas as an ever-critical component
of all military communication capabilities; in doing so, it will delve into the
development of Ground, Air, Sea, and Space-based antennas, along with software radios,
vehicle communications, and SATCOM. It will also uncover the newest in antenna technology,
including small wideband antennas, metamaterial antennas, GPS programs, superconducting
RF systems, adaptable RF, and more. Washington Plaza Hotel, September 17-18,
2013.
As
you read this, veteran North Carolina balloonist
Jonathan Trappe
is floating over the Atlantic Ocean somewhere right now in a small wicker gondola
lifted aloft by a cluster of colorful party balloons. It departed from Maine on
Thursday, September 12, 2013. A story on the ARRL website reports that amateur
radio is onboard. Mr. Trappe is no newcomer to flying in such contraptions. In
2012 he and a specially designed small house used a similar buoyancy arrangement
to float above Mexico. A "toy balloon" flight over the Alps met with success in
September of 2011. Trappe became the only person to have crossed the English Channel
by cluster balloon...
Counters His Own Report
IMS ExpertServices periodically sends out
e-mails that highlight recent key court cases that can significantly affect the
effectiveness of expert testimony, both for the plaintiff and for the defendant.
This latest case involves an expert who contradicted
during oral testimony what he claimed in his written report. The mistake cost the
company that hired him as an advocate to lose their patent infringement claim. I'm
guessing the company has initiated a new lawsuit based on the outcome. Attorney
Robert Ambrogi weighs in on the situation...
Advertisement
One sure giveaway to
the age of a picture is the presence of a wheat penny, a buffalo nickel, or a Mercury
dime. This 1957 advertisement for
Channel Master antennas has all three. It shows a walking Liberty
half dollar as well. Quarters haven't changed much over the years, with George Washington's
head on the obverse side since 1932. The wheat penny design ended in 1959 when the
Lincoln Memorial was put on the reverse side in its place. Thomas Jefferson's head
has been on the nickel since 1938. Theodore Roosevelt's head was ensconced on the
obverse of the dime in 1946. John F. Kennedy was placed on the half dollar obverse
in 1964. This ad is about antennas, not coins, though. For a lot, if not most, of
RF Cafe visitors, there has always been cable and satellite television. For some,
TV has always been...
As My Newest Advertiser
Nortec RF is an engineering design and manufacturing company specialized
in RF and Microwave products, with more than 22 years of experience designing
power combiners and dividers,
directional couplers,
hybrid couplers, and filters.
Their research and development group and engineering team constantly introduces
new, top of the line products into the product line. Please visit Nortec RF
today and thank them for helping to deliver RF Cafe.
Weather Bureau Before Radar
Did you
know that from 1885 until 1938, prior to the advent of radar, the U.S. Weather Bureau
banned the use of the word 'tornado' in
weather forecasts? According to a story in Spectrum magazine, the bureau
thought the mere mention of the word would strike fear in people and prevent them
from settling in tornado-prone Midwest and western plains regions. Believe it or
not, the decision was made in part because local business owners complained that
customers stayed home in shelters rather than shopping at their establishments when
a tornado warning was in effect. An early tornado warning system was devised that
was so hokey that it is no surprise it never worked well enough to be adopted. A
single wire with a series current running through it was strung between all the
houses and along a stretch of land southwest of town (most probable approach direction
of tornados). The current energized a solenoid that held cocked the hammer of a
bell. If a tornado broke the wire anywhere, the bells in all outfitted homes would
strike to warn occupants of immediate danger. I suppose it was better than nothing,
but not very practical or effective, especially if a stray cow or mischievous kid
broke...
Calibration Kit
Dongjin
Technology Innovation announces the immediate availability of an
N-Type Calibration Kit for use with
high precision network analyzers and other test equipment requiring calibrated short,
open, or 50 Ω load. A patented design delivers 10% higher electric performance
at 50% low cost and very fast delivery. Contact Dongjin Technology Innovations today
for details and pricing.
and DCH Systems for Support
In case you haven't heard, Triad RF
Systems and DCH Systems have combined forces recently to bring you a powerhouse
of amplifier design expertise. Dean Handrinos and Steve Barthelmes are highly capable
RF amplifier and system designers who each
leveraged expertise gained from prior industry experience to start their own companies
a few years ago. I didn't ask how Triad RF Systems was chosen as the new name for
their merged companies - maybe it was a coin toss. Very soon you will see the DCH
Systems ads disappear from RF Cafe, but you can still reach Dean at Triad RF Systems.
If you have a chance, please contact them and wish them good fortune on their new
endeavor.
from ISS... Courtesy of Russia
Expedition 36 crew members Chris Cassidy
of NASA and Pavel Vinogradov and Alexander Misurkin of the Russian Federal Space
Agency have returned to Earth from the International Space Station, landing safely
in Kazakhstan at 10:58 p.m. EDT Tuesday. Cassidy, Vinogradov and Misurkin, who launched
to the station March 29, spent 166 days in space. They completed 2,656 orbits of
Earth and traveled more than 70 million miles. Vinogradov conducted one spacewalk,
bringing his career total to seven spacewalks with an accumulated time of 38 hours,
25 minutes. Misurkin conducted three spacewalks...
Design as Easy as 1, 2,
3
Electronic equipment manufacturers
wanting to embed RFID technology in their products
are now able to do so without needing deep UHF antenna design experience thanks
to NXP Semiconductors' new online software tool. The RFID – PCB Antenna Designer
tool helps implement antennas on a PCB in the UHF frequency range (840-960 MHz).
UHF antenna design is more complex than a typical HF antenna design and needs an
expert understanding of the electronic design constraints. With the RFID – PCB Antenna
Designers can simply input parameters, such as space available on the PCB, target
performance, board materials, and target frequency range in the region of application
to receive a turnkey UHF antenna design for their specific application.
Looks Like
An Al Qaeda attack on
the power grid was my first thought on this eve of the 9-11 anniversary. When we
arrived at Erie's World of Music at 7:00 PM for Melanie to take her music lesson,
we were greeted by employees telling us all lessons were cancelled due to a
power
outage. The lights were on when we left home 15 minutes earlier, and were still
on when we got back. Isn't it odd how a music school can't function these days without
power because most of the instruments use electricity? The acoustic guitars have
electronic pick-ups now just like classic electric guitars, pianos are synthesized
keyboards, and even the drum sets are electronic look-alikes. Having it that way
facilitates keeping noise levels down during the dozen or more instruction sessions
happening at any given time. It can get pretty loud in the WoM basement even with
volumes turned down
Synth with Ultra Low Φ
Noise
Z-Communications,
Inc. announces a new RoHS compliant Fixed Frequency Synthesizer model
SFS10000C-LF
in X-band. The SFS10000C-LF is a single frequency synthesizer that operates at 10
GHz and features a typical phase noise of -100 dBc/Hz @ 10 KHz offset and typical
sideband spurs of -70 dBc over the temperature range of -40º to 85º C.. The SFS10000C-LF
is designed to deliver a typical output power of 0 dBm with a VCO voltage supply
of 5 Vdc Typical 2nd harmonic suppression of -30 dBc. SFS10000C-LF is an excellent
choice for broadband transmission and fixed wireless applications.
3,000 Souls Lost
Untold Freedoms
Lost
Twelve years ago
on this date Americans had their worlds turned upside-down with the news of hijacked
airliners crashing into the two World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and a field
in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. For a myriad of reasons ranging from political correctness
to incompetence, the many indicators of such an attack being perpetrated were ignored.
Then, as now, news agencies and government offices refuse to identify the terrorists
as extremist Muslims. As you remember that horrific day, keep in mind all of the
American and ally servicemen who have died or have been gravely wounded in following
years, and think of the multitude of freedoms you have lost since then...
MMIC PA Covers 15
to 20 GHz
Hittite
Microwave has launched a new power amplifier which maintains excellent performance
over its operating frequency range. The
HMC6981LS6 is ideal for high linearity point-to-point and point-to-multi-point
radios, SATCOM, military and space applications. The HMC6981LS6 is a four-stage
GaAs pHEMT MMIC power amplifier which operates between 15 to 20 GHz. Ideal
for covering the 18 GHz licensed microwave radio band, the amplifier provides
26 dB of gain, +34.5 dBm of saturated output power, and 25% PAE from a
+6 V supply. Up to +43.5 dBm OIP3 and drawing only 1100 mA from
a +6 V supply.
in Using Graphs and Charts
I've
always had a problem with book and article titles containing the word 'Modern' because
it is utterly ambiguous. What was modern in 1932 is usually obsolete merely a decade
later, especially in high technology (not so much in buggy whip state-of-the-art
methods, though). Sometimes, as with this article on
insulation breakdown voltages, bringing the information up to
date requires only the substitution of a few words. For instance, replace 'condenser'
with 'capacitor' and units of 'mfd' with 'μF' and 'mmfd' with 'pF,' then you'll
be on your way to gaining useful information. There is a nice nomograph for use
in designing capacitors for specific voltage handling and a table of dielectric
puncturing voltages as well.
DIN 7/16 Connector
Dongjin Technology Innovation announces the immediate
availability of very affordable, patented,
composite DIN 7/16 connectors. The body material is a composite plastic black
with silver-plated bronze contacts, as opposed to a standard brass body and beryllium-copper
(Be-Cu) contacts. This newly developed 7/16 connector is seeing a steep
increase in use in leading countries like Japan, Germany, and the USA.
Basic Antennas: Understanding Practical Antennas and Design, by Joel R. Hallas
(QST's "The Doctor Is In" columnist). Basic Antennas is a comprehensive
introduction to antennas--basic concepts, practical designs, and details of easy-to-build
antennas. You'll learn how to make antennas that really work! This book will provide
a foundation in antenna theory and design necessary for anyone undertaking more
advanced topics such as those presented in The ARRL Antenna Book. Includes: Dipole
Antennas, Antenna Impedance, Transmission Lines, Practical Two Element Arrays, Wideband
and Multiband Antennas Reflector Antennas, Yagis for HF and VHF, Loop Antennas,
Antennas for Microwave Applications, Vehicle Antennas, Antenna Measurements, Plus,
an Introduction to Antenna Modeling...and much more!
It is no secret that I have a soft spot
in my heart for vintage electronic equipment, particularly
vacuum tube radios. Believe
it or not, you can even today buy a new radio with tubes, but the tubes will only
be in the speaker driver circuit. The front-end tuner circuitry will be solid state.
That's OK, because you still get a "real" orange glow from the tubes. If you really
want a nostalgic experience, you will need to procure an authentic vintage radio.
Until about a decade ago, you used to be able to jokingly say that you have a computer
or a television that still uses vacuum tube technology. Now that there are virtually
no CRT computer monitors or TV screens in service (in 1st-world countries,
anyway), you can't get away with it. Bummer. I suppose someday when holographic
or direct neural imaging is commonplace, late-adopter types (like me)
will joke about our computers and TVs still having physical displays. On of the
few remaining realms for vacuum tubes is high power transmitters used in radio and
television broadcasting. It is evidently still cheaper and easier to build a tube...
Programmable Attenuators
JFW Industries, Inc. is pleased to announce two
new additions to our series of mini-benchtop, programmable attenuator assemblies.
The
50BA-011-95 offers 0-95 dB of attenuation in 1 dB steps from 200-6000
MHz, while the
50BA-010-127 gives 0-127 dB and operates 700-3000 MHz. Other
configurations are also available. The mini benchtop models are JFW's latest line
of attenuator assemblies. These units are DC powered using a wall transformer that
is shipped with each unit. The attenuation of each variable attenuator is displayed
on the front panel. Controlled remotely or manually.
for Continued Support
Dow-Key Microwave Corporation is the world's largest manufacturer of
electro-mechanical RF switches. They are AS9100/ISO-9001
certified and committed to providing unparalleled customer service, competitive
pricing, on-time delivery and switch products that are distinguished by quality
and reliability. Dow-Key offers the largest switch product line in the world with
over 10,000 unique configurations.
Course - Series & Parallel
Not everyone
who visits websites like RF Cafe are seasoned electronics veterans. While you and
I can do series and parallel circuit analysis (and series/parallel for that
matter, possibly using Fourier or La Place transforms for reactive AC circuits)
in our sleep, many are recently getting into the wonderful world of electronics
who are just coming of age or have suddenly at a later point in life developed a
passion for the craft. Accordingly, this article from Radio News provides yet another
tutorial on the fundamentals of
series and parallel circuit analysis. Only resistors and basic
Ohms law are covered.
As My Newest Advertiser!
Founded in 2005, LadyBug Technologies manufactures the PowerSensor™ line of miniaturized
USB RF & microwave power sensors.
LadyBug manufactures high accuracy average, pulse, and pulse profiling sensors with
GUI interfaces covering up to 26.5 GHz and 80 dB dynamic range. These
sensors set a, patented industry standard, No Zero / No Cal technology.
There is no need to disconnect or wait for internal zeroing and calibration prior
to making accurate low power measurements. Driver support is provided.
In Appreciation of Support
Cobham Antenna Systems, formerly European Antennas, has been a long-time advertiser
on RF Cafe. Cobham specializes in the design and development of high gain,
printed circuit antenna arrays,
ultra wide-band directional antennas,
multi-octave bicones and high gain collinear omni-directional antennas. They have
a large catalogue of antenna designs. Specialist development projects from 250 MHz
to 40 GHz. Communication industry awareness and expertise in antenna physics
ensure customer satisfaction is their forte.
"If
you've got someone who's good in an emergency, get rid of him or you'll always have
emergencies." Anon - old engineering saying per
Sherlock Ohms author Rod Hine.
Crossword for 9/8/2013
Take a much-deserved break and work this week's
Microwave Engineering themed crossword puzzle. All the words are
pulled from a hand-built list of terms, names, and abbreviations that have only
to do with science, mathematics, and engineering. If you want a crossword with names
of movie stars and obscure countries, try the local newspaper. If you want to exercise
your nerd knowledge, this is the one for you.
in Modern Radar Tests
Thanks to
Rohde & Schwarz, a leading manufacturer of RF & microwave test equipment,
for allowing this reprint for their "Simplifying Signal Analysis in Modern Radar Tests" article that
appeared in Microwave Journal's August 2013 edition of Military Microwaves
publication. The R&S
FSW-K6 Signal and Spectrum Analyzer is used to make measurements
and for screen shots. "The evaluation of direct digital synthesis (DDS)-based
radar systems is challenging for traditional signal analysis test techniques. This
is especially true when it comes to pulse compression analysis, pulse trend analysis
over time and frequency agility verification. The test tools used to simplify the
testing of modern radar systems are evolving, like the systems they must test. This
article focuses on the evolution of spectrum analyzers from relatively basic instruments
used for measuring traditional pulsed signals to the advanced test system architectures
required for signal analysis of leading-edge radars. Sophisticated, next-generation
radar systems benefit from advances in digital technology and computational power.
The trend is toward the use of DDS to enable powerful wideband waveform..."
Rentals - Thanks!
Thanks once again to Advanced Test Equipment Rentals for supporting RF Cafe through
continued advertising. Please consider their services when looking for test equipment.
ATER (aka ATEC) provides the latest models of
test and measurement equipment from top name
manufacturers like Agilent, Fluke, Anritsu, R&S, Tektronix, and Yokogawa. Their
primary focus is providing a complete rental solution of test and measurement equipment
to industries such as Aerospace, Defense, EMC, and Communications.
from Empower RF
Systems!
Empower
RF Systems continues to leverage next generation hardware and software architecture
and is proud to introduce the next series of the "size matters" portfolio -
500 W in 3U chassis. This new PA family
operates in the frequency ranges of 20 - 500 MHz (Model 2173),
500 - 1000 MHz (Model 2174) and 20 - 1000 MHz (Model
2175) with the output power guaranteed over full bandwidth and temperature.
You won't find another HPA alternative in the marketplace that rivals our unique
combination of package, size, weight and power, not to mention, an inventory program
from a global distributor Richardson RFPD.
to the Public
This
is a great primer for anyone looking for an easily understandable way to explain
the basics of
radio signal fading to acquaintances, or for that matter to understand
it yourself if you don't already. As I review the material for taking my amateur
radio General Class exam, there is information about atmospheric absorption in the
various ionospheric layers during daytime and nighttime. Prior to studying the manual,
I either never knew or once knew but have forgotten about the upper F1 and F2 layers
combining into a single layer at night when the sun's radiation and particle bombardment
is blocked by the earth. This article doesn't go that deep into the physics, but
it does a good job of making a complex topic simple enough...
Cellphone Evolution
Nokia has been in the news lately for having
sold its cellphone line to Microsoft for $7.2 billion (US). Was it
a good move? At least immediately, it depends on whether you owned Microsoft stock
or Nokia stock. Responding to the news, Microsoft's stock shed $1.52
(-4.6%) to close Tuesday at $31.88. Nokia's shares surged $1.22
(+31%), to finish at $5.12. Microsoft's Windows Phone operating
system has been in Nokia phones since 2011. Nokia was knocked from its #1 rank pedestal
a couple years ago and is currently in the #2 slot, with Apple following, then China's
ZTE. Nokia's debut in the cellphone realm was in 1992 with the Mobira Senator. It
wasn't quite a bag phone, but...
for Continued Support!
For over 25 years Res-Net Microwave has manufactured
precision
RF & microwave attenuators, terminations, and other components, and now
diode detectors for commercial, military, and space applications. Res-Net Microwave
is a leader in the development and production of the metal films required for these
types of RF/microwave attenuators, terminations, and resistors up to 2 kW. Now offering
4-week lead times on standard products including: attenuators, resistors, and terminations.
Transmission Line Impedance
Note: See answer submitted
by Greg F.
RF Cafe visitor L. Joseph wrote to request that
the following question be posted in hope that someone will provide an answer. If
you care to reply, please either e-mail your answer to me so I can post it, or reply
on LinkedIn.
"This is the question I am trying to get an answer for: Let us take
a 100 ohm termination in a 50 ohm system and add a
50 ohm transmission line of 0.2 lambda (0.2λ) length.
At the end of this 0.2 lambda line I will get an impedance corresponding to
some VSWR1. Then, I change the termination from 100 ohms to 75 ohms
and at the end of the 0.2 lambda line VSWR2 will be VSWR2
= VSWR1/(100/75) = VSWR1/1.33. Will the same rule apply..."
Two New Step Attenuators
Kete Microwave Company announces two new additions
to their line of RF variable/step
attenuators. Both models are panel mountable and have SMA connectors. Part number
DRA2-2.7-30-SMAF (left) is a Dual Rotary Attenuator with an attenuation
range of 0-30 dB from DC-2.7 GHz with a VSWR of 1.30:1 to 1.40:1. Part
number SRA2-2.2-10-SMAF (right) is a Single Rotary Attenuator with
an attenuation range of 0-10 dB from DC-2.2 GHz . Both units handle up
to 2 W at an operating temperature range from -55°C to +85°C.
Scattering Parameters
RF engineer Joe Cahak, owner of Sunshine Design Engineering Services, has written
a series of white papers on S-parameters. This third installment is titled, "Measurements with Scattering Parameters." "In many RF and Microwave
measurements the S-Parameters are typically expressed in dB (decibels)
Magnitude units and Degrees in the polar coordinate system. Network and Vector Network
Analyzers and Spectrum Analyzers all measure with voltage ratio measurements, so
to convert to dB in terms of volts we must use the following equation..."
Are Bad
Here is an interesting short
article on the EDN website. Author Eric Bogatin, who has written books such as
Signal and Power Integrity - Simplified, asserts that common [mode]
currents (he detests the 'mode' term), while not desirable, are not
always a matter of concern. "Generally, if the return path of the common current
is far from the signal path, then these common currents will radiate. These are
bad common currents. But if you can engineer the return path of the common current
to be in proximity to the source current, the loop area will be small and he common
current will not radiate." "Not all common currents are bad. Give microstrip traces
a break."
e-Cards with a Mission
Mike Press was a department
manager at RFMD during my 6½ years there as an RF Applications Engineer. While he
and I only worked together a couple times, we did manage to hold a few memorable
discussions - usually on holidays when most normal people had taken the day off
- on a broad range of social, economic, and national defense topics. None of humanity's
problems were ever solved as a result of our dialogs, but I did come to have a great
respect for Mike's worldview as what I deem a classical Liberal. By that I mean
one whose focus is on compassion for his fellow man and truly wanting to foster
unity, as opposed to many modern Liberals who seem angrily intolerant and want to
destroy anyone that disagrees with any of their positions. Yes, some Conservatives
are regrettably that way as well...
Drawing Winner Steve L. !
Each
month I select someone to receive a
free book from
those provided by Artech House and Cambridge University Press. They are often books
I have used to create
quizzes. How to enter? Either buy one of my inexpensive
software
offerings or send me an e-mail. This month's winner, Steve L., selected Introduction
to
High-Frequency Integrated Circuits (Cambridge University Press),
by Rosin Voinigescu. "A transistor-level, design-intensive overview of high speed
and high frequency monolithic integrated circuits for wireless and broadband systems
from 2-200 GHz, this comprehensive text covers high-speed, RF, mm-wave, and
optical fibre circuits using nanoscale CMOS, SiGe BiCMOS, and III-V technologies..."
in Handsets and Tablets
Skyworks
Solutions unveils a highly integrated,
5 GHz
front-end module for wireless connectivity, Bluetooth and mobile applications
that exceeds 802.11n system requirements. The SKY65535-11 integrates a power
amplifier, a low noise amplifier with bypass, and a single-pole-double-throw, transmit/receive
switch in a 16-pin, 2.5 x 2.5 mm, quad-flat-no-lead package.
Because the solution provides a direct connection to the battery with a 3.6 V
nominal supply voltage that removes the need for regulators and associated components,
the module reduces the overall bill of material costs and space requirements on
the circuit board. An integrated power detector with 20 dB of dynamic
range that delivers closed-loop power control within the system.
Microwave Mixer Technology
Microwave Mixer Technology, by Bert Henderson and Edmar Camargo, is
published by Cambridge University Press. Although microwave mixers play a critical
role in wireless communication and other microwave applications employing frequency
conversion circuits, engineers find that most books on this subject emphasize theoretical
aspects, rather than practical applications. That's about to change with the forthcoming
release of Microwave Mixer Technology and Applications. Based on a review of over
one thousand patents on mixers and frequency conversion, authors Bert Henderson
and Edmar Camargo have written a comprehensive book for mixer designers who want
solid ideas for solving their own design challenges.
Performance Connectors
Dongjin
Technology Innovation announces the immediate availability of very
high performance connectors. Industry standard
connector types have useful frequencies extended from the typical 11 GHz up
to 18 GHz using proprietary constructions such as soldered shield connections
for better isolation and higher pull-off force. Contact Donjin Technology Innovations
today for details and pricing.
Appreciation of Their Support
Windfreak Technology designs, manufactures,
tests and sells high value radio frequency products such as
RF Signal Generators, RF Synthesizers, RF
Power Detectors, RF Mixers, RF Upconverters and RF downconverters. They develop
high quality, reliable, low cost products to make your life easier. Windfreak Tech
is developing high quality, low cost products to make life easier for RF Engineers
and hobbyist. Future products will be more synthesizers, transmitters, receivers
and test equipment. All at low cost.
"A
fool with a tool is still a fool." - Anon. This comment was left by a website visitor
in response to the news story about a
drone operator who ran his craft into a groom's head while filming a wedding
video.
Tri-Gun Receiver Circuits
This was a multi-part series published by
Radio & Television News in the days when
color TV was the domain of the more well-to-do folks on the block.
Needless to say, nobody I knew had color TV before abound 1968. One of my friend's
father owned a fairly profitable gas station and service garage, so they were the
first to have one. For some inexplicable reason, his mother never allowed more than
one or two of us into the house at a time, so we drew straws to see who got to witness
that fabled miracle of technology. I was about third in line. Insomuch as the 1960s
were a much more polite and private time than the present, peeking through a living
room window for a preview was expressly verboten. In fact, going into a friend's
house for any reason was rare. The privileged appointments were strictly adhered
to...
The folks
at Rev Response have a pretty big collection of white papers on a very wide range
of subjects that are free for downloading. Well, not quite free - they do require
you to sign in, but no $$$ is involved. I make a few pennies on each download, so
you're helping to support RF Cafe if you participate. Here are a few of the newer
ones that might interest you:
-
Cut That Cord! How to
Ditch Cable
-
Windows 8 Keyboard
Shortcuts Cheat Sheet
-
Aerospace Industry Takes
a Fresh Look at Its Wire
Harness Design Approach
-
Critical Success Factors for
Consumer Electronics &
Appliance Companies to
Meet Today's Top 3 Issues
-
Top 5 Tips for Choosing
Mobile Computers
-
7 Steps for Using Twitter
for Small Business
-
Photoshop CS6 Unlocked:
101 Tips, & Tricks -Free 61
Page Preview
for September 1, 2013
Take a break and work this week's RF Engineering
themed crossword puzzle. All the words are pulled from a hand-built list of terms,
names, and abbreviations that have only to do with science, mathematics, and engineering.
If you want a crossword with names of movie stars and obscure countries, try the
local newspaper. If you want to exercise your nerd knowledge, this is the one for
you.
