See Page 1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 of the October 2019 homepage archives. Thursday 31
 Prior to modern flat screen LED, LCD, and
(rarely anymore) plasma television displays, image projection systems ruled. Cathode
ray tubes (CRTs) dominated image displays from around the 1940 through the early
2000s. Prior to that electromechanical projection schemes were used to basically
magnify a small picture and display it on a larger screen - either from the front
or from the back. Some of the gizmos were pretty complicated with whirling plates
and clacking shutters. Dr. Vladimir Zworykin, who wrote this 1948 Radio-Craft magazine
article, is widely credited for making television practical with his image orthicon, or iconoscope, "camera" tube for capturing
real-time moving images in the transmitter. He also made significant
improvements in the cathode ray tube for projecting the images in the receiver.
RCA, for whom...
 SF Circuits' specialty is in the complex,
advanced technology of
PCB fabrication and assembly, producing high quality multi-layered
PCBs from elaborate layouts. With them, you receive unparalleled technical expertise
at competitive prices as well as the most progressive solutions available. Their
customers request PCB production that is outside the capabilities of normal circuit
board providers. Please take a moment to visit San Francisco Circuits today.
 Ward Silver (N0AX) retired from writing his
"Hands-On
Radio" monthly column in QST magazine back in 2017, but his sage-ness
continues to appear in QST,
Nuts & Volts, and other publications. The
November 2019 QST (login required) issue contains a very
nice article of his entitled, "About Impedance Matching with Transmission Lines."
If you are studying for a Ham license, you'll want to read it. Mr. Silver also
has an excellent presentation video on
 YouTube entitled, "The Basics of Impedance
Matching" that is well worth your time if you're at all fuzzy on the topic.
Here is the "Impedance Matching 101," Power Point presentation used. Oh, RF
Cafe is referenced in the QST aforementioned article!
 "At next week's annual Association of Old
Crows (AOC) Symposium, Teledyne Defense Electronics (TDE) will be featuring its
latest advancement in VPX modular technology, a
66U VPX Transceiver with the fastest tuning and lowest phase
noise performance available on the market today. Teledyne developed the
Transceiver on a modular platform to address the industry's interest in
compressing development cycles and planning for technology insertion in program
life extensions. This broadband 6-18 GHz VPX card is ideal for meeting the
increasingly demanding requirements of today's microwave Transceiver
applications in an open systems-based platform. In addition to its new
standard-setting phase noise and tuning performance levels, the 6U Transceiver
offers a high dynamic..."
 "North Sea Link, a
subsea electricity cable linking the UK with Norway, will be the
longest interconnector of its kind in the world. Jon Excell explores the engineering
challenges behind this milestone energy project It's perhaps surprising, given the
increasingly divisive nature of the Brexit conundrum. But at a time when all we
seem hear about is the severing of political ties to Europe, the UK is becoming
ever more closely connected to the European mainland via an ambitious series of
underwater power cables linking its energy network with the grids of its nearest
continental neighbors. Across Europe, these so-called interconnectors, which enable
countries to trade and transfer electricity across borders ..."
 Alliance Test sells
used / refurbished
test equipment and offers short- and long-term rentals. They also offer repair,
maintenance and calibration. Prices discounted up to 80% off list price. Agilent/HP,
Tektronix, Anritsu, Fluke, R&S and other major brands. A global organization
with ability to source hard to find equipment through our network of suppliers.
Please visit Allied Test Equipment today to see how they can help your project.
Wednesday 30
 Hmmm... this is the first time recall either
of Carl's or Jerry's father, at least where either was present in the story. Their
mothers are mentioned on occasion for providing sandwiches or uttering words of
caution when embarking on a sleuthing mission. In this episode entitled "Two Tough Customers," creator and author John T. Frye have
the techno-teens set out on an adventure to shop for a good deal on a fundamentally
sound car - which they would own in a partnership set up by their fathers. As you
would expect if you are an ardent C&J follower, their effort includes inspecting
not just the mechanical integrity but also the electrical system health. Frye always
used his stories as the basis for a lesson on some technical aspect of everyday
life. The boys broke teenage car owners into three groups: Hot-Rodders, Show-Offs,
and Mechs. They seemed to assign one trait or the other, but not a combination
thereof. Personally, I was a bit of all three with my first car - a 1969
Camaro SS. While reading, see if you notice what I did about the battery
measurement...
RF Cafe's raison d'être is and always has been to provide useful, quality content
for engineers, technicians, engineering managers, students, and hobbyists. Part
of that mission is offering to post applicable job openings. HR department employees
and/or managers of hiring companies are welcome to submit opportunities for posting
at no charge (of course a gratuity will be graciously accepted). 3rd party recruiters
and temp agencies are not included so as to assure a high quality of listings. Please
read through the easy procedure to benefit from RF Cafe's high quality visitors ...
 ThinkRF Corporation, the leader in software-defined
spectrum analysis, today announced the new
ThinkRF D4000 RF Downconverter. The platform is the industry's
first 40 GHz downconverter, allowing engineers to quickly and reliably analyze the
new 5G wireless standard by extending the range of their existing RF test equipment.
To leverage the performance, latency, and capacity that 5G promises, you need equipment
which can properly analyze the higher frequencies and wider bandwidths of these
new signals. This portable, plug-and-play ThinkRF downconverter allows mobile
operators and military systems integrators (SIs) to easily upgrade...
 The concept of a
field effect transistor (FET) has been around in theory for a
long time*, but manufacturable devices arrived in designers' labs not until the
early 1960s. This article from the October 1966 edition of QST magazine
gives a good introduction to the physics of a basic FET as well as the junction
FET (JFET) and the insulated gate FET (IGFET), all of which are still in
widespread use today. What you learn about them here is applicable today. In
fact, I swear some of the drawings are the same ones that appeared in my college
semiconductor physics text books (admittedly from the late 1980s, so not too
much of a surprise)...
 Exodus Advanced Communications'
18.0 to 40.0 GHz, 40W+ Solid State Amplifiers (SSA) are designed
for general EMC testing applications as well as Mil-Std 461(RS103) standards.
Models AMP4065-LC (18.0-26.5 GHz) and AMP4066-LC (26.5-40.0 GHz) compact designs
provide superb RF performance with unprecedented P1dB power as compared to
TWT's. The SSA's exhibit 46 dB minimum gain, monitoring parameters for forward
and reflected power, VSWR, and voltage, current and temperature sensing for
outstanding reliability and ruggedness. Suitable for all single channel
modulation standards. Rack mounted system...
 "Amazon responds to recent FCC questions
about the odds that any of its Kuiper communication satellites will collide with
space debris. For the first time, we have a complete, representative number for
the overall orbital collision risk of a satellite mega-constellation. Last month,
Amazon provided the U.S. FCC with data for its planned fleet of
3,236 Kuiper System broadband Internet satellites. If one in 10
satellites fails while on orbit, and loses its ability to dodge other spacecraft
or space junk, Amazon's figures show that there is a 12% chance that one of those
failed satellites will suffer a collision ..."
At VidaRF, the phrase 'Providing Simple Solutions for Complex Connections' is
more than just a slogan – it's a mindset, a mission, and a driving force behind
everything we do. Their pledge is to design and distribute high performance, cost
effective
RF Microwave products to fit each customer's unique applications.
Please visit VidaRF today to see how their lines of attenuators & terminations,
directional couplers, power dividers, coaxial connectors, and circulator & isolators
can be of use to your project. "When the standard just will not do, VidaRF has the
solution for you!"
Tuesday 29
 Here is another example of how enthusiastically
both manufacturers and consumers were met news of the impending end of World War II.
Amateur radio operators were amongst those most affected
during the war years because of the FCC having issued a moratorium against
transmissions, for security purposes. The same thing happened during World
War I, in fact*. Back in the day when citizens were fiercely patriotic and
appreciative of their freedoms, many Hams of service age answered a call to
donate certain kinds of equipment (panel meters, tuning capacitors,
transformers, etc.) for use in repair and retrofitting of field gear. They also
enlisted by the tens of thousands to lend their radio skills in the service of
their country. To the government's credit, the sacrifices were repaid
handsomely...
 The 2019 IEEE BiCMOS and Compound Semiconductor Integrated Circuits and
Technology Symposium (BCICTS) is being held next week, November 3-6, in Nashville,
TN. BCICTS is sponsored by the IEEE Electron Devices Society and technically co-sponsored
by the IEEE Solid State Circuits Society and the IEEE Microwave Theory & Techniques
Society. BCICTS will unify the long, rich, and complementary technical legacies
of BCTM (31 years) and CSICS (39 years) into one exemplary symposium. In addition
to the strong technical program, BCICTS will include a vibrant technical exhibition
and several social events that allow participants to interact and network in a relaxed
setting.
 RF Cascade Workbook 2018 is the next phase in the evolution
of RF Cafe's long-running series, RF Cascade Workbook. It is a full-featured
RF system cascade parameter and frequency planner that includes filters and mixers
for a mere $45. Built in MS Excel, using RF Cascade Workbook 2018
is a cinch and the format is entirely customizable. It is significantly easier
and faster than using a multi-thousand dollar simulator when a high level system
analysis is all that is needed. An intro video takes you through the main
features...
 This
electronics analogy quiz is a little easier than many of the others
published in Popular Electronics magazine because all of the electrical
and mechanical objects depicted here are very familiar. The concepts might seem
trivial to those of us who have been immersed in the science for decades, but I
for one can remember when first hearing these analogies how helpful they were.
Not only that, but I also recall during physics and mechanics courses in college
being amazed at the similarity of equations shared by electrical and mechanical
processes. Wikipedia has a huge page describing many of the most familiar
mechanical-electrical analogies...
 Custom MMIC, a leading designer and manufacturer
of high performance monolithic microwave integrated circuits (MMICs), is proud to
be this year's recipient of the
Massachusetts Manufacturer of the Year Award for Eastern
Massachusetts Middlesex District. Over the past four years this prestigious
award has been presented to those companies that embody the entrepreneurial
spirit and passion for continued growth using innovation and determination as
their guiding principles. This award is especially gratifying knowing
Massachusetts is home to so many unique and successful small businesses pushing
the boundaries of what is possible every day. "Custom MMIC was founded in 2006
on the three basic tenets of innovation, integrity and quality. To this day we
carry on those...
 "Just a few weeks ago a very heated discussion
erupted in my Denver neighborhood's Nextdoor social networking channel. The reason
for the debate was the appearance of new 30-foot 5G small cell tower on a nearby
block. The discussion thread contained warnings of how RF emissions can cause all
type of
serious health problems ranging from headaches to cancer. Eventually
neighbors moved onto to other topics but this wasn't the first time I had heard
5G being blamed for health problems. A few months ago a friend sent me a link to
a news segment from a group called RT America in which 'experts' warned that 5G
signals might cause all kinds of dire health problems including brain cancer and
autism ..."
 RF Superstore launched in 2017, marking
the return of Murray Pasternack, founder of Pasternack Enterprises, to the RF and
microwave Industry. Pasternack fundamentally changed the way RF components were
sold. Partner Jason Wright manages day-to-day operations, while working closely
with Mr. Pasternack to develop RF Superstore into a world class RF and
microwave component supplier. RF coaxial connectors & adapters,
coaxial cable & cable assemblies, surge protectors, attenuators. Items added
daily. Free shipping on orders over $99. We're leading the way again!
Monday 28
 With a last name like Blattenberger and an
unusually spelled first (Kirt), I learned a long time ago not to poke fun at anybody's
name, but surely the parents of Dr. Hal F. Fruth had a sense of humor when
assigning their little bundle of joy in such a manner (HalF Truth?). Maybe I assume
too much. Anyway, the good doctor published in this issue of Radio News
magazine a very extensive treatise on the art and science of mass producing
radio frequency crystals at a time when the country - and free
world - was in urgent need of them. He notes that, "Prior to Pearl Harbor Day,
the world production of these plates and bars could be counted by the thousands.
The present production rate has skyrocketed more than one hundred fold so that
the present production rate is nearly 30,000,000 units per year...
 VidaRF, a manufacturer of high performance
RF and microwave high performance circulators, isolators, couplers, power dividers,
and other passive components, has expanded its line of
broadband directional couplers to cover 2 to 40 GHz for all
wireless applications from cellular through 5G mm-wave with 2.92 mm interfaces.
Features include 10, 16, 20 and 30 dB coupling values, low VSWR, high directivity,
broadband operation, compact size, and operating temperature range of -55°C to +85°C.
Sealed and painted to meet IP65 standards. Custom designs to meet your needs are
available ...
 This is another installment of the Hams in
Combat series that QST ran during WWII. I enjoy waxing vicariously nostalgic
of a time before I was born, at time when there was still honor, courage, selflessness,
and pride of country. During World War II, it was an ingrained part of most citizens,
whether or not they happened to be serving in the military. Our modern day troops
still have it, but sadly fewer and fewer people see their own country as any place
special in the world. Sure, as General William Tecumseh Sherman famously said, "War
is hell," but then again so is witnessing the tearing apart of your country
from forces within...
 Anatech Electronics offers the industry's
largest portfolio of high-performance standard and customized
RF and microwave filters and filter-related products for military,
commercial, aerospace and defense, and industrial applications up to 40 GHz.
In their mid-October Product Update, Anatech has introduced a 1000-4000 MHz
2-way power divider with SMA connectors, a surface mount 4400-5000 MHz isolator,
and a 2 dB 1 watt SMA attenuator. Custom RF power directional coupler
designs can be designed and produced when a standard cannot be found, or the requirements
are such that a custom approach is necessary ...
 "ReQutech and Forsway together with a research
team from the Linköping University of Technology have collaborated to develop a
new
phased array antenna solution for Satcom applications on mobile
platforms. This project is supported by the strategic innovation program 'Smarter
Electronic Systems' - a joint venture by Swedish innovation agency Vinnova, Formas
and the Swedish Energy Agency to promote Swedish technology. This program is a part
of a pivotal development initiative by ReQuTech within Phased array antennas. The
company aims to introduce the completed solution to the global market once it is
complete ..."
Reactel has become one of the industry leaders in the design and manufacture
of RF and microwave
filters, diplexers, and sub-assemblies. They offer the generally known tubular,
LC, cavity, and waveguide designs, as well as state of the art high performance
suspended substrate models. Through a continuous process of research and development,
they have established a full line of filters of filters of all types - lowpass,
highpass, bandpass, bandstop, diplexer, and more. Established in 1979. Please contact
Reactel today to see how they might help your project.
Sunday 27
 Here is the last
engineering- and science-themed crossword puzzle for October.
These custom-made crosswords are done weekly for the brain-exercising benefit and
pleasure of RF Cafe visitors who are fellow cruciverbalists. The jury is out on
whether or not this type of mental challenge helps keep your gray matter from atrophying
in old age, but it certainly helps maintain your vocabulary and cognitive skills
at all ages. A database of thousands of words has been built up over the years and
contains only clues and terms associated with engineering, science, physical, astronomy,
mathematics, chemistry, etc. You will never find a word taxing your knowledge of
a numbnut soap opera star or the name of some obscure village in the Andes mountains.
You might, however, encounter the name of a movie star like Hedy Lamarr...
These archive pages are provided in order to make it easier for you to find items
that you remember seeing on the RF Cafe homepage. Of course probably the easiest
way to find anything on the website is to use the "Search
RF Cafe" box at the top of every page.
About RF Cafe.
Homepage Archive Pages
2024:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2023:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2022:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2021:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2020:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2019:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2018:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2017:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2016:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2015:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2014:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2013:
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec
2012:
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 (no archives before 2012)
- Christmas-themed
items
|
