Microwaves & RF

Flexible Software For Hard Times

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:11 MST

Many designs within these pages begin in software. More specifically, high-frequency designers now rely on software simulation tools to predict the performance of a design, or calculate the dimensions of transmission lines in a microstrip matching network, or create a high-quality-factor (Q) notch in a bandreject filter. Their software tools have evolved from home-grown code to more complex software "environments" combining circuit, system, electromagnetic (EM) ...

DSA Attenuates 50 To 3000 MHz

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:11 MST

Digital step attenuators (DSAs) are useful in applications where power levels must be adjusted precisely and quickly, such as in cellular communications base stations. Applying its unique silicon-on-insulator (SOI) technology, Peregrine Semiconductor (www. psemi.com) has added to its high-performance line of DSAs with the model PE43204 2-b attenuator that is usable to 3 GHz. The DSA leverages the technology for outstanding linearity and wide ...

MMICs Serve MM-Wave Systems

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:11 MST

Microwave and millimeter- wave radios require a number of functions, including amplifiers, filters, and attenuators. To fuel those radio designs, Endwave Corp. has developed a line of monolithic-microwave-integrated- circuit (MMIC) components covering 7 to 38 GHz as well as 71 to 86 GHz. Based on the firm's extensive design library, these MMIC components are available for a variety of functions, ...

Economy Analyzers Extend To 7.5 GHz

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:11 MST

Signal analysis need not be expensive, as evidenced by the new CXA economy analyzers from Agilent Technologies. With two models offering frequency coverage of 9 kHz to 3.0 GHz (model N9000A-503) and 9 kHz to 7.5 GHz (model N9000A-507) for under $17,000, the CXA signal analyzers don't scrimp on performance. They can be upgraded via software options for phase-noise, noise-figure, and vectorsignal- ...

Measure Group Delay Without Direct LO Access

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 12:00:11 MST

Group delay that is well controlled in frequency-conversion components, such as mixers, is essential for many high-speed, highfrequency systems. It is critical for achieving low bit-error-rate (BER) performance in wireless and satellite communications receivers and for high target resolution in phased-array radar systems. The typical approach for measuring group delay requires access to the converter's local oscillator (LO) signal. However, the LO is often...