Except for the most basic designs, system clock rates are inexorably creeping upward across a wide range of applications, from 5G telephony to automotive advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), medical, industrial, and mil/aero systems. As frequencies rise into the GHz range, the need for impedance control to minimize signal attenuation and protect signal integrity gets […]
5G
Miniature reed relays boast low RF losses and low insertion loss
Pickering Electronics has launched a new miniature coaxial reed relays for high-frequency RF systems up to 3GHz. Series 113RF SIL/SIP reed relays feature a 2mm spacing footprint, enabling them to be stacked at very high densities. Series 113RF reed relays are suitable for switching up to 10W, 0.5A. 1 Form A configurations (SPST normally open) are […]
What materials can be used to make miniature antennas?
Many antennas are mechanically simple and electrically complex at the same time. Mechanically an antenna usually has only one or two components, a dielectric layer (which can be the entire antenna) and a conductive layer. This FAQ begins with a brief review of dielectric materials and their importance to antenna performance. It then explores developments […]
Wideband, log periodic, directional antennas handle bandwidths of 600 to 6,000 MHz
Fairview Microwave has expanded its line of wideband, log periodic antennas that operate from 600 to 6,000 MHz for point-to-point wireless communications. Fairview’s new, outdoor-rated, directional antennas function as boosters where the existing cellular signal is weak and needs to reach longer distances. This makes them ideal for strengthening 5G, 4G, LTE, CMDA, LoRA, IoT, and Wi-Fi signals. […]
What can you make with MEMS technology?
Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) has several names, including micro-electro-mechanical systems, and micromechatronic systems. In Japan, MEMS is called micromachines, while in Europe, it’s referred to as microsystem technology (MST). Whatever name that’s used, MEMS devices are made using components measuring from 1 to 100 μm (0.001 to 0.1 mm), with MEMS devices ranging from 20 μm […]
Oven-controlled Xtal oscillators sync to 1 pps input, output
IQD launched the IQCM-200, a disciplined OCXO, incorporating sync to a 1 PPS (pulse per second) input as well as a 1 PPS output. The IQCM-200 is part of a series of disciplined OCXOs available from IQD. This particular model is the smallest sized OCXO capable of achieving a holdover capability of 1.5µs over 24 […]
What’s a logarithmic resistor ladder good for?
A logarithmic resistor ladder consists of a resistor string and switches designed to attenuate a signal. The state of the switches can be considered to represent a digital code proportional to the logarithm of the attenuation ratio. Logarithmic attenuation is useful when a large dynamic range is needed. Audio volume control and fading/balancing audio signals […]
SP4T DC-6-GHz switch delivers high-power for RF applications
Menlo Micro has introduced a new single-pole/four-throw (SP4T) DC-to-6 GHz switch that provides best-in-class performance, reliability, and integration for 5G network infrastructure, test and measurement equipment, and other high-power RF switching applications. Built on Menlo Micro’s market-proven Ideal Switch technology, the MM5140 SP4T switch offers 25W power handling, ultra-low insertion loss, and the industry’s highest linearity, […]
What are reflectionless filters? Part 1: context
Standard filters reflect unwanted stopband energy, but reflectionless filters present a seamless impedance across both stopband and passband which greatly improves performance of the RF signal chain. Filters are an inherent, inescapable, necessary component in electrical and electronic circuits. Modern systems would be impractical and likely impossible without filters, whether at low frequencies down to […]
Notch filters boast built-in ESD protection function
TDK Corporation announces the release of its newly developed AVRF041A150MT242 and AVRF061D2R4ST532 notch filters with ESD protection function. Volume production of these devices will begin in March 2022. The new notch filters are compliant with the IEC61000-4-2 Level 4 immunity standard. They are well suited to ensuring EMC requirements are met in the audio circuits […]
