The 5G RF/mmWave signal chain is expected to be the same as, and different from, the RF signal chain for today’s LTE Advanced devices. 5G consists of two separate frequency bands, FR1 is mostly repurposed LTE bands, and FR2 bands are in the mmWave region. As a result, 5G in the FR1 frequencies can use […]
5G
Basics of mmWave and its applications
The millimeter band spans from 30 to 300 gigahertz (GHz) and lies between the super high-frequency and far infrared bands, the lower part of which is the terahertz band. Radio waves in this band have wavelengths from ten to one millimeter; thus, radiation in this band is called millimeter waves, sometimes abbreviated MMW or mmWave. […]
The basics of FR-4 Printed Circuit Boards
Part 1 of this FAQ provided context and background on the PC board, and discussed its first widespread appearance as a phenolic-based board. Part 2 looks at some board issues and the widely used FR-4 PC board substrate. Q: I see the term “solder mask” — what is that? A: Solder mask (also called a […]
Digital Step Attenuators support 5G frequency demands
pSemi Corporation, a Murata company focused on semiconductor integration, announces the expansion of its digital step attenuator (DSA) portfolio with two new high-performance DSAs, PE43610 and PE43614. Featuring industry-leading attenuation accuracy, the PE43610 and PE43614 DSAs support the entire 9 kHz–13 GHz and 9 kHz–45 GHz frequency ranges, respectively. Ideal for 5G test-and-measurement applications, these DSAs exemplify pSemi’s […]
Soft, conformable EMI absorber material doubles as a gap filler
Electronics are getting more compact, yet also more powerful, especially with the rise of 5G. Components packed into tight spaces produce complex signal interference issues, which can hinder device operability in automotive and other industries. But using standard EMI-mitigating absorbers as an interface between a radiating component and housing can put too much stress on […]
Power dividers, directional couplers handle 40 GHz
Cinch Connectivity Solutions, a Bel group company, launches 40GHz power dividers and directional couplers designed to meet the higher frequency requirements in telecommunications and 5G applications. The Midwest Microwave 40 GHz power dividers and directional couplers are small, lightweight, and ruggedly built. They cover a wide bandwidth of 6 to 40 GHz with low insertion loss and low […]
RF downconverter platform extends the life of existing RF test equipment to meet 5G requirements
ThinkRF Corp. 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 […]
Sample kits cover GaN on SiC 0.15 μm-gate technology targeting transmit power amps in 5G mmWave radio
WIN Semiconductors Corp has developed sample kits for its gallium nitride (GaN) based 0.15μm-gate technology. The NP15-00 mmWave compound semiconductor technology is ideal for transmit power amplifiers used in 5G mmWave radio access networks, satellite communications and radar systems. Supporting full MMICs, the NP15-00 platform allows customers to develop compact, linear or saturated high power […]
Printed Circuit Boards, Part 4: Beyond FR-4
Part 4 concludes this FAQ with some fabrication issues and at substrates with performance which is multi-GHz-compatible and goes beyond that available using FR-4 material. Q: What’s the set-up situation for PC board fabrication? A: The production-level fabrication process is optimized for runs of tens, hundreds, and thousands of boards, as there is a set-up […]
RF couplers cover 26.5 GHz to 67 GHz range
Fairview Microwave Inc., an Infinite Electronics brand, has debuted a new line of high-frequency couplers that are ideal for point-to-point radios, 5G telecommunications, satellite communication, automotive radars, and aerospace applications. Fairview’s new series of high frequency RF directional couplers is comprised of 24 new models that deliver excellent isolation, low insertion loss, and very good return […]