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 […]
Telecommunications
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. […]
Multilayer chip antenna covers 700-960 MHz, 1,710-2,690 MHz ranges
Würth Elektronik is now launching an additional multilayer chip antenna for the miniaturization of radio applications. Measuring just 40 x 6 x 5 mm, the WE-MCA antenna (7488918022) covers the 700 to 960 MHz and 1710 to 2690 MHz frequency ranges. With its hitherto unachieved form factor and slender profile, the antenna offers an excellent size-to-performance ratio. […]
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 the difference between equalizers?
Equalizers are used to alter the performance of signal chains. In some cases, that means linearizing signal chain performance. In other cases, equalizers are used to introduce nonlinearities. As a result, equalizer designs vary widely from simple passive circuits to complex multi-stage designs and active circuits. This FAQ reviews equalizer basics, looks at equalizers for […]
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 […]
Ka-band phased-array satellite antenna meets CS25 and CS27 needs
ThinKom Solutions, Inc. unveiled a new Ka-band phased-array satellite antenna for communications-on-the-move (COTM) applications. The new ThinSat Ka500, based on ThinKom’s proven VICTS technology, is a “turnkey” terminal that enables the user to easily and quickly connect to the network of their choice, such as the existing and new Ka-band networks being deployed using satellites in geostationary […]
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 […]
Fail-safe hermetic SPDT relays handle up to 40 GHz signals
Teledyne Relays announces a new wide temperature range, hermetic relays operating up to 18 GHz. The new RF131 and GRF131 single-pole double-throw (SPDT) models are non-latching, offering fail-safe functionality. The new products expand rugged options available to key RF test and telecommunications markets. The RF131 and GRF131 non-latching models complement the widely respected equivalent through-hole […]
