Miniature zero-bias Schottky diode detector

Res-net Microwave Inc., a subsidiary of Electro Technik Industries, Inc., has introduced a miniature zero-bias Schottky diode detector to its line of microwave and RF products. The diode is an order of magnitude faster than conventional PN diodes making them ideal for RF and microwave applications. It has a low junction capacitance and excellent sensitivity and bandwidth. This makes the detector suited for navigation systems, wireless networks and devices, security/alarm systems, radar, and radio-controlled transmitters.

It has a frequency range of 0.01 to 18.5 GHz with a frequency response that runs at ± 0.5dB. Its VSWR is 1.5:1 with a typical sensitivity of 0.5mV/µW. The maximum output is 100 mW and the video resistance is 5 K. It can be operated in an ambient temperature range of -55 °C to +100 °C. It is available in a SMA connector configuration.
Res-net Microwave, Inc.
www.res-netmicrowave.com

Re-engineered QP710

QP Semiconductor has completed the design and fabrication of the QP710, a socket replacement part for the LM710 differential voltage comparator. The company has manufactured the device in a modern fab to achieve the same form, fit, function, and overall performance as the original LM710 bipolar device. The company has received DSCC listing (see vendor part number QP710BxA or military part number M38510/10301BxA) and offers four hermetic package types: the standard 8-pin metal can, a ceramic 14-lead DIP, a 20-pin leadless chip carrier, and a ceramic 10-lead flat pack.

The QP710 is a high-speed voltage comparator. Applications include use as an accurate, low-level digital level sensor, the device can be designed in as a replacement for a few operational amplifiers used as comparators, especially where speed is the principal concern. The design is the same as the original with a differential input and a single-ended output. The saturated output levels are compatible with many types of “classic” integrated logic.

The bipolar QP710 device is built on a single silicon chip. The use of a minimum number of stages makes the circuit much faster than other types of operational amplifiers in saturating comparator applications. The modern design is faster such that minority-carrier lifetime control using gold doping is not necessary.

The QP710 is useful in traditional applications including pulse height discriminators, voltage comparators and in high-speed A/D converters or as go, no-go detectors in automatic test equipment. They may also be used in older digital systems to perform as adjustable-threshold line receivers or as an interface between different logic types.

The QP710BxA or SMD part number M38510/10301BxA is available.
QP Semiconductor
www.qpsemi.com

Rack and panel connector catalog

ITT Interconnect Solutions has developed a catalog showcasing its Rack & Panel (R&P) connector product offering. With more than 120 pages of product information, the catalog details performance and material specification information; part number breakdown; contact type details; polarizing positions; cross reference part numbers to customer drawings; dimensions; MIL specs for ITT's part numbers; and ordering information.

The connectors that meet MIL-C-81659 (DPXNE/DPXNA) and MIL-C-83733 (DPK) requirements have dedicated sections, as do connectors specified for the ARINC 600 and ARINC 404 standards. General products for aerospace applications, along with shielded, coaxial and modified co-axial products are also displayed.
ITT Interconnect Solutions
www.ittcannon.com

Digital pulse compression subsystem

Temex has launched a digital pulse compression subsystem (DPCSS) with chirp generator (transmitter) and compressor (receiver) modules at intermediate frequency (IF): the CI BM7xx. This DPCSS with analog I/Os enables upgrades of SAW-based radars by increasing overall system performance.

Combining the latest-generation field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) for signal processing and the analog input and output for the IF of the SAW, this signal processor is an excellent replacement solution for currently operating SAW-based radars. High-speed digital signal processing rmoves all the inherent limitations of SAW analog nature and improves performances of side lobes level (which is now like the theory), differential phase between receiver channels (which is now perfect). Temex's digital solution lowers power consumption in comparison to oven devices.

This pulse compression subsystem is self-consistent and needs only a dc supply voltage for operation. All the pulse compression parameters such as center frequency, bandwidth, time dispersion, modulation law and weighting function are programmable.

Main characteristics of the CI BM7xx include: instantaneous dynamic range (low side lobe level); accurate angular measurements (angle of arrival); flexibility (programmable parameters); I/O frequency up to 120 MHz (center frequency + half bandwidth).

CI BM7xx prototypes are available for system validations.
Temex
www.temex.com

Mean-squared power detector

A wide dynamic range mean-squared RF detector from Linear Technology sets a new level of accuracy and speed performance. The LT5570 provides accurate rms power measurement of a 40 MHz to 2.7 GHz ac signal over 60 dB dynamic range, even with a modulation crest-factor of up to 12 dB. It offers best-in-class measurement accuracy of ±0.5 dB over its full dynamic range and over a temperature range of -40 °C to +85 °C. Moreover, the device allows exceptionally fast response with a full-scale rise time of 500ns.

As nascent next-generation wireless standards such as mobile WiMAX and LTE adopt more complex modulation schemes, combining Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) and Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) to boost the data rate, it becomes increasingly difficult to accurately measure these high crest-factor signals. This problem is not just confined to wireless infrastructure, as many other wireless systems are similarly constrained by limited spectrum bandwidth. As a result, there is an ongoing need for higher order modulation to increase data rates. Cable networks, microwave datalinks, satellite communications, and military radios have similar needs, and the LT5570 is designed to meet these emerging challenges.

The LT5570 provides a DC output proportional to the RMS value of the input signal power. Even if the input waveform has high crest-factor content, such as a 4-carrier W-CDMA modulated waveform, its RMS conformance accuracy is typically within 0.2dB, compared to that of a CW (continuous waveform) power. The device offers 61dB dynamic range at 880MHz, and 51dB at 2.14GHz. Its linear DC output is proportional to the input power in dBm with a scaling factor of 36.5mV/dB, typical. Minimum sensitivity is -53dBm at 880MHz, and -43dBm at 2.14GHz. The device offers exceptional linearity, deviating less than ±0.5dB from the ideal log-linear straight line, and over the device's operating temperature extremes.

The LT5570 operates from a single 5V supply, drawing a quiescent supply current of 26.5mA. A shutdown feature is provided, reducing supply current to 0.1µA.

The device comes in a 10-lead 3mm × 3mm DFN surface mount package. Pricing starts at $5.75 each in 1,000 piece quantities. The product is available immediately from stock.

Summary of Features: LT5570

Frequency Range: 40 MHz to 2.7 GHz

Log-Linear Dynamic Range

• @ 880 MHz: 60 dB
• @ 2.14 GHz: 50 dB

Accuracy Over Temperature (-40°C to +85°C): ±0.3 dB

Fast Response Rise Time: 500 ns

Small Package: 3mm × 3mm DFN

About Linear Technology

Linear Technology Corporation, a manufacturer of high performance linear integrated circuits, was founded in 1981, became a public company in 1986 and joined the S&P 500 index of major public companies in 2000. Linear Technology products include high performance amplifiers, comparators, voltage references, monolithic filters, linear regulators, DC-DC converters, battery chargers, data converters, communications interface circuits, RF signal conditioning circuits, uModule^™ products, and many other analog functions. Applications for Linear Technology's high performance circuits include telecommunications, cellular telephones, networking products such as optical switches, notebook and desktop computers, computer peripherals, video/multimedia, industrial instrumentation, security monitoring devices, high-end consumer products such as digital cameras and MP3 players, complex medical devices, automotive electronics, factory automation, process control, and military and space systems. For more information, visit www.linear.com.

LT, LTC, LTM and are registered trademarks and uModule is a trademark of Linear Technology Corp.

Wireless controller system

Nomadio has introduced the GC-205 wireless controller system. Security, reliability and range are key attributes for robots used in hazardous duty environments. The wireless controller system designed for military robots, is a highly configurable control system built around a 2.4 GHz bidirectional link. It employs digital spread-spectrum technology for exceedingly reliable and secure control and telemetry. Applications include reconnaissance, bomb disposal, security, and public safety robots. It is designed to support cost-effective “expendable” robots.

Components include the N-Max radio technology, which allows the robot and controller to communicate bidirectionally, with high security and redundancy for challenging RF environments. The Robot Control Unit is a small (2" × 3") box that includes the microprocessor, radio transceiver, sensor inputs and motor control. The Operator Control Unit is a handheld radio controller that allows a soldier to control an RCU-equipped robot. The system is JAUS compliant and future controllers in the GC series will be JAUS compliant. This will allow universal control of JAUS compatible robots.
Nomadio
215-854-8432
www.nomadio.net