Test and Measurement

3G base station test system

Racal Instruments Wireless Solutions (RIWS) has announced its enhanced and upgraded 3G base station test system, the 6413A. It has been designed to help network operators test their networks prior to roll-out and to guarantee continued quality of service.

Traditional base station test systems focus on transmitter testing mainly because receiver testing is complex and difficult. The 6413A's lub control is a unique feature allowing network operators to carry out receiver and transmitter testing. Operators that conduct transmitter-only tests or just use a test mobile to make test calls risk failing to meet their expected quality of service.

The new 6413A is more compact for increased portability and is easier to use than its predecessor, the 6413, incorporating embedded touch-screen technology.
Racal Instruments
(800) 722-2528
www.racalinstruments.com

Data acquisition software

Acqiris offers a stand-alone multichannel acquisition software package, AcqirisMAQS. The package simplifies the monitoring and control of advanced data acquisition systems with multiple data channels and can be used for the remote operation of multiple acquisition systems at various locations.

With AcqirisMAQS any PC or laptop can be set up as a client to control multiple digitizer channels connected to an instrument server, a PC or processor that contains one or more Acqiris digitizer modules. Digitizer control is achieved via an Ethernet connection, simple crossover cable, or in any networked environment over the Ethernet. Client machines can have master control or combined master and monitoring rights on the server machine, allowing multiple clients to obtain data from the same digitizer systems simultaneously, while allowing one system-defined master client to change system parameters.

Pricing for AcqirisMAQS starts at $1990 for a master-only, single-user license. A free demo version of the software is available.
Acqiris
(845) 782-6544
www.acqiris.com

7 GHz probe

Vectria Ltd. has launched the RealProbe VEC-102, a 7 GHz high-impedance RF probe. The newest member of the RealProbe family of in-circuit RF and microwave testing and troubleshooting probes, the VEC-102 is a passive, pocket-sized probe that covers 10 MHz to 7000 MHz with nominal reading accuracy of less than +/-0.5 dB up to 6 GHz, and 1 dB at 7 GHz.

RealProbe VEC-102 is used for sampling of in-circuit signals (-25 dB accurate coupling factor, voltage division ratio of 1:17.78). It can be used with power meters, spectrum analyzers and other measurement equipment. Without disconnecting the load (or the next stage), the VEC-102 enables in-circuit measurements of RF signals.
Vectria Ltd.
972-54-7538252

Synthesizer

Elcom has introduced the IBS series synthesizer. The IBS series synthesizers are based on indirect PLL design technology with internal DDS for fine resolution. This series is intended for ATE as well as semiconductor testers for chips used in wireless LAN applications (802.11 a/b/g) and cell phones (G3, WCDMA, and UMTS bands), where broadband low phase noise and fast switching speeds are of primary importance. Elcom's VCO/PLL design approach realizes up to 100 times faster switching speeds and offers superior phase noise (-129 dBc offset 10 kHz from 2.1 GHz and -126 dBc offset 10 kHz from 5.7 GHz).
Elcom Technologies
(201) 767-8030
www.elcom.com

Vector network analyzer

Anritsu Company has introduced the 37000D series of Lightning Vector Network Analyzers (VNAs). Covering four frequency ranges up to 65 GHz, the “D” series delivers improved performance, updated interfaces, expanded software applications and Ethernet connectivity.

The 37300D is a premium series that has four models covering 20 GHz, 40 GHz, 50 GHz and 65 GHz. Designed for measuring S-parameters of active and passive devices such as amplifiers, mixers and up-/downconverters, these two-port VNAs include step attenuators, bias tees, extended level control and power sweep as standard features. Dynamic range is improved to 108 dB at 20 GHz, 101 dB at 40 GHz, and 95 dB at 50 GHz.

For applications only requiring analysis of passive devices, Anritsu developed the Lightning 37200D economy series. Also consisting of four models at 20 GHz, 40 GHz, 50 GHz, and 65 GHz, these two-port VNAs conduct accurate S-parameter tests on filters, isolators, circulators and attenuators. The Lightning 37200D series has been enhanced with a high-power switch filter that matches the output power of the 37300D series.

Accessories include coax calibration kits, optoelectronic calibration modules and multiport test sets up to 65 GHz. Delivery is four to six weeks ARO.
Anritsu Corporation
(800) 267-4878
www.us.anritsu.com

13 GHz real-time oscilloscope

Agilent Technologies Inc. has introduced an oscilloscope with a real-time bandwidth of 13 GHz and a maximum sample rate of 40 GSa/s. The Agilent Infiniium DSO80000 Series oscilloscopes and the Agilent InfiniiMax II Series probing measurement systems include 10 GHz, 12 GHz and 13 GHz versions.

The Agilent Infiniium DSO80000 series of 10 GHz, 12 GHz and 13 GHz real-time oscilloscopes and InfiniiMax II Series probing systems are available for order with shipments expected in February 2005.
Agilent Technologies
(800) 452 4844
www.agilent.com

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Active components

LDMOS transistor

M/A-COM has announced a family of LDMOS (laterally diffused metal-oxide semiconductor) field-effect transistors designed for use in wireless infrastructure base stations or other types of communications applications in the 860 MHz-2200 MHz frequency range.

For example, the MAPLST0810-002PP is a 2 W, unmatched LDMOS field-effect transistor designed for use in GSM/EDGE applications. The operating frequency range is 860 MHz to 960 MHz. Typical CW performance includes: 20 dB gain and 35% drain efficiency at 2W (26 V, 960 MHz). Due to the unmatched configuration, this transistor can be used up to 2200 MHz. This transistor is built in an SMT plastic package. Size is 7 mm × 7 mm.
M/A-COM
(800) 366-2266
www.macom.com

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Amplifiers

MMIC amplifier

Mini-Circuits' new family of ‘LEE’ monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) amplifiers are highly reliable, extremely broadband, and very low in cost. These amplifiers have excellent electrical performance, with up to 17.3 dBm flat output power to 10 GHz. While the frequency range for this family is dc to 8 GHz, it is usable to 10 GHz. There are five models being introduced in this new MMIC amplifier family. These include LEE-19, LEE-29, LEE-39, LEE-49 and LEE-59. They are housed in a leadless 3 mm × 3 mm low profile (MCLP) package with exposed metal bottom for superior grounding and heat dissipation. Designed for high reliability and repeatability, they're suited for the cellular, PCS, communication receivers and transmitters, as well as for satellite communication and military applications. Operating temperature range specified is -458C to +858C.

Pricing starts from $1.19 each, in quantities of 25.
Mini-Circuits
(718) 934-4500
www.minicircuits.com

WLAN power amplifier

STMicroelectronics has introduced a linear power amplifier intended for the WLAN market. The STB7720L is a three-stage linear power amplifier optimized for the 2.4 GHz ISM band used by WLAN applications. It includes a bias network to improve linearity, power-down and quiescent current regulation. This enables the part to achieve 32 dB of power gain and 19 dBm of linear output power, with an error vector magnitude of 2% under 802.11g modulation at 54 Mbps.

The part includes a linear analog control for dc current and output management and an average channel power detector. This has 20 dB dynamic range and provides a buffered DC voltage proportional to the average channel output power.

The STB7720L is offered in a QFN16 3 mm × 3 mm leadless package and is priced at US $1.30 in quantities of 10,000 units.
STMicroelectronics
(781) 861 2650
www.stmicroelectronics.com

InGaP HBT PA modules

Anadigics has announced two 6 mm × 6 mm GSM/GPRS InGaP HBT power amplifier (PA) modules with integrated power control. The AWT6166 quad-band PA module and AWT6167 dual-band PA module use a pin-out, RF engine and power control scheme that are compatible with Anadigics' current generation of 7 mm × 7 mm GSM PAs, reducing the requirement for software changes and minimizing production calibration needs for GSM handset manufacturers.

The AWT6166 and AWT6167 PA modules provide 58% efficiency for GSM900 and 53% efficiency for DCS. The AWT6166 supports dual-, tri- and quad-band applications using any combination of the GSM850, GSM900, DCS and PCS bands. The AWT6167 supports dual-band applications using the GSM900 and DCS bands. Both modules are GPRS Class 12-compatible. The PA modules include an internally generated reference voltage for the bias control circuits, eliminating the need for an externally regulated voltage supply.
Anadigics
(908) 668-5000
www.anadigics.com

InGaP HBT power amplifiers

Hittite Microwave Corporation has introduced four InGaP HBT MMIC power amplifiers for applications in cellular/PCS/3G and fixed wireless from 400 MHz to 2200 MHz.

The HMC450QS16G is an 800 MHz to 1000 MHz power amplifier offering 26 dB of gain, +40 dBm OIP3 and +28.5 dBm of saturated output power. HMC450QS16G operates from a single +5.0 V supply and offers the same pinout and functionality as Hittite's higher-band HMC413QS16G 1.6 GHz-2.3 GHz PA.

The HMC457QS16G is a 1.7 GHz to 2.3 GHz power amplifier delivering 26 dB gain from 1.7 GHz to 2.0 GHz and 25 dB gain from 2.0 GHz to 2.2 GHz. Output IP3 performance can be optimized to +45 dBm at 1.9GHz and 2.1 GHz, using a minimum number of external components.

Also introduced are the HMC452ST89 and the HMC453ST89 dynamic range power amplifiers offering 1.0 W and 1.6 W of saturated output power, respectively. Both amplifiers are packaged in a low-cost, industry-standard SOT89 package and operate from a single +5 V supply. With a minimum of external components, the output IP3 can be optimized to +50 dBm from 1.8GHz to 2.2 GHz. High output IP3 and PAE make the HMC452ST89 and HMC453ST89 ideal drivers and power amplifiers for infrastructure applications.

Samples and evaluation PC boards are available from stock and can be ordered on line.
Hittite Microwave Corporation
(978) 250-3343
www.hittite.com

Linear RF power amplifier

Fairchild Semiconductor has announced the RMPA2453, a linear RF power amplifier module (PAM) for wireless local-area network (WLAN) applications in the 2.4 GHz to 2.5 GHz frequency band. Optimized for 802.11b/g applications, the RMPA2453 features an Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) performance of 2.5%. The RMPA2453 power amplifier internally matches the input and output to 50Ω, and provides an on-chip power-sensing detector with dual power-saving shutdown options.

Features include 2.5% EVM at 18 dBm output, matched PA module operating with 3.3 V single supply, two power-saving shutdown options (bias and logic control) and an integrated power detector with 20 dB dynamic range.
Fairchild Semiconductor
(207) 775-8100
www.fairchildsemi.com

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Design software

Component tool

Micrel Inc. has announced its “It's OOK To ASK” QwikRadio design software, a solution aimed at simplifying the implementation of RF designs. The software can be downloaded free from the Micrel Web site.

The software requires the designer to input key parameters applying to their specific application. It then responds with an output that includes a complete schematic and bill of materials. The software also provides users with a direct link to Micrel's Web site where they can download the appropriate PCB layout files for a recommended design.
Micrel Inc.
(408) 944-0800
www.micrel.com

Satellite crosslink simulator

RT Logic has announced the availability of its Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS) Cross Link Simulator (TSIM). The TSIM is based on RT Logic's Telemetrix T70/70 product, and it generates and receives the spread-spectrum signals used by NASA's TDRSS. The TSIM provides an economical method to test payloads and transponders that will access TDRSS while on orbit.

The TSIM is implemented using RT Logic's Telemetrix architecture and comprises dynamic digital processors, which support the full range of IF and baseband processing, signal modulation, demodulation, and digital front end functions. As a fully integrated system (typically rack mounted), the TSIM comes with a graphical user interface for easy configuration. The modularity and configurability of RT Logic's architecture permits easy tailoring of the basic TSIM to specific customer requirements.
RT Logic
(303) 703-3834
www.rtlogic.com

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Integrated Subsystems

PCMCIA RFID

WJ Communications Inc. has announced the multiprotocol MPR 5000 RFID card with integral antenna. The MPR 5000 RFID card is Type II PCMCIA-compatible and operates with the EPCglobal Class 0 and Class 1 RFID standards. The reader works in Type II PCMCIA card sockets.

The MPR 5000 is based on the EPC Class 0 and EPC Class 1 protocols and includes a WJ-designed antenna. Each MPR can read EPC Class 0 and EPC Class 1 tags and program/write EPC Class 1 tags. The MPR 5000 has been tested with various RFID tag brands and types including 64-bit and 96-bit formats. The MPR 5000 is intended for OEMs looking for a convenient platform for software/system development of host APIs for RFID end-products.
WJ Communications
(408) 577-6342
www.wj.com

Multiband military comms

The Titan Corporation has launched a family of Man Portable Multiband communication systems, the TTR-2101, which have an advanced combination of wideband RF front-end processing and software-defined radio processing elements.

Designed for military use in long haul or line-of-sight communications, the TTR-2101 features an integral battery, 20 W power output for maximum range and full 2MHz to 108 MHz-frequency coverage in the multiband version.

The Titan radio hosts processing including MIL-STD-188-110B data modes, MIL-STD-188-141B (2G) ALE, and STANAG 4285, 4415 and 4529 data modes. HF and VHF ECCM modes are built-in. The advanced 300 hop-per-second VHF ECCM algorithm is no longer constrained to hop on conventional 25 kHz channels. The TTR-2101 radio is built to hop continuously over the 30 MHz to 108 MHz band in steps as fine as 1 Hz.

For data security, the TTR uses the advanced encryption standard with key lengths of 128 bits. The radio will support up to 10 keys each for communications security and transmission security. Each of these keys may be assigned to any of the 100 preset nets available in the radio, offering flexibility for network centric communication.
Titan Corporation
(858) 552-9500
www.titan.com

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Interconnect

Transmission lines

Gigatronix has extended its range of BNC, BNC reverse polarity, TNC, TNC reverse polarity, SMA, SMA reverse polarity and N-type connectors to offer a solution for terminating to this newly evolved group of cables.

Within each connector series plugs, jacks and bulkhead jacks are available to suit LMR100, LMR195, LMR200, LMR240 and LMR400 (plus their Belden and Commscope equivalents). Customer specific connectors are also available, with reasonable minimum order quantities and short lead times.
Gigatronix
0044 (0)23 9265 0703
www.gigatronix.com

Test and measurement

UMTS assurance solution

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced a telecommunications industry service assurance solution that monitors and manages UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) networks and new voice, video and data services by integrating its Distributed Network Analyzer, Data Mining Toolkit and Signaling Analyzer solutions.

UMTS Performance Analyzer provides insight into the quality and performance of the Radio Access Network, either in a large area, such as an entire city, or down to a cell or user granularity. It monitors and troubleshoots inter-RNC (radio network controller) handovers and reports on the performance of the network and UMTS and GPRS services.
Agilent Technologies
(800) 452 4844
www.agilent.com

CDMA network optimization

Agilent Technologies Inc. has announced that its network optimization platform now supports all CDMA technologies, including 1X-EVDO, enabling service providers to ensure performance for high-speed wireless broadband networks. The solution helps RF engineers test, troubleshoot and optimize data and multimedia services.
Agilent Technologies
(800) 452 4844
www.agilent.com

Dual-channel digitizer

Racal Instruments has also introduced a 2-channel, PXI digitizer, model 2165 that provides analog signal acquisition and digital output, as well as time and frequency domain analysis and display capability. It features two independent analog input channels that can be either single-ended or differential with 14-bit resolution per channel and a sample rate up to 70 MS/s.

The 2165 is available for delivery from stock to six weeks at a cost of $4,495.
Racal Instruments
(800) 722-2528
www.racalinstruments.com

Active Components

GaAs MMIC DPDT switch

NEC has announced a GaAs MMIC DPDT switch that operates at 4.8 to 5.85 GHz and is designed specifically for antenna diversity switching. The switch is intended for engineers working on 5 to 6 GHz 802.11a WLAN, cordless phones or fixed-wireless access designs.

The UPG2024TQ is housed in NEC's 10-pin TSON style “TQ” package. Measuring 2.4 mm × 2.55 mm × 0.6 mm, the TQ allows engineers to increase placement densities and reduce the size of their designs.

The UPG2024TQ is in stock and is available now from California Eastern Laboratories (CEL).
California Eastern Laboratories
(408) 988-3500
www.cel.com

Amplifiers

Broadband amplifier

Linear Technology Corporation has announced an 850 MHz programmable-gain, broadband amplifier. The LT5514 exhibits an output third-order intercept (OIP3) of 49 dBm at 70 MHz and has second- and third-order distortion products lower than -87 dBc that deliver 2 V peak-to-peak output into a 200V load.

It comes in a 20-pin plastic TSOP package. The price in 1000 piece quantities is $5.20, and it is available from stock.
Linear Technology Corporation
(408) 432-1900
www.linear.com

Integrated Subsystems

900 MHz transceivers

AeroComm, Inc. has launched the 900 MHz AC4490-1W, a local-area industrial communications transceiver. The AC4490-1W provides one full watt of output, allowing for data transmissions of 115.2 kbps across 20 miles line-of-sight.

The AC4490-1W contains a unique protocol (RF232) to manage over-the-air concerns, e.g. interference rejection, error detection, addressing, security, and link verification.

One-watt AC4490 transceivers can be used as direct cable replacements, requiring no special host software for communication. All frequency hopping, synchronization and RF system data transmission/reception is performed by the transceiver. AC4490-1Ws interface via serial TTL level connection, providing transparent bi-directional wireless communications in point-to-point and point-to-multipoint, client/server or peer-to-peer (MeshRF) networks.
AeroComm, Inc.
(800) 492-2320
www.aerocomm.com