Microwaves & RF articles from January 2006

Microwaves & RF archives from January 2006

Photo correction.(feedback)(Correction notice)
January 1, 2006... IN THE ARTICLE entitled "Lockheed Martin Selected For Navy's Paveway II," which was written by Jack Browne and appeared in the December 2005 edition of Penton's Military Electronics, we noticed that there was mistake in the placement of the...

Thinking back over our history.(Current state of the microwave industry as well as future predictions)(Editorial)
January 1, 2006... ALLOW ME TO OFFER a change of pace for those readers who may have grown familiar with the face of our Technical Director, Jack Browne, on this page. Beginning with this issue, I will be spending more time with you in this space. Jack will be...

WiMAX faces competition from entrenched alternatives.(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... EL SEGUNDO, CA -- Over the last few years, WiMAX has been hyped as the broadband wireless technology of the future, providing a single solution for a variety of applications, including last-mile fixed broadband access, wireless backhaul for...

Iridium Satellite experienced rapid growth in 2005.(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... BETHESDA, MD -- Iridium Satellite has reported that it continues to experience rapid growth in the aeronautical satellite-communications sector. Aviation business for Iridium more than doubled in 2005. In a statement released at the...

Microsystems markets to double over the next five years.(the front end)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... MUNICH, GERMANY -- Markets for microsystems will double over the next five years from $12 billion in 2004 to $25 billion in 2009, a CAGR of 16 percent, according to a market report by NEXUS. The NEXUS Market Analysis for MEMS and...

WiMAX feasibility study for Folsom, CA is completed.(California)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... SEASIDE, CA -- Tellus Venture Associates, in collaboration with Coast2Coast Technologies, completed a study for the City of Folsom, CA that determined that a citywide WiMAX system is financially and technically feasible, and would help drive...

Kudos.(QUALCOMM have been named the Best Financially Managed Company )(RF Micro Devices Best Supplier Award)(Elcoteq SE inaugural Red Herring Small Cap )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... SAN DIEGO, CA -- QUALCOMM, Inc., a developer of CDMA and other wireless technologies, announced that they have been named the Best Financially Managed Company by the Fabless Semiconductor Assoc. for the fourth consecutive year. The award was...

Tracking trends in test equipment: the increasingly complex modulation formats of emerging communications standards supports a more flexible, modular approach to future measurement equipment.
January 1, 2006... Test equipment is the great enabler for developers of high-frequency components, devices, and systems. It must be accurate and reliable, and not impossible to use or program. Instrumentation has evolved over the most recent decade to reach new...

Step attenuators pass 1-W power at 6 GHz.(Editorial)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... ATTENUATORS REDUCE the power of RF signals in a broad range of applications. For example, the new 3400T programmable-step-attenuator series is targeting automatic test equipment (ATE) and OEM systems operating in the DC-to-6-GHz frequency...

Systems test at temperatures to +200[degrees]C.(vector network analyzers)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... WAVEGUIDE-BASED TEST PLATFORMS work with dedicated software and commercial vector network analyzers (VNAs) to perform two-port S-parameter material measurements at temperatures to +200[degrees]C. The two-port configuration can be used to...

Compact RF connectors extend to 65 GHz.(Radio Frequency)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... BOTH MILITARY AND COMMERCIAL applications demand increased package density, lower weight, and superior performance at higher frequencies. To satisfy these needs, the G3POTM connectors support increased package density with center-to-center...

Field-ready cable tester checks diverse assemblies.(Editorial)
January 1, 2006... A NEW CABLE TESTER promises to detect open and short faults in coaxial-cable assemblies. The RFA-4018-20 is lightweight, small, and portable for remote-site use. A 9-V battery powers the device. The tester's light-emitting-diode (LED) front...

TI intends to purchase Chipcon.(Texas Instruments)
January 1, 2006... ACCORDING TO A REPORT from ABI Research, Texas Instruments has announced its intention to purchase Chipcon, a developer of Zigbee technology, for $200 million. The announcement demonstrates that after a slow start, momentum is building...

Harris Corp.(Awarded a contract from the US Central Command air force)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Harris Corp. -- Has been awarded a $4.8 million contract from the US Central Command air force (USCENTAF) for Falcon III AN/PRC-152 multiband handheld and Falcon[R] II AN/VRC -103 vehicular units utilizing Harris AN/PRC-117F[C] manpack...

VCom, Inc.(Contracted with MRO-TEK Ltd to supply WiMAX-ready base stations and customer premise equipment)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... VCom, Inc. -- Has been selected by Bangalore, India-headquartered MRO-TEK Ltd. to supply VCom's WiMAX-ready base stations and customer premise equipment to serve market needs for WiMAX technology in India. Subsequent to achieving domestic...

Computer Simulation Technology (CST).(Product information )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Computer Simulation Technology (CST) -- Announced that CST MICROWAVE STUDIO[R] (CST MWS) 2006 is now shipping to customers. Users can benefit from a major re-design in the architecture and substantial new functionality of the CST MWS, 3D EM...

Harris Corp.'s Broadcast Communications Division.(Contracts )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Harris Corp.'s Broadcast Communications Division -- Has announced that Buckley Broadcasting Corp., a privately owned broadcasting company that owns and operates radio stations in seven markets plus the syndicated WOR network, has selected...

Summitek Instruments.( Has signed a licensing agreement with Willtek Communications)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Summitek Instruments -- Has signed a licensing agreement with Willtek Communications, a provider of test and measurement solutions to the wireless industry. Summitek Instruments, a manufacturer of software products designed automate spectrum...

International Manufacturing Services, Inc. (IMS).(Contracted with W. Howard Associates, Inc)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... International Manufacturing Services, Inc. (IMS) -- Announced the appointment of W. Howard Associates, Inc. to represent its products in the states of Colorado, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho. W. Howard Associates was founded in 1983 as a...

Midcom, Inc. and Nu Horizons Electronics Corp.(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Midcom, Inc. and Nu Horizons Electronics Corp.--Announced a partnership agreement the Americas and Asia Pacific. This agreement is effective immediately and involves the distribution of Midcom's complete line of transformer and inductor...

RelComm Technologies, Inc.(Contracted with Associated Technical Sales, LLC)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... RelComm Technologies, Inc. -- Has appointed Associated Technical Sales, LLC (www.ats1rep.com) to represent the company in Southern California.

TestMart.(Announced an agreement with Ophir RF)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... TestMart -- Announced an agreement with Ophir RF, designer and manufacturer of high-power, solid-state broadband and band-specific amplifiers. The deal provides the US government and federal contractor marketplace with special pricing on a...

Tri-Vision International Ltd./Ltee.(Tri-vision Electronics, Inc signed a systems-integrator and reseller agreement with Scientific-Atlanta, Inc)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Tri-Vision International Ltd./Ltee -- Announced that its Tri-vision Electronics, Inc. division has signed a systems-integrator and reseller agreement with Scientific-Atlanta, Inc. The agreement to sell and distribute Scientific-Atlanta...

QUALCOMM, Inc.(Has joined Wi-Fi Alliance)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... QUALCOMM, Inc. -- Has joined the Wi-Fi Alliance. The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global, non-profit industry trade association with more than 200 member companies devoted to promoting the growth of wireless local-area networks (WLANs). By joining the...

Agere Systems name O'Hare to executive vp spot.(Joseph O'Hare Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Agere Systems have appointed JOSEPH O'HARE to the position of executive vice president of Total Quality. Previously, O'Hare led Agere's storage division. O'Hare's career also includes 20 years with Texas Instruments in TI's Storage Products...

Harris Corp.(Appointments )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Harris Corp. -- DANA MEHNERT to vice president and general manager of US Government Products; formerly vice president and general manager for Government Products. Also, STEVE MARSCHILOK to vice president and general manager of International...

Aeroflex-Weinschel, Inc.(Dave Hardesty Appointed )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Aeroflex-Weinschel, Inc. -- DAVE HARDESTY to vice president of sales and marketing; formerly employed as manager of Federal Business Development at LTI DataComm.

Wegener Corp.(Rajnish Babbar Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Wegener Corp. -- RAJNISH (RAJ) BABBAR to vice president of worldwide sales; formerly vice president of sales for Terayon Communications.

RapidIO Trade Assoc.(Tom Cox Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... RapidIO Trade Assoc. -- TOM COX to executive director; formerly director of strategy at Tundra Semiconductor.

Celerity, Inc.(John Murphy Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Celerity, Inc. -- JOHN MURPHY to president and COO; formerly executive vice president and COO for PerkinElmer, Inc.

Gene H. Weiner & Associates, Inc.(Alan Poskanzer appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Gene H. Weiner & Associates, Inc. -- DR. ALAN POSKANZER to senior associate; formerly director of technology licensing for Arizona State University.

Park Electrochemical Corp.(Steven Peake Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Park Electrochemical Corp. -- STEVEN PEAKE to president of the company's FiberCote Industries, Inc. advanced composite materials subsidiary; formerly FiberCote's director of technology and quality.

MI Technologies.(Kirk Anderson Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... MI Technologies -- KIRK ANDERSON to strategic account manager; formerly principal project manager for systems and services at Agilent Technologies (formerly Hewlett-Packard).

Comarco Wireless Test Solutions.(Carlos Oliu Appointed )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Comarco Wireless Test Solutions -- CARLOS OLIU to manager of South American sales; formerly major accounts executive with Willitech. Also, CHARLES BLOUNT to manager of North American sales; formerly supervised and directed technical sales...

Northrop Grumman Corp.(Gerald Buckwalter Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Northrop Grumman Corp. -- GERALD BUCKWALTER to the advisory board for the University of Maryland University College Graduate School of Management and Technology; continues as Northrop Grumman's director of homeland security.

Pericom Semiconductor Corp.(Angela Chen Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Pericom Semiconductor Corp. -- ANGELA CHEN to vice president of finance and CFO; formerly vice president of finance for Asia.

Cavium Networks.(Kris Chellam Appointed )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Cavium Networks -- KRIS CHELLAM to the board of directors; continues as senior vice president for Corporate and Enterprise Services at Xilinx.

Indium Corp.(Ed Briggs Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Indium Corp. -- ED BRIGGS to applications engineer; formerly a supervisor for Indium's solder paste flux production.

Agere Systems.(Kari-Pekka Wilska)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... Agere Systems -- KARI-PEKKA (K-P) WILSKA to the board of directors; remains a partner at Austin Ventures.

MRV Communications, Inc.(Kevin Rubin Appointed)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... MRV Communications, Inc. -- KEVIN RUBIN to CFO; formerly vice president of finance and corporate compliance officer.

Short courses.(Calendar)
January 1, 2006... Besser Associates Short Courses RF Transceiver Architecture, Design, and Evaluation February 27-March 3 (San Diego, CA) Digital and Analog Linearization Techniques for RF Power Amplifier Systems February 27-March 3 (San Diego, CA)...

Meetings.(Calendar)
January 1, 2006... 2006 IPC Printed Circuits Expo, APEX, and Designers Summit February 8-10 (Anaheim, CA) Anaheim Convention Center Internet: www.GoIPCShows.org 4th Annual RFID World Exhibition and Conference February 27-March 1 (Dallas, TX) Gaylord...

Diamond dipole antenna captures UWB communications signals.(ultrawideband )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... LARGE-BANDWIDTH ANTENNAS are needed to support the pulsed signals that comprise short-range ultrawideband (UWB) communications systems. Since the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has authorized the use of approximately 7 GHz of...

Test approach troubleshoots digital radio transmitters.(from Agilent Technologies )(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... TESTING IMPAIRMENTS in digital radio communications systems can be time-consuming. Fortunately, Leopoldo Angrisani and fellow researchers from the University of Naples (Naples, Italy) have developed a straightforward test method using error...

Planar spiral inductors feature tunable values for CMOS amplifiers.(R&D roundup)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... VARIABLE SPIRAL INDUCTORS have sparked the imaginations of CMOS designers for some time, offering the possibility of wideband amplifiers with dynamic tuning capabilities. To advance this technology, Yo-Sheng Lin and research associates from the...

On-chip circuit performs jitter testing of high-speed PLLs.(PHASE-LOCKED-LOOP)(Brief article)
January 1, 2006... JITTER IN PHASE-LOCKED-LOOP (PLL) oscillators can cost the loss of essential data bits and valuable information in data-communications systems. Although minimizing jitter has been a long-time challenge of oscillator and synthesizer designers,...

Test handset PA phase and amplitude vs. time: one amplifier design can fit a variety of mobile handset applications provided that its nonlinearities are measured and corrected by means of the proper calibration factors.(power amplifier )
January 1, 2006... Amplifier reuse is a common way for mobile communications designers to reduce manufacturing material costs to a minimum as they develop new networks. For example, the same power amplifier (PA) developed for GSM and GPRS is also be used for...

Amplifying PA theory for efficient ISM transmitters: performance trade-offs must be carefully managed to achieve high efficiency at the required gain and current consumption in cost-sensitive ISM-band transmitters.(Power amplifier)(Industrial scientific medical)
January 1, 2006... Short-range applications in the industrial-scientific-medical (ISM) bands between 300 and 450 MHz are rapidly expanding. Key components for these applications are low-cost amplitude-shift-keying (ASK) and frequency-shift-keying (FSK)...

Darlington gain blocks eliminate bias resistor: a 5-V-supply-operated Darlington amplifier conquers overhead-voltage issues to deliver temperature and supply stability while maintaining efficient operation.(information about network equipments)
January 1, 2006... Wideband Darlington RF gain blocks are commonly used in wireless and wire-line applications. Their strong broadband linearity makes them suitable for base-station pre-drivers, repeater-pole transceivers, fiber-optic transceivers,...

Using heterojunction FETs for PCS low-noise amplifiers.(Field-effect transistor)
January 1, 2006... MICROWAVE-AMPLIFIER DESIGNERS develop their circuits according to performance requirements, real-estate constraints, and price. That process may change, however, as new technologies create a growing need for composite amplifiers that meet...

Examining E-pHEMT advantages for LNAs.(Enhancement-mode pHEMT )(LOW-NOISE AMPLIFIERS )
January 1, 2006... LOW-NOISE AMPLIFIERS (LNAs) are now simpler to design and build at microwave frequencies due to the abundance of good GaAs MESFETs and pHEMT devices. At the UHF and VHF communications bands, however, there is still a question of which device...

SiGe silences YIG oscillator phase noise: integrating SiGe transistor technology into high-frequency YIG oscillator structures results in new low levels of phase-noise performance at frequencies through 20 GHz.(product information)
January 1, 2006... Cutting phase noise from an oscillator can dramatically improve the performance of a microwave receiver or transmitter. Yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) oscillators are usually the source of choice for designs requiring low phase noise, wide...

Enhanced UltraCMOS yields GSM/WCDMA switches: the latest generation of the advanced mixed-signal UltraCMOS[TM] semiconductor process provides improvements in linearity and harmonics for multiple cellular standards.(CMOS process technology )
January 1, 2006... CMOS process technology was once thought unsuitable for RF applications. But some companies are pushing CMOS well past those early expectations, including Peregrine Semiconductor (San Diego, CA). The latest version of their UltraCMOS process...

Differential amp buffers ADCs to 2 GHz: well suited for RF and IF applications, this high-performance differential amplifier combines low noise with low distortion and impressive transient performance.(information about analog and digital designs)
January 1, 2006... Differential circuitry provides a proven means of suppressing noise in analog and digital designs. An increasing number of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are being offered with differential inputs, while even RF front-end components, such...

Scopes pack big power into small footprints: these digital oscilloscopes squeeze a powerful set of oscilloscope functions into a 6-in.-thick package, without compromising on performance or ease of use.(PRODUCT technology: DIGITAL OSCILLOSCOPES)(LeCroy Corp. )
January 1, 2006... Cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) have traditionally dictated the minimum size of a high-performance oscilloscope. LeCroy Corp. (Chestnut Ridge, NY) broke with tradition several years ago with their WaveSurfer line of general-purpose oscilloscopes based...

Looking back.
January 1, 2006... ALMOST 22 YEARS AGO, technology innovator Avantek (Santa Clara, CA) developed a series of Si-MMIC-based amplifier modules with as much as 37 dB gain to 1000 MHz.

Low-noise amplifiers drop below 1-dB noise-figure mark.
January 1, 2006... Low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) can be found in the front end of virtually all communications receiver designs, especially those where signal sensitivity is critical. The first-stage LNA in a receiver is a critical component since it essentially...