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Low Power RF www.microwave-eetimes.com
The European journal for the microwave and wireless design engineer 2 NEWS Performance vs. price? At last, resistive parts that make a priority of both. World needs over 10 million small cells by 2015
Chicago will need approximately demand for data is often high- 84,500 small cells to deliver est. Other sites include airports, truly high-speed LTE by 2015, stations, office buildings and with acceptable coverage and outdoor sites providing wider speeds, according to analysis coverage in busy street areas. from Picochip. To provide LTE The report was put together Got a resistive component priority checklist by Picochip’s CTO Dr Pulley, who of your own? Include Anaren on your RFQ everywhere in the US around list, and we’ll show you how we measure up! 1.8 million small cells would be also concluded that worldwide required, based on estimations there would need to be in excess Designed specifi cally for on data growth and usage across of ten million small cells to deliver commercial wireless the country. This is in addition to comparable performance. bands – and priced more residential femtocells and Wi-Fi. The US is already seeing wide- competitively than ever The analysis models what will spread deployment of LTE, with before – Anaren’s new be required to deliver the adver- basestations being deployed now wireless resistive compo- tised data rates consistently to to deliver next generation ser- nents are the answer when users wherever they are. The ca- vices. However, with relatively performance and price pacity per cell is based on exten- few users at present the networks Our new resistive must share the top slot sive simulations of traffic from are very lightly loaded, making it components are suitable on your priority list: projected device populations easy to demonstrate good data for today’s wireless and broadcast applications > DC to 6GHz. GSM, 3G, and traffic service types in 2015, rates. In time, as there are more requiring excellent power 4G, LTE, and many more incorporating propagation mod- users, with a wider range of de- handling in small, cost- competitive packages. > Higher power-handling els and calculations of network vices, the networks will become in smaller packages efficiency and loading. Around fuller and there will be a pressing > Choose from a range of packages including 20,000 of the small cells needed need for many more cells. SMD, chip, fl anged, and fl angeless for Chicago would be installed in > Environmentally friendly, thanks to BeO-free malls and retail premises where www.picochip.com AlN and Alumina designs – and RoHS compliant, lead-free fi nish > Accurate characterization of performance so NFC chip shipments to you can spec these parts with confi dence > Extremely cost-competitive – Anaren’s unique designs and manufacturing help you hit your surpass 1.2 billion by 2015 aggressive cost targets, while ensuring a quality product. (Every single component is As the number of mobile pay- nology that already has significant tested before it leaves our plant!) ment users grows to over 375 penetration in the market. For > 40+ years of RF and microwave engineering million in 2015, the demand for example, Bluetooth radios can experience, as well as decades of experience devices with near field commu- be integrated with NFC radios, in manufacturing ceramic resistive products nications (NFC) grows as well. making the choice to include Want resistive components – and a resistive The latest research from In-Stat NFC easy for OEMs.” technology supplier – that strike the optimal forecasts that adoption of this Today, the focus of the NFC balance between performance and price? technology will push global an- market is shifting from payment Email us at [email protected] or visit nual shipments of NFC chips to applications that can be enabled www.anaren.com over 1.2 billion by 2015. by NFC, to marketing applica- “As the costs of NFC chips de- tions. With this focus shift, we for samples, cline, and NFC radios are com- expect retailers to begin pilot a quote, or bined with other chip functions, programs in the latter part of application the cost to integrate NFC into 2011 and into 2012 that incor- assistance. 800-411-6596 > www.anaren.com handsets will be outweighed by porate smart posters into their In Europe, call 44-2392-232392 the benefits,” says Allen Nogee, signage and outdoor advertising ISO 9001 certified Visa/MasterCard accepted Research Director. “The growth strategies. (except in Europe) of combo chips will also allow NFC radios to piggyback on tech- www.instat.com
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in brief Motorola Mobility highlights some
NXP claims Google phone challenges in NFC, Wi-Fi, DLNA design win Google’s recently launched Galaxy A handful of standards will drive new smart- Wi-Fi Display, a technique for streaming video Nexus smartphone includes NXP phone uses and interoperability, but some pose from handsets to TVs. Many TV makers are ex- Semiconductors NV’s PN65N integrated challenges. In addition, it could take four to pected to support the wireless link in 2012 sets near field communication (NFC) solution, six months before Android 4.0, aka Ice Cream but “TV manufacturers have a tendency to do according to NXP. Sandwich, becomes widely available in hand- their own thing, so there will be lots of interoper- The PN65N, which features an sets, said a Motorola Mobility executive. ability challenges to make it all work,” she said. NFC radio controller and an embedded Bluetooth low-energy (BLE), near-field com- A related technology, Wi-Fi Direct, is just now secure element, is fully validated on the munications (NFC), Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi Dis- being rolled out in handsets as a peer-to-peer latest release of the Android operating play and the DLNA standards hold great poten- method for sharing data and media, she said. system, Android 4.0, also known as Ice tial—and some potential pitfalls--for developers, The interoperability specifications defined by Cream Sandwich, according to NXP. said Ruth Hennigar, vice president of software the Digital Living Network Alliance could be NXP said that the availability of its product management at Motorola Mobility in a baked into as many as a billion systems by 2014. open-source NFC software on Ice Cream keynote at the Android Developer Conference. But the DLNA specs still leave something to be Sandwich enables mobile phone and For example, one of the most interesting desired, Hennigar said. now also tablet manufacturers to design but complicated applications for NFC is mobile “It’s fairly hard to set up and discover devices NFC-enabled, Android-based mobile payments. “The banks, carriers and merchants on DNLA,” she said. “It doesn’t work consistently devices. For application developers, all want to be in control [of mobile payments] across devices, so if someone can crack the code Android support for NXP’s complete and customers are still nervous about using it,” on making DLNA more useable and discoverable, NFC solution provides an opportunity Hennigar said. there should be an app for that,” she quipped. to create new applications for mobile “Right now you can only have one payment For its part, BLE will be supported on next- payment/secure card emulation, model in your phone at one time because of the generation Motorola Razr phones. The technol- tag read/write and peer-to-peer carriers, and merchants don’t want to deploy ogy will open the door to Bluetooth peripherals communication, according to NXP. multiple scanning devices—so it will take a beyond today’s headsets and keyboards, includ- www.nxp.com while to work out who gets the money and ing medical and fitness devices and a wide range how,” she said. of other possible products. Separately, the Wi-Fi Alliance is expected to Sony to buy Ericsson’s ratify by the end of the year the specification for www.motorola.com stake in handset JV Sony said it has signed a deal to acquire Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson’s 50 percent stake in the Android visual radar smartphone app keeps mobile handset joint venture between the two companies, Sony Ericsson, for drivers safe 1.05 billion euro (about $1.49 billion). Sony Ericsson will become a wholly In a recent example of leaving your driving to The iOnRoad app allows drivers to share their owned subsidiary of Sony (Tokyo), the your smartphone, consumer marketer Picitup has driving achievements with others through Face- company said. The deal also includes a launched a visual radar app for high-end Android book and Twitter, such as taking a snapshot of a broad IP cross-licensing agreement and handsets, which when attached to a car’s wind- hazard or reckless driver and automatically post- ownership of key patents, Sony said. shield, warns the driver of potential collisions. ing it to Facebook. According to Sony, the company The iOnRoad app uses the smartphone’s native Further, it also allows users to improve their has about 11 percent market share in camera and sensors to detect vehicles in front of driving skills by viewing their latest drives and Android phones and 80 percent of its the vehicle, alerting drivers when they are in dan- alerts. The iOnRoad app can run in a “back- revenue is derived from smartphones. ger. iOnRoad’s VisualRadar maps objects in front ground mode,” allowing users to use the naviga- Howard Stringer, Sony’s president, of the driver in real time, and sensors calculate the tion app or take phone calls, while driving. chairman and CEO, said in a statement user’s current speed. As the vehicle approaches “This launch is just the beginning of an en- that the deal was a logical step for danger, an audio-visual warning pops up to warn tirely new user experience being enabled with Sony and would enable the company to the driver of a possible collision. smartphone technology, sensors and accelerom- integrate smartphones into its product iOnRoad uses a visual radar by combining eters,” said Roger C. Lanctot, senior analyst, portfolio, giving customers seamless real-time day/night machine vision with sensor global automotive practice, Strategy Analytics, connectivity and access to content on a fusion and then calculates the time gap and col- in a statement. broader range of devices. lision potential with other vehicles and warns of www.sonyericsson.com high risk events. www.picitup.com
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in brief Huawei proposes video server standard for
ST-Ericsson tips Nokia wireless carriers Windows Phone win Wireless chip vendor ST-Ericsson NV To keep up with mobile and video traffic, wire- serves as well as with PICMG members. “I would has announced that leading mobile less carriers will need a new class of high-end like to create some impact in the industry to go phone company Nokia, previously a systems by 2015, according to a Huawei execu- forward with a standard specification in this long-term partner, has selected the tive who sketched out a concept he is proposing direction,” said Skogby. company as a supplier of chips for its to other vendors and industry groups. Carriers have a variety of seemingly conflict- Windows Phone mobile phones. The next-generation system will need to carry ing requirements for different parts of their net- The move was expected and is data rates of 200 to 400 Gbits/s. To do that, it works. For example, many carriers are rolling important for ST-Ericsson (Geneva, should include boards that can handle 500 to out 4G wireless networks using many micro Switzerland) where profitability has 1000 W. They could be as much as twice the size base stations rather than the few, full-sized base suffered due to business turmoil at of today’s boards based on the Advanced TCA stations they used for 3G nets. In other parts Nokia and elsewhere in the mobile standard and probably will need liquid cooling. of their networks, carriers are asking systems phone sector over the previous quarters. “We could see 50x growth in network traffic companies to converge multiple functions into a ST-Ericsson has also made efforts to over five years driven by mobile video—that defi- single ATCA chassis to save cost. gain design wins in China and recently nitely calls for new high-end servers,” said Staf- “We have adopted ATCA for server apps announced its NovaThor chipset is fan Skogby, a senior Huawei product manager, where we see a good fit, and will continue to designed-in with HTC for a smartphone speaking in a keynote at the recent Advanced go that way, adding more applications to the to be distributed by China Mobile. TCA Summit. platform,” Skogby said. “At the same time, we www.stericsson.com Skogby said he presented his concept at a see the new challenge from number of mobile May workshop of the Scope Alliance, a group devices on the Net and new services driven by of telecom system makers. A handful of other mobile access and video, and to meet those chal- Toyota, Ford lead vehicle vendors liked the concept, including Emerson lenges we have concluded we need this new plat- phone app integration Network Power, he said. form for the media and user plane,” he said. Toyota and Ford have the most Huawei is in the early stages of formally pro- The high-end server concept could be a high- successful integration of car posing the concept to the alliance. If the proposal end addition to today’s ATCA chassis standards infotainment systems with mobile is approved, it would likely go to an industry stan- which need to continue to evolve in parallel, said devices like smartphones, according dards group such as the PCI Industrial Computer Skogby. At Huawei “we’ve had research on this to a recent IHS iSuppli Automotive Manufacturers Group (PICMG) that supervises for several years, part of it we are implementing, Research report. the Advanced TCA (ATCA) standards for boards parts are already in commercial use and other A study of five production-ready and chassis used by network carriers and others. parts are still evolving,” he added. applications for vehicles in the model Skogby said he has talked informally about years 2011 and 2012 showed that the concept with the Scope board on which he www.huawei.com both the Toyota Entune and Ford Sync AppLink apps achieved industry- leading performance on at least four criteria, including content variety, level Canonical preps Ubuntu for mobile devcies of integration, daily relevance and implementation. Canonical Ltd., is working on versions of its to be a key piece of the company’s move into Also doing well on some Ubuntu version of Linux for smartphones, tab- mobile devices. performance metrics in the evaluation lets and intelligent embedded devices. Canonical will have to show how it can de- were the BMW/Mini Connected, GM My Canonical’s chief executive Mark Shuttle- velop a base of support for mobile systems and Link/IntelliLink and Hyundai Blue Link. worth said Ubuntu version 14.04 “will power applications, perhaps by porting existing code Next-generation automotive tablets, phones, TVs and smart screens from the and programs from Android or other mobile infotainment systems will derive car to the office kitchen, and it will connect those Linux variants. their functionality from motorists’ devices cleanly and seamlessly to the desktop, Some mobile systems developers expressed mobile devices as opposed to using the server and the cloud.” Mobile versions of concerns about the patent wars surrounding their vehicle’s built-in capabilities to Ubuntu will run on Intel, AMD and ARM pro- Android and Google’s bid to acquire systems provide entertainment and information cessors, he said. It will support multi-touch in- maker Motorola Mobility, largely for its patent systems, according to Mark Boyadjis, terfaces and displays of various sizes, he added. portfolio. If the patent wars sour enthusiasm for IHS Senior Analyst and Regional To date Ubuntu has mainly focused on x86 Android, OEMs could see Ubuntu as an alterna- Manager, North American Automotive servers, however it is also available in a ver- tive platform. Research. sion for desktops and more recently netbooks. www.ihs.com Canonical’s controversial Unity interface is said www.canonical.com
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com
contents 7
2 News
10 Comment
12 Radar: Testing across digital baseband and RF domains — addressing integration challenges in reconfigurable radar systems Reconfigurable radar systems employ digital technology in the form of FPGAs and DSPs, which is then combined with RF technology. Traditionally, the baseband engineering team has used different design methods and a different set of test tools This month’s cover shows a high end radar than has the RF team. The combined use of these different image. Advances in technology are resulting in technologies has created significant system integration testing better systems that offer higher resolution with challenges. This article describes an approach for addressing the ability to detect slower moving objects such as people and vehicles for both civilian and these challenges by means of a single measurement platform. military use, and all at a lower cost. 16 MEMS/Nanotechnology: IBM transistor achieves 280-GHz EDITOR In Chief cutoff...Packaging and testing MEMS for space... Graphene JEAN-PIERRE JOOSTING Tel. +44-7800 548-133 within boron nitride layers targets next generation chips... email: [email protected] Editorial Advisory Board Tom Brazil, University College Dublin, Ireland 18 Low Power RF: UWB to revolutionise car manufacturing with Marco Lisi, Telespazio, Italy Holger Meinel, DaimlerChrysler Aerospace AG, real-time location identification system Germany Marco Guglielmi, ESTEC, The Netherlands A agreement has been forged between BMW, IBS and Chris Snowden, Filtronic Compound Semiconductor/ Ubisense, extending the deployment of a real-time Location University of Leeds, UK. advertising Production Identification System (LIS) across the global vehicle Lydia Gijsegom manufacturer’s production facilities. The LIS system comprises Tel +32 (0) 2 740 00 50 email: [email protected] a communication platform from IBS and identification tags and CIRCULATION & FINANCE sensors from Ubisense. LUC DESIMPEL Tel +32 (0) 2 740 0055 email: [email protected] 19 Low Power RF: IMEC brings back low power ultrawideband art manager Jean-Paul Speliers Ultrawideband is back. Imec and Holst Centre are Tel +32 (0)2 740 0052 demonstrating a fully chip-integrated ultralow-power IR-UWB email: [email protected] ACCOUNTING (impulse-radio ultra-wideband) solution for use in the 6 to RICARDO PINTO FERREIRA 10 GHz band, available worldwide and which opens the door Tel +32 (0)2 740 0051 email: [email protected] to relatively small antennas that do not need antenna filters. publisher andre rousselot Tel +32 (0)2 740 0053 20 Improving the output accuracy over temperature for RMS power email: [email protected] detectors European Business Press SA 144 Avenue Eugène Plasky Stable temperature performance is extremely important in 1030 Brussels - Belgium Tel: +32 (0)2 740 00 50 basestation designs, as the ambient temperature can vary Fax: +32 (0)2 740 00 59 widely depending on the surroundings and the location. Using www.microwave-eetimes.com VAT Registration: BE 461.357.437 high accuracy over temperature, RMS detectors can improve RPM: Brussels Company Number: 0461357437 the power efficiency of basestation designs.
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Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com 8 NEWS
in brief Growing free femtocell offers driven by
Tektelic and Picochip competitive markets collaborate on small cell LTE devices Informa Telecoms & Media has issued its latest in France, Japan, Russia and the United States Picochip and TEKTELIC have femtocell market status report for the Femto have access to free femtocells. announced that they are collaborating Forum, which highlights the growing number The growth in free femtocell offers is being on a phased development of a new of competitive femtocell deployments globally driven by the falling costs of femtocell tech- small cell LTE micro eNodeB platform. and the associated rise in free femtocell offers. nology as economies of scale and competition The collaboration will incorporate Femtocell services are currently available in 23 increase. Picochip’s fully featured LTE countries around the world, 43% of which have Over the past quarter, important progress has development system for small cells, the multiple operators offering the technology. been made in the evolution of femtocell chip- PC9608, into a real world, carrier-class This growth in markets with multiple femto- sets with new launches from Cavium, Freescale, device ready for deployment that will cell offerings was also found to be driving free Qualcomm and Texas Instruments. These join deliver the highest output power in the femtocell offers from operators. The majority of existing chipset vendors – Broadcom, DesignArt, smallest form factor available on the countries with competitive consumer femtocell Picochip and Mindspeed. market today. offerings include at least one operator who offers The development will take place the devices free of charge. Currently, subscribers www.femtoforum.org in two phases. The first phase will see the PC9608 system incorporated into a complete, single board, small cell LTE solution ready for immediate OpenET Alliance announces Envelope deployment. The second phase will see the two companies collaborate to Tracking interface spec for 4G handsets deliver a next generation multi-standard small cell device, encompassing The OpenET Alliance, the not-for-profit organi- than today’s 3G PAs. Using Envelope Tracking support for 20 MHz, dual-mode LTE and sation that promotes energy efficient wireless technology based on the new OpenET API, man- HSPA+, as well as ‘metro Wi-Fi’. transmission through Envelope Tracking, has ufacturers can rapidly develop 4G handsets that www.picochip.com announced that it has released a new API speci- require 30 to 50 percent less energy and support fication for 4G handsets to support further in- a larger number of LTE frequency bands. dustry collaboration. Envelope Tracking is the The release of this API aims to simplify col- Qualcomm describes most effective wide-band power optimisation laboration among semiconductor vendors, OEMs Snapdragon S4 technology for the RF front end of 3G and 4G and EDA providers through the complete devel- Qualcomm has released a white paper handsets. opment lifecycle of Envelope Tracking solutions on its next-generation Snapdragon Envelope Tracking is a key enabler for com- for 3G and 4G handsets, from early design and S4 mobile applications processor, pact, power efficient 4G handsets. Without it, prototyping through to mass production. giving a few additional details of the using traditional power supply architectures, 4G 28-nm chip expected to ship before RF PAs will use up to 65 percent more energy www.open-et.org June 2012. The S4 includes up to four custom Krait cores based on Qualcomm extensions to the ARM Cortex A9. ESA selects GreenPeak’s radio comms The cores and their L2 caches can run at separate voltages and clock controller chip for aerospace applications rates, a feature which can help lower power 25 to 40 percent, according to The European Space Center, ESA/ESTEC, has Engineer with ESA. “GreenPeak’s IEEE802.15.4- the company. The chip also contains selected a radio communication controller chip 2006 silicon was evaluated for its extremely low an upgraded Qualcomm graphics core, from GreenPeak Technologies for use in aero- current consumption characteristics, which are the Adreno 225. It provides 50 percent space applications and has endorsed the device needed for long-duration maintenance-free mis- greater performance and twice the for its superior RF performance, ultra-low power sions, and for its antenna diversity feature provid- memory bandwidth of the current requirement and interference robustness. ing robust links within satellite systems.” graphics core. “In our effort to reduce the complexity of har- The selection requirements are based on high The chip supports LTE and 3G nesses onboard satellites and in ground tests, ESA reliability, extreme battery life time (+15 years) radios as well as Bluetooth 4.0, FM, has been searching for commercial wireless com- and robustness against interference. GPS, Glonass, NFC and 802.11n Wi-Fi. munication technologies for sensors,” said Jean- www.qualcomm.com Francois Dufour, Computer and Data Handling www.greenpeak.com
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com NEWS 9
LTE evolved packet core spending to pass 500 million USD in 2012
Mobile operator spending for wireless core works. The vendors benefiting from the gateways will exceed $1 billion this year. increase in EPC spend include the five major The growing deployment of LTE networks wireless network equipment vendors (Al- is the main driver for increased spending on catel-Lucent, Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia Sie- gateways, which in turn are driving Evolved mens Networks, and ZTE) as well as router Packet Core (EPC) spend. Wireless core vendors including Cisco Systems, Juniper gateway spend is expected to be $1.1 billion Networks, and Tellabs. in 2012, of which LTE EPC spend will be According to Jim Eller, principal analyst, $588 million. wireless infrastructure, “Although some op- “There are approximately 35 LTE networks erators are able to upgrade their 3G core in commercial service today and that number networks to EPC networks to support LTE, will grow to more than 100 next year,” says the majority are installing new EPC net- Aditya Kaul, practice director, mobile net- works. Operators’ existing core networks are works. “This growth in LTE networks has stretched to capacity by dramatic increases almost doubled total mobile gateway network in mobile broadband data traffic and most spend between 2006 and 2011.” view LTE deployment as an opportunity to The LTE EPC spend consists of P-Gate- install the latest core network technologies way, S-Gateway, MME, and eHRPD equip- for improved network operations.” ment, which account for LTE EPC deploy- ments in both WCDMA and CDMA net- www.abiresearch.com Traffic monitoring system uses Bluetooth sensors over ZigBee
The Vehicle Traffic Monitoring Platform Libelium’s CTO David Gascón says, from Libelium is capable of sensing the “With widespread use of Bluetooth devices flow of Bluetooth devices in a given street, both vehicular and pedestrian traffic can roadway or passageway while differentiating be monitored anonymously by detecting hands-free car kits from pedestrian phones. and tracking the MAC addresses of such Sensor data is then transferred by a multi- devices”. hop ZigBee radio, via an internet gateway, to The Platform uses the Expansion Radio a server. The traffic measurements can then Board for Waspmote which allows two dif- be analysed to address congestion of either ferent types of radio to be connected at the vehicle or pedestrian traffic. same time. In this case a Bluetooth radio Part of Libelium’s Smart Cities solution, is used as a sensor to make inquiries and the Platform allows system integrators to to detect nearby devices, while the ZigBee create real time systems for monitoring ve- radio sends the information collected using hicular and pedestrian traffic in cities by its multi-hop capabilities. using the new “Bluetooth — ZigBee” dou- Six power levels allow sensor operators ble radio feature available in the Waspmote to set an “inquiry zone” from between 10 sensor board. and 50 metres. Although Bluetooth, ZigBee Understanding the flow and congestion and WiFi all operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM of vehicular traffic is essential for efficient band, Waspmote uses Adaptive Frequency road systems in cities. Smooth vehicle flows Hopping (AFH) to enable the Bluetooth reduce journey times, reduce emissions and radio to identify channels already in use by save energy. Similarly the efficient flow of ZigBee and WiFi devices and thus avoid pedestrians in an airport, stadium or shop- interference. ping centre saves time and can make the dif- ference between a good and a bad visit. www.libelium.com
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011● www.microwave-eetimes.com 10 Comment engineering europe
Small cells and/or WiFi to SALES OFFICES EUROPE alleviate data crunch Austria Victoria & Norbert Hufmann Tel +49 911 93 97 64 42 - [email protected] According to ABI Research there are approximately 35 LTE Belgium Nadia Liefsoens networks in commercial service today and that number will grow Tel: +32-11-224 397 - [email protected] to more than 100 next year. Small cells enable network operators France, Spain & Portugal to create an underlay network to augment the macrocellular André Rousselot Tel:+32 2 740 0053 - [email protected] nework. By creating small cells that can co-operate with the larger Germany PLZ 0-3, 60-65, 8-9 macrocells, operators essentially increase capacity and spectral Victoria & Norbert Hufmann efficiency. Tel: +49 911 93 97 64 42 - [email protected] Germany PLZ 4-5 Femtocells are touted for the job, and although they work well Armin Wezel there are issues with respect to backhaul associated with these Tel: 0049(0)30 526 891 92 - [email protected] cells. Many femtocells will probably be put in places where they Germany PLZ 66-69, 7 Ralf Stegmann can piggy-back existing infrastructure, for example, using a wireline Tel: +49 7131 9234-0 - [email protected] associated with a building the femtocell finds itself attached to. Or Israel Amir Ben-Artzi home owners could be convinced to provide their ADSL lines for Tel: +972 73 7367966 - [email protected] backhaul. Italy Ferruccio Silvera Another approach is to create a box with radio backhaul built Tel: +39-02-284 6716 - [email protected] in, along with all the required switching and power needs. Enter, Scandinavia Jeff Draycott Dragonwave’s Avenue Platform, which does this in a ‘zoning- Mobile: +46-(0)702 067636 - [email protected] friendly’ box that already meets municipal requirements for Switzerland mounting on steet lamps, traffic light poles and building walls, Monika Ailinger enabling operators to quickly scale capacity and optimize spectrum Tel: +41-41-850 4424 - [email protected] usage. Avenue’s features are detailed on page 25. UK & Ireland & The Netherlands Tim Anstee Recently, Nokia and Spectrum Interactive, delivered a scheme Tel: +44-1732-366555 - [email protected] offering free WiFi on the streets of London via a series of hotspots. USA The scheme, however requires consumers to register in order to US East Coast gain access. Home users already use WiFi to off-load data intensive Karen Smith-Kernc Tel: +1 717 397 7100 - [email protected] tasks from the 3G network, mainly for speed and to save money, by US Central & West Coast leveraging a relatively cheap ADSL or DSL resource already paid for. Alan Kernc Tel: +1 717 397 7100 - [email protected] Could operators do the same and off-load data to provide subscribers with uninterrupted data access on the street and in ASIA buildings. The user would see a seamless crossover between 3G, Japan Masaya Ishida WiFi and 4G. WiFi could evolve further to meet these needs, with Tel: +81-3-6824-9386 - [email protected] all the advantages of a mass market, mature technology, and low Hong Kong cost. Eventually, WiFi could be part of the operator network, where Asian Sources Publications Ltd. a user’s phone merely picked the strongest signal with an app to Tel: +852 2831 2775 - [email protected] authenticate the smartphone as needed. South Korea J. W. Suh As LTE networks still have relatively few users, capacity is not Tel: +82-2-7200-121 - [email protected] yet an issue, but as more LTE networks roll out, and more users Taiwan Lotus Business sign up, the need for a small cell approach is vital. Maybe WiFi will Tel: +886-4-23235023 - [email protected] surprise everyone again? EUROPEAN BUSINESS PRESS SA
André Rousselot Sales director Jean-Pierre Joosting Tel +32 (0)2 740 0053 Editor email: [email protected] [email protected] european Mobile:- +44-7800-548133 business press
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com Explore the EM simulation universe
Y Get equipped with leading edge The extensive range of tools integrated EM technology. CST’s tools enable you in CST STUDIO SUITE enables numerous to characterize, design and optimize applications to be analyzed without leaving electromagnetic devices all before going the familiar CST design environment. This into the lab or measurement chamber. This complete technology approach enables can help save substantial costs especially for unprecedented simulation reliability and new or cutting edge products, and also reduce additional security through cross verification. design risk and improve overall performance and profitability. Y Grab the latest in simulation technology. Simulation of cancer treatment Choose the accuracy and speed offered by by RF thermoablation. Involved in biomedical applications? You CST STUDIO SUITE. can read about how CST technology was used to simulate biomedical devices at www.cst.com/biomed. If you’re more interested in filters, couplers, planar and multilayer structures, we’ve a wide variety of worked application examples live on our website at www.cst.com/apps. CHANGING THE STANDARDS
CST – COMPUTER SIMULATION TECHNOLOGY | www.cst.com | [email protected] MicrowaveEngEurope_DualBand:Layout 1 11/7/11 8:18 PM Page 1
12 Radar
Testing across digital baseband and RF domains — addressing integration challenges in reconfigurable radar systems
By Brad Frieden, Applications Specialist, Agilent Technologies
econfigurable radar systems employ peak power required for the pulse and lower The baseband portion of the design was digital technology in the form of FPGAs probability of being detected. One type of created at a high level through the use of an Rand DSPs. That digital technology pulse compression occurs when the frequency Agilent tool called SystemVue, with a resultant is combined with RF technology to achieve modulation happens in a “linear” fashion design as shown in Figure 1. I and Q vector a high level of flexibility which is required to across the pulse width. This “linear” frequency modulation chirp radar signals are created, up- move between different types of waveforms modulation is also called a “chirp radar” sampled by a factor of four, Root-Raised-Cosine and configurations found in today’s demanding frequency modulation. filtered, and then up-converted to digital IF. radar applications. It is no surprise that the baseband engineering team has traditionally used Figure 1: Chirp different design methods and a different set of radar transmitter test tools than has the RF team. The combined section with use of these different technologies has created digital baseband significant system integration testing challenges. functions. This article describes an approach for addressing these challenges by means of a single measurement platform. Such a platform can help radar systems integrators successfully and easily validate and debug their design. This approach allows Vector Signal Analyzer (VSA) measurements to be made all along the radar transmitter or receiver paths. Measurements can be performed with logic analyzers on FPGA The hottest news in town is not that we put two amplifiers hardware, with oscilloscopes at the analog IF or in a single chassis, but for the first time you can go all the way from 0.8 to 18 GHz with the reliability of solid state. RF level, and with signal (spectrum) analyzers Our Dual Band Amplifiers can be used for multiple applications because they are linear and extremely load tolerant. along the RF exciter and receiver chains. All three types of instruments can export captured You now have freedom like never before. Just pick the power from 5 to 80 watts and the bandwidth from signals into the common analysis environment 0.8 to 8.0 GHz, 0.8 to 10.6 GHz or 0.8 to 18 GHz. of VSA software to help designers pinpoint We put it together for you in one package that costs less, weighs less, and takes less space than two separate amplifiers. issues that might exist at any point along the mixed signal chain, ultimately speeding If you want to upgrade later, no problem. We make our Dual Band Amplifiers with built-in flexibility for increased successful system integration. power levels because your needs are constantly changing. Shouldn’t your amplifiers change too? So with 28 models to choose from, check out all the extras that our Dual Band Amplifiers offer. A chirp radar example design One of the methods to extend range and increase www.arworld.us resolution in a radar system is to apply pulse ISO 9001:2008 www.ar-europe.ie/contact.php Certified compression. The pulse gets frequency or phase-modulated, which in turn causes each part of the pulse to have a unique frequency or phase coding. This means that reflections Figure 2: from a target, which normally might have had Simulated overlapping return signals in the frequency digital IF signal ar europe domain, now can be more easily and completely demodulated separated due to the unique frequency and in the VSA National Technology Park, Ashling Building, Limerick, Ireland • 353-61-504300 • www.ar-europe.ie phase components at hand. This enables lower application. In Europe, call ar United Kingdom 441-908-282766 • ar France 33-1-47-91-75-30 • ar Benelux 31-172-423-000
Copyright © 2011 AR. The orange stripe on AR products is Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off. Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com MicrowaveEngEurope_DualBand:Layout 1 11/7/11 8:18 PM Page 1
The hottest news in town is not that we put two amplifiers in a single chassis, but for the first time you can go all the way from 0.8 to 18 GHz with the reliability of solid state. Our Dual Band Amplifiers can be used for multiple applications because they are linear and extremely load tolerant. You now have freedom like never before. Just pick the power from 5 to 80 watts and the bandwidth from 0.8 to 8.0 GHz, 0.8 to 10.6 GHz or 0.8 to 18 GHz. We put it together for you in one package that costs less, weighs less, and takes less space than two separate amplifiers. If you want to upgrade later, no problem. We make our Dual Band Amplifiers with built-in flexibility for increased power levels because your needs are constantly changing. Shouldn’t your amplifiers change too? So with 28 models to choose from, check out all the extras that our Dual Band Amplifiers offer. www.arworld.us ISO 9001:2008 www.ar-europe.ie/contact.php Certified
ar europe
National Technology Park, Ashling Building, Limerick, Ireland • 353-61-504300 • www.ar-europe.ie In Europe, call ar United Kingdom 441-908-282766 • ar France 33-1-47-91-75-30 • ar Benelux 31-172-423-000
Copyright © 2011 AR. The orange stripe on AR products is Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM. Off. 14 Radar
From SystemVue, hardware description language multiplexer measurement core and via internal FPGA signals are probed at the up-converted (HDL) code was generated that in turn could routing resources of the FPGA. First, the and filtered I and Q signal level, and also at the drive an FPGA implementation of the baseband tool allows the user to define the type of digital IF level where the signal drives the input design in a Xilinx Virtex-4 FPGA. measurement core, number of signal banks, how to the D/A converter. Then a logic analyzer The digital IF signal then comes off chip and many pins will be used for debug signals, and tool called the “FPGA Dynamic Probe” works drives the input of a D/A converter. Finally, the exactly which FPGA I/O pins will be used to with the FPGA measurement core to allow the resultant analog IF signal is up-converted to RF bring out debug signals. designer to make meaningful measurements. where it ultimately feeds a power amplifier and drives the antenna Figure 3: Logic analyzer probing Simulation of the high level design internal FPGA Through the use of SystemVue, the design can signals (L) and be simulated at a high level prior to FPGA scope probing implementation. The resultant digital IF signals D/A output can be input to a software package called the analog IF (R), 89601 Vector Signal Analysis (VSA) tool, with both running VSA results as shown in Figure 2. This example software. shows the desired frequency spectral content in the upper left panel, the linear frequency shift across the width of the radar pulse in the upper right panel, the time domain view of the radar pulse amplitude in the lower left panel, and then the classic view of the real part of the digital vector modulation in the lower right panel. These four views become our “golden standard” for comparison of measured signals Figure 4: Logic analyzer measurement of the Chirp Radar digital IF signal (L) and VSA processing (R). on real hardware.
Taking a look across the signal path Since the baseband portion of the design is implemented in an FPGA, it is possible to probe inside the FPGA by feeding various signals along the vector modulation path to a logic analyzer. The test setup is shown in Figure 3. The logic analyzer is on the left and has “flying lead” probes connected to 0.1 inch header pins that are on the Digitech ExtremeDSP Xilinx Virtex-4 based platform seen in the middle of the picture. Flying lead probes provide an individual coax connection for each digital data signal. A number of ground connections are made to preserve good signal integrity on the probed signals. An oscilloscope is shown on the right, and the analog IF signal that comes out of a D/A converter on the DigiTech platform via an SMB connector is brought over to the scope with a single coax cable. Notice a Xilinx USB JTAG Programming Cable that is used to connect to the JTAG chain where the Virtex-4 FPGA is located. Ultimately, this JTAG connection will be used to switch a multiplexer inside the FPGA to reach signals of interest via internal FPGA routing resources. In this example, the Xilinx application ChipScope Pro “Core Inserter” is used to define the probe points via an internal FPGA Figure 5: Oscilloscope measurement of the Chirp Radar analog IF signal (L) and VSA processing (R).
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com radar 15
3250 Series - All the This logic analyzer FPGA Comparing the digital IF to the analog analyzer you need probing tool greatly simplifies the IF with the help of VSA software process of making measurements. The digital IF signal that the First, this tool allows the user baseband team is working with to download the “.bit” file for can be easily compared to the the FPGA design into the FPGA analog signal that the analog/RF directly from the logic analyzer team is working with. The DAC interface via a JTAG connection. output signal is probed with a real- Next, the internally-probed time oscilloscope and this analog FPGA bus and signal names are signal can be seen in the left side imported from a Xilinx-generated of Figure 5. This signal can be file called a .cdc file that was imported by the VSA software as created by the Xilinx ChipScope well. The VSA software presents Pro Core Inserter application. Then useful information about this a process called “automatic pin analog IF signal, as shown in the mapping” takes place where debug VSA-processed view of that signal signals on output pins of the FPGA in the right side of Figure 5. Notice are discovered by the logic analyzer in this case, where the system is and “mapped” to the logic analyzer operating properly, we have a very input channels automatically. The similar set of data in the VSA view logic analyzer is set up to have of processed digital IF signals the proper clock input defined, seen in the four VSA panels in the threshold levels set to match the right side of Figure 4, compared FPGA output voltage levels, and to the VSA view of processed the logic analyzer capture mode set analog IF signals seen in the right to match the FPGA debug signal side of Figure 5. This side-by-side output. Designers can select which analysis can be very useful when signal bank they want to look at. In an undesired waveform is seen this case, it is the DAC input. along the path, and one can trace Now a trace can be taken with the signal back in the signal path to a logic analyzer as seen in the left find the root cause of the problem. side of Figure 4. The logic analyzer is displaying in “chart” mode, Coordinated debug and validation The Aeroflex 3250 Series Spectrum Analyzer where hex values of the bus are We have seen how the digital and Spectrum Analyzer - The four models in the 3250 Series cover 9 kHz converted into a waveform. We see analog analysis process can involve to 26.5 GHz and provide class leading performance, stability and the beginning of a digital IF pulse. a common analysis tool called VSA measurement speed at a low cost. A common tool, shared between that allows baseband and analog/RF the digital baseband team and the teams to better work together and Vector Analyzer - The 30 MHz bandwidth digitizer supports a full range analog/RF team, called Vector identify the root cause of problems of broadband signal measurements. Aeroflex analysis libraries provide Signal Analysis (VSA) software, in design. Whether there is an FPGA industry leading measurement and analysis tools for mobile and wireless imports digital signals just captured designer working with the digital communication standards. on the logic analyzer, and processes baseband signals, or an RF designer EMI Receiver - The 3250 Series includes a pre-amp which extends the this data into a format helpful to focused on analog and RF stages in noise floor to -165 dBm and an EMI receiver application for the designer as shown in the right the system, they can jointly use one pre-compliance testing to CISPR, EN, KN and FCC standards. Fast side of Figure 4. But what we see tool to pinpoint sources of error or transient analysis, quasi-peak detection, scan segmentation, zoom, now is a clear display of the linear build confidence that their radar multi-trace scans and many automatic features make this package fast frequency chirp modulation across design is ready for production. and easy to use. the pulse, pictured in the upper One instrument covers all your RF needs, from de- right-hand side panel of the VSA About the author velopment through to compliance, future software. We also see the spectral Brad Frieden is a logic and protocol proofed by frequent updates and content of this digital IF signal in analyzer applications specialist in new measurement applications. the upper left-hand panel. Notice Agilent’s Digital Debug Solutions these VSA panel views closely team. He has specialized in FPGA To find out more about the 3250 Series great features, match those seen originally from measurements with the FPGA download the brochure at: “golden standard” VSA processing Dynamic Probe and written a of simulated baseband signals back variety of articles on this topic and www.aeroflex.com/rfsolution1111 in Figure 2. other logic analyzer applications.
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com 16 MEMS/Nanotechnology
IBM transistor achieves 280-GHz cutoff...Packaging and testing MEMS for space... Graphene within boron nitride layers targets next generation chips...
IBM researchers to report carbon feats at IEDM Graphene could replace silicon in the next generation of chips. including record RF performance A couple of late submissions to the upcoming IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting will detail record-breaking performance in transistors made from carbon and its derivatives. IBM researchers will describe record RF performance from transistors made from synthesized grapheme. The researchers achieved a 280-GHz cutoff frequency in a 40-nm gate-length FET, the fastest ever reported from synthesized grapheme, according to IBM. The second research paper from IBM outlines the first experimental demonstration of sub-10-nm transistors made from carbon nanotubes. The researchers built devices that achieved more than four times the current density also will provide the European Space Agency automotive, healthcare and wellness, (2.41 mA/µm) of the best competing (ESA), which is funding the project, a simple information and communication, home silicon device, at a low operating voltage and fast standardized test to evaluate the automation, energy, security, consumer, space of 0.5 V. The researchers speculate that suitability of MEMS for space missions. and industrial process control. theoretical predictions were exceeded Led by CSEM, the project is developing because the transistor gate modulates the procedures for sealing and testing MEMS WLP www.hta-online.eu charge not only in the channel but in the for a piezo-electrically actuated resonator from contact regions as well, which had not been CSEM and a capacitively actuated resonator considered previously. from CEA-Leti. Fraunhofer Institute for Encapsulating graphene within boron nitride Electronic Nano Systems ENAS is applying layers for the next generation of chips www.ibm.com special measuring and testing processes to Writing in the journal Nature Physics, a guarantee the reliability of these MEMS systems. team of researchers from the University of VTT, the Technical Research Centre of Finland, Manchester has demonstrated how graphene Packaging and testing MEMS used in space will join the project consortium; negotiations are could be encapsulated, sandwiching two sheets The Heterogeneous Technology Alliance (HTA), currently under way. of graphene with another two-dimensional a team of leading European technology institutes Reliability is a major issue for MEMS in material, boron nitride. The four-layered including CEA-Leti, CEA-Liten, CSEM, space applications, and establishing new, proven structure they obtained could be the key to Fraunhofer Group for Microelectronics and VTT, and reliable packaging concepts can dramatically replacing the silicon chip in computers. is developing new methods for packaging and extend the lifetime of MEMS devices and Because there are two layers of graphene testing microelectromechanical system (MEMS) therefore expand their suitability for space completely surrounded by the boron nitride, devices to meet performance requirements of missions. Moreover, MEMS in space will benefit this has allowed the researchers for the first space missions. Europe’s space industry by increasing overall time to observe how graphene behaves when As part of the Wafer-Level Encapsulation in flight-and-exploration reliability through the unaffected by the environment. Dr Leonid Microsystems (WALES) project, HTA members use of more sensing devices, and reducing costs Ponomarenko, the leading author on the paper, are studying how wafer-level packaging (WLP) through smaller payloads. said: “Creating the multilayer structure has can be used to connect and protect MEMS The combined technological infrastructure allowed us to isolate graphene from negative devices in hermetically sealed structures to of the members offers business and industrial influence of the environment and control withstand extreme weather and radiation partners a one-stop shop for complete system graphene’s electronic properties in a way it was conditions encountered in space. The project solutions for a variety of markets, including impossible before.
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com microwave1111:pxi0408.qxd 08/11/2011 16:43 Page 1
MEMS/Nanotechnology 17
Testing microwave systems, “So far people have never seen which are different at different sub-systems or components? graphene as an insulator unless it carrier frequencies, the company has been purposefully damaged, but said. here high-quality graphene becomes The control is applied by either an insulator for the first time.” the MIPI Alliance RFFE interface or The two layers of boron nitrate SPI serial interface. are used not only to separate two The WS2018 can be driven by graphene layers but also to see an existing single supply rail such how graphene reacts when it is as an LDO regulator output or completely encapsulated by another directly from the battery supply. It material. includes a charge pump, serial bus “Leaving the new physics and driver circuits integrated on we report aside, technologically the same CMOS die as the MEMS important is our demonstration capacitor elements. that graphene encapsulated within “Our new WS2018 antenna boron nitride offers the best tuner combines the industry’s best and most advanced platform for RF performance with the smallest future graphene electronics. It form factor and the ability to tune solves several nasty issues about any phase, any VSWR for 2G, graphene’s stability and quality 3G and LTE frequency bands,” that were hanging for long time as said Victor Steel, vice president of dark clouds over the future road for products at WiSpry, in a statement. graphene electronics.” “We did this on a small scale www.wispry.com but the experience shows that everything with graphene can be scaled up.” MEMS foundry licenses out TSV “It could be only a matter of technology several months before we have MEMS foundry Silex Microsystems encapsulated graphene transistors AS has said it has licensed its Sil- with characteristics better than Via technology for through silicon Aeroflex has your test needs covered with the 6820A Series Microwave previously demonstrated.” vias (TSVs) to Nanoshift LLC for Scalar Analyzers including integrated source or the 6840A Series Microwave use in the early development of System Analyzers with integrated scalar, source and spectrum analyzer. www.manchester.ac.uk complex MEMS products. Whether you are testing individual microwave components, complete “Through this license, MEMS radar systems, ground stations or satellite links, the series provides a customers can leverage Silex’s comprehensive suite of easy to use configured measurements. Tunable RF MEMS has MIPI control extensive experience in MEMS, and Available in various frequency ranges up to 46 GHz, the 6800 Series Programmable radio frequency capitalize on Nanoshift’s highly- has the ideal tools for measuring antennas, cables, filters, LNAs, etc. (RF) MEMS chip specialist WiSpry skilled design and development All the basic standard measurements you would expect are available - has announced the introduction to teams to more rapidly bring their VSWR, Insertion Loss, Fault Location, Group Delay, LNA gain, 1 dB the market of the WS2018 antenna MEMS products to market,” said compression, 3 dB bandwidth - and all in automatically configured form. tuning component. The WS2018 is Peter Himes, vice president of If you are looking for a simple and effective means of testing frequency designed to sit between the antenna marketing and strategic alliances translation devices, mixer/convertor gain and group delay all are covered. and the RF front-end module of a for Silex Microsystems (Jarfalla, For radar installation stimulus there are pulse generator and modulator mobile phone to provide impedance Sweden), in a statement. facilities available for use with the integrated source. optimization over a frequency range “The Silex Sil-Via platform has from 824‑MHz to 2.17-GHz. become the go-to TSV technology Unique applications are also available to measure end-to-end group delay and amplitude variation across a Satellite or Microwave net- The component is based on in the MEMS industry because it work. Channel Equalizers can be evaluated by WiSpry’s digitally tunable MEMS has been proven in many high- taking synchronized intercontinental capacitor technology, which allows volume applications,” said Salah measurements across the complete digital control of capacitance Uddin, co-founder of Nanoshift satellite system. values so that the WS2018 can (Emeryville, CA). To order a FREE Microwave info be reprogrammed quickly to pack, including the 6820A and compensate for antenna load www.silexmicrosystems.com 6840A data sheets, and a microwave datamate visit: changes that can be caused by a www.nanoshift.net variety of effects including head, www.aeroflex.com/testing11 hand and body proximity and
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com 18 low power rf — UWB
UWB to revolutionise car manufacturing with real-time location identification system
By Ubisense, www.ubisense.net
new agreement has been forged between BMW, IBS and Ubisense, A extending the deployment of a real- time Location Identification System (LIS) across the global vehicle manufacturer’s production facilities. The LIS system comprises a communication platform from IBS and identification tags and sensors from Ubisense. Under the contract, IBS and its software partner Ubisense will expand the roll-out of LIS, which is already delivering significant productivity improvements at two of BMW’s eight vehicle assembly plants. The solution will now be implemented at three additional BMW assembly lines in Asia, Europe and the United States. The LIS integrated real-time location system (RTLS) solution, developed specifically for BMW, combines best-in-class ultra-wideband are manufactured on the same line. At BMW network (LAN) to LIS, which is integrated (UWB) radio tags and sensors with advanced Regensburg, Series 1 and Series 3 vehicles are with the BMW IT environment. Running under quality management and traceability software, assembled alongside Z4 Roadsters. With each SAP, the BMW IT environment comprises a bringing the production process a step closer to model built to exact customer specifications so-called “communication machine” (KM), Six Sigma and the vision of complete traceability. and travelling along the production line, more the Integrated Production System (IPS) and The technology tracks individual vehicles or less in the order of purchase, assembly line the Automotive Production System (APS). through on-line and off-line final assembly. It operatives have to identify the next vehicle at LIS determines when the tools enter the determines the identity and location of each their station quickly and accurately in order to pre-defined work zones around each moving car in the assembly facility and, based on the select the right component or tool setting and vehicle, identifying the vehicle and generating proximity of the vehicles to both fixed and complete the work necessary in the seconds a “positive event.” This prompts the APS to mobile equipment such as tools and scanners, they have available. automatically load the correct vehicle-specific programs and controls the devices. Delivering Previously, operatives identified vehicles program to the operative’s tool so the next job unprecedented levels of accuracy and reliability using hand-held scanners and paper barcode can be performed. for an RTLS-based solution, the system improves labels, which were attached to the bonnet of Dr. Klaus-Juergen Schroeder, Chief quality and enables line operatives to work each car. They then had to take their Direct Executive Officer of IBS AG, said: “The LIS more efficiently, achieving time-savings, process Current (DC) tool to the correct location on developed and standardised by IBS — along safeguarding, zero defects and cost reductions. the vehicle and wait for the correct settings to with BMW and Ubisense — is unique In 2008, Ubisense and IBS deployed LIS on a load before starting work — a time-consuming worldwide. The tool presents us with a vital 1.8 km long assembly line at BMW’s Regensburg process in a manufacturing environment where unique selling point.” plant in Germany. In 2010, LIS went live on the every second counts. Richard Green, CEO of Ubisense, new X3 assembly line at BMW Spartanburg in Working with BMW, IBS and Ubisense commented: “Extending our agreement with South Carolina, USA — home to the company’s have automated this process within the BMW BMW via IBS is a major endorsement of the SUV range. The solution will now be deployed IT environment, shaving valuable seconds Ubisense solution, demonstrating the quality at plants in Shenyang, China; on the X5 and off assembly line operations. The RTLS tags improvements as well as time and cost savings X6 production line in Spartanburg; and at the now replace the barcodes on car bonnets and it can deliver. Working with IBS, we have dedicated Mini plant in Oxford, U.K. have been fixed to DC programmable tools. forged a long-term partnership with BMW and As the cars move through the plant, the tags look forward to working with the company How the technology works communicate their location via UWB radio to to drive forward new efficiencies at its global Vehicle assembly is a complex process sensors located along the production line. The manufacturing sites.” — particularly at plants where different models sensors instantly relay this data via a local area
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com synth 1111:pxi0408.qxd 08/11/2011 14:23 Page 1
low power rf — UWB 19
The #1 Synthesizer now comes IMEC brings back low with a full Two Year warranty! power ultrawideband
By Jean-Pierre Joosting
ltrawideband is back. the Bluetooth communication, the Imec and Holst Centre are UWB radio will not suffer from Udemonstrating a fully chip- interference from other wireless integrated ultralow-power IR-UWB technologies that operate in the (impulse-radio ultra-wideband) same location and in the same solution for use in the 6 to 10 GHz frequency band. band, available worldwide and Impulse ultra-wideband which opens the door to relatively communication is especially small antennas that do not need suited for short-range (20 m) antenna filters. The radio delivers communication and positioning high-quality communication for sensors. The large bandwidth battery-operated mobile and improves the resilience against sensing applications, and operates fades, resulting in a superior fade-resilient and interference-free. communication reliability. This UWB rode up and down the is especially so compared to hype curve in the past decade as narrowband solutions, which tend Intel and others tried to harness it to lose signals in surroundings as the transport for wireless USB, with reflective surfaces and outfitted with the WiMedia air multi-path propagation. Also, interface for 100 Mbit/second data spreading information over a wide rates. Researchers here are taking bandwidth decreases the power a different twist on the technology. spectral density, thus reducing the Rather than use a continuous interference with other systems modulation wave, the chip set and lowering the probability of adopts the impulse-response interception. IR-UWB is also Aeroflex is the #1 fast-switching synthesizer provider on the market today! Our synthesizers offer high speed, low noise and wide radio techniques tested in military suitable for positioning sensors; the bandwidth all in one package. applications. It allows a relatively reflection of the wide-band signal 2200 Modular Frequency Synthesizer simple design with chips that can allows for centimeter-ranging be turned off between data blasts, positioning accuracy. • Spans frequency range from 10 MHz to 18.4 GHz saving power. Imec and Holst Centre’s • Standard resolution of 1.0 Hz UWB communication is now solution consists of a transmitter, available for battery-operated receiver front-end, and receiver • Can switch from any frequency (F1), to any other frequency (F2), up or down, in 1 µSec applications in the area of personal digital baseband. The transmitter area networks and positioning delivers 13 dBm peak power, with 2500 Frequency Synthesizer sensors worldwide. Examples are an average power consumption • Spans frequency range from 0.3 to 26.5 GHz - with option up to short-range video streaming or of 3.3 mW. The receiver front- 40 GHz around-the-body audio streaming end shows -88 dBm sensitivity at • Standard resolution of 1.0 MHz (0.5 MHz with range 0.3 to (for example between a headset 1 Mbps. A digital synchronization 13.5 GHz) - 1 Hz step size optional and a smartphone). When using algorithm enables real-time duty • Can switch from any frequency (F1), to any other fre- the UWB radio for the wireless cycling, resulting in a mean power quency (F2), up or down, in <200 ns streaming of audio between for consumption of 3 mW. A DCO Custom configuration modules for example a smartphone and an with 100 ppm frequency accuracy airborne and shipboard applications earpiece, the battery lifetime of the and a baseband frequency tracking Find out more about our smartphone will increase by over algorithm ensure the coherent world-class Synthesizers and 3x compared to a conventional reception. A 75 dB link budget with receive the latest data sheets Bluetooth-based solution, and the a data rate of 1 Mbps is achieved. by visiting: earpiece will have a battery lifetime www.aeroflex.com/mesynth1111 increase of over 5x. In contrast to www.imec.be
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com 20 rms power detectors
Improving the output accuracy over temperature for RMS power detectors
By Andy Mo, RF Applications Engineer, High Frequency Products, Linear Technology Corporation
Introduction is the actual ambient temperature, and tNOM is LTC5583 temperature compensation design Stable temperature performance is extremely the reference room temperature, 25 °C. Further, LTC5583 includes two additional pins, RP1 important in basestation designs, as the ambient detV1 and detV2 are output voltage variation that controls the polarity of TC1, and RP2 temperature can vary widely depending on when RT1 and RT2 are not set to zero. which controls the polarity of TC2. However, the surroundings and the location. Using high The method to calculate the resistor values the magnitude of the temperature coefficients is accuracy over temperature, RMS detectors can for temperature compensation is the same the same with a fixed RT1, or RT2 value, only improve the power efficiency of basestation for both the LTC5582 and the LTC5583 (see polarity is flipped. Both channel A and channel designs. The LTC5582 and the dual-channel Figures 2 and 3). The two control pins are B share the compensation circuitry; therefore LTC5583 are a family of RMS detectors that offer RT1, which sets TC1 (the 1st order temperature both channels are controlled together. excellent stable temperature performance (from compensation coefficient), and RT2 which sets Figure 1 illustrates the change in Vout as -40 °C to 85 °C) at any frequency up to 10 GHz TC2 (the 2nd order temperature compensation a function of temperature from the 1st order for the LTC5582, and 6 GHz for the LTC5583. coefficient). Shorting RT1 and RT2 to ground temperature compensation. Only three resistor However, their temperature coefficients vary conveniently turns off the temperature values are shown to illustrate that increasing with frequency, and without temperature compensation feature if not needed. resistor values causes an increase in the compensation, the error over temperature magnitude of the slope. The polarity of the can be greater than 0.5 dB. As a result, it is Figure 2: Simplified schematic of pins RP1 slope is controlled by the RP1 pin. sometimes necessary to optimize the temperature and RP2. Figure 4 illustrates the effect of 2nd order compensation at different frequencies to improve temperature compensation on Vout. The polarity the accuracy to <0.5 dB of error. In addition, the of the curves is controlled by RP2. The curvature temperature compensation can be implemented depends on the resistor values. The overall effect using only two off-chip resistors, with no external is the summation of the 1st order and 2nd order circuitry required. temperature compensation given by equation 1. The change in output voltage is governed by Take an LTC5583 as an example at 900 MHz the following equation: input. The first step is to measure the Vout over ∆Vout = TC1*(TA - tNOM) + TC2* temperature without compensation. Figure 5 2 (TA - tNOM) + detV1 + detV2 shows the uncompensated Vout. The linearity ...(equation 1) error over temperature is referenced to the slope and intercept point at 25 °C. To minimize where TC1 and TC2 are the 1st and 2nd the output voltage change with temperature, order temperature coefficients, respectively. AT the linearity curve in red (85 °C) needs to be
Figure 1: 1st order ∆Vout versus temperature. Figure 3: Simplified schematic of pins RT1/RT2. Figure 4: 2nd order Vout versus temperature.
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com rms power detectors 21
shifted down, and the linearity curve in blue Cold (-40 °C) = +13 mV or +0.43 dB a - b = +13 mV ...(equation 2) (-40 °C) needs to be shifted up to align with Hot (+85 °C) = -20 mV or -0.6 dB a - b = -20 mV ...(equation 3) the room temperature in black, and overlap as a = 16.5 (1st order solution) much as possible. What follows is a step by step This is the amount of output voltage b = 3.5 (2nd order solution) design procedure. adjustment required over temperature. The polarity of “a” and “b” in equation 2 Step 1: Estimate the temperature Step 2: Determine the polarity of RP1 and and equation 3 are determined by the polarity compensation needed in dB, from Figure 5. For RP2, and the solutions for 1st and 2nd order of the 1st order term and the 2nd order example, read the plot at an input power of compensation. To find the solutions, let a = st1 term, such that their summation satisfy the -25 dBm, which is the middle of the dynamic order term, and b = 2nd order term. Set them up +13 mV at cold (‑40 °C), and -20 mV at hot range. Multiply the linearity error in dB by so they satisfy the temperature compensation at (+85 °C) adjustment. Refer to figure 6. The st1 30 mV/dB (typical Vout slope) to convert to mV. -40 °C and 85 °C. order term and 2nd order term can be either
Figure 5: Uncompensated LTC5583 at 900 MHz.
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Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com When 22 rms power detectors it matters... positive or negative. So there are total of 4 a = 16.5 = TC1*(85 - 25); TC1 = 0.275 mV/°C combinations possible. In this case, only when RT1 = 11KΩ (from Figure 8) both terms are negative will their sum satisfy b = 3.5 = TC2*(85 - 25)2; TC2 = 0.972 µV/°C2 the required compensation. RT2 = 499 Ω (from Figure 9) Figure 7 shows the 1st and 2nd order compensation required at -40 °C and +85 °C. Figure 10 shows the LTC5583 performance Notice the polarity of the 1st order and 2nd over temperature for one of the two output order compensation are negative such that channels. Notice an improvement to the when both curves are added, their sum temperature performance from uncompensated produces the required adjustment to Vout. Vout, from Figure 5. This may be satisfactory Consequently, TC1 and TC2 are negative, and for most applications. However, for some RP1 and RP2 are determined from Figures 8 applications where even better accuracy is and 9. Notice the values of the two solutions needed, a 2nd iteration can be performed to add up to approximately +13 mV at -40 °C, and further improve the temperature performance. -20 mV at +85 °C. To simplify the calculation, detV1 and detV2 terms are ignored because they are RP1 = open not dependent on temperature. As a result, RP2 = short the solutions are not precise. However, it is very helpful in improving the accuracy over Step 3: Calculate the temperature temperature, as shown here. coefficients at one of the temperature extremes and determine resistor values RT1 and RT2, 2nd iteration calculation using Figures 8 and 9. Step 1: Find the compensation needed from Figure 10, the same method in first iteration.
Figure 8: 1st order temperature compensation coefficient TC1 versus external RT1 values. Figure 10: Compensated LTC5583 output after 1st iteration.
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Figure 9: Second order temperature compensation coefficient TC2 versus external Figure 11: Temperature compensated Vout after RT2 value. 2 iterations.
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com
Finish01MW ENG EU_nov.indd 1 08.11.2011 16:39:41 rms power detectors 23 When failure Table 1: is not an Recommended settings and option... resistor values for LTC5583 for optimal temperature performance at various frequencies.
Cold (-40 °C) = -3 mV or -0.1 dB the dynamic range is 50 dB with 0.2 dB of Hot (+85 °C) = -3 mV or -0.1 dB linearity error, and 56 dB of dynamic range with 1.0 dB of linearity error. Refer to Table 1 Add the new values to the 1st iteration for temperature compensation values at other frequencies. Cold (-40 °C) = -3 mV + 13 mV = 10 mV This iteration process can be repeated over Hot (+85 °C) = -3 mV - 20 mV = -23 mV and over again to further increase the accuracy. This will allow the designer to dial in the Repeat steps 2 and 3 to calculate the RT1 and compensation to as accurate as needed for most RT2 values. applications.
RT1 = 11 KΩ LTC5582 single setector RT2 = 953 Ω The method to calculate the LTC5582 RP1=open compensation values for RT1 and RT2 is the RP2=short same, only easier because the polarity has GORE® Wire and Cable been predetermined. Both TC1 and TC2 are The performance results are shown in Figure negative. Refer to Table 2 for RT1 and RT2 When reliability, 11 after two iterations. Over temperature, values at other frequencies. The compensation durability, and coefficients shown in Figures 8 and 9 are performance can be different for LTC5582. Refer to the data sheet compromised by for additional information. harsh environments, GORE® Wire and Cables Conclusion offer the best solution. LTC5582 and LTC5583 offer excellent temperature performance with only two external compensation resistors. The procedure gore.com/electronics to calculate the compensation resistors is simple, and can be reiterated for even better performance. The example shown here is for LTC5583 at 900 MHz RF input, but the method can be applied to LTC5582 and LTC5583 at any frequency within the limits of the IC. The performance over temperature is fairly consistent. The resulting performance provides accuracy over temperature with less WIRE AND CABLE than 1% of output voltage.
Reference LTC5583 data sheet. Table 2: Recommended RT1 and RT2 values of LTC5582 for optimal temperature performance at various frequencies.
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com
Finish01MW ENG EU_nov.indd 2 08.11.2011 16:39:46 24 products
Broadband RF power dividers S-band phase shifters cover 500 MHz to 8 GHz deliver fast switching speed and low phase error Narda has introduced the M/A-COM Technology 4436 family of RF power Solutions has introduced a set dividers that operate from of S-band digital phase shifters 500 MHz to 8 GHz and are for communications, electronic available in two-way, three- warfare (EW), and radar way, four-way, and eight-way applications. versions. The power dividers The S-band GaAs pHEMT are a cost-effective solution 4-bit and 6-bit digital phase It is controlled with a single for commercial and defense phase balance of all versions shifters meet the high +5.0 V serial or parallel control applications and combine low ranges from 6 to 15 degrees. performance requirements line. Its insertion loss is 2.5 dB, insertion loss, high isolation, The power dividers accept of communications and with a low ±0.5 dB attenuation and peak RF power handling a CW RF input power of radar system manufacturers, variation and ±4.0° phase of 1.5 kW. 500 mW (1.5 kW peak) and optimizing for fast switching accuracy over the 2.3 GHz to The insertion loss of the operate over a temperature speed, low phase error, and 3.8 GHz frequency range. 4436-2 (two-way division) range of 0 to +70 °C with serial or parallel control The MAPS-010164 is a 6-bit is less than 1.5 dB, less than humidity up to 95% (non- capability. digital phase shifter housed in a 3 dB in the 4436-3 three-way condensing). They are housed The 2.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz 4 mm 24-Lead PQFN package. version, less than 4.5 dB in the in rugged aluminum enclosures, digital phase shifters maintain It provides 360° phase shift 4436-4 four-way version, and weigh between 110 and 650 g, low phase error and low range with a step size of less than 8 dB in the 4436-8 and employ SMA female attenuation variation over 5.625°. It is controlled with a eight-way version. Isolation connectors. the 360° range, and a built-in single +5.0 V serial or parallel ranges from 12 to 20 dB CMOS driver allows for serial control line. Its insertion loss depending on the model, and www.nardamicrowave.com/east or parallel control in a small is 3.2 dB, with a low ±0.6 dB form factor. attenuation variation and The MAPS-010144 is a 4-bit ±5.0° phase accuracy over the 18 GHz PLL synthesiser digital phase shifter housed in a 2.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz frequency removes frequency-doubling in broadband applications 4-mm 24-lead PQFN package. range. It provides 360° phase shift Analog Devices has introduced range with a step size of 22.5°. www.macomtech.com a PLL frequency synthesiser that can be used to implement local oscillators as high as Sub-1-GHz ultra-low-power smart radio 18 GHz in the up-conversion ideal for smart meters, medical and home automation and down-conversion sections of wireless receivers and Freescale Semiconductor has smart meters will be deployed transmitters. introduced an ultra-low-power, worldwide by 2015, of which The high bandwidth of the the highest frequency PLL sub-1-GHz smart radio for use approximately 50 percent of ADF41020 allows designers available on the market today. in smart metering, medical, them will use wireless mesh to potentially eliminate a The ADF41020 consists building and home automation technology. frequency-doubler stage, of a low-noise, digital phase- applications. With its MC12311 The radio’s very low power which simplifies system frequency detector, a precision radio the company is expanding is suitable for battery operated architecture and reduces cost charge pump, a programmable its wireless portfolio beyond devices — the M12311 in applications including reference divider and high- its 2.4 GHz devices. The has low-power features microwave point-to-point frequency programmable MC12311 platform combines a such as 100 nA with radio and multi-point radios, feedback dividers. A complete sub-1 GHz RF transceiver and configuration retention, 16 mA wireless infrastructure synthesiser can be implemented an 8-bit HCS08 microcontroller Rx current, 20 mA Tx current equipment, VSAT (very small if the PLL is used with an in a single land grid array at 0 dBm and 33 mA Tx current aperture terminal) radios, external loop filter and VCO package. at +10 dBm. The MC12311 semiconductor test equipment, (voltage controlled oscillator). The MC12311 can connect platform supports multiple radar applications and private The PLL can be used to drive smart meters to remote displays sub-1 GHz standards including mobile radios. external microwave VCOs via that show consumption data Wireless M-Bus, 802.15.4g and With an operating an active loop filter. and thermostats that help other proprietary offerings. bandwidth up to 18 GHz, control energy use. Pike this is claimed to represent www.analog.com/adf41020 Research predicts 535 million www.freescale.com
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com products 25
Microphone wireless audio reference design kit
Nordic Semiconductor ASA and AKM with less than 22 ms latency, Semiconductor have announced the excellent co-existence performance, nRFready™ Microphone reference design kit over 100-hours of battery lifetime that provides a complete two-microphone from two AA batteries, and a audio streaming solution based on the total BoM (Bill of Material) that recently announced Nordic nRF2460 supports competitive consumer 2.4‑GHz mono audio streamer and AKM product pricing. interfaces, plus a complete set of design files, ADC/DAC audio converters. The nRFready Microphone reference source code, and supporting documentation. The reference design kit delivers crystal design kit includes two microphone boards, clear, wireless 16-bit uncompressed audio a receiver board with both USB and analog www.akm.com, www.nordicsemi.com
‘Zoning-friendly’ microcellular device integrates backhaul
Mobile operators are increasingly turning to microcellular underlay networks to augment over-burdened macrocellular networks. Until now, the missing pieces of the puzzle to deploying cost- effective underlay networks has been the backhaul required to deliver capacity to the lamp post or light standard where these microcells are situated, as well as providing the infrastructure (power, environmental, switching, etc.) to support such deployments. DragonWave’s Avenue platform provides all this in one ‘zoning- friendly’ box that mounts on street lamps, traffic-light poles or building walls, enabling mobile operators to now meet the challenge of quickly scaling capacity and optimizing spectrum usage. DragonWave’s Avenue flexibly accommodates a wide range of 3G or 4G microcellular RAN access units and leverages an integrated backhaul antenna array supporting up to three simultaneous backhaul beam paths using frequencies ranging from 2 GHz to 80 GHz to deliver 1.2 Gbps of aggregate, full-duplex capacity. Alternatively, Avenue can be backhauled via fiber or DSL. Its compact design allows it to be easily mounted on street lamps, traffic-light poles or building walls. RAN base stations integrated into Avenue can be backhauled over distances up to 4 km, 2.5 miles. The platform’s ultra-high capacity enables the support of a wide range of network topologies (self- healing rings, constrained meshes, point- to-point/daisy-chaining or multi-point). www.dragonwaveinc.com
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com 26 products
RFID/NFC dual-interface memory IC GaN wideband power amplifier relies on RF energy harvesting covers 30 MHz to 2500 MHz STMicroelectronics has The RF3826 wideband power extended its family of RFID/ amplifier from RFMD is NFC wireless memory ICs with designed for continuous wave a new 16-Kbit device that can and pulsed applications such also harvest enough energy to as wireless infrastructure, enable small electronic items RADAR, two-way radios, and using it to become completely general purpose amplification. battery-free. The dual-interface Using an advanced high memories feature a low power density Gallium power I2C interface, as well applications include e-paper Nitride (GaN) semiconductor provides wideband gain and as a 13.56-MHz ISO15693 devices such as electronic shelf process, this high-performance power performance in a single contactless RF interface. labels, as well as industrial amplifier achieves high amplifier. An external output This RF interface can automation, sensing and efficiency, flat gain, and large match offers the flexibility of harvest ambient radio waves monitoring systems, and instantaneous bandwidth in further optimizing power and emitted by RFID reader- personal healthcare products. a single amplifier design. The efficiency for any sub-band writers and convert those The M24LR16E features RF3826 is an input-matched within the overall bandwidth. waves into a voltage output 16 Kbits of non-volatile GaN transistor packaged in Key features include a 50 Ω that may be used to power EEPROM storage, introducing an air cavity ceramic package internally matched input, other electronic components. a new lower-density option which provides excellent output power of 9 W, gain of The energy harvesting alongside ST’s established thermal stability through 12 dB, 30 MHz to 2500 MHz capability of the EEPROM 64Kbit dual-interface wireless the use of advanced heat instantaneous bandwidth, will enable new types of memory, the M24LR64. The sink and power dissipation power added efficiency of miniaturized electronics. RF interface operates at 13.56 technologies. 45 percent over 30 MHz to ST has demonstrated MHz and is compatible with Ease of integration is 2500 MHz) or 50 percent over the M24LR16E energy- RFID reader-writers. The IC accomplished through the 200 MHz to 1800 MHz. Large harvesting wireless memory is in volume production and incorporation of an optimized signal models are available. by illuminating indicator available in SO8, TSSOP8 or input matching network LEDs as well as by powering MLP8 surface-mount packages. within the package that www.rfmd.com its battery-less STM8L-based Discovery kit. Other potential www.st.com AWS MIMO support for indoor DAS can provide 2x2 transmission on a single cable XOs and VCXOs from 2.048 up to 200 MHz in LVPECL, LVDS and CMOS outputs TE Connectivity (TE) has and equipment. MIMO mode announced that its InterReach is being used and planned for Rakon has added ultra low Spectrum distributed antenna use by carriers for LTE and noise 7.0 x 5.0 mm XOs system (DAS) now supports other 4G services in the US and and VCXOs to its expanding 2x2 multi-input, multi-output abroad. Support of MIMO in portfolio. The RXO7050M (MIMO) mode for Advanced its DAS products puts TE at the (XO) and RVX7050M (VCXO) Wireless Service (AWS) forefront of equipment vendors are available from 2.048 MHz frequencies of 1700 and helping mobile operators deliver up to 200 MHz in LVPECL, 2100 MHz. This allows the these services. InterReach LVDS and CMOS outputs. offset for a 3.3 V PECL output, company’s DAS products to Spectrum and InterReach The use of high frequency at 122.88 MHz, or less than support multiple frequencies Fusion DAS products are ideal fundamental (HFF) inverted -115 dBc/Hz at 100 Hz offset, in MIMO mode, including not for supporting MIMO because mesa crystals eliminates the for a 3.3 V CMOS output at only AWS but also 700 MHz they can support 2x2 MIMO sub-harmonics associated with 10 MHz). With RMS phase and 1900 MHz. transmission on a single cable other HF technologies. jitter of 0.1 ps integrated MIMO mode works by versus competing solutions The RVX7050M is over 12 kHz to 20 MHz, the creating signal diversity which require duplicate cable optimized for low close-in devices also suit wireline between multiple antennas, infrastructure. This results in phase noise and satisfies the communications requiring high so it is ideally suited for DAS quicker and more cost effective stringent requirements for LTE serial data rates. deployments inside buildings, installations. and QAM (for example less where the environment is than -147 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz www.rakon.com broken up by walls, furniture, www.te.com
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com products 27
High gain GaN CATV amplifier Phase lock DRO offers leading features low distortion phase noise performance Raditek’s latest DRO based, synthesizer product line can be configured as a fixed frequency phase locked DRO, which unlike conventional phase locked DROs does not require a reference frequency that is a sub multiple of the output frequency. The output over a pure fixed DRO type. The reference frequency can be to over 25 GHz. Another can be 10 MHz, 100 MHz and so on. option is to have some limited tunability with only a small reduction in phase noise www.raditek.com
The RFPP2870 SOT115J push-pull amplifier, from RFMD, features 28 dB minimum gain at 1003 MHz, with excellent distortion characteristics and optimal reliability, all in an industry standard SOT-115J package. The part employs GaN HEMT, GaAs MESFET, and GaAs pHEMT die and operates from 40 MHz to 1003 MHz. It provides superior return loss performance with low noise and optimal reliability — and the highest level of linearity available. The RFPP2870 is rated at 46 dBmV output power with typical input and output return loss of 0 better -20 dB. The amplifier is unconditionally stable under all terminations. www.rfmd.com
Extended temperature VCXO offers wide pull range
Valpey Fisher Corporation has announced its latest product offering: the VFHV570, voltage controlled crystal oscillator, which offers wide pull range with extended temperature range. The device delivers frequency stability of ±50 ppm and is also available across the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +175°C in a 5.0 x 7.0 mm SMD package. The VFHV570 offers output 3TATEåOFåTHEå!RT å)NC frequencies from 1 MHz to 80 MHz in RESISTIVE PRODUCTS a LVCMOS output with supply voltages of 3.3 V, or 5.0 V. For tracking accuracy of a PLL design, the device’s absolute pull range minimum is ±100 ppm. It can withstand harsh temperature conditions without compromising its performance. www.valpeyfisher.com
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com 28 products
Time-delay phase shifter Packet microwave radio platform delivers 500° adjustable delay over 8 to 23 GHz provides high power, high capacity backhaul Hittite has announced the Redline Communications The RDL-5000 is a key HMC877LC3 8 to 23 GHz Group has announced its component of the company’s time-delay/phase-shifter, high end licensed microwave wireless Virtual Fiber™ product which targets clock chain and product the RDL-5000, a high line, bringing fiber-like network skew adjustment in 10G-RZ, capacity, high power, packet performance to areas where 40G/100G RZ-DQPSK fiber microwave radio platform for fiber installation is challenging optic applications. The device telecom backhaul and large or cost prohibitive. It delivers provides up to 1.4 UI (500°) enterprise connectivity that high speed connectivity continuously adjustable delay ±0.6 V tuning range. On chip delivers throughput of up to wirelessly, replacing the need to over an 8 to 23 GHz range, compensation circuitry ensures 800 megabits per second. dig trenches and lay wires. while maintaining a constant a stable programmable time With demand for video and The high power, high- differential output voltage. It delay over both frequency and other ultra high speed IP-based sensitivity radio means longer accepts either single-ended or temperature. A high delay data services predicted to grow ranges can be achieved at higher differential input signals, while control modulation bandwidth rapidly over the coming years, data speeds, while using smaller providing a 500 to 900 mVp‑p (3 dB rolloff point) of 2.5 GHz consuming more and more of antennas. Its built-in, 2-port, programmable differential combined with single +3.3 V the available bandwidth and gigabit Ethernet switch provides output swing. operation also make the device demanding higher speeds, application versatility and The device provides a ideal for phase modulation in networks will have to keep supports redundancy in both time-delay/phase-shift which military and space, test and pace. This means more base traditional point-to-point and is linearly monotonic with measurement and broadband. stations in more locations and ring/mesh topologies. respect to the differential greater capacity between base delay control voltage, over a www.hittite.com stations and to the enterprise. www.rdlcom.com
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Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com products 29
Low profile, panel mount capacitors deliver EMI filtering benefits Syfer has unveiled a number of important extensions to its already wide range of solder- in panel mount EMI filters. Advanced in-house research and development has resulted in the introduction of a series of discoidal capacitor versions, which offer the advantage of Working voltages range from high capacitance values, up 50 V to 3 kV and operating to several microfarads, in a temperature range is -55 to compact and robust package. 125 °C. These devices are Ideal as low-profile, panel able to withstand a solder-in mount filters, the SFSS temperature of 250 °C. devices are constructed with For designers looking for a discoidal capacitor soldered space saving solutions, the to a feedthrough pin. They are solder-in EMI filter ranges offered with a choice of C0G/ allow the specification of NP0 or X7R ceramic dielectrics. smaller parts when compared Available in 5 different to competitive offerings. diameters (2.3 mm, 2.8 mm, Custom devices can also be 3 mm, 5 mm and 8.75 mm), produced on request. capacitance values range from 10 pF to an impressive 2.2 µF. www.syfer.com HIGH FREQUENCY 14-bit 310-Msps dual ADC family can linearize the 60-MHz transmit bandwidth using DPD
Linear Technology has introduced a family of dual ...High Power GaN HEMTs (LTC2158-14) and single (LTC2153-14) high IF sampling 14-bit, 310 Msps ADCs designed specifically for wide bandwidth digital predistortion (DPD) linearization. Due to increasing data market to enable linearization demands, next-generation base of transmission bandwidths up stations are being architected to to 60 MHz using I/Q sampling, achieve much higher transmit and offers a short pipeline bandwidths of up to 60 MHz. latency of just 5 clock cycles for To linearize a 60 MHz transmit fast adaptation. bandwidth requires an ADC Operating from a single with a minimum resolution of 1.8 V supply, the dual 14-bits and an I/Q sampling LTC2158-14 consumes MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC is architecture with a minimum 362 mW/channel at 310 Msps offering highest effi ciency high reliability GaN transistors from 2W up to sample rate of 300 Msps. In and offers signal to noise ratio 160W for a broad range of applications such as Radar, Industrial, VSAT, Communication and Space. addition, the closed loop DPD (SNR) performance of 68.8 algorithm requires short latency dB and SFDR of 88 dB at in the feedback path to achieve baseband with an easy-to-drive better efficiency in the PA. 1.32 Vp-p input range. [email protected] · www.mitsubishichips.eu The LTC2158-14 is the first dual, 310 Msps ADC on the www.linear.com/hsadc
Microwave Engineering Europe ● November-December 2011 ● www.microwave-eetimes.com 30 Calendar — index
calendar
IEEE Radio Wireless Week EuCAP CTIA Wireless 15th - 18th January 2012 26th - 30th March 2012 8th - 10th May 2012 Santa Clara Marriott Prague Congress Centre Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Santa Clara Czech Republic New Orleans, Louisiana, USA California, USA www.eucap2012.org www.ctiawireless.com www.radiowirelessweek.org Microwave & RF MTT-S International Mobile World Congress 3rd - 5th April 2012 Microwave Symposium 27th February - 1st March 2012 Pavilion 5, Paris Expo 17th - 22nd June 2012 Fira Barcelona Porte de Versailles Palais de Congrès de Montréal Barcelona, Spain France Montréal, Canada www.mobileworldcongress.com www.microwave-RF.com http://ims2012.mtt.org
Call for contributed articles — Upcoming features Jan/Feb 2012: Wireless Infrastructure // Test & Measurement Send proposals or synopsis to the editor: [email protected]
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AR Europe www.ar-europe.ie 13 Acal BFI UK Ltd. www.bfioptilas.com 21 Aeroflex Intl.Ltd. www.aeroflex.com 15, 17, 19 Anaren Microwave Inc. www.anaren.com 2 CST Computer Simulation Technology www.cst.com 11 EM Software & Systems SA(Pty)Ltd www.feko.info 28 K & L Microwave, Inc. www.klmicrowave.com 25 Lake Shore Cryotronics, Inc. www.lakeshore.com 29 Messe Muenchen GmbH www.global-electronics.net 32 Mitsubishi Electric Europe BV www.mitsubishi.com 29 Mouser Electronics Inc. www.mouser.com 3 Narda Safety Test Solutions GmbH www.narda-nra.com 9 RFMD www.rfmd.com 5 State of the Art Technology, Inc. www.resistor.com 27 W.L. Gore & Associates GmbH www.wlgore.com 22, 23
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