Ken Mays, Ken Mays
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Welcome to a further installment of the “New Products” column in IEEE Microwave Magazine. In this issue, we present six new items that may be of interest to the RF/microwave and wireless communities.
L-com, an Infinite Electronics brand and a supplier of wired and wireless connectivity products, recently announced it has expanded its line of sensors that address Internet of Things (IoT) applications. The new IoT sensors offer pinpoint accuracy in measuring pressure, temperature, humidity, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, chlorine, and turbidity.
L-com’s new pressure and temperature sensors feature a microfused silicon strain gauge, a leak-free elastomer structure, integrated temperature compensation, independent pressure and temperature outputs, and robust resistance to shock, overload, and vibration. Their applications include industrial process and control, automated detection, hydraulic and full-motion control, pumping stations, and water treatment systems.
Additionally, L-com has added more than two dozen new temperature sensors. Some feature a sensitive platinum resistance element inside a 316 L stainless steel probe and a laser-welded housing that is compatible with both gas and liquids. Some models have infrared sensors that offer continuous measurement without contacting the measured object, a 32-bit CPU, and an optimized lens for a more uniform beam and measurements within milliseconds. Also new is a selection of temperature switches, digital temperature transmitters, and compact infrared sensors for tight spaces. These products are useful in ventilation, hydraulic, pneumatic, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning, water treatment, and automation system applications.
The new IoT-friendly temperature and humidity sensors include a duct-mount model for air stream measurements and two wall-mount sensors with RS-485/Modbus RTU outputs. Their applications include building automation, greenhouses, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and chemical production.
In its new SRWQ series, L-com offers five new sensors for gauging dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, pH, residual chlorine, and turbidity. These IoT sensors can be used in chemical production, food and beverage processing, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, desalination plants, petroleum refining, cooling towers and boilers, and treatment of water, sewage, and industrial waste.
L-com’s new IoT sensors are in stock and available for immediate shipment. For more information, visit https://www.l-com.com/iot.
Modelithics, the leading provider of RF/microwave simulation models, and MACOM Technology Solutions, Inc. (MACOM), a leading supplier of semiconductor products, are pleased to announce the release of new models for three MACOM components: the MAPD-011062 power divider, the MACP-011088 bidirectional coupler, and the MABA-011125 balun. Each model is a substrate-selectable S-parameter data model valid through 50 GHz. The new models are available within the Modelithics COMPLETE Library as well as the Modelithics mmWave & 5G Library.
Both the MAPD-011062 power divider and the MABA-011125 balun come in a 3-mm, 16-lead quad flat no-lead (QFN) package, while the MACP-011088 bidirectional coupler comes in a 4-mm, 24-lead QFN package. The models for all three parts were developed based on multiport S-parameter measurements with calibration referenced to the edges of the bonding pads on the package.
Measurements of all three components were performed on both 6.6- and 10-mil Rogers 4350B substrates to enable substrate-selectable models to be created. Designers can select either of the two substrates within the model parameters. Applications for the MAPD-011062 power divider, the MACP-011088 bidirectional coupler, and the MABA-011125 balun include test and measurement, military communications, and multiband radios.
The Modelithics COMPLETE Library and the mmWave & 5G Library are available for Keysight Technologies’ PathWave Advanced Design System, Keysight Technologies’ PathWave RF Synthesis (Genesys), Cadence AWR Design Environment, and other simulators. For a free trial, please visit www.modelithics.com.
Through the Modelithics Vendor Partner Program, free 90-day trials of all Modelithics models for MACOM components in the Modelithics COMPLETE Library are available. For more information or to request a free trial of all of the Modelithics MACOM models, visit: www.modelithics.com/MVP/MACOM.
B&K Precision, a leading designer and manufacturer of reliable, cost-effective test and measurement instruments, announces the release of the BCS Series battery charger/simulator, optimized for testing batteries and battery-operated devices. Consisting of a single- and a dual-channel model in a compact 2U form factor, this series features source/sink capabilities, a bipolar output, and variable output impedance. Additionally, this series serves as a precision dc power supply with exceptional transient response times, high current readback resolution, and low ripple/noise characteristics. The single-channel model delivers up to 150 W of output power, while the dual-channel model offers up to 45 W per channel or 90 W combined.
Device manufacturers and design engineers typically evaluate their products under various battery conditions, including different capacity and internal resistance levels. The battery simulation mode allows users to configure battery parameters, including capacity, voltage, and internal resistance, to evaluate a device under test. This reduces the need for a physical battery where parameters may not be as easily controlled.
In addition to battery simulation, these instruments feature comprehensive battery charge and discharge capabilities with configurable stop conditions. When enabled, the relay off function offers electrical isolation from connected batteries to prevent parasitic drain.
Both models also provide list mode programming, internal storage for custom battery simulation profiles, and a rear panel digital voltmeter. Remote PC interfaces include USB (USBTMC-compliant) and local area network (LAN) interfaces supporting SCPI commands. For additional technical specifications, accessories, photos, and support documents, visit https://www.bkprecision.com/products/power-supplies/BCS6402.
KRYTAR, a leader in the design and production of ultrabroadband microwave components and test equipment, announces the continued expansion of its line of dual-directional couplers with the addition of a new model offering 13 dB of coupling over the ultrabroadband frequency range of 1–65 GHz (the L through V bands), in a single, compact, and lightweight package.
KRYTAR’s new dual-directional coupler expands the family of superior performance products offering ultrabroadband coverage in compact packages. Model 501065013 is a multipurpose, stripline design that exhibits excellent coupling over the ultrabroadband frequency range of 1–65 GHz. KRYTAR coaxial dual-directional couplers are four-port couplers that are the combination of two three-port couplers with their main lines cascaded. This dual-directional design, with two back-to-back couplers in the same package, lets you monitor forward and reflected power. It also assures good directivity, flatness, and coupling accuracy. Typical applications include power sampling and measurement, amplifier leveling, voltage standing-wave ratio (VSWR) monitoring, field control, and amplifier and load protection.
KRYTAR couplers offer solutions for many ultrabroadband applications, including electronic warfare, commercial wireless including mmWave, 5G, satellite communications, radar, signal monitoring and measurement, antenna beamforming, and electromagnetic compatibility testing environments. In addition, Model 501065013 offers superior performance ratings, including a nominal coupling (with respect to output) of 13 dB, ±2.0 dB, and a frequency sensitivity of ±1.5 dB (from 1 to 50 GHz) and ±2.5 dB (from 1 to 65 GHz). The dual-directional coupler exhibits an insertion loss (including coupled power) of less than 6.5 dB and a directivity of greater than 10 dB (from 1 to 50 GHz) and 7 dB (from 50 to 65 GHz). The maximum VSWR (any port) is 1.8 dB, and the input power rating is 20 W average and 3 kW peak.
The directional coupler comes with industry-standard 1.85-mm female connectors. The compact package measures just 5 in long × 0.5 in wide × 0.65 in high and weighs just 3.9 oz. The operating temperature is –54 °C to 85 °C. The dual-directional coupler can also be manufactured to meet rigid military specifications.
KRYTAR also offers complete engineering services for custom designs that meet or exceed critical performance and/or packaging specifications. A data sheet with specifications and a package outline drawing is available via KRYTAR’s website. Additional information can be obtained by contacting KRYTAR, 1288 Anvilwood Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94089, tel: +1 408 734 5999, fax: +1 408 734 3017, toll free: +1 877 734 5999, e-mail: sales@krytar.com, web: www.krytar.com.
Rohde & Schwarz showcases a compact, easy-to-use solution for D-band signal generation and analysis with excellent signal performance. The new R&S FE170ST (single transmit) and R&S FE170SR (single receive) front ends extend the frequency range of the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator and the R&S FSW signal and spectrum analyzer to 110–170 GHz.
The D band, which ranges from 110 to 170 GHz, has been identified by academia and key industry players as a candidate frequency band for future mobile communications—particularly beyond 5G and for 6G—and for automotive radar applications. Rohde & Schwarz continues to push the limits of subterahertz (sub-THz) research with its innovative test solutions. A test setup for sub-THz research using the R&S SMW200A and R&S FSW is now easy to configure since only three connections are needed [intermediate frequency (IF), reference frequency, and LAN] to integrate the new front ends into the base units. Users simply have to enter the Internet Protocol address in the user interface of the base units. After connection, the front ends are directly controlled by the R&S SMW200A and R&S FSW since the front ends’ control unit is integrated in their firmware. Because all correction data are considered, this concept offers the major advantage of a fully calibrated solution.
With their compact form factor of 152 mm × 190 mm × 50 mm, both front ends take up little space on the lab bench. Since the high-performance internal synthesizer provides a local oscillator, the test setup needs no additional analog signal source, ensuring excellent phase noise performance. Smart accessories, such as bandpass filters and TX power amplifiers, further enhance the solution’s performance.
The R&S FE170ST and R&S FE170SR front-end solution for D-band research will be available by the end of 2022. For more information, visit https://www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/FE170.
The R140B 1-Port 14-GHz vector network analyzer is an enhanced version of its predecessor—the R140 reflectometer—featuring faster measurement speeds, a wider IF bandwidth, and an improved dynamic range. The R140B incorporates a new housing design similar to Copper Mountain Technologies’ R60, taking advantage of enhanced heat exchange characteristics and a sturdy USB shroud. It will feature a new connector assembly, which includes four different port connector options (N male, female; 3.5-mm male, female). The new connector assembly enables flexible configuration while maintaining a small form factor suited for laboratory or field applications.
The R140B is ideal for users who develop, test, and manufacture products in telecommunications (5G), semiconductor, radio navigation, aerospace, and defense industries. Relevant applications include material, cable, and antenna measurements. For more information, visit www.coppermountaintech.com.
Digital Object Identifier 10.1109/MMM.2022.3218199