Pasternack has launched a new line of voltage-controlled analog attenuators and TTL programmable attenuators. These new models offer comprehensive frequency coverage from 1 MHz to 50 GHz and are designed to provide precise and reliable signal attenuation for a variety of applications. Pasternack’s new voltage-controlled analog attenuators offer a broad attenuation range of up to…
5G mmWave signal chain: the phase-locked loop
In “Look inside the 5G mmWave signal chain,” we explored the overall architecture of the mmWave signal chain. Now, we’ll look deeper into each of a transceiver’s components. Phase-locked Loops (PLL) are important blocks for a clean reference clock generation in cellular networks. In 5G mmWave radio networks, the PLL supports data rates of 1…
External GPU digitally down converts captured RF signals
Spectrum Instrumentation’s complete line of PCIe digitizer cards can now perform Digital Down Conversion (DDC) thanks to a low-cost option for $390 that uses an external GPU card for continuous “on-the-fly” processing. DDC is a powerful technique that is commonly used in a wide range of communication systems, like digital radio, radar, mobile telephony, and…
PPI adds smallest 100 nF RF capacitors
Passive Plus (PPI) has expanded its Broadband Capacitor line to include the industry’s smallest .010”x.005” Broadband part characterized for RF performance. The 01005BB104 series has been expanded and a new part is now offered with a 10V Rating. The 01005BB104MW100 (100nF) Broadband multilayer ceramic capacitor specifications. Typical Applications include Optoelectronics / high-speed data, ROSA/TOSA (Transmit /…
Semi-rigid RF cable and connector line widens
Fairview Microwave has expanded its offering of semi-rigid cable assemblies and connectors designed to negate the need for any custom tooling or jigs in the production process. This new series of semi-rigid cable assemblies feature superior shielding compared to their flexible counterparts. Their solid outer conductor semi-rigid coax design guarantees their forms are reliably held after bending,…
5G repeaters to debut at MWC 2023
In the days leading up to MWC, Airgain, a company that produces embedded components, external antennas, and integrated systems, announced Lighthouse smart repeaters. Airgain said that the repeaters can significantly reduce an operator’s capital expenses for extending range while enhancing 5G coverage and improving customer experience. The repeaters use two Wi-Fi radios, one dedicated to…
Four-channel RF transceiver covers cellular and Wi-Fi frequency bands
Arctic Semiconductor announced it has rebranded from SiTune Corporation to Arctic Semiconductor, to emphasize its focus on 5G RF products. The company has started shipping its first 5G silicon chipset, IceWings, in mass production. IceWings has already been chosen by several customers for its programmable, high-performance, and low-power features. Arctic has been developing IceWings and other 5G chipsets…
SP4T RF switches now available in production quantities
pSemi Corporation announces the production readiness of two new high-linearity switches targeted for the latest 5G wireless infrastructure and massive MIMO base station deployments. By using the new high linearity switches in hybrid architecture topologies, base station designers can save valuable board space and improve thermal management, reducing the overall system’s cost, weight, and power…
Demonstrating antenna diversity, Part 3: The Yagi antenna
Yagi antennas have long been popular as beam antennas for amateur radio. Here’s how they work.
Demonstrating antenna diversity, Part 2: The PIFA
Antennas come in a broad range of sizes, styles, and configurations to meet frequency, bandwidth, directivity, and many other objectives; the PIGA and Yagi antenna are two different yet widely used versions.