• Blog
  • RFMW Official Website
  • Contact
LATEST NEWS
RFMW Expert Product Pick: Sangshin Elecom’s MBP86RC3550S500B
The Anatomy of a Test Cable
RFMW Expert Product Pick: Smiths Interconnect TSX Series
NXP Launches a New Family of Discrete GaN Devices for 5G Massive MIMO
RFMW Expert Product Pick: Ampleon ART2K0
RFMW Acquires Spantech Technology Solutions S.L.U.
IMC Supplier Spotlight: Solutions from Renesas
MEMS Technology and the Pursuit of the Ideal Switch
50 GHz Attenuators from RFMW
RF Absorber Kit from MAST Technologies

RFMW Expert Product Pick: Sangshin Elecom’s MBP86RC3550S500B

1. What made you select the Sangshin Elecom MBP86RC3550S500B? How does this product differentiate from others/what value does it offer?

The small form factor and high-power capabilities of Sangshin Elecom’s MBP86RC3550S500B make it an ideal component for global deployments of 5G gnodeBs.

2. What are the key features/specifications of the MBP86RC3550S500B?

This monoblock ceramic filter features 15 Watts CW input power, 500 MHz passband with low insertion loss (1 dB), and a 0.5 dB ripple. Additionally, Sangshin filters can be designed for customer-specific applications including passband center frequency, bandwidth, and out-of-band attenuation.

3. What are common/typical markets and applications of the MBP86RC3550S500B?

The MBP86RC3550S500B is designed for peak-to-average power requirements of LTE signals, 3.5 GHz band, and is suitable as a roofing filter for global deployments of 5G gnodeB base stations.

About Colin Field

Colin Field, Supplier Business Manager

Colin Field is an RFMW Supplier Manager responsible for passive components with a particular focus on RF Filters and antenna solutions. Beginning his career in 1984, Colin has a passion for physics which has led to a lifelong interest in materials technology, properties and the potential uses and applications of those materials.


Join RFMW's Newsletter

Posted On 25 Jul 2022
, By RFMW

The Anatomy of a Test Cable

If you have spent any time using coaxial cable assemblies, you know that there is an endless multitude of options. There are many reasons why laboratory-grade cable assemblies and the cables used on a VNA are larger, more stable, and more reliable than a commodity RG-type cable. Developers should consider materials, temperature ranges, and mechanical design when selecting an ideal coaxial cable assembly.

While the materials and platings employed in cable assemblies are important, the dielectric of a cable assembly will be the most significant indication of performance. Designed to be the structural medium through which a signal travels, the dielectric is typically a light-weight polymer whose composition determines how efficiently a signal will propagate.

In seeking higher propagation velocity, a low-loss or low-attenuation cable assembly should include as much empty space as possible because electromagnetic waves travel fastest through a vacuum. However, a greater inclusion of air and micro-voids can inhibit the structural rigidity of a cable assembly. Electrical performance of a soft dielectric can become compromised when bent or flexed, or even when outer shields are added during manufacturing. In contrast, increasing rigidity for structural stability will also increase attenuation, decrease propagation velocity, and lengthen the mechanical phase.

The unifying principle in this scenario is density, which can be characterized in dielectrics by three factors:

  1. Material used
  2. Method used to form the dielectric
  3. Localized density variation

 

Often overlooked or misunderstood, the third stage of defined dielectric density can severely impact a signal path in a highly sensitive and/or high-frequency system.

Unlike amorphous polymers whose molecule chains are randomly intertwined like a bowl of spaghetti–almost all polymers used as dielectrics are semicrystalline. Some of their long-chain molecules are bonded together in ordered, crystal-like folds and connected by the rest of the amorphous molecule chains. The crystalline portions provide mechanical strength and high heat resistance. The amorphous regions give dielectrics their flexibility and elasticity.

Semicrystalline polymers can have their electrical performance increased by lowering overall densities through foaming or sintering, however, they are all susceptible to the common performance threat of density variation. Changes in the density of these polymers can affect the dielectric constant enough that a phase-sensitive system will notice it. As signal frequencies increase, the effect will be amplified. Drift can be reduced by adding air to the dielectric, but it cannot eliminate the impact entirely.

Localized phase variation occurs if the dielectric’s density changes due to a bend in the cable. When solid materials are bent, stress compresses the material from the center to the inner diameter of the bend and strain elongates it from the center to the outer diameter. Stress and strain increases the local density of a dielectric enough so that the propagation is reduced and the mechanical phase length of the signal increases. If the radius of that bend is decreased even more, the mechanical phase and attenuation further increases due to the rise in local density.

One reason that coaxial cables have a minimum bend radius is to ensure that electrical performance is not diminished by local density changes. Another reason is that once a cable is bent beyond that minimum, the dielectric can be permanently deformed. This typically occurs when the outer shields and center conductor compress the material to the point that they cut or dent the dielectric. Cable assembly is rendered defective if the dielectric is cut or bent as the cable will permanently present a point of reflectance and amplitude distortions, along with a phase shift.

The integrity of the dielectric is maintained by armor. If standard coaxial cable assemblies are in protected enclosures or do not carry complex signals, they only require one to three shields to prevent RF leakage. Conversely, lab-grade and VNA cables require additional armor to maintain peak performance.

Lab-grade and VNA cable assembly armor is typically a combination of:

  • An abrasion-resistant outer braid
  • Polymer jacket
  • Wire braid
  • Helically wrapped metal for crush resistance

 

A coaxial cable lies beneath a cable’s armor. A standard coaxial cable is commonly constructed with a center conductor, a dielectric, two to three shields, and a polymer jacket. However, the dielectric in VNA cables is always a premium, high-velocity and low-density PTFE.

Armor is used to protect cable assemblies from potential damage, but also limits the bend radius of the base coaxial cable. Especially true of VNA cable assemblies, the numerous layers prevent the premium cable from being bent to the point where phase is noticeably impacted–long before the dielectric could be damaged. Additionally, the robust design of ruggedized ports and DUT connectors protects cable terminations from bending strain and ensures that the signal passing through the sensitive terminations retains integrity for repeatability.

If you would like to check out more information about the durability of test and VNA cable assemblies, browse RFMW’s portfolio of RF cable assemblies, or contact our Coaxial Components Product Manager, Dan Smoliga, at Dan.Smoliga@rfmw.com.

Posted On 11 Jul 2022
, By RFMW

RFMW Expert Product Pick: Smiths Interconnect TSX Series

1. What made you select Smiths Interconnect TSX Series as a product to feature?

Smiths Interconnect’s new TSX Series of DC to 50 GHz Chip Attenuators push the boundaries of size, weight, and power in a cost-effective, easy-to-implement surface mount solution.

2. What are the key features and specifications of the TSX Series?

Available in 0604 package sizes with values from 1 – 10, 15, and 20 dB, the TSX Series enables excellent broadband RF performance to 50 GHz–meaning power handling is increased while reducing size.

3. What are the common markets and applications of the TSX Series?

Smiths Interconnect’s TSX Series addresses critical factors in applications surrounding satellite communications, radar, instrumentation, and 5G.

About Paul Timberlake

Paul Timberlake, Supplier Business Manager

Paul Timberlake is a Supplier Business Manager at RFMW and holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in RF and Electronic Engineering. With 25 years of industry experience, Paul enjoys the fast-paced and exciting challenges of technological advancements in RF.


Join RFMW's Newsletter

Posted On 27 Jun 2022
, By RFMW

NXP Launches a New Family of Discrete GaN Devices for 5G Massive MIMO

NXP recently launched a new portfolio of discrete Gallium Nitride (GaN) transistors to expand 5G Massive MIMO coverage. The transistors enable easy deployment of 5G Massive MIMO in urban and suburban areas.

NXP’s proprietary RF GaN technology is manufactured in their new Chandler (Arizona) fab and available through RFMW, their specialist RF distributor. This launch provides a GaN portfolio covering the 5G cellular bands between 2.3 and 4.0GHz.

A key benefit is that NXP’s GaN technology has a low-memory effect designed to maximizse linearity and reduce Digital Pre-Distortion (DPD) complexity.

The portfolio covers 48V driver stages, allowing a single amplifier supply voltage for the lineup. Engineers can design high-efficiency power amplifiers with optimum power consumption, size, and weight for easier deployment.

Portfolio

The portfolio covers both driver and final stage discrete GaN transistors suitable for 10 Watt 32T32R and 5 Watt 64T64R Massive MIMO antennas. Most transistors share the same DFN 7 x 6.5 package.

Antenna Orderable Part # Frequency Band Stage Package (mm)
 

 

 

32T32R

(10 W)

 

 

A5G23H110NT4 2.3 GHz Final DFN 7×6.5
A5G26H110NT4 2.6 GHz Final DFN 7×6.5
A5G35H110NT4 3.5 GHz Final DFN 7×6.5
A5G35H120NT2 3.5 GHz Final DFN 7×10
A5G37H110NT4 >3.7 GHz Final DFN 7×6.5
A5G38H120NT2 >3.7 GHz Final DFN 7×10
A5G26S008NT6 2.6 GHz Driver DFN 7×6.5
A5G35S008NT6 2.6 GHz Driver DFN 4.5×4

 

 

 

64T64R

(5 W)

A5G23H065NT4 2.3 GHz Final DFN 7×6.5
A3G26D055NT4 2.3 GHz Final DFN 7×6.5
A5G35H055NT4 3.5 GHz Final DFN 7×6.5
A5G38H045NT4 >3.7GHz Final DFN 7×6.5
A5G26S004NT6 2.6 GHz Driver DFN 7×6.5
A5G35S004NT6 3.5 GHz Driver DFN 4.5×4

 

Typical Lineup

A typical lineup for 2.6GHz is the A5G26S008N with 19dB of gain, driving the A5G26H110N for a 15 Watt average output power. This provides a cost-effective lineup for a 32T32R Massive MIMO 5G antenna.
 

 

Samples and Evaluation Boards

Samples of the 5G Discrete Massive MIMO transistors are available now from RFMW’s sample program for both 32T32R and 64T64R antenna designs. Reference circuit evaluation boards are also available to order for the following frequency bands:

Orderable Board Part # Antenna Frequency Band
A5G26H110N-2496 32T32R 2496-2690 GHz
A5G35S008N-3400 32T32R 3400-3600 GHz
A5G35H110N-3400 32T32R 3499-3600 GHz
A5G38H120N-3700 32T32R 2515-2675 GHz
A3G26D055N-2600 64T64R 2515-2675 GHz
A5G35S004N-3400 64T64R 3400-4300 GHz
A5G38H045N-3700 64T64R 3700-3980 GHz

 

Please contact your local RFMW field sales engineer or contact us here for further information.

About Tim Daniels

Tim Daniels, Supplier Business Manager

Tim Daniels is a Supplier Business Manager at RFMW specializing in transistor and MMIC technologies. With over 20 years of RF industry experience, Tim is a chartered engineer that holds a master’s degree in electronics innovation and a bachelor’s degree in electronics with communications. His expertise enables him to provide comprehensive design recommendations and technical support for RFMW’s customers. Tim enjoys working with engineers from around the globe and is eager to find innovative solutions to new challenges.


Join RFMW's Newsletter

Posted On 13 Jun 2022
, By RFMW

RFMW Expert Product Pick: Ampleon ART2K0

Ampleon ART2K0 Product Pick

1. What made you select the Ampleon ART2K0 as a product to feature?

As the highest power, 2 Kilowatt flagship of Ampleon’s Advanced Rugged Technology series, the ART2K0 is ideal for many high-power industrial and broadcast designs for its ruggedness. These devices are the “Flux Capacitors” of the RF Power World!

2. What are the key features and specifications of the ART2K0?

Tested to 65:1 VSWR, Ampleon’s ART2K0 is suitable for rugged applications and can deliver up to 2KW of RF Power from HF to UHF.

3. What are the common markets and applications of the Ampleon ART2K0?

The ART2K0 is an ideal solution for all high-power RF from HF to UHF. Popular applications include industrial lasers and plasma generators. Additionally, the ART2K0 is a cost-effective, high power RF solution for HF communications amplifiers, FM radio broadcast, digital audio broadcast (DAB), and VHF television (DVB-T) transmitters. With a relatively low output capacitance, the ART2K0 also supports use in low UHF ranges for particle accelerator amplifiers.

About Tim Daniels

Tim Daniels, Supplier Business Manager

Tim Daniels is a Supplier Business Manager at RFMW specializing in transistor and MMIC technologies. With over 20 years of RF industry experience, Tim is a chartered engineer that holds a master’s degree in electronics innovation and a bachelor’s degree in electronics with communications. His expertise enables him to provide comprehensive design recommendations and technical support for RFMW’s customers. Tim enjoys working with engineers from around the globe and is eager to find innovative solutions to new challenges.


Join RFMW's Newsletter
Posted On 31 May 2022
, By RFMW

RFMW Blog Categories

RFMW Recent Posts

  • RFMW Expert Product Pick: Sangshin Elecom’s MBP86RC3550S500B July 25, 2022
  • The Anatomy of a Test Cable July 11, 2022
  • RFMW Expert Product Pick: Smiths Interconnect TSX Series June 27, 2022
  • NXP Launches a New Family of Discrete GaN Devices for 5G Massive MIMO June 13, 2022
  • RFMW Expert Product Pick: Ampleon ART2K0 May 31, 2022
  • RFMW Acquires Spantech Technology Solutions S.L.U. May 31, 2022
  • IMC Supplier Spotlight: Solutions from Renesas May 25, 2022
  • MEMS Technology and the Pursuit of the Ideal Switch May 16, 2022
  • 50 GHz Attenuators from RFMW May 12, 2022
  • RF Absorber Kit from MAST Technologies May 11, 2022
  • Circulators for 5G High-Performance Linear PAs May 10, 2022
  • SatComm Amplifier delivers 20 Watts K-band Power May 5, 2022
  • APA Wireless CRO delivers Low Phase Noise May 4, 2022
  • 42 dB Gain Amplifier Module supports Decade Bandwidth May 3, 2022
  • Compact 802.11ax Front End Module April 28, 2022
  • Wideband Amplifier Module for Linear Applications April 27, 2022
  • Wideband Omni with Integrated Gooseneck April 26, 2022
  • Marki Microwave Limiter Selected for Expert Product Pick April 25, 2022

Login

  • Lost Password

Archives

  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • August 2011

Contact RFMW Ltd.

  1. Name *
    * Please enter your name
  2. Email *
    * Please enter a valid email address
  3. Message *
    * Please enter message