Meeting Broadband Design Demands with Ultra-Compact Balun Solutions Designing for broadband RF systems presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when dealing with signal integrity, space constraints, and the need for high-performance conversion of signals. Engineers working in Test and Measurement, Telecom infrastructure, and Mil-Aero applications face constant pressure to integrate more functionality into smaller footprints—all while maintaining exceptional linearity and isolation. At the center of many of these systems are RFSoCs, ADCs, and DACs, which require clean, balanced signals for optimal performance. This makes the role of broadband BALUNs (balanced-to-unbalanced transformers) more critical than ever. Selecting the right BALUN…
Author: Tim Daniels
Tim Daniels is the Director of Technical Solutions & Product Strategy at RFMW, specializing in RF Power transistor and MMIC technologies. With over 20 years of RF industry experience, Tim is a chartered engineer and 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 to find innovative solutions to new challenges. He is a licensed UK radio amateur and, in his spare time, experiments on the VHF and Microwave bands.
What made you select Ampleon’s CLS3H2731L-700 as the featured products for the month? Designing radar systems in the S-band (2.7 GHz to 3.1 GHz) presents unique challenges, including achieving high output power and long pulse capability while maintaining system efficiency, thermal stability, and ruggedness under demanding operating conditions. Engineers must balance the demand for reduced size and weight whilst continuing to improve Radar resolution and range performance. GaN Sic HEMT technology offers substantial improvements in power density and efficiency, low thermal resistance, and ruggedness, which can significantly simplify these challenges. The Ampleon CLS3H2731L-700 is a 700W GaN HEMT transistor optimized…