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…
What made you select Ampleon’s ART2K5T Series as the featured products for the month? I am featuring Ampleon’s latest high-power discrete transistors, based on their proven Advanced Rugged Technology (ART) LDMOS technology. These devices are used in HF to UHF (typically <500MHz) applications where extremely high power, together with an elevated level of ruggedness, is required. By “rugged” we mean the device has a high breakdown voltage (>200V), so it is tolerant to a high load mismatch at the output that would normally destroy an RF transistor. The ART2K5T devices are rated at a VSWR of 65:1. Such mismatches are often…
What made you select TTM Technologies High Reliability Xingers® as the featured products for the month? TTM Technologies has just released a new line of products designed for high-reliability applications that are excellent options for designers working on L-band, S-band, C-band and X-band Radar applications. These Xinger® 90 degree hybrid couplers, directional RF couplers, and power baluns have superior RF performance, including wideband performance and lowest insertion loss. They are designed using “Best Material” developed for high-reliability applications and have an ENIG finish with a long shelf life. Additionally, they are 100% RF tested and individual part test data serializing is…
By Tim Daniels, Supplier Business Manager RF PowerPrimary radars are strategically located in various regions to aid air traffic control (ATC) and surveillance. These radars are crucial in monitoring and managing commercial and military aircraft movements.Terminal radar, or airport surveillance radar (ASR), is primarily used near airports and terminals. It usually operates on S or X-band frequencies and accurately covers local air traffic movements, monitoring aircraft during take-off, landing, and low-altitude flights. It helps controllers maintain separation between aircraft and guide them safely through the busy terminal airspace.En-route radar is used for air traffic control in the airspace between airports and…
Although GaN transistors have been popular in recent years for broadband and high-frequency applications, LDMOS is still the leading technology for high-power amplifier designs from HF to UHF. The sweet spot for rugged LDMOS is below 450MHz, and with the correct thermal design, rugged devices will withstand very high levels of VSWR up to 65:1.Initially designed for broadcast and industrial applications in the mid-nineties, we have seen power levels and breakdown voltages improve with successive generations.Design LimitationsAs generations of LDMOS advance (Ampleon is now working on Generation 12), I am often asked about even higher-power rugged transistors. However, there is…