RF Microwave News & Products : 19 April, 2016

CMOS RF Circulator Chip Doubles WiFi Capacity

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a technology for full-duplex radio integrated circuits (ICs) that can be implemented in nanoscale CMOS to enable simultaneous transmission and reception at the same frequency in a wireless radio. Last year, the researcher had developed a nanoscale CMOS radio that required two antennas, one for the transmitter and one for the receiver. Now, the team, led by Electrical Engineering Associate Professor Harish Krishnaswamy, has developed a breakthrough technology that needs only one antenna, thus enabling an even smaller overall system. This is the first time researchers have integrated a non-reciprocal circulator and a full-duplex radio on a nanoscale silicon chip.

This technology could revolutionize the field of telecommunications. Systems with seperate Tx and Rx antennas can now operate using a single antenna and systems based on WiFi will see capacity double using a nanoscale silicon chip with a single antenna. Read more

10 kHz to 6 GHz 3D E-Field Analyzer

The LSProbe 1.2, 3D E – Field Analyzer from LUMILOOP operates from 10 kHz to 6 GHz. It is smart, fast and extremely accurate electric field probe that provides linearization, temperature compensation, control and communication functions. Noise reduction and temperature compensation allow accurate measurements down to 0.1 V/m without any adjustments. This linearization technology provides dynamic range up to 100 dB. It is laser powered for a continuous operation without the need for charging or battery replacement. It has ultra-fast pulse response, continuous real time data streaming and best-in-class frequency and temperature compensation. Click here to see product specs

Qorvo to Acquire IoT Company GreenPeak Technologies

Qorvo recently announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire GreenPeak Technologies. This acquisition of Netherlands-based GreenPeak will allow Qorvo to expand its customer offering to include highly integrated RF solutions and systems-on-a-chip (SoCs) for the connected home and the rapidly growing Internet of Things (IoT).

According to Gartner, Smart Home networking and IoT markets addressed by 802.15.4, ZigBee and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology are estimated to grow to $2.3 billion by 2020; and related smart markets such as retail, agriculture, automotive, lifestyle and commercial lighting are expected to grow to $4.9 billion by 2020. Read more

Cobham Launches High Power Spiral Antennas Range

Cobham Antenna Systems recently announced the launch of the FPA-0.7-2.7R/2319, the first in a new range of high power, directional spiral antennas.

The FPA-0.7-2.7R/2319 offers high power, high gain and circular polarization within a compact, low profile, rugged housing. It is suitable for multi-band communications as well as cellular counter measure and security applications. The low profile housing means that this antenna can be used to replace much larger and more expensive, Log-Periodic, Horn or Conical spiral antennas and also be used in situations where height/profile is critical. Read more

u-blox GNSS Module Integrated in to LoRaONE Module by SODAQ

U-blox recently launched the EVA-7M, a standalone GPS/GNSS receiver module. This module is embedded in the tiny IoT development board LoRaONE by SODAQ, which is now running a campaign on Kickstarter. This product is a 32-bit Arduino compatible board equipped with Low-Power WAN connectivity that enables development of any kind of IoT solution, anywhere.

This matchbox-sized product (40 x 25 mm) is packed with sensors and supporting components. The EVA-7M on the board enables a quick positioning fix. Read more

Researchers Develop First Transistors Made Entirely of Nanocrystal Inks

Transistors are the basic building blocks of electronics, used to build circuits capable of amplifying electrical signals or switching them between binary states. However transistor fabrication is a very complex process, requiring high-temperature, high-vacuum equipment.

In a new study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have shown a new approach for making these devices by sequentially depositing their components in the form of liquid nanocrystal “inks.” This study opens the door for electrical components to be built into flexible or wearable applications, as the lower-temperature process is compatible with a wide array of materials and can be applied to larger areas. Read more