Top News Stories of 2015

A Graphene Solution for Microwave Shielding

In the modern world, microwave communication is ubiquitous with electromagnetic waves in tens of gigahertz range providing efficient transmission with wide bandwidths for data links between satellites orbiting around earth and ground stations. High frequency communication links like this are now very common, though overfilled spectral bands allocated to different communications channels causing interference and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are serious concerns.

The rules that govern EMC dictate that new equipment meet stringent requirements concerning microwave shielding of both components and systems. Read more

Mitsubishi has Developed an Active Phased Array Antenna for 5G

Mitsubishi Electric has developed a prototype Active Phased Array Antenna (APAA) to verify new multi-beamforming technology for envisioned fifth-generation (5G) mobile networks. Mitsubishi is exhibiting this prototype in a 5G multi-beamforming demonstration with Nokia Networks at the Brooklyn 5G Summit in New York City (started April 8).

Key features of the APAA prototype are as follows:

• Four-beam spatial multiplexing achieved with a multi-element antenna.
• Beamforming control of the direction of radio signal transmission and reception for two-dimensional vertical and horizontal scanning.
• Use of 3.5GHz, the highest frequency available in current cellular mobile communication. Read More

Industry’s First True DC Switch from 0 Hz to 8 GHz Starts Shipping

Peregrine Semiconductor has announced the availability of the UltraCMOS® PE42020 - the industry’s first and only RF integrated switch to operate at true DC, zero Hz. This True DC RF switch features high power handling and maintains excellent RF performance and linearity from DC through 8000 MHz. A reliable alternative to problematic mechanical relays and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), the PE42020 is ideal for test-and-measurement (T&M) and automated-test-equipment (ATE) applications.

“For the first time, an integrated RF switch can operate at DC and truly cover the signal over the entire frequency spectrum,” says Kinana Hussain, Peregrine’s senior manager of marketing. Read more

3D Printed Waveguides Have Superior Electrical Performance

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has recently assisted Imperial College London to investigate the design, fabrication and testing of waveguides manufactured using 3D-printing techniques, by providing the underpinning metrology needed to determine their electromagnetic performance. Metallic rectangular waveguides (or waveguides, for short) are commonly used to propagate electromagnetic waves from point to point due to their relatively low-loss characteristics. They have a long history of use in many microwave applications, including radar, communications, astronomy and space. However, they can be difficult to manufacture with the precision that's needed using conventional machining techniques. Read more

New Spaceship Antenna to Prevent Communication Blackout During Re-Entry

In 1970, NASA’s Apollo 13 crisis revealed that while a spacecraft plumped into earth’s environment, the hot ionized air formed around the craft disrupted the radio communication. This resulted in a communications blackout that lasted a minute longer than expected, leaving ground control in suspense over whether the three astronauts aboard had survived.

Studies found that whenever a vehicle travels at a hypersonic speed, moreover at a speed five or more times faster than speed of sound – an envelope of hot, ionized air encircles the vehicle. This “plasma sheath” acts a mirror against electromagnetic signals in most of the cases and disables any kind of radio communication to occur with anything outside the vehicle. Read more

Drone to Supply Cellular Signal Coverage in Emergencies

CellAntenna has launched a rapid deployable Drone Tethered System (TDS) that can supply cellular and public safety signal coverage in emergency situations or special events. The TDS can be deployed within minutes replacing downed towers after natural disasters, or supplying immediate mobile communication to mobile command centers. TDS can be used as a cost effective temporary communications tower at special events.

At the core of CellAntenna’s TDS technology is the ability to simultaneously power multi-rotor drones, supplying an effective signal level to the omni or directional drone mounted antennas and doing so with a light weight tether and power supply system. Read more

Femtosecond Lasers Could Replace VNAs for High-Frequency Measurements

Radio-frequency spectrum needed for the operation of short-range high-resolution automotive radar has been allocated in the 79 GHz frequency band. This decision was reached at the World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-15) meeting in Geneva which tool place from 2 to 27 November. The allocation of the 79 GHz frequency band provides a globally harmonized regulatory framework for automotive radar to prevent collisions, which will improve vehicular safety and reduce traffic accidents.

The allocation of the frequency band for automotive radar responds to the call by the United Nations General Assembly, which observes the third Sunday in November of each year as a “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims”, which occurred on Sunday, 15 November. Read more

RF Power Technology Enables Disruptive New Concept for Cooking at Home

Freescale Semiconductor has introduced its vision for a radically innovative appliance concept that leverages solid state radio frequency (RF) technology to revolutionize cooking. Developed in partnership with global product strategy and design firm frog, this breakthrough proof of concept will help enable fresh, chef-quality meals available at home with virtually no effort or prep time.

With the convenience of a microwave and quality of a traditional oven, this smart, connected RF cooking concept can control where, when and how much heating energy is directed into food – enabling more precise cooking for dramatically improved consistency, taste and nutrition. Read more

Femtosecond Lasers Could Replace VNAs for High-Frequency Measurements

Researches at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) have developed a VNA which utilizes optoelectronic techniques based on femtosecond lasers. Such devices constitute a cost-effective alternative to conventional VNAs and might be used for high-frequency measurements in the future. The measurement principle of VNAs relies on the detection of power waves at discrete frequencies. Variation of the frequency allows frequency-resolved measurements. The measurement results are typically specified in terms of scattering parameters. In order to characterize a high-frequency device accurately, forward and backward propagating signals have to be separated, which is accomplished using directional couplers. Read more

Revolutionary RF Ceramic Filter for Next Generation Communication

The demand for information (data, video, and voice) through wireless devices such as smartphones, tablets, and mobile computers is projected to grow significantly over the next few years. As a result of this demand, bandwidth and capacity are becoming more limited in an already congested spectrum. The wireless industry is responding to this challenge by migrating from a macro-cell architecture, where a few high-power base stations serve a large geographical area, to a new model that uses many small-cells.

While small-cells only cover a small area, when grouped together, they provide the necessary coverage and increase capacity at the same time. Read more

Northrop Grumman Develops Worlds Highest Power Single Chip Ka-band Amplifier

Northrop Grumman has announced the worlds highest power Gallium Nitride (GaN) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) power amplifier ever produced at Ka-band. With a peak power of 40 watts at 27 GHz, the 27-30 GHz amplifier has an average output power of 36 watts and a Power Added Efficiency (PAE) of greater than 30 percent across the band. The MMIC area is a compact 13.5 mm2 and establishes a new standard of performance achieved by a single MMIC.

This new 40-watt circuit was manufactured using the same process that is being matured through the company’s participation in the Air Force Research Laboratory Gallium Nitride Advanced Electronic Warfare Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit Producibility program, an initiative funded under Title III of the Defense Procurement Act. Read more

Google Lobbies FCC for 3.5 GHz Band to Provide Cheaper Wireless Services

Google is lobbying the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to open up the mostly vacant 3.5 GHz spectrum, with the intent of making alternative wireless services available. As prices for access to traditional wireless spectrums continue to rise rapidly, the alternative to vast amount of low-cost bandwidth is available at a price that would undercut services from larger carriers and could be a boom for consumers. Google has introduced Google Fiber, a wired internet service in few cities and also appears to be targeting wireless and high-speed internet technologies. They also recently requested permission to experiment in the millimeter range spectrum, these millimetre bandwidths would provide high-speed, low-cost wireless data transfer that could also undercut traditional internet service providers. Read more

RF Chips Used in the iPhone 6S

The iPhone 6S which was announced earlier this month is packed with a range of new features. We looked through a tear-down done by ifixit to find the RF Chips used in the iPhone 6s. These chips would most likely have been customized for Apple, so datasheets are not available. Read more

RF Signal Recording and Playback System With Wide Instantaneous Recording Bandwidth

X-COM Systems, a subsidiary of Bird Technologies, has introduced the IQC5000B RF record and playback system designed for applications such as electronic warfare, interference analysis, surveillance, and spectrum monitoring and management. The IQC5000B has the widest instantaneous bandwidth, 4 Tbytes of removable, high-speed solid-state data storage, and other features tailored for the most demanding applications.

The IQC5000B builds on the success of its predecessor, with higher performance and more features in the same small size, at the same cost. Its design reflects the need to record signals with greater bandwidths than ever before, including IEEE 802.11ac Wi-Fi, satellite communication channels, and many radars. Read more

Worlds First Smartphone Integrates 60 GHz Transmitter from SiBEAM

SiBEAM has announced a key UltraGig™ design win with Letv’s Le Max smartphone. Le Max is the world’s first smartphone to integrate the UltraGig SiI6400 transmitter that offers 60 GHz millimeter-wave wireless video technology in volume production. The UltraGig SiI6400 WirelessHD® Transmitter Validates Company’s Leadership in Low Power Millimeter-Wave RF on CMOS Solutions for Battery Operated Devices.

The phone was announced in mid-April 2015 and it establishes a new benchmark for low power millimeter-wave design in mobile device form factors. Le Max will be available for purchase starting in June. Read more

New Way to Up-convert Signal Frequency using Josephson Junction

Low frequency radiation -- in the kilohertz and megahertz range -- is easier to generate than gigahertz radiation. Yet higher frequencies can carry more information and travel farther. The manipulation of electromagnetic radiation is an essential function of today's technology.

Researchers from the Italian National Research Council (SPIN-CNR) and the National Enterprise for nanoScience and nanoTechnology (NEST-CNR) in Italy have devised a new, inexpensive way to turn low frequency signals into higher frequencies. The approach makes use of a Nobel Prize-winning device called a Josephson junction, which is currently used to make extremely sensitive voltmeters and detect minute changes in magnetic fields. Read more

NXP's RF Power Business (Ampleon) Cleared for Launch

NXP Semiconductors has announced that the company has received clearance on the proposed transaction of the sale of its RF Power business to JAC Capital from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The divesture of the RF Power business is a condition for NXP’s merger with Freescale Semiconductor. The new company will be called Ampleon.

NXP and JAC Capital are in the final stages of the regulatory approval process in respect of the acquisition by JAC Capital of NXP’s RF Power business, which is targeted to close on December 7, next. Read more

Silicon Labs Acquires Bluegiga to Become a Dominant Player in IoT

Silicon Labs has announced the acquisition of Bluegiga Technologies - A privately held company based in Espoo, Finland, developing short-range wireless connectivity solutions and software for the IoT. Bluegiga is one of the fastest growing independent providers of wireless connectivity solutions. Their wireless portfolio includes ultra-low-power Bluetooth® Smart, Bluetooth Classic, and Wi-Fi® modules, as well as software stacks, development tools and software development kits (SDKs) for a multitude of applications in the industrial automation, consumer electronics, audio, automotive, retail, residential, and health and fitness markets. Read more