Trending RF & Microwave News Stories this Week(9-13 July, 2018)

NXP RFID/NXP Solutions Deliver Smart & Secure Connectivity for the 2018 FIFA World Cup

NXP Semiconductors has announced that its MIFARE products are bringing secure, contactless ticketing to the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The NXP contactless chip solution is inside the match tickets and provides fans with fast, hassle-free and safe access to Russia’s spectacular World Cup stadiums. Additionally, the company’s NTAG NFC technology was chosen to enable all new connected experiences with the Official Match Ball, the Adidas Telstar 18. As the most innovative FIFA World Cup ball to date, the NFC technology allows the ball to interact with smartphones to display specific details of each ball and provides access to challenges, which users can enter in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup. Smart stadiums across the globe are embracing NXP’s connectivity solutions and the Internet-of-Things (IoT) to bring fans captivating, personalized, and more convenient experiences. Click here to read more.

Researchers Develop Ultra-Miniaturized IC with On-Chip Antenna to Boost Spectrum Efficiency

A team of researcher at Georgia Institute of Technology, have boosted the energy and spectrum efficiency for a new class of mm-wave transmitters, allowing improved modulation and reduced generation of waste heat. They achieved this by integrating the design of the antenna and electronics, the result could mean longer talk time and higher data rates in millimeter wave wireless communication devices for future 5G applications. Click here to read more.

Industry’s First 5.2 GHz BAW RF Co-Existence Filter for 4G LTE and 5G Mobile Devices

Akoustis has introduced a new 5.2 GHz BAW RF filter aimed at the billion dollar BAW filter market for future 4G LTE and 5G mobile devices.

The AKF-1652 is the first 5 GHz BAW RF co-existence WiFi filter available for mobile devices. The filter offers lower insertion loss and a significantly smaller footprint than existing non-BAW co-existence filter technologies that operate at 5.2 GHz. Click here to vread more. 

Anritsu VNAs Now Equipped with Differential Noise Figure Measurement Capability

Anritsu, has introduced a new solution that is capable of conducting extensive characterization of the differential noise figure of differential devices used in high-speed wireless communication systems.

The solution, integrates a new differential noise figure option into the Anritsu VectorStar vector network analyzers (VNAs). This allows R&D engineers to verify the receiver performance of differential low noise amplifiers (LNAs) and other devices used in the front-end of 5G and microwave backhaul systems. The option is available on VectorStar models operating from 70 kHz and up to 20 GHz, 40 GHz, 70 GHz, and 110 GHz. Click here to read more.

Tektronix Upgrades its Wideband RF Signal Analyzer to Better Test Radar and EW Systems

Tektronix has announced the addition of IQFlow functionality to its RSA7100A wideband signal analysis solution. This enhancement delivers the speed and flexibility needed to perform real-time digital signal processing (DSP) and support hardware in the loop (HWIL or HIL) test for radar and electronic warfare (EW) systems.

The RSA7100A's real-time analysis for live monitoring of recording events allows systems engineers to ensure they are getting the data they need from their time-consuming test scenarios. With new streaming APIs and interfaces, including support for 40 GbE and LVDS, the analyzer offers the performance and ready-to-go convenience that system engineers need to move forward with their next-generation designs. Click here to read more.

Leti & Soitech to Develop & Prototype New Engineered Substrate Solutions

CEA Tech-Leti and Soitec have announced a five-year partnership agreement to drive the R&D of advanced engineered substrates, including SOI and beyond.

The agreement brings the traditional Leti-Soitec partnership to a whole new dimension and includes the launch of a world-class prototyping hub associating equipment partners to pioneer with new materials. The Substrate Innovation Center will feature access to shared Leti-Soitec expertise around a focused pilot line. Key benefits for partners include access to early exploratory sampling and prototyping, collaborative analysis, and early learning at the substrate level, eventually leading to streamlined product viability and roadmap planning at the system level. Click here to read more.

NI Introduces mm-Wave Radio Heads Targeted at 5G NR Research and System Prototyping

National Instruments has launched two new millimeter wave (mmWave) radio heads for its mmWave Transceiver System. The new radio heads, which cover spectrum from 24.5 GHz to 33.4 GHz and 37 GHz to 43.5 GHz, are targeted at wireless researchers prototyping 5G New Radio (NR) systems.

As the first phase of 5G NR wraps up and the 3GPP finishes defining the communications protocol, the standards body also has identified specific frequency bands intended for 5G. Additionally, various regulatory bodies across the globe have begun the process of allocating spectrum for mmWave 5G mobile access. The coverage offered by these new radio heads enables researchers in countries like the United States, South Korea, Japan, Europe and China to quickly prototype 5G systems at the different frequency bands being considered. Click here to read more.

Cyient Unveils Transformational X-Band Transmit and Receive Module

Cyient, a provider of engineering, manufacturing, geospatial, network, and operations management services to global industry leaders has successfully developed a low-cost, X–Band, single-channel Transmit and Receive Module (TRM) based on hybrid Printed Circuit Board technology using packaged devices. The TRM is part of Cyient's New Business Accelerator (NBA) program that fosters internal innovation through R&D. Cyient will be showcasing their market leading Radio Frequency (RF) capabilities at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow.

The Transmit and Receive Module was developed using non-export controlled components and can be seamlessly applied to multiple radar systems including ground surveillance, border surveillance, air defense, and airborne fighter radar. The technology can also be easily adapted to multiple configurations such as tile architecture and quad-TRM. Click here to read more.

Skyworks Wireless Solutions Powering Google's Nest Video Doorbells

Skyworks recently announced that Nest, a division of Google (Alphabet), is leveraging several of its wireless connectivity products across their recently launched video doorbells. The Nest Hello, which offers continuous, 24/7 recording capability and HD video, incorporates Skyworks' leading portfolio to seamlessly connect users and other network devices as well as support extended ranges and longer battery life for smart home applications. In particular, Skyworks' solutions enable the video doorbell to easily modulate among Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Thread communication protocols while ensuring reliable data transfer at longer distances through obstacles such as walls and doors. Click here to read more.