IEEE MTT-S 2003
Staff -- Test & Measurement World, 8/1/2003
Instruments, components debut at microwave show
IEEE MTT-S Exhibition, June 10–12, 2003, Philadelphia, PA
W.L. Gore (www.gore.com/electronics) introduced a family of custom microwave cable assemblies in frequency ranges from DC through 67 GHz for test applications. The assemblies remain flexible, while maintaining a crush resistance of 800 lbs/linear inch. They offer phase matching with the capability to performance match two or more cable assemblies to less than 1 ps....Magfusion (www.magfusion.com) announced its MagLatch RF switch, the first commercially available magnetic latching MEMS-based relay. The initial offering is a single-pole, double-throw device that operates from DC to 6 GHz. It requires no power to retain its latched state and comes in a 5-mm by 5-mm surface-mount package....Racal Instruments' (www.racalinst.com) Models 1256 and 1257 switching systems are now available with an Ethernet 10/100 interface, which allows computers to control the switching systems without the expense of a GPIB interface. The Model 1256 is a high-performance modular switching and control system in a compact 2U rack-mountable package; the Model 1257 is a custom-configurable switching system with up to 240 channels. Racal Instruments also introduced the Model 6075 quad/octal-channel real-time serial interface for use in functional test applications....Aeroflex (www.aeroflex.com) launched a new corporate brand identity that operates in two product-focused groups, the Aeroflex Test Solutions Group and the Aeroflex Microelectronic Solutions Group. Many of the divisions, including IFR Systems (Wichita, KS), were once independent companies that retained their names after being acquired by Aeroflex. Now all divisions are united under a single Aeroflex brand.
Sources and analyzers
Racal
Instruments' Model 1257, now with an Ethernet interface, is a
custom-configurable switching system with up to 240
channels.
Giga-tronics
(www.gigatronics.com) demonstrated its 2400 Series microwave synthesizer, which combines simultaneous low phase noise and fast frequency switching. The 2400 Series includes WaveMaker, a PC-based software package that includes a comprehensive list mode, command-line interpreter with script and loop capability, and an auto-programming mode. Models are available in three frequency ranges: 10 MHz to 8 GHz, 10 MHz to 20 GHz, and 10 MHz to 40 GHz. Priced from $17,000. ...Anritsu
(www.us.anritsu.com) introduced the MS2687B spectrum analyzer. The MS2687B, with a 20-MHz resolution bandwidth, employs 64-MHz A/D sampling. Average noise level is 136 dBm/Hz at microwave frequencies. Anritsu also introduced a suite of analog modulation and sweep options for its MG3690A series of signal generators....Advantest America Measuring Solutions
(www.advantest.com) demonstrated its R3681, a hybrid instrument that integrates a spectrum analyzer, modulation analyzer, vector signal generator, and arbitrary waveform generator. Advantest also announced the availability of WLAN software that allows the R3681 to conduct OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) modulation analysis....Keithley Instruments (www.keithley.com) introduced its Model 2306-VS dual-channel fast-transient power supply. Designed to meet the evolving test needs of handset and cellular component manufacturers, the Model 2306-VS supports externally triggered output-voltage level changes and independent digital voltmeter operations.
Calibration and power
Noise Com (www.noisecom.com) announced its NBS Series broadband noise calibration standards for calibration laboratories, radiometer test and verification, and low-noise-amplifier tests. Using a low-loss waveguide horn design, NBS instruments provide a two- to three-fold improvement in noise-temperature accuracy. Noise Com also announced a software upgrade for the UFX-EbNo series of Precision C/N generators that boosts reliability by up to 66% when testing wireless LAN, cable modem, satellite, and military systems....Noise Com subsidiary Boonton (www.boonton.com) demonstrated its Model 4530 RF power meter, which now includes operating modes that save power readings into a memory buffer to speed up production-test applications.
