Fast-Switching GaAs Switches Are a High-Performance, Low-Cost Alternative to SOI
A mistaken belief has arisen in recent years that SOI has somehow taken over as the prevailing technology for fast RF switch applications, but not so fast! Mini-Circuits’ recent introduction of the M3SWA2-63DRC+ and the M3SWA2-34DR+ ultrafast, absorptive RF switches has given cause for designers to reconsider their switch choices. Designers are discovering that it is no longer necessary to bear the expense of an SOI switch just to get the speed they need.
In this application note, we perform a comprehensive, side-by-side, parametric comparison of the Mini-Circuits’ wideband GaAs MMIC M3SWA2-34DR+ switch to two SOI competitive offerings. This comparison leads us to the conclusion that there is no reason to take your foot off the GaAs.
MIMO Systems
In modern radio communications (particularly commercial cellular and Wi-Fi), Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MIMO) is a common method of utilizing multiple transmitting and receiving antennas to increase the capacity of the radio link, reduce errors, and maximize speed. As user demand for bandwidth and data speed have grown, MIMO systems have been integral in the evolution of modern communication systems including cellular communications, Wi-Fi networks and many more.
This article will explore the origins of MIMO technology and explain how concepts of polarization diversity and spatial diversity enable these systems to scale capacity for higher data rates and multiple simultaneous connections to user equipment. Use of MIMO in LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) communications and Wi-Fi 6/6E are then described by way of example.
RF Pulse Modulation: Fundamentals, Applications & Design Techniques
Pulse modulation has been around for over 125 years. In 1887, German physicist Heinrich Hertz built the first experimental spark-gap transmitters (electromagnetic pulse modulators), with which he proved the existence of radio waves.1 In 1888, using 455 MHz radio waves, he studied the ability of radio waves to be reflected from metallic objects and refracted by dielectric media.2 Hertz confirmed James Clerk Maxwell’s work from 1865, which was simplified by Oliver Heaviside in 1884. Hertz’s work also spawned early target detection when, in 1904, a patent for “an obstacle detector and ship navigation device,” based on the principles demonstrated by Hertz, was issued in several countries to German Engineer Christian Hülsmeyer.2 Hülsmeyer’s British patent (September 23, 1904) was for a spark-gap-type, full 600 MHz pulsed radar system that he called a telemobiloscope.
A Primer on RF Semiconductors (MMICs)
A Primer on RF Semiconductors (MMICs) Radhakrishna Setty, Technical Advisor Introduction Semiconductors are ubiquitous in modern society. In addition to microprocessors for computing technologies, they are used in practically every active wireless communications system including cell phone towers, cell phones, radars and satellites to name a few. Mini-Circuits designs and produces several semiconductor-based (MMIC) components […]
A Practical Approach to the Design and Implementation of Scalable, High-Performance, Custom SMT Packages for mmWave Applications
After many years of research and development, electrical engineers, physicists, mathematicians and scientists have come to realize the benefits of operating communications systems at higher frequencies. Some of the most notable advances stemming from this research include: smaller circuit implementations for the same functionality; improved antenna gain for a given antenna size; and dramatic increases in data-carrying capacity. However, numerous challenges remain in implementing high-frequency circuits under real-world constraints. Among the non-trivial problems, packaging stands out.
Solid State Switching for Next Generation Wireless Test Applications
Rapid growth in the number of connected devices for next generation wireless applications is driving demand for faster, more innovative, and more cost-effective test solutions. The need for reduction in cost and improvement in test throughput is found both at the design verification stage as well as in high-volume production testing. Test engineers are looking for ways to reduce the number of device-under-test (DUT) connections and enable testing of multiple DUTs in parallel from a single test station. This is most often achieved by configuring RF switches in a switch matrix to automate the routing of test signals. This article will explore some of the key differences between the types of switches used in test applications. Switch matrix configurations will be discussed, and a real world switch matrix for a high-volume telecom test application described in detail.
Model: ZYSWA-2-50DR+ (Redesigned Model)
Prior to developing our mechanical switch, Mini-Circuits purchased a significant quantity of mechanical switches for use in our production test facilities. These switches utilized a combination of springs and solenoids to accomplish the switching. Most operated for less than 1 million cycles, or approximately 50 days in our production environment. This turnover prompted Mini-Circuits to develop our own design to address the short operating life, long lead times, and high cost of using commercially available mechanical relay switches.
