Jack Browne
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ED Online ID #17545 |
November 8, 2007
Microwaves & RF UPDATE | November 8, 2007
Jack Browne, Technical Director
Thermal Engineering Report: Dissipating Heat in Electronic Devices to Improve Reliability
Failures on rushed, high-profile projects are often the catalyst for
companies to investigate next-generation Computer-Aided-Engineering
solutions. This report delves into the common mistakes companies
designing consumer and commercial electronics have made and offers
recommendations to help your company unlock the power of these
technologies in the early stages of product development.
Making better measurements is usually a noble pursuit, especially for the types of microwave
measurements that can require massive amounts of data, such as antenna evaluation and radar-
cross-section (RCS) measurements. Antennas, for example, must be analyzed across the expanse
of their radiation patterns and often over a wide range of operating frequencies. For that reason,
any tool that helps to simplify the measurement process is welcome. One of the latest additions
to the test arsenal is the MI-3000 Arena™ data acquisition and analysis software package
from MI Technologies (www.mi-technologies.com).
Admittedly not the first name that comes to mind when considering software for orchestrating
automatic-test-equipment (ATE) operations and data analysis, the Suwanee, GA-based company
has been involved for some time in the development of measurement solutions for application-
sensitive requirements. The firm developed the new MI-3000 Arena software package to
streamline the measurement processes for these difficult-to-test components, such as antennas or
RCS targets. The software provides a choice of four different operating environments so that
operators have a certain level of comfort when performing advanced measurement and analysis
functions. In an area where measurements are never trivial, the addition of another useful tool is
always welcome.
Don't Miss Your Favorite Show: Engineering TV
Sponsored by Analog Devices and National Instruments, these informative eight-minute video segments show cutting-edge technology in action and offer behind-the-scenes looks at the latest engineering developments.
Renaissance Electronics Corp. (Harvard, MA) has introduced an 8 x 8 switch matrix based on a
total of 80 single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) microelectromechanical-system (MEMS) switches.
The MEMS devices are fabricated with a conventional silicon micromachining approach to
produce a high-force cantilever switch structure that is contained within a wafer-bonded hermetic
package. Rated for a life expectancy of more than 100 billion switching cycles, the switch matrix
handles 2 W CW input power from DC to 2.5 GHz with 6 dB insertion loss and 40 dB isolation.
The compact unit measures 7.85 x 7.43 x 2.8 in. with female SMA connectors and provides
blocking type switching without power splitters. It achieves switching speed of less than 50
microseconds and draws only 10 mA current at +5 VDC upon actuation. The switch matrix,
which is suitable for applications in communications, military, and test and measurement
systems, incorporates a TCP/IP Ethernet control interface.
The second issue of the WiMAXCounts Quarterly Report, published by research firm Maravedis,
reveals that the WiMAX global subscriber base increased by 50 percent in the third quarter. The
number of WiMAX global subscribers is 1,369,000 accounting from revenue of $668 million
(USD) for the first three quarters of 2007. According to Adlane Fellah, Chief Executive Officer
(CEO) of Maravedis, "We expect the introduction of major network deployments for mobile
WiMAX, combined with lower CPE pricing, to accelerate subscriber growth in 2008 and
contribute to a 70-to-80-percent yearly increase in commercial deployment." The report included
information on interest to WiMAX operators, including the fact that The Middle East and Africa
region has the highest residential Average Revenue Per User (ARPU), at $52.31 USD, while
offering significantly lower speeds than other regions, and that 66 percent of operators are
deploying WiMAX networks and services in the 3.3-to-3.8-GHz frequency range.
Whether it's an amplifier, attenuator, filter, mixer, or switch, or any other RF/microwave
component, or printed-circuit board (PCB), or transistor, or software, or test equipment, you'll
find a source in the Microwaves & RF Product Data Directory. Whether in print, or online, the
Microwaves & RF Product Data Directory will help you find the best products and suppliers for
your application.
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