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| Viewpoint | ||
| Software Helps Solve Measurement Problems By Jack Browne, MWRF Technical Director 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. | ||
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| News | ||
| Renaissance Reports MEMS Switch Matrix 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. | ||
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| Report Reveals WiMAX Growth 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. | ||
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| More News Nitronex Qualifies New Wafer Fab Hittite Publishes Selection Guide Vanguard Microwave Solutions Offers Couplers Times Microwave Systems Shows Capabilities | ||
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| Happenings - Conferences | ||
| 70th ARFTG Microwave Measurement Symposium 2007 Asia-Pacific Microwave Conference 2008 IEEE Radio and Wireless Symposium (with WAMICON) 2008 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) 2008 IEEE Sarnoff Symposium
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