Microwaves & RF Online: September, 2026

Catch what you missed among the latest stories, videos, and podcasts from the month of September, 2026.

Welcome to Microwaves & RF's monthly publication, where you can find the latest articles, videos, and podcasts. You can sign up for our newsletters to see the latest articles as they're posted. You can also catch up on archived versions of MWRF's Top Stories of the Month.

Signal Reflections: For 6G, Keep an Eye on AI-RAN Technology

It’s looking like commercial deployment of sixth-generation (6G) technology will land in the 2029-2030 timeframe. But, meanwhile, the telecom industry is beginning to broaden its focus from early R&D to technology definition and a pre-investment phase.

One influential global technology coordination body, the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union (ITU), has mapped out its vision for what 6G is expected to look like in 2030. For the ITU, 6G isn't simply a matter of “faster 5G.” Rather, the goal is to transform cellular networks into ubiquitous connectivity platforms that integrate communications, sensing, and artificial intelligence.

Read the rest of this Signal Reflections blog post

Featured Content

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Despite the different computational principles at the heart of neural processing, the underlying hardware behavior is the same as that of traditional systems.
AI-RAN is shaping up to be the bridge technology that crosses the telecom industry over into AI-native 6G by 2030.
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It’s no longer enough to simply bolt AI onto an existing mechanical form — now the shape, movements, operation, and senses of modern robots are built around AI.
With the proliferation of generative AI models such as ChatGPT, Llama, Gemini, and DeepSeek, data centers are under pressure to deliver unprecedented computational power, energy...
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AI-generated content may be incorrect, which means embedded trust must begin at the silicon level.
Intelligence at the edge is one of the defining trends in IoT today. But intelligence must travel somewhere to matter, and the radio link carrying it rarely gets the same scrutiny...
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The wider channels and simultaneous multi-band links of Wi-Fi 7 don't just add test cases. They break the linear test scripts most labs still run.
In today’s RF and high-power systems, EMRs and SSRs are outclassed. Learn how MEMS-based switches can unify RF and power switching architectures with greater efficiency and longevity...

New Products

Here are summaries of our new product coverage throughout the month.

Here's this week's selection of some of the most interesting new products that have been launched of late.
Here's this week's selection of some of the most interesting new products that have been launched of late.
Here's this week's selection of some of the most interesting new products that have been launched of late. Here's this week's selection of some of the most interesting new products...
Here's this week's selection of some of the most interesting new products that have been launched of late. Here's this week's selection of some of the most interesting new products...

Multimedia

Here are our latest videos, podcasts, and webinars.

DARPA’s experts chatted with Andy about Lift Challenge 1.0, providing design analyses and unique insights on the innovation process and what Lift Challenge 2.0, announced today...
How is CXL memory pooling making a difference in AI data centers?
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This edition of Inside Electronics with Penguin Solutions delves into high-performance storage and compute.
Increasing satellite connectivity demands are pushing the move to optical, or laser, communication. Astrolight Co-Founder Dalius Petrulionis weighs in on the latest tech and products...
Sponsored
Learn how Amphenol's cryogenic RF connectors and high-density coaxial solutions enable reliable connections within dilution refrigerators, supporting the delicate environment ...

Editor's Choice: From the Microwaves & RF Archives

These articles were chosen by the editors at Microwaves & RF to complement the new articles above. They're included in our regular newsletters.

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Today’s battlefield includes autonomous air systems as well as new, complex direction-finding/direction-deceiving radar techniques.
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The modern battlefield is increasingly shifting from boots on the ground to a more remote, intelligent, digital space that requires a host of new technologies and practices to...
Joan Gibson from Agilent Technologies uses their FFT-based PXI signal analyzer to demonstrate the difference between stepped vs. swept spectrum analysis.
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Innovative new direct RF sampling systems promise a more simplified front-end architecture by allowing the ADC to sample the RF signal directly at its original frequency.
Today’s high-data-rate, high-frequency designs create new challenges for printed-circuit-board design.
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Even as RF over fiber (RFoF) technology provides secure, resilient, long-distance data transmission, it’s a technology that’s short on standards. Learn how to get the most out...
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Here’s a simple technique for designing and building a microwave broadband oscillator based on the venerable Gunn diode.
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Explore the foundational principles behind radar technology and how these systems are engineered to meet the demanding needs of modern applications. This article sets the stage...
The first scanned phased arrays used a single transmitter and receiver connected to all antenna elements through phase shifters. Currently, most use solid-state transmit/receive...
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Gain insights into the impact of timing on the quality of service of 5G networks and learn how that impact defines the requirements of a proper timing architecture.
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The IoT provides a key tool to help companies, governments, and nations create a greener global economy.

Editor's Monthly Picks

In this section, our editors highlight articles they found this month that you might be interested in as well.

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End-to-end interoperability demonstrates a practical path to 100% network coverage for water utilities.
U.S. Department of War
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Team testing of advanced Osprey sonobuoys provided invaluable experience on the expanded use of these wartime measurement systems.
Purdue University
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Members of Purdue University, the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI), and Lockheed Martin met to sign an MOU to expand their investigations into defense technologies.
Teledyne Space Imaging
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Imaging sensors from Teledyne Space Imaging aboard Sentinel-3C and FLEX satellites provide the ESA with data to better understand Earth’s environmental conditions.
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In a program administered by the University of Central Florida, the NSF seeks to bolster startups developing deep technologies.
U.S. Department of War
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The U.S. Navy’s investment in MQ-25A uncrewed air vehicles will support carrier-based F/A-18 fighter aircraft fleets.
ImageSat International
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The EROS NOVA satellite provides centimeter-resolution imaging from space for surveillance and intelligence.
Gilat Defense
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The DKET satellite systems are transportable and quickly deployed to maintain advanced military communications in the field.
Working on the rooftop of the CNES building in Toulouse, France, the Univity team prepares the equipment for a link between 5G terrestrial and satellite equipment.
ADRF's PowerSmart control for the ADXV Series DAS reduces power consumption up to 60%, maximizing performance while conserving energy.
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Low phase noise, stable power output, and high harmonic suppression are all attributes of this SDRO-packaged SMT voltage-controlled oscillator.
@@@Title: EDGE Awards 2026 Winners and Honorees @@@Teaser: Congratulations to the standout product innovations driving progress in engineering this past year. @@@Primary Section: Home @@@Website Schedules: << Home >> @@@Syndication?: Syndicate @@@Tags: << Edge Awards >> @@@var: %publication% | | Publication (i.e. Electronic Design) @@@Company: %publication% @@Text @Text: < ## {# toc2|Communications & Networks} Wireless and wired systems, modules, and software that facilitate communication between chips, modules, and systems, including I/O modules, cloud communications. Leading EDGE Winner: Switchtec Gen 6 PCIe Switches Winner: Semtech LoRa Plus LR2021 Fourth-generation LoRa IP Honorees: [Rockwell Automation (PointMax 1/O)](https://www.controlglobal.com/network/industrial-networks/product/55405701/rockwell-automation-pointmax-puts-flexibility-into-i-o) [PLC-INTERFACE Ethernet Gateway from Phoenix Contact](https://www.controlglobal.com/network/industrial-networks/product/55405699/phoenix-contact-ethernet-gateway-shrinks-relay-wiring)
## {# toc3|Cabling & Enclosures} Hardware meant to hold controls and electronics as well as monitor the temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. inside the enclosure, such as terminal blocks and cabinet coolers. Winner: [Rockwell Automation - EtherNet/IP In-Cabinet Solution](https://www.machinedesign.com/mechanical-motion-systems/product/55405893/maximize-efficiency-and-scalability-with-rockwell-automations-new-ethernet-solution) Honorees: [Anderson Power - Industrial Battery Connector (IBC)](https://www.machinedesign.com/mechanical-motion-systems/product/55405863/anderson-power) [EXAIR - ATEX Aluminum Cabinet Cooler System](https://www.machinedesign.com/mechanical-motion-systems/product/55405879/exair)
## {# toc4|Computing Hardware, Software and Systems} Edge computing devices and interfaces, as well as associated compute, storage, design, and analysis systems. Winner: [Adaptec SmartRAID 4300 storage accelerators](https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/industrial/boards/article/55307954/electronic-design-microchips-storage-accelerator-speeds-up-nvme-arrays) Honorees: [Relio R1 HPC+](https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/industrial/product/55405302/electronic-design-sealevel-relio-r1-hpc-rugged-edge-computer-adds-com-hpc-25gbe-and-ai-expansion) from Sealevel Systems, Inc. [MIC-9X02GLF](https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/industrial/product/55405147/electronic-design-darveen-mic-9x02glf-industrial-pc-for-edge-ai-and-machine-vision) from Darveen Co. Ltd.
## {# toc5|Design Tools & Software } EDA, CAD, CAM, CAE, Digital Twin, modeling and simulation software as well as application tools and operating systems to assist the design engineer. This category also includes IDEs, compilers and middleware. Winner: [Rockwell Automation FactoryTalk Design Workbench](https://www.controlglobal.com/control/plcs-pacs/product/55405787/rockwell-automation-controllogix-5590-pushes-plc-performance-further) Honorees: [SimScale Engineering AI Platform](https://www.machinedesign.com/cad-cam-software/product/55405668/harnessing-ai-and-cloud-technology-for-advanced-multiphysics-simulatio) [Sibe PDM](https://www.machinedesign.com/cad-cam-software/product/55405635/sibe-pdm)
## {# toc6|Electronic Components  } Passive electronic components like capacitors, transistors or diodes, connectors, cables, antennas, and switches. Winner: [EC2005P, EC2025P and EC2006P ECAPs – Silicon Capacitors](https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/power/product/55357898/electronic-design-empower-introduces-new-silicon-capacitors-for-co-packaging-with-ai-chips) from Empower Semiconductor Honorees: [Marvell Structera S 60260 PCIe 6.0 Switch](https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/communications/product/55404606/electronic-design-soc-switch-260-pci-express-lanes) [PTCB TM circuit breaker](https://www.mwrf.com/technologies/components/active-components/product/55404618/microwaves-rf-phoenix-contacts-ptcb-tm-circuit-breakers-are-smallest-pluggable-thermal-magnetic-devices-on-the-market) from Phoenix Contact
## {# toc7|Industrial Controllers } PLCs, PACs, IPCs. Winner: [Rockwell Automation ControlLogix 5590 controller](https://www.controlglobal.com/control/plcs-pacs/product/55405787/rockwell-automation-controllogix-5590-pushes-plc-performance-further) Honorees: [Yokogawa A8 Series Intelligent Edge Controller](https://www.controlglobal.com/control/product/55405058/yokogawa-intelligent-edge-controller-combines-deterministic-control-with-open-ai-ready-architecture) [Productivity1000 P1-412 CPU](https://www.controlglobal.com/control/plcs-pacs/product/55405784/automationdirect-productivity-plcs-get-next-gen-upgrade) [from Automation Direct](https://www.controlglobal.com/control/plcs-pacs/product/55405784/automationdirect-productivity-plcs-get-next-gen-upgrade)
## {# toc8|Machine Vision and Optical Components & Systems} This category includes adaptive optics, optical materials, coatings, precision optics, micro-optics, lenses, mirrors, aspheres, prisms, and freeform optics. This category also considers lighting products for machine vision applications, cameras, sensors, lenses, filters, lighting, frame grabbers, software, and systems. Winner: [Marvell COLORZ 1600 2nm 1.6T ZR/ZR+ Pluggable Optical Platform](https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/communications/wired/product/55404491/electronic-design-marvells-16t-optical-transceiver-links-long-distance-data-centers) Honorees: [CV7 Edge AI 8K Vision SoC](https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/industrial/product/55404431/8k-ai-vision-soc-handles-multi-sensor-perception) from Ambarella [Alecs SWIR Allied Vision Technologies](https://www.controlglobal.com/control/ai-ml/product/55405705/a-smarter-eye-for-process-inspection)
## {# toc9|Motion Control Components} Pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric motion control components and systems, including actuators, cylinders, ball screws, motors and drives, and accessories such as fasteners, bearings, gears, belts, and chains, as well as fluids, filters, and compressed air systems. Winner: [IO-Link Compatible Air Management System: AMS-X2044/X2045](https://powermotiontech.com/55404462) from SMC Corporation Honorees: [SHA Integrated Actuator Series](https://powermotiontech.com/55404420) from Harmonic Drive LLC [Moog AXP](https://powermotiontech.com/55404519) from Moog GmbH
## {# toc10|Production Tools and Systems} This category includes creation of chips, printed circuit boards, components and systems as well as all mechanical and machine tool operations, welding, soldering, and adhesives focused on metal or component joining as well as materials used to fasten and secure components. Winner: [Wiferion - CW1000 Contactless 1 kW Inductive Charging System](https://www.machinedesign.com/markets/robotics/product/55405811/wiferion-cw1000-charging-system-enables-contactless-charging-for-amrs-and-agvs) Honoree: [Phoenix Contact - BLUEMARK E.CARD UV inkjet printer](https://www.machinedesign.com/automation-iiot/product/55405796/phoenix-contact-uv-inkjet-printer-for-high-volume-industrial-labeling)
## {# toc11|Test, Measurement, Sensors and Software} Test and measurement equipment and sensors that measure things including electrical, photons, speed, temperature, vibration, positioning, dimensional accuracy, defect detection and other operational parameters, as well as the software needed to effectively analyze the sensor data. Winner: [REF81 buried Zener precision voltage reference](https://www.electronicdesign.com/technologies/test-measurement/product/55404571/electronic-design-tis-voltage-reference-ic-drives-precision-data-converters) from Texas Instruments Honorees: [Rosemount 3408 Wireless Level Transmitter - Non-Contacting Radar](https://www.controlglobal.com/network/wireless/product/55405057/emerson-automation-solutions-wirelesshart-transmitter-brings-native-wireless-radar-to-level-measurement) from Emerson [Rohde & Schwarz FSWX](https://www.mwrf.com/technologies/test-measurement/video/55308477/microwaves-rf-in-a-first-instrument-performs-multichannel-signal-and-spectrum-analysis-with-cross-correlation) >>
Edge Awards
Congratulations to the standout product innovations driving progress in engineering this past year.
Emerson AMS 6500 ATG version 5.0 and AMS Machine Works version 2.4 software enable continuous data streaming for deeper startup and shutdown analytics.
Qualcomm's Dragonwing Q-2390 and IQ-2390 processors bring significantly greater access to intelligently connected devices across the IoT industry.
These circuit breakers offer protection and signaling in a single module, saving up to 65% of space taken by other thermal-magnetic devices.
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Applications such as stress test of radar and EW receivers are among the uses of this versatile hardware/software combo.
The Secure Space Network approach to using mobile manufacturing sites for classified goods has been successfully employed by NASA.
U.S. Department of War
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A recent uncrewed refueling demonstration by the U.S. Navy in the waters off Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story transferred 400 gallons of fuel to a USV.
Dreamstime_Nicoelnino_307513488 and Anritsu
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Anritsu launched its 140-Gbaud wideband linear amplifier to help accelerate next-generation optical device characterization.
ORAN Development Co.
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A partnership between ISCO and ODC combines the two companies’ advanced communications technologies to enable higher-performance 5G/6G wireless networks.
An order for 100 Osprey u8 terminals with the antennas from a branch of the U.S. DoW reinforces the effectiveness of the satcom equipment and the global Kymeta Broadband network...
Stellant Systems
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Stellant Systems' technology will support existing and future DoW and commercial needs for TWTAs.
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It's expected that the financing will produce 100 metric tons of gallium metal annually for production of GaAs- and GaN-based semiconductor devices.
Solinide Photonics
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Efficient LumiCOMB optical comb generators are available for precise measurements and calibrations with evenly spaced linewidths at O- and C-bands.
Raytheon/RTX
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Raytheon’s PhantomStrike radar follows a trend of enhanced performance in smaller, lighter-weight systems that will help modernize giant B-52 airships from Boeing.
U.S. Department of War
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Assembled in the field within a mobile factory, a Group 1 UAS recently flew for a battery-powered flight-time record of 8 hours, 41 minutes, and 43 seconds and 300 miles distance...
U.S. Department of War
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The U.S. Navy has begun the initial phase of a modernization program for the MH-60 Sea Hawk helicopter.
U.S. Department of War
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As the U.S. Army’s development of ISVs is demonstrating, willingness to use commercial components on the battlefield can speed the development of valuable tools such as these ...
Dreamstime_abstractaAgsandrew_389720508 and RadGreen
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Simple-to-use RadGreen RadSys RF Monitors provide continuous monitoring of EM radiation for selected frequency bands from 100 MHz to 40 GHz.
ATMOS Space Cargo
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In-space laser communications between a LEO satellite and ATMOS’ PHOENIX reentry vehicle are being planned by having ATLAS-X laser comm equipment on board both the satellite and...
U.S. Department of War
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The Army's Northern Command is deploying about 200 soldiers in the Pacific Northwest to help hold down wildfire spread.
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd.
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An effective technology for detecting and overcoming interference for satcom systems was recently demonstrated.
Rice University
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The school’s CLASSIC research center will focus on extremely large-scale antenna arrays for advanced, secure wireless communications.

About the Author

David Maliniak

David Maliniak

Executive Editor, Microwaves & RF

I am Executive Editor of Microwaves & RF, an all-digital publication that broadly covers all aspects of wireless communications. More particularly, we're keeping a close eye on technologies in the consumer-oriented 5G, 6G, IoT, M2M, and V2X markets, in which much of the wireless market's growth will occur in this decade and beyond. I work with a great team of editors to provide engineers, developers, and technical managers with interesting and useful articles and videos on a regular basis. Check out our free newsletters to see the latest content.

You can send press releases for new products for possible coverage on the website. I am also interested in receiving contributed articles for publishing on our website. Use our contributor's packet, in which you'll find an article template and lots more useful information on how to properly prepare content for us, and send to me along with a signed release form. 

About me:

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy, leaving to rejoin the EOEM B2B publishing world in January 2020. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.

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