Generators Add Avionics Waveforms

The S-Series signal generators have been enhanced with the addition of avionics-specific test waveforms for evaluating key navigation functions. The SGA analog signal generator with Option 6 adds internal generation of waveforms for testing avionics functions, including waveforms for Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), VHF omnidirectional radio (VOR), marker beacons, and communications identification tones for airport identification. The avionics parameters are presented in the same form as described in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. The Aeroflex SGA is currently available in two models: the SGA 3, which has an operating frequency range of 100 kHz to 3 GHz, and the SGA 6, covering 100 kHz to 6 GHz. Pricing for the SGA series starts at $11,605 (USD) and Option 6 is available for $3693 (USD).

Aeroflex, Inc.
35 South Service Road
Plainview, NY 11803-4193
(516) 694-6700, FAX: (516) 694-4823
www.aeroflex.com

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Detector Reads Power From DC To 6 GHz

The Smart Detector is a passive, internally temperature compensated, true root-mean-square (RMS) RF power sensor with frequency range of DC to 6 GHz. In addition to power monitoring, it can be used as a high-power voltage-standing-wave-ratio (VSWR) detector with the appropriate directional coupler. It can replace active diode detectors and other semiconductor devices, combining an RF termination and a signal detector into one completely passive device. It is not sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD) and provides true linear response over its frequency range. It can be supplied on tape and reel for high volume pick and place applications.

Florida RF Labs & EMC Technology
8851 SW Old Kansas Ave.
Stuart, FL 34997
(772) 600-1360, FAX: (772) 283-5386
www.emc-rflabs.com

Switch Controls Signals To 18 GHz

Model SP153DHTS is a single-pole, double-throw (SPDT) absorptive switch suitable for defense systems from 2 to 18 GHz. With rapid switching speed of 25 ns, the rugged SPDT switch exhibits maximum insertion loss of 2.5 dB to 12 GHz and 2.9 dB to 18 GHz. It achieves maximum VSWR of 1.90:1 from 2 to 12 GHz and maximum VSWR of 2.0:1 from 2 to 18 GHz. The isolation is at least 60 dB from 2 to 12 GHz and at least 55 dB from 2 to 18 GHz. The switch operates form a power supply voltage of -12 VDC to -15 VDC at 90 mA and + 5 VDC at 220 mA, and employs SMA female connectors.

Narda Microwave-East
435 Moreland Road
Hauppauge, NY 11788
(631) 231-1700
e-mail: nardaeast@L-4com.com
www.nardamicrowave.com/east

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Enhancement Aids UPS Monitoring

The addition of the advanced Falcon MEGA SNMP/HTTP agent to a line of uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) expands a range of communications options with new remote control, monitoring, and operations system shutdown solutions. The new agent consists of a standalone external or an internal circuit card that fits into the communications option slot of any Falcon SG, SSG, or FN SeriesT rackmount and tower UPS. The agent allows for the connection to any Ethernet local area network (LAN). Two Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports on the agent support the connection of an optional 802.11G Wi-Fi dongle providing wireless LAN connectivity. As an alternative to 802.11G, an optional GSM/GPRS 1900 cellular modem device is available supporting wireless short message service (SMS) communications with the UPS using supplied SMS server software. An optional NetFeeler II device supports remote temperature, humidity, and water measurement. This module connects through an RJ45 connector located on the MEGA agent. The module further supports connection of up to two additional sensors, consisting of a magnetic switch to monitor the opening of a door, as well as a smoke detector.

Falcon Electric, Inc.
5116 Azusa Canyon Road
Irwindale, CA 91706
(626) 962-7770, FAX: (626) 962-7720
e-mail: sales@falconups.com
www.falconups.com

Module Detects Optical Phase

The DPHD-01 optical phase-detector module is designed for real-time, non-contact distance and vibration measurement systems. The unit measures the phase between a self-generated laser and its reflected light from a target, providing very precise values for distance between the two. It can be used for three-dimensional (3D) imaging, night-vision applications, and micro surface imaging, as well as for structural strain measurements on buildings and bridges. The optical phase-detector module operates at sampling rates to 300 kHz/s. It features 16-b amplitude resolution and distance/depth resolution of 8 mm at 3 km measurement distance, 0.4 mm at 15 m distance, and 15 μm resolution at a measurement distance of 1 m.

Ace Unitech, Inc.
2905 Stender Way, Suite 46
Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 727-7701, FAX: (408) 727-7705
e-mail: info@aceunitech.com
www.aceunitech.com

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10-MHz Source Serves As Reference

Model PLOC10-10 is a 10-MHz phase-locked reference source suitable for turning a marginal reference signal into a high quality extremely low-phase-noise reference for critical system applications. It features an internal oven-controlled oscillator (OCXO) with phase noise of -145 dBc/Hz offset 100 Hz from the carrier. When phase locked to a signal source with good long-term stability, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or atomic clock, the module is an ideal 10-MHz source for use with communications systems and high-performance test equipment.

Luff Research, Inc.
20 N. Tyson Avenue
Floral Park, NY 11001
(516) 358-2880, FAX: (516) 358-2757
www.luffresearch.com

MEMS Accelerometers Check Smaller Components

The expanded 2260 series of rugged microelectromechanical-systems (MEMS) capacitive accelerometer chips and modules now includes smaller models with low-frequency detection ranges to 0 Hz. The devices are 37% smaller than typical single-axis models. Because accelerometers should be at least one-tenth to one-twentieth the mass of the component to be measured or detected, these miniature chips and modules are well suited for such applications as unmanned-aerial-vehicle (UAV) flutter testing and wind turbine tip vibration monitoring.

The devices are tailored for zero-to-medium frequency applications including precision shock and vibration measurements. They produce two analog voltage outputs which vary with acceleration. The four-wire connection supports both single-ended and differential modes. The sensitive axis is perpendicular to the bottom of the package, with positive acceleration defined as a force pushing on the bottom of the package. Sensitivity is independent from the supply voltage of +8 to +32 V. Signal outputs are fully differential about a common-mode voltage of about 2.5 V; the accelerometers can even be powered by a standard 9-V battery. At zero acceleration, the output differential voltage is nominally 0 VDC, reaching ±4 VDC at ± full scale acceleration. The sensors have on-board voltage regulation and an internal voltage reference.

Silicon Designs, Inc.
1445 NW Mall St.
Issaquah, WA 98027
(425) 391-8329, FAX: (425) 391-0446
www.SiliconDesigns.com

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Cables Withstand Repeated Flexures

The Lab-Flex S line of low-loss, flexible coaxial cables is designed for applications requiring excellent durability over a repeated series of flexures, such as in antenna installations and radar systems. They incorporate stranded center conductors (with either 7 or 19 strands per conductor) to ensure continuous flexure without damage or deterioration to the electrical performance. The cables, which are usable through 40 GHz depending upon choice of connector, can be specified with polyurethane, FEP, and ETFE jackets and e-PTFE dielectric materials with both tape-wrapped and extruded constructions. Five cable diameters are currently available: 0.115, 0.125, 0.235, 0.335, and 0.490 in., with SMA, Type N, YNC, and 2.92-mm connectors.

Florida RF Labs
8851 SW Old Kansas Ave.
Stuart, FL 34997
(772) 600-1632, FAX: (772) 283-5286
e-mail: jwalker@rflabs.com
www.emc-rflabs.com