SDLVAs Grab 1 To 26 GHz

A pair of successive-detection log-video amplifiers (SDLVAs) has been launched for commercial and military applications as broad as 1 to 26 GHz. They are suitable for use in direction-finding radar, electronic-warfare (EW) receivers, electronic-intelligence (ELINT) receivers, and instantaneous-frequency-measurement (IFM) receivers. Model HMC813 covers the full 1 to 26 GHz range, while model HMC813LC4B operates from 1 to 20 GHz. Both amplifiers are supplied in 4 x 4 mm ceramic surface-mount-technology (SMT) housings and feature a Class 1A ESD rating for a 250-V human body model (HBM). They achieve a logging range of at least 55 dB with a nominal log-video output slope of 15 mV/dB and can handle input levels from -53 to +7 dBm. The SDLVAs exhibit rise/fall time of 10 ns or better and a recovery time of 20 ns or better. They deliver frequency flatness of better than ±1.5 dB at -25 dBm input power and logarithmic linearity is better than ±0.5 dB over the full -55 °C to +85 °C operating temperature range. The SDLVAs consume less than 153 mA from a single +3.3-VDC supply.

Hittite Microwave Corp.,
Internet: www.hittite.com

Hybrids Extend Range To 40 GHz

A line of 180-deg. hybrid couplers includes two models with broadband frequency coverage to 40 GHz. For example, model JSO-51-471/6S operates from 6 to 40 GHz with 3 dB or less insertion loss. It features 13 dB isolation between channels and maximum VSWR of 1.90:1. The amplitude balance is controlled to ±1.2 dB while the phase balance is within 12 deg. The hybrid, which handles maximum power of 20 W, is supplied with 2.92-mm female coaxial connectors. For even broader frequency coverage, model JSO-50-471/6S is a hybrid that runs from 2 to 40 GHz with 4.5 dB insertion loss and maximum VSWR of 1.90:1. It offers 13 dB isolation between channels with amplitude balance of ±2 dB and phase balance within 20 deg. This hybrid also handles as much as 20 W power with 2.92-mm female connectors. The hybrids measure 1.6 x 1.6 x 0.4 in.

Pulsar Microwave Corp.,
48 Industrial West, Clifton, NJ 07012; (973) 779-6262, FAX: (973) 779-2727, Internet: www.pulsarmicrowave.com.

BUC Channels X-Band Satcom

Model XTS-50X1-B1 is a satellite-communications (satcom) block upconverter (BUC) designed for high-data-rate commercial and military satellite communications uplinks. It provides 50 W output power at 1-dB compression from 7.9 to 8.4 GHz, in a self-cooled, feed-mountable package specifically designed to operate in harsh environments. It achieves 50 dB small-signal gain with worst-case gain flatness of ±0.5 dB for any 40-MHz bandwidth segment. The BUC works with input signals at L-band frequencies from 950 to 1450 MHz and a local-oscillator (LO) frequency of 6950 MHz. It is stabilized by an external 10-MHz frequency reference. Maximum intermodulation distortion (IMD) is -25 dBc and maximum harmonics are -60 dBc. The maximum linear group delay is ±0.01 ns/MHz for any 40-MHz bandwidth segment. Phase noise is better than -73 dBc/Hz offset 1 kHz from the carrier and -93 dBc/Hz offset 100 kHz from the carrier. The compact 10.5-lb unit delivers more than 32 W linear power as defined by WGS satcom system requirements. It measures just 10.58 x 5.68 x 4.43 in.

Comtech Xicom Technology, Inc.,
3550 Bassett St., Santa Clara, CA 95054; (408) 213-3000; FAX: (408) 213-3001, e-mail: sales@xicomtech.com, Internet: www.xicomtech.com.

COTS Systems Ready To Compute

A family of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) compact computer systems has been designed to reduce the cost and time to develop systems in military vehicles, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and manned and unmanned ground vehicles. The models CRS-C2P-3CC1 and CRS-C3P-3CB1 are two- and three-slot pre-validated, application-ready, CompactPCI®-based computer systems available in a wide range of application-specific configurations that can be delivered in a rugged, convection- or base-plate-cooled 3U chassis. They are supplied with a single-board computer (SBC) based on a Freescale MPC7448 microprocessor operating at 1.4 GHz and the VxWorks® real-time operating system. They include 512 MB of random-access memory (RAM) and 256 MB of Flash memory. They feature extensive input/output (I./O) capabilities, with Ethernet, serial, Universal Serial Bus (USB), MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, and discrete I/O ports. The CRS-C2P-3CC1 measures 3.96 x 7.15 x 9.03 in. (excluding connectors) and weighs only 11 lbs., while the CRS-C3P-3CB1 measures 5.60 x 4.25 x 8.76 in. (also excluding connectors) and weighs only 9 lbs.

GE Intelligent Platforms,
Internet: www.ge-ip.com/products/family/military-systems.

OpenVPX Computer Tackles Multiple Missions

The MPMC-9341 multiple-platform mission computer is a compact, convection-cooled, four-slot OpenVPX™ computer system for defense and aerospace applications. It features a built-in power supply and four 3U OpenVPX system slots. The open slots can be configured to accommodate as many as four single board computers (SBCs) or as a mix of SBCs and input/output (I/O) modules to handle specific program I/O requirements. The commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) computer system can be configured for a wide range of applications and can operate in external air temperatures to +55°C using only convection cooling. This enables system designers to implement and deploy a highly capable processing system without the need for fans, cold plates, vehicle-supplied air, liquid, or other demands from the vehicle. It features a rugged enclosure designed to meet military specifications, including MIL-STD-810 for environmental conditions, MIL-STD-461 for EMI, and MIL-STD-704 for power. The MPMC-9341 measures 12.5 x 5.8 x 8.3 in. and weighs 25 lbs. fully populated. Optional interfaces include Gigabit Ethernet, RS-232, RS-422, VGA, and SAT interfaces.

Curtiss-Wright Controls Embedded Computing,
Internet: www.cwcembedded.com.

Sealed Connector Is RoHS Compliant

The high-reliability Metr1x series of fully sealed (IP69K) high-temperature signal connectors are fully RoHS compliant for lead-free processing. They are designed to provide 100-percent signal integrity in harsh environments, as well as increased functionality and vibration resistance in complex thermodynamic conditions. The connectors are available in a variety of different housings to suit such applications as industrial automation, defense systems, and robotics systems. The operate to 100 V with a current rating of 4 A and feature complete electromagnetic-interference (EMI) shielding. The stainless-steel connectors are sealed to IP69K requirements and conform to UL94-V0 standards. They can withstand vibration to 20 g’s and shock to 50 g’s. They have been proven at temperatures to +150°C and maintain high performance even under conditions involving heavy salt spray and noxious fluids.

ITT Interconnect Solutions,
Internet: www.ittcannon.com.

Preformed Gaskets Handle Harsh Conditions

The GORE® SKYFLEX® family of aerospace materials has been expanded to include preformed gaskets for multi-face aircraft applications such as hole liners, flange joints, fastener seals, and galley or restroom hard-mounts. These lightweight, nonhazardous gaskets ensure continuous protection between flat interfaces, around chamfers, and inside a component’s mounting hole. By isolating dissimilar materials completely, these new gaskets significantly reduce the likelihood of galvanic corrosion, thereby increasing the life of the component. These materials do not require any curing time, which reduces downtime and facilitates replacement during component maintenance. They are available in diameters from 3 to 150 mm and are formed to each customer’s requirements. They are easy to install without any special equipment or facilities needed. The materials are based on expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE), which can withstand harsh environmental conditions without become brittle or hardening. The new gaskets provide excellent protection against corrosion, water, and other environmental contaminants, including fuels and oils.

WL Gore & Associates,
Internet: www.gore.com/aerospace.

Antenna Snares Atomic Clock Signals

The RCA-THT series of through-hole antennas has been developed for applications requiring atomic clock signals. The antennas are used to receive signals from clock transmitters in various countries (depending upon mode), such as the 75 kHz broadcast in Switzerland, 60 kHz broadcast in the UK and the United States, and 77.5 kHz in Germany. The clock signals are transmitted using frequency-shift-keying (FSLK) modulation and maintain frequency position within ±107 Hz. The antennas can be tuned and set for different frequencies from 40 to 139 kHz to synchronize other electronic equipment with atomic clock signals. The antenna is tuned at the factory for a required resonant frequency, using automatic tuning equipment.

PREMO Group,
Internet: www.grupopremo.com.

Atomic Clocks Fit Chip-Scale Packages

The SA.45s chip scale atomic clock (CSAC) is the world’s smallest atomic clock for systems requiring extremely high frequency accuracy and stability with low power consumption. The latest member of the QUANTUM™ family of atomic oscillators is suitable for portable applications requiring precise synchronization and time keeping in GPS-denied environments. Its accuracy and extremely low power consumption enable the SA.45s CSAC to satisfy a number of demanding portable applications, such as dismounted IED jammers, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), next-generation man-pack radios, and military handheld GPS and geophysical sensors. The CSAC product is available in standard and military temperature-range configurations. The atomic clocks require only 115 mW power and weigh only 35 g. Users who rely on military GPS systems have found that the CSAC has the stability to maintain synchronization even during long GPS outages, and that it also enables rapid signal reacquisition.

Symmetricom, Inc..
Internet: www.symmetricom.com.

Amplifier Module Drives 20 To 1000 MHz

Model BME2719-150 is a solid-state amplifier module that delivers 150 W CW output power from 20 to 1000 MHz based on reliable gallium-nitride (GaN) device technology. The module measures only 10 x 6.8 x 2.25 in. and weighs only 7.5 lbs, but delivers as much as 200 W saturated output power over the full frequency range. The Class AB linear amplifier operates with typical efficiency of 35 percent, consuming 520 W typical power from a 24-VDC supply. It operates on supply voltages of +18 to +32 VDC. The module accepts input signals from -25 to -14 dBm, overdriving with a level of +20 dBm. The input/output VSWR is typically 2.0:1, harmonics are typically -15 dBc, and spurious levels are typically -60 dBc. The amplifier can be used for CW, AM, FM, and pulsed signals.

Comtech PST,
Internet: www.comtechpst.com.