Two weeks ago (June 22, 2006 issue), this column focused on gallium nitride transistors and some interesting CMOS RFICs unveiled at ISM 2006. Continuing our coverage of new products released at the International Microwave Symposium, this week the highlight is on test and measurement instruments and microwave components. To meet new demands of test requirements in rapidly evolving wireless LANs and complex RFICs, key instrument developers unveiled their latest wares to handles those issues. Agilent Technologies (www.agilent.com), for instance, announced several new design and measurement solutions for advanced microwave and wireless R&D.

"These introductions demonstrate the breadth of solutions that Agilent offers to accelerate design innovation in wireless devices and networks, while ensuring absolute confidence in those wireless connections," said Ron Nersesian, vice president and general manager at Agilent Technologies.

While Aeroflex (www.aeroflex.com) unwrapped a new 3280 series of 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz spectrum analyzers designed to provide performance far beyond the price tag – offering impressive RF and microwave specifications, exceptional connectivity and many ease-of-use features at an affordable price. The 3280 series includes three models: 3281 with frequency range from 3 Hz to 3 GHz , 3282 with frequency range from 3 Hz to 13.2 GHz and 3283 with frequency range from 3 Hz to 26.5 GHz. Anritsu (www.anritsu.com) presented a 7.1 GHz spectrum analyzer for under $12,000. In addition, the equipment supplier disclosed its first signal analyzer integrating fixed and mobile WiMAX capabilities.

Likewise, Rohde & Schwarz (www.rohde-schwarz.com) introduced two options for the R&S FSL spectrum analyzer that expand its capabilities for Bluetooth and RF measurements in cable television systems. It also introduced a unique instrument that combines spectrum analyzer and phase noise tester covering 8 GHz, 26.5 GHz, or 50 GHz. The R&S FSUP is the company’s first instrument designed exclusively for measuring phase noise and characterizing RF signal sources.

On the components front, Murata Electronics North America (www.murata.com) unwrapped a miniature (3 mm x 3 mm) SAW resonator product line, called SAR series, for remote keyless entry (RKE) applications. The resonators are characterized by low-profile, low-resistance (less than 1.5 dB in the 315 MHz band), narrow tolerance (±50 ppm) and high reliability. The SAR series meets the market's increasing demand for miniaturized products in various applications such as tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), garage door openers and burglar alarms, according to Murata.

Speaking of filters, Infineon Technologies AG (www.infineon.com) demonstrated a new line of bulk acoustic wave (BAW) filter product portfolio for UMTS/W-CDMA cell phones. The complementary pair of new duplexer filters, the NWX2015CR and the NWX2015CT, are the world’s first BAW filters produced using wafer-level packaging (WLP) technology, which reduces production cost and board space requirements in 3G mobile phones, claimed Infineon..

Similarly, K&L Microwave (www.klmicrowave.com), Inc., part of Dover Corp.’s Microwave Products Group (MPG), displayed a family of microwave filters designed specifically to support OEMs' compliance with the FCC mandate to relocate incumbent Broadcast Auxiliary Service (BAS), Cable Television Relay Service (CARS), and Local Television Transmission Service (LTTS) licensees operating within the frequency ranges of 1990 MHz to 2110 MHz. While Dow-Key Microwave (www.dowkey.com), also part of MPG, was showcasing its broad array of RF switch solutions and customer-focused services.

Lastly, Mini-Circuits (www.minicircuits.com) revealed an unprecedented series of double balanced frequency mixers that provide a wide RF and IF bandwidths with high performance, super-small size and low cost. Called SIM mixers, they cover a range of 750 MHz to 15 GHz with an IF from dc to 4 GHz. Because of their expansive bandwidth, these mixers are also used for both up- and downconversion, according to Mini-Circuits.