Radio detection and ranging (radar) uses reflected radio waves to detect and determine the distance, angle, and velocity of objects relative to the radar system. A basic radar system consists of a transmitter producing electromagnetic waves in the radio or microwave spectrum (these can be pulsed or continuous), a transmitting antenna, a receiving antenna (often […]
Telecommunications
What is characteristic impedance?
We speak of 50- or 75-Ω coaxial cable. The novice wonders if these numbers apply to a given length, say 100 ft. Could you connect an ohmmeter to one end of the cable and expect to get that reading with or without the conductors shunted at the far end? The answer is absolutely not. The characteristic impedance […]
650 V SiC MOSFET is first in TO-LeadLess package
onsemi announced the world’s first TO-Leadless (TOLL) packaged silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET at PCIM Europe. The transistor addresses the rapidly growing need for high-performance switching devices that are suitable for designs with high levels of power density. Until recently, SiC devices had been supplied in D2PAK 7-lead packages which required significantly more space. With a footprint of […]
MOSFETS feature low on resistance for high power density
STMicroelectronics’ STPOWER MDmesh M9 and DM9 N-channel super-junction multi-drain silicon power MOSFETs are ideal for switched-mode power supplies (SMPS) in applications from data-center servers and 5G infrastructure to flat-panel televisions. The first devices to be launched are the 650V STP65N045M9 and the 600V STP60N043DM9. Both have very low on-resistance (RDS(on)) per unit area, which maximizes power density and permits compact system dimensions. Each has the […]
What is “orthogonal”? (Part 2): signal space
The phrase and concept “orthogonal” is widely used in engineering, but it is also often misunderstood. The formal definition of orthogonal signals does not necessarily mean that they are unrelated or uncorrelated, although that is how the term is often used in casual “engineering speak.” Formally, two vectors are orthogonal if their dot product is […]
What is “orthogonal”? (Part 1): mechanical design
The phrase and concept “orthogonal” is widely used in engineering, but it is also often misunderstood. I was chatting the other day with a non-technical friend and said something like, “Oh, that won’t happen. Those two things are orthogonal.” My friend looked at me and replied with a “huh?” and he was right to do […]
Brooklyn 6G: Sustainability is the goal
NYU brought its wireless symposium back to life, now called Brooklyn 6G. This 2½ hour virtual symposium focused on sustainability as the most important topic in next-generation networks.
HD-BNC connectivity options for ultra-flexible low loss cable
Amphenol RF is pleased to announce the expansion of the HD-BNC product series with two new cable connectors. These connectors are specifically designed to terminate to the Times Microwave LMR-195-UF cable type which is engineered to be an ultra-flexible low loss cable option. The new configurations include a straight plug and bulkhead mount jack version […]
Signal generator delivers up to 13.6 GHz with high signal purity, low phase noise
The DSG3000B Series RF Signal Generator offering high purity signal generation and modulation. The DSG3000B is available in 6.5 and 13.6-GHz models with optional built-in IQ baseband generator and OXO timebase with standard AM/FM/ØM analog modulation up to 3.6 GHz, and I/Q modulation and I/Q baseband output up to 6.5 GHz. RIGOL’s new DSG3000B RF […]
Signal generator uses DDS to produce clean signals
The M9484C VXG signal generator from Keysight supports up to four independent channels for testing 5G and satellite receivers. When designing new and emerging technologies, you often need test equipment that’s a step ahead of the technology you’re developing. Given the complex OFDM modulations used in 5G radios, you need to accurately generate those signals…