Site Links - Components
SYNERGY
The name of a well-known manufacturer of mixers, VCO’s, directional couplers, power dividers etc.. The range is continuously being expanded and it is worth glancing at this homepage from time to time to check on the most recent developments or to order the newest free Designer’s Handbook. Although it has the format and the weight of a catalogue from a big department store!
Another friendly gesture is the provision of interesting and well put together Online-Tutorials offering basic introductions to many of the products on offer.
Address: http://www.synergymwave.com
Anyone who wants to be well informed about the most recent developments in microwave diodes should take a glance at the homepage of these specialists. Here you can download the usual data sheets, but also Application Notes for Step Recovery Diodes, Tuning Varacter Diodes, PIN-Diodes etc..
Address: http://www.micrometrics.com
This site covers coaxial and dielectric resonators and ceramic filters. In addition to the usual selection ranges of the firm’s products, you can also download a whole series of good and useful Application Notes concerning this technical area at one go.
Address: http://www.trans-techinc.com
There is a very simple reason for this, it is currently fashionable to split relatively large companies up into smaller parts and make them into independent entities, naturally with new names!. So we also have to make the corresponding move in this case.
New address: http://www.agilent.comNow, do you have any idea what that’s about? This is actually a site for Slovenian radio amateurs, and anyone who already knows the name Matjaz Vidmar, S53MV from earlier publications will already have some idea of what’s going on. He has now become a professor at the Slovenian Technical University, but his passion for development and DIY projects and his enthusiasm for amateur radio remain undiminished. Thus, if we visit the homepage and go to „Hardware Information Desk", we find a whole lot of projects old and new on every possible subject. For example, he found the "No - Tune – Transceiver" between 1296 MHz and 10 GHz particularly appealing, there are some very comprehensive circuit descriptions, with lots of diagrams and details to be downloaded..
Address: http://www.hamradio.si/hid.html
Address: http://www.jfwindustries.com
Address: http://www.synergymwave.com
Printed circuit board design guide.
Address: http://www.trompeter.com
We go from "Professional Products" through "Semiconductors" to "Product Catalog". And there we finally find "Application Notes".
Address: http://www.philips.com
Address: http://www.wireless.national.com
The company is famous for offering the widest choice of SMD mixers and frequency doublers in the range between 10 kHz and 26 GHz.
Address: http://www.stellexms.com
Address: http://www.sawtek.com
Address: http://www.rlcelectronics.com
Address: http://www.minicircuits.com
The data sheets for each product are in pdf format. They are very attractive, thorough and informative, as are also the large number of application notes available for downloading on almost every subject in this area.
Address:
http://www.vectron.com
Under the heading "myTactron" an HF electronics "flea market" has been set up, where anyone can offer surplus components, new or used equipment, stickers, etc. at no charge.
Address:
http://www.tactron.de/mytactron
Address:
http://www.arcom-inc.com
Address:
http://www.ionbeammilling.com
And there are naturally lots of application notes and other interesting data to download.
Address:
http://www.stanfordmicro.comMetelics
Here you can, find out all about microwave diodes, i.e. Schottky diodes, PIN diodes, tunnel diodes, varactor diodes, etc. Naturally, there are also comprehensive catalogues, data sheets and application notes.Address:
Address:
Address:
You could spend hours finding more and more items of interest. The documentation on FFT, in particular, is outstanding!
Address:
Address:
Some splendid new tutorials have been added in the "Gauging Equipment" section as well (e.g. how to use network analysers or the basic principles of noise factor measurement). An intensive search (using the Agilent search engine) is not only rewarding but should not be missed.
Address:
Texas Instruments / Burr Brown The sector’s giant and the inventor of TTL technology has made a discovery. High quality analogue technology is also important, and has a big future in connection with modern digital signal processing. So it’s not a question of re-inventing the wheel, it’s more that a well-known and worthy representative of the analogue branch has simply bought it up. So we also find the former Burr-Brown application notes here in the TI homepage in downloadable form.
Naturally, the themes are essentially concerned with every conceivable OPV application, but rf communications engineering and the analogue components required in DSP systems are also appreciated.
Address:
Alpha Industries
This is an important address for all types of microwave semiconductors. The "millimeter wave squad", in particular, will not only rejoice over the circuits on offer for applications from 20GHz upwards, but will also treasure the data sheets and application notes prepared. What is also really great and very informative is that a whole collection of splendidly crafted complete circuit diagrams of modern transmitters, receivers, etc. can be fetched onto your own computer. Even diagrams and formularies are available as aids to development.Address:
DSP Guide For Scientists And Engineers A specialist volume more than 600 pages long, excellently produced from both the technical and educational points of view, and dealing with digital signal processing, that wouldn’t be cheap, would it? And yet it can be, if you take the trouble to download all 33 chapters from the PDF files individually, free of charge from the author’s homepage. It does take some time to transfer 20 megabytes, but that isn’t the problem. Every time you download a chapter, the humorous author makes comments such as: "Do you really expect your laser printer to do this?" or "I think now it’s easier for you to buy the hardback edition", etc..
Address:
Linear Technology Another specialist in analogue circuits: from operational amplifiers through AD converters, right through to switch regulators for power supplies.
So in the homepage we find, not only a PSPI-CE simulator provided free of charge for the simulation of switched power supplies (which is also suitable for general simulations), together with appropriate regulator models, but also an active filter design program (FilterCAD). There are also numerous application notes and articles on analogue engineering.
If you don’t believe me, try it. Once you’ve successfully downloaded all that’s on offer, you’ll have a new file on your computer containing 130 megabytes of program and data material.
Address:
RFMD (RF Micro Devices) Another well-known manufacturer of standard microwave components, producing everything needed for circuit development from amplifiers or mixers through the front end right to the attenuator or the switch MMIC. Support is exemplary once again, in the form of many data sheets and technical notes that are available free of charge from the homepage.
Address:
Address:
http://www.rogerscorporation.com
Address:
http://www.klmicrowave.com
The advantage for us is the numerous application notes, updated to take in the most recent developments. Anyone who has not visited this homepage for some time will be amazed, and will start downloading right away.
Address:
http://www.rfmd.com/prodTechnical.asp
Address:
http://www.anadigics.com/products/appnotes.html
Address:
http://www.crhc.uiuc.edu/~dburke/databookshelf.html
Address:
http://www.micromanipulator.com/RF-Notes.html
Address: http://www.avxcorp.com/SpiApps/default.asp
Chenjian's Electronic Packaging
Anyone looking for up-to-date information on the state of manufacturing technology, including housings for integrated RF components (amplifiers with integrated coils, capacitors and resistors, couplers, etc.) should have a look at this site. The content ranges from information on trends, technologies, production processes and opinions on reliability right through to material trials, and finally an "Online Dictionary".
Address:
http://chenjian.virtualave.net/packaging/tech/other/rf/rf.htm
USMICROWAVES
This manufacturer describes itself as a “manufacturer of MIC thin film technology” That means it’s a source of unending interest for those who want to be comprehensively informed concerning the state of the art in relation to all types of these active and passive microwave components. In addition to the data, layout design rules and/or application notes, etc. are also available in all sections.
Address:
Semiconductor Datasheets on the WEB
This is a page full of pleasant surprises for original developers and anyone who likes messing around, as everything here is nicely and neatly alphabetically sorted and frequently provided with links.
Addresses:
Vectron
All about crystals - that’s the motto here. Follow the links listed to find the application notes which cover every conceivable aspect of this subject.
Address:
http://www.otek.com/products/appnotes/index.htm
MACOM
Microwave and millimetre wave IC products...that’s what it says in the publicity. A very nice homepage, recently revised, done by someone I know well. In addition to comprehensive data sheets and basic information, you can also find some interesting new application notes here.
Address:
http://www.macom.com/tech_app_resources/techapp_app_note.jsp?i=0
SYNERGY
An old acquaintance that supplies every possible type of microwave module. The homepage has been re-designed and, most importantly, there is now a much wider range of articles and application notes. Of particular interest is the documentation on offer in relation to synthesisers and microwave oscillators.
Address:
http://www.synergymwave.com/Articles/Articles.htm
ATMEL
It’s good to know that the well-known microcontroller manufacturer is also going into the HF market for WLAN, Smartcard, Bluetooth and the rest in a big way. Consequently, as well as containing data sheets relating to the IC’s the company manufactures, the homepage also has application notes and some good articles on the principles. Highly recommended: “A Tutorial on WLAN”, which also contains easy-to-understand information on spread spectrum technology.
Address:
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/app_notes.asp?family_id=657
CHIPCON
This company is from the far North – it’s head offices are in Oslo. But the product range (RF transceiver IC’s) is really first class. So it also comes as no surprise to find a very wide-ranging collection of application notes and other documentation. You can even take part in a “Wireless Quiz”, and win prizes.
Address:
http://www.chipcon.com/index.cfm?kat_id=3
Linear Technology
It must be because of the time of year, new products are sprouting in HF companies. The homepages have new products and the document collections are being extended. If you haven’t seen the new version of this site yet, you might find it all a bit overwhelming when you make your net visit.
Address:
http://www.linear.com/new/design_tools.html
Z-Communications
A specialist in VCO’s and PLL’s, with a very attractive range of products for the HF and gigahertz sectors. Also very attractive is the documentation on offer, including a lot of interesting application notes.
Address:
http://www.zcomm.com/home.htm
Semi-conductor manufacturers
This is probably the biggest collection of German language direct links that you can find on the Internet. Everything’s already alphabetically sorted, and even every exotic little shop is accessible (provided it has an Internet address). But anyone taking a closer look at this homepage will find still more interesting information.
Address:
http://www.aufzu.de/semihalbleit.html
JQL Electronics Inc.
A site with a wide range of microwave components such a circulators, isolators and ferrite materials.
Address:
Tektronix
An old name, but a company that has remained young. In addition to oscilloscopes and anything else modern you can imagine, the firm now also provides modern RF wireless test sets. So there’s naturally extensive technical help available, together with some very interesting application notes.
Address: http://www.tek.com/
RF Manuals
Version 5 of the popular “RF Manuals” from Philips-Semiconductors has appeared.
Tele-Tech
They are a company that produces all kinds of things for RF technology, such as mixers, directional, other couplers and dividers. Not only is it interesting to glance at the specifications of the components (for example, there's a tiny little directional coupler which covers a range from 1MHz to 1GHz), but the application notes are of interest too.
Address:
http://tele-tech-rf.com/prodselection.htm
PlexTex
Some more people who are very active in the modern communications technology sector and supply interesting modules or components. There is a very informative list of the “Technical Papers“ available, which should make developers' eyes light up straight away. For example, “A 2 -18GHz Receiver Frontend“ or “A Monolithic, 2 to 18GHz Up-converter“ or “RF Mixer Design“ or “Synthesizer Design“ or....
Address:
http://www.plextek.com/technicalpapers.htm#
Directional Couplers
An easy-to-understand and accurately written introduction to the characteristics of directional couplers, including illustrations and formulae. Compiled as an online lexicon of RF technology by Bilkent University in Turkey.
Address:
http://www.ee.bilkent.edu.tr/~microwave/programs/magnetic/dcoupler/theory.htm
MAXIM
A very well-known name among IC manufacturers. This company has markedly increased its activities under the heading of “Modern wireless communications technology” and massively increased the quantity of application notes are available. All of this has been revised and now appears with a new look that makes it a pleasure just to go into various subjects a bit more deeply (which naturally include the “Wireless, RF and Cable” section).
Address:
http://www.maxim-ic.com/appnotes10.cfm/
University of Essex / Nanofab
You've guessed it already: this site deals with the cutting edge stuff in semi-conductor manufacture and nanotechnology. This site has been conceived as an information centre for people from the appropriate technological fields, but it's also very interesting for the ordinary person who's interested in electronics to have a look behind the scenes and marvel at what can be done nowadays and how it's accomplished.
Address:
http://privatewww.essex.ac.uk/~bolat/
Agilent
When did you last visit the homepage of the successor to HP? If it was more than 2 months ago, you should just take another look at it. The RF and microwave application notes have been greatly expanded and revised.
Address:
http://www.avagotech.com/
National Instruments
By using the link below, you'll reach the “developer zone” of National Instruments, and many other paths branch out from there. Lots of literature available, but you can also access a well-constructed online lexicon of communications technology and signal processing. Just take a look around!
Address:
http://zone.ni.com/zone/jsp/zone.jsp
AVX
This company is mainly involved with capacitors of every kind, but it also handles inductances and couplers. Consequently, microwave technology is well represented. The site contains a huge number of documents, but there are also Spice model collections and the like.
Address:
http://www.avxcorp.com/SpiApps/default.asp
Datasheetarchive and Alldatasheet
Anyone looking for the data sheet for any semi-conductor component or IC should start the search with these two sites. You'd certainly have trouble finding a site where things are made so easy.
Address:
http://www.datasheetarchive.com/datasheet/pdf/3615.html
http://www.alldatasheet.com/
Cougar
The company used to be called „Teledyne“ and is no doubt still familiar under this name to many microwave specialists. But the new name has clearly been good for the firm, and there is much to discover on the new website. In addition to application notes, there are naturally some data sheets, but there are also some interesting conversion tables.
Address:
http://www.cougarcorp.com/index1.asp
Watkins Johnson
There are some very active companies whose sites should be visited regularly to see what's new. Watkins Johnson is among them, and the application notes and technical notes are first class. Plus the technical archive has been expanded, and you can now call up almost all the elderly but very well written documents, as they have been made available in scanned-in form (it's unbelievable: right back to 1974!).
Address:
http://www.wjcommunications.com/technotes/index.asp
Mentor Graphics / IC Nanometer Design
For some reason, people tend to associate this company more with computer technology, but, thanks to the WLAN and Bluetooth standards, RF technology is now also appearing everywhere. So what we have here (under the heading „Physical Verification") is a whole collection of successfully completed circuit simulations. Well hidden, it's true, but worth hunting for...
AVAGO
This is a new name to learn and get accustomed to looking at their home page from time to time. Following the change from Hewlett Packard to Agilent there have been more changes making a completely separate company for all semiconductor activities. It will take time to get accustomed to the new homepage until you find familiar things (Application Notes, data sheets etc.).
Address: http://www.avagotech.com/
MMT
MMT stands for Millimetre Wave Technology Group. A surprising insight into where modern technology is going. There are; ideas, still crazier production technology for unbelievable things. Simply interesting to spend some time browsing
Address: http://www.mmt.rl.ac.uk/projects/mrffe/mrffe.html
ASI (Advanced Semiconductor)
The speciality of this company is the manufacture of microwave transistors and diodes. The web site has data sheets available under the Downloads and Resources headings, a fantastic find!
Address: http://www.advancedsemiconductor.com/
List of Semiconductor Manufacturers
A very useful list from Digchip. For anyone looking for the web site of a semiconductor manufacturer, this is an alphabetic list of semiconductor manufacturers worldwide.
Once you have found the web site you can browse at your leisure.
Address: http://www.digchip.com/datasheets/manufactures.php
INTEL Technical journal
Who would expect PC development to have anything to do with RF technology, so you would probably not search here. But because of the rapid expansion of WLAN technology, INTEL does cover this topic. You can find fundamental or trailblazing articles about applications in the GHz range in the regular Technical Journal.
Address: http://developer.intel.com/technology/itj/index.htm
Down East Microwave
Down East Microwave are a rare company, they not only publish a picture of the finished component and the technical data but also a photo of the PCB as well as a circuit diagram. Interesting for own work! The example is a low noise amplifier but the full catalogue has much of interest.
Example LNA article Address: http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/PDF/915lna.PDF
Full catalogue Address: http://www.downeastmicrowave.com/Catalog.htm
MuRata
A very well known Far East company famous for coils, capacitors, filter etc. There are not only the product specifications, but also the collection at S-parameter files to the Download. The documentations with the measuring conditions are worth reading with the S-parameter files for separate frequency ranges.
Addresses:
a. homepage: http://www.murata-europe.com/
b. S-parameter collection: http://www.murata.co.jp/sparameter/index.html
c. Measurement of the S-parameters: http://www.murata.co.jp/sparameter/measure.html
SiGe
Semiconductor manufacturers are an important source of information to learn about the latest technologies. This manufacturer is no exception with details of wireless LAN, Bluetooth, GPS and microwave semiconductors. There are datasheets and application notes.
Address: http://www.sige.com/support/datasheets.html
100GHz Subharmonic mixer
Those who are interested in the current state of high frequency mixer development should look at this publication. It is very informatively, easy to understand but nevertheless very accurately. A good article like this looks good and extends your knowledge.
Address: http://www.eecs.umich.edu/rebeiz/Completed Research Papers/W_Band_Subharmonic_Mixer97.pdf
LNA Design for CDMA front ends
This is a ery beautiful and detailed application note about LNA Design from Philips. It accurately describes operating point stabilisation and signal to noise ratio adjustment. A joy to read.
Address: http://www.nxp.com/acrobat_download/other/discretes/CDMA_LNA_design.pdf
Design of a CMOS LNA for 5.8GHz and its sensitivity analysis
Not everything that has been learned in the past is wasted. The good old cascode circuit has appeared in the newest and most modern integrated circuits on a chip… Fundamentals in new form for the GHz range.
Address: http://www.cambr.uidaho.edu/symposiums/symp11/XuezhenWangPaper.pdf