Test & Measurement
Test & Measurement Multichannel Streaming and Recording on Wideband Digital Receiver Keysight Technologies Inc. introduced multi-module synchronization for its M9703B AXIe high-speed digitizer/wideband digital receiver – increasing the total number of streaming and recording channels available with the M9703B. The new bundles options (-CB1/-CB2) enable multichannel phase coherent digital down conversion (DDC) which has applications in 5G, Radar and satellite communications, and aerospace & defense. With up to 320 MHz instantaneous bandwidth with tunable intermediate frequency, this high-speed digitizer meets the needs for new technology development in 5G wireless mobile broadband. Used with the recommended host computer configuration, the new options allow guaranteed recording time, storing all I/Q samples for later analysis. A command line software application is included in the bundle for an easy launch and control of the streaming and recording. As a component of the Keysight solution, the M9703B AXIe highspeed digitizer/wideband digital receiver (bundles -CB1/-CB2) allows customers to quickly characterize the channel behavior in these frequency bands and enables researchers to develop the necessary channel models for designing and validating air-interface alternatives. For other applications where gapless streaming and recording is not required but there is a need to simultaneously read while acquiring, the new signal processing firmware (-TSR option) enables simultaneous capture and transfer of triggered acquisition data to the host computer. ■ Keysight Technologies www.keysight.com News Link Microtek Receives SC21 Industry Bronze Award Link Microtek has been presented with an SC21 industry bronze award in the 21st Century Supply Chains programme, which is administered by ADS, the national trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security and space industries. This widely recognised programme is designed to provide a structured framework for continuous improvement in both the business processes and manufacturing operations of participating companies, with the aim of raising performance throughout the supply chains in these key industry sectors. Commenting on the award, Steve Cranstone, managing director of Link Microtek, said: “Essentially SC21 is about increasing efficiency across all areas of The picture shows Phil Curnock (left), head of supply chain for ADS, presenting the industry bronze award to Link Microtek’s sales director, Stuart Hendry, at a recent SC21 Task Force conference in Bristol. a company’s activity, and that is exactly what Link Microtek has accomplished. The toolkits provided by the programme have enabled us to monitor and improve key metrics relating to delivery and quality, and where necessary we have made appropriate changes to our internal systems to ensure that performance levels are maintained.” Before SC21 awards are ratified, ADS validates the submitted delivery and quality metrics covering a rolling 12-month period by comparing them with figures obtained directly from the company’s customers. Having attained the necessary performance standards for the bronze award, Link Microtek will now be using its SC21 continuous sustainable improvement plan (CSIP) to ensure that further efficiencies are sought and implemented on an ongoing basis. ■ Link Microtek www.linkmicrotek.com 48 hf-praxis 2/2016
RF & Wireless Flexible dual-band FPC antennas for WiFi and ISM Figure 1: Dromus, Amoris and Montana: Easy to assemble antennas for WiFi and ISM Antenova announced three newstyle antennas: flexible dualband FPC antennas for Wi-Fi and ISM in industrial and consumer electronics applications. Two of the antennas, named Dromus and Amoris, are high performance dual band Wi-Fi antennas operating on the 2.4-2.5 GHz and 4.9-5.9 GHz wireless bands, including Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/j/n/ ac. They are suitable for access points, portable electronics, PC cards, games consoles, set-top boxes, network devices, and wearable technology. They are made to different dimensions, so that electronics manufacturers can select the best fit and performance for their wireless device. The third antenna, named Montana operates in the ISM bands of 863-870 MHz and 902-928 MHz. This antenna is for use in industry, remote sensors, smart metering, medical devices, monitoring equipment, lighting, security and automotive applications. The flexible FPC antennas are each just 0.15 mm thick, and are supplied with a peel-back self-adhesive area to fix them inside a small electronic device, in various configurations. They are supplied complete with a cable and a connector to attach them to the underside covering or housing of a manufacturer’s electronic product. Each antenna weighs less than 0.5g. The three new antennas can be popped into the IPEX MHF (UFL) mating connector on a host PCB or wireless module, and are effectively “plug and play”. Antenova’s design team adopts a philosophy of Design For Integration (DFI) – an approach to antenna design which puts the integration into the customer’s device right at the heart of the design process. Antenova also provides technical assistance to customers during the testing stages of the design process. Dromus, Amoris and Montana are the first three antennas to ship from Antenova’s new family of “flexiiANT” products, which was announced in May this year. Their product names follow the company’s tradition of naming each antenna after a species of ant from around the globe. Commenting, Colin Newman, Managing Director at Antenova Figure 2: Amoris Dual-Band Wifi Antenna says: “The market opportunities are in the areas of energy, smart homes, healthcare, automotive, retail, and the new wearable technologies, and we have antenna solutions for all of these sectors.” The new flexible antennas are available to order now. ■ Antenova Limited www.antenova-m2m.com Applications • Access Points • Portable Devices • PC-cards • Game Consoles • Set-Top-Box • Network Devices • Wearable devices • MIMO Systems Figure 3: 3D pattern at 2.45 GHz Figure 4: 3D pattern at 5,45 GHz Technical features of “Amoris” • Antenna for 2,4 - 2,5 GHz and 4,9 - 5,9 GHz applications: WiFi 802.11/b/g/j/n/ac • Polarization: Linear • Peak Gain: 2,8 dBi (2,4/2,5 GHz), 5,1 dBi (4,9/6,0 GHz) • Average Gain: -1,3 dBi/-1,2 dBi • Maximum return loss: -14 dB/-10 dB (2,4/4,9 GHz) • Impedance with matching: 50 Ohm • Operating temperature: -40 °C to +85 °C • Maintains high performance within device • 1,13 mm diameter RF cable with IPEX MHF connector • Self-Adhesive mounted • Quick integration minimizes design cycle • High performance • Available 3 standard cable lengths • Weight:
