EDN -- 03.28.96 Oscillators & Amps

Components Showcase: Oscillators & Amps

Amp comes in 20-GHz surface-mount package.

A broadband microwave amp is housed in a 20-GHz, 0.63×0.40×0.12-in. surface-mount package that supports a multistage topography, in which each stage is soldered directly to the motherboard. The amplifier's 50-ohm input and output impedances hold the VSWR to 2.5:1 across the entire band of 2 to 18 GHz. Other specifications include 16-dB nominal gain, ±1.5-dB maximum gain flatness, and +10 dB minimum 1-dBm gain-compression point. The device requires 8V dc ±0.5V at 100 mA and costs <$400 (100). Amplica Inc, Newbury Park, CA. (805) 498-9671.

Mini VCO spans 902 to 928 MHz.

A miniature surface-mount VCO for digital cellular basestations generates frequencies between 902 and 928 MHz to within 0 to 3V of the control voltage. The D915ME01 exhibits an average gain of 13 MHz/V over the 26-MHz bandwidth. The part delivers 0±2 dBm into a 50-ohm load operating from a 3V dc nominal bias and draws <10 mA over a temperature range of -30 to +80°C. Phase noise is specified at -100 dBc/Hz typ at a 10-kHz offset from the carrier. The VCO costs $15 (1000). Z-Communications Inc, San Diego, CA. (619) 621-2700.

3.3V oscillator operates at up to 110 MHz.

Housed in a 10×13-mm plastic surface-mount package, the STA Type F series of oscillators with tristate ACMOS output covers a 50- to 110-MHz frequency range and operates from a 3.3V supply. Offered in the same package, the NTH Type F series with tristate HCMOS output spans a frequency range of 1.5 to 50 MHz and is specified for both 3 and 3.3V operation. For low-profile PCMCIA applications, the S1703 comes in a 5×7-mm ceramic package with a 1.75-mm total height. It has tristate HCMOS output and works from 1.5 to 50 MHz at either 3 or 3.3V. Prices start at $12 for the STA Type F, $4 for the NTH Type F, and $5 for the S1703 (100). SaRonix, Palo Alto, CA. (415) 856-6900.

Stable TCXOs keep phase noise low.

The K1600 series of temperature-compensated crystal oscillators (TCXO) operates over a temperature range of -40 to +85°C with a stability of ±2 ppm (optionally, to within ±1 ppm over a range of 0 to +55°C). Phase noise is -70 dBc/Hz at a 10-Hz offset from the carrier. The K1602 provides a sine-wave output over a frequency range of 16 to 30 MHz; the K1602T, K1602TE, and K1603T generate a TTL/CMOS output over a frequency range of 2 to 30 MHz. You can electronically tune the output frequency of the K1602TE to within ±28 ppm minimum and manually adjust the K1602 and K1602T to within ±10 ppm. The K1602TEW has a range of up to ±45 ppm. Prices start at $30 (100). Champion Technologies Inc, Franklin Park, IL. (708) 451-1000.

1-GHz clock oscillators cut phase jitter.

The M101 and M201/211 series clock oscillators produce frequency outputs ranging from 300 MHz to 1 GHz with <3 psec of phase jitter. The basic M101 has an 890-MHz output and 25-ppm stability over a temperature range of 0 to 70°C. Options include 10-, 25-, and 40-ppm stability and an extended temperature range. The M201/211 family of frequency multipliers, ranging in output from 300 to 1000 MHz, multiplies a low-frequency input source by a factor of 32, 33, 64, or 65. All devices are housed in 24-pin double-wide metal DIPs. Prices start at $143 in sample quantities. Micro Networks Corp, Worcester, MA. (508) 852-5400.

Tiny clock oscillator nixes crystal.

The Micro Oscillator 1000 single CMOS IC covers a frequency range of 8 to 32 MHz and does not require a quartz crystal or any other component for frequency determination. The circuit operates with a frequency stability of 0.5% (1% standard) over a temperature range of 0 to 70°C. The device is offered in die form for chip-on-board applications or in surface-mount SO-8 packages. Die size is 1.7×0.9 mm. The Micro Oscillator 1000 costs $2.45 (1000). Micro Oscillator Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 984-8139.

250W amp covers 10 kHz to 250 MHz.

A solid-state linear amplifier, the Model 250A250, provides at least 250W over >four decades of bandwidth, from 10 kHz to 250 MHz. Minimum gain is 54 dB; flatness with internal leveling is ±0.5 dB. You can use the unit for RF susceptibility. The device also suits EMC tests calling for up to 150 V/m between conductors of a frequency-compatible E/H-field generator (10 kHz to 100 MHz) and approximately 80 V/m measured 1m from a frequency-compatible log-periodic antenna (100 to 250 MHz). The Model 250A250 costs $23,000. Amplifier Research, Souderton, PA. (215) 723-8181.

Visual prompts and icons ease servoamp programming.

Using the Windows-based Motion Wizzard programming tool, you can easily program the AMC-2450 servoamp, including executing commands for position, step, velocity, and response to limit-switch inputs. Operating in stand-alone mode or with a host via its RS-232C interface, the amp provides 5 to 20A continuous and 10 to 30A peak for driving brush or brushless dc motors. Inputs and outputs of multiple AMC-2450s can be slaved for synchronous, but noncoordinated, motion for X-Y applications. The unit costs $650. Advanced Motion Controls Inc, Princeton, WI. (414) 295-3500.

Servoamp limits current.

Fixed plug-in resistors let you clamp the Model 5221 brushless servoamp's output to within the performance envelope of large or small motors. You can set maximum values for peak current, continuous current, and peak-current duration. The 5221 develops ±170V at ±20A peak for rapid-motor acceleration and ±10A continuously from a supply of 24 to 180V dc. Switching frequency is 25 kHz. Housed in a 6.58×3.83×1.37-in. module, the amplifier drives motors with a 200:1 span (0.2 to 40 mH) of internal inductance. It costs $439. Copley Controls Corp , Westwood, MA. (617) 329-8200.