Design Feature: August 1, 1996

Spectrum analyzer provides 13.2 GHz.

The HP 8526E spectrum analyzer gives you the frequency and dynamic range for high-speed digital communications testing. The instrument's 13.2-GHz frequency range covers the 12.75- and 12.5-GHz ranges, which standard organizations in the United States and Europe specify. The dynamic range increased by 6 dB, compared with previous HP spectrum analyzers in this frequency range. The device displays an average noise level of -141 dBm. The HP 8562E costs $33,500. Hewlett-Packard, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 452-4844, ext 1796.

EDA system eases multimedia design.

Complete with analysis tools and customized libraries, the Envision multimedia-design system defines and verifies system functionality at high levels of abstraction. The system contains an object-oriented simulation environment tailored for multimedia-system modeling. Prebuilt libraries of image-and-video-processing functions give you a head start in system modeling, using elements such as 2-D filters, edge detectors, and transforms. Envision runs on Sun and Hewlett-Packard workstations at a cost of $58,000/seat. Alta Group, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 733-1595.

RF transistor handles 12W CW for PCN and PCS base stations.

An RF power transistor provides high reliability for PCN and PCS base-station applications. The MRF6408 operates at 26V with an output power of 12W continuous wave (CW) in the 2.0-GHz frequency range. At 1.88 GHz, the device has a power gain of 7.8 dB min and a 37% min efficiency. The npn silicon transistor features high-value emitter ballast resistors and gold metallizations. The MRF6408 costs $131.25 in low volumes. Motorola Semiconductor Products Sector, Phoenix, AZ. (602) 244-6108.

Software tool for indoor wireless systems.

SMT Plus 1.0 is an interactive software tool for planning, simulating, and installing indoor wireless systems. The program displays signal strength and interference contours on building blueprints for arbitrary base-station placements. Available for DOS, Windows, and a variety of Unix platforms, SMT Plus addresses all major wireless communication standards, including AMPS, IS-136, IS-95, and wireless LAN. $2500. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA. (540) 231-3593.

Signal generators meet wireless test needs in 6-GHz range.

The SME06 and SMT06 RF signal generators provide stimulus solutions for wireless-communication testing in the 6-GHz range. With the DM Coder option, the SME06 provides a host of digital modulation schemes, including GSM, DCS 1800, PCS 1900, DECT, PDC, and FLEX. The general-purpose SMT06 covers analog receiver measurements. The device has pulse modulation and function and low-frequency generators. Prices start at $33,450 for the SME06 and $22,450 for the SMT06; the DM Coder option costs $1960. Tektronix Inc, Beaverton, OR. (800) 426-2200.

Modulation spectrum analyzers test digital mobile radio.

Combining spectrum analyzer functions with multistandard modulation analysis, the Advantest R3263 and R3465 address the testing requirements of digital mobile radio, including PCS. The R3465 has a 9-kHz to 8-GHz frequency range and covers NADC, PDC, and PHS standards. With a frequency range of 9 kHz to 3 GHz, the R3263 meets GSM standards. Both analyzers offer a color display, a parallel port, an RS-232C port, and an IEEE 488 interface. Prices start at $32,995 for the R3465 and $27,000 for the R3263. Tektronix Measurement Group, Pittsfield, MA. (800) 426-2200.

Fast-tripping fuse resets itself.

The PolySwitch TR250-120T resettable fuse trips in about half the time of standard TR250 devices to protect telecommunications equipment from overcurrent conditions caused by power cross or lightning induction. Designed for a 60V max operating voltage with resistance ranging from 6 to 10.5(ohm), the fuse has an interrupt rating of 250V max at 3A for ac surges. The TR250-120T helps equipment meet the ITU-T K.20 international telecommunications circuit-protection standards with a 1.5-kV lightening-surge-withstand rating. The resettable fuse costs about $0.32, depending on volume. Raychem Corp, Menlo Park, CA. (800) 227-7040.

Radio modem has 1-mile radius.

The IC-100ME radio modem uses a UHF radio transceiver, which transfers data at 4800 bps. Intended for multiple-system point-to-point, multidrop, or full network operation, the IC-100ME provides ¼W of transmit power and reaches line-of-sight distances of up to 1 mile with standard antennas. Each radio has an RS-232C port and handles input and output data rates of up to 19.2 kbps. Point-to-point, network, and multidrop versions of the IC-100ME cost $1315, $1595, and $1695, respectively. Monicor Electronics Corp, Fort Lauderdale, FL. (954) 979-1907.

E1 transceiver IC meets international standards.

Replacing transceiver, discrete, or ASIC solutions for short-haul E1 applications, the LXT307 meets the latest PTT standards. The transceiver, which is designed for G.703 (2.048-Mbps) applications, complies with G.775 requirements for detecting a lost signal and the British BABT/OFTEL standard for withstanding an output short current of 50 mA rms. The device also exceeds the requirements of ETSI ETS-300 166, a standard for transmit-return loss that specifies 8 dB min under dynamic conditioning. The LXT307 costs $8.94 (1000) in DIP and PLCC configurations. Level One Communications Inc, Sacramento, CA. (916) 855-5000.

Frame-relay security system gives end-to-end encryption.

The Datacryptor 64F frame-relay encryptor provides secure communications over public frame-relay networks on an end-to-end basis. Using the DES algorithm, the unit protects data from source to destination by encrypting data before transmission and decrypting data after arrival. The device comes in a metal enclosure with an antitamper switch and two pick-resistant locks and costs $3395. Racal-Datacom, Sunrise, FL. (800) 722-2555.

Kit simulates telephone line.

Party Line lets you build a six-station telephone-line simulator with caller ID at a fraction of the cost of commercial systems. The system generates North American call progress tones, including dial tone, busy signal, and ring back, and transmits caller-ID data. The talk circuit provides a clear voice path and operates with data communications to 28.8 kbps. Party Line costs $199.95, including a pc board and all necessary components. An optional enclosure sells for $32.95. Digital Products, Folsom, CA. (916) 985-7279.

Broadband fiber-optic video link handles 10 channels.

CATVLite is an LED-based system, which transfers up to 10 VSB/AM standard TV channels over multimode optical fiber. The link covers a bandwidth from 5 to >166 MHz, transporting up to 10 channels within 1 octave over distances of 3 km at 1300 nm or 0.75 km at 850 nm. CNR is 52 to 55 dB typ, depending on channel loading and system optical loss. For added flexibility, CATVLite Model 1704/1705 is compatible with UTP-based video baluns. From $500. Force Inc, Christianburg, VA. (540) 382-0462.

ISDN modem adjusts bandwidth on demand.

Intended for Windows 95, the Supra NetCommander ISDN integrates a 128-kbps plug-and-play ISDN modem with an analog port to ring up to three telephones, fax machines, or modems. With its support for Multilink-PPP, the modem combines both ISDN channels to create a single 128-kbps data connection. The device also automatically adds or drops the second channel, so that you pay only for the bandwidth you need. The Supra NetCommander ISDN has an estimated retail price of $299. Diamond Multimedia Systems Inc, San Jose, CA. (408) 325-7000.

Miniature mixer covers 3.7 to 10 GHz.

For use in satellite up/down converters, line-of-sight links, and radar, the ZMX-10G level 7 microwave mixer operates from 3.7 to 10 GHz. The device has a midband-conversion loss of 5 dB typ, IP3 of 11 dBm, and L-R and L-I isolation of 37 and 17 dB, respectively. Equipped with SMA connectors, the mixer comes in a shielded 1.0×0.75×0.58-in. metal case. The ZMX-10G costs $81.95. Mini-Circuits, Brooklyn, NY. (718) 934-4500.

Power amp delivers 30W for PCS microwave networks.

Intended for PCS base stations, the CPN/020-4550 power amp operates in the FCC-allocated frequency spectrum of 1850 to 1990 MHz at an efficiency of >25% within Class AB. The five-stage amp produces 30W at a gain of 50 dB min and a gain flatness of 0.75 dB. The CPN/020-4550 draws <4A from a +25V supply and comes housed in 10×3×1-in. case. The unit costs <$3100 (100). CTT Inc, Santa Clara, CA. (408) 988-2999.

Economical tester checks fiber-optic CATV.

The handheld FOtest'R CATV cuts the expense of testing and troubleshooting fiber-optic CATV systems. The device costs a little more than a digital multimeter and uses a detection technique that measures power up to +26 dBm, sufficient for use with high-power transmitters. The device also measures power down to -26 dBm. The FOtest'R CATV costs $239. Adapters for fiber-optic connectors are sold separately. Fotec, Medford, MA. (617) 396-6155.

Mini OTDR offers high dynamic range.

Test-and-characterize fiber routes up to 200 km in length with the MW9070B mini OTDR. The instrument, which delivers a dynamic range of 36 dB, calculates optical return loss from individual events, from zero, and between events. You can change the MW9070B's optics modules in the field in seconds, based on a modular architecture. The price of the OTDR ranges from $9000 to $15,000, depending on the optics modules. Anritsu Wiltron, Morgan Hill, CA. (408) 776-8300.

Software speeds synthesizer development for wireless ICs.

Sersynth software lets you program wireless synthesizer ICs using an IBM-compatible PC. The program works with the vendor's synthesizers, as well as with devices from Motorola, National Semiconductor, Siemens, Plessey, and Fujitsu. You enter the PLL parameters, such as output frequency, reference frequency, step size, and type of prescaler, and Sersynth programs the synthesizer to the desired output frequency. The program costs $129. RF Prototype Systems, San Diego, CA. (619) 689-9715.

Wall-mount cabinets stow communications gear.

A line of wall-mount cabinets comes in two- and three-section configurations for housing communications equipment. Both versions have optional Plexiglas-paneled or solid-steel front doors and adjustable panel-mount rails, instead of fixed rails, in the center sections. Units are 19 in. wide and 21 and 45 in. high. Single units range from $180 to $600. Bud Industries Inc, Willoughby, OH. (216) 946-3200.

Signal-generator option tests pagers.

An option for the HP 8648A signal generator enables the device to test pagers to Motorola's Flex and Flex-TD paging standards, as well as to the Post Office Code Standardization Advisory Group protocol. Key to Flex pager testing is ±60-Hz FSK deviation accuracy, which is specified at the precise pager communication bands. The HP 8648A signal generator with the pager signaling option, "1EP" costs $5865, and option 1EP alone costs $1435. Hewlett-Packard, Santa Clara, CA. (800) 452-4844, ext 1360.

Wireless remote bridge links as many as 15 sites.

Operating in the 2.4-GHz frequency band, the RangeLink Series1500 multipoint bridge remotely connects Ethernet LANs in buildings separated by up to 3 miles. The device does this by using frequency-hopping spread-spectrum RF technology. As many as 15 network links operate concurrently in the same area without contending for the same radio frequencies. Each link carries a maximum data rate of up to 1.6 Mbps. The result is an aggregate scalable network capacity of 24 Mbps. Prices start at $6000 for a two-site bridge. Proxim Inc, Mountain View, CA. (415) 960-1630.

Controller enables ISDN access.

Using the PSB7110 ISDN data-access controller, PC and PC Card makers can add cost-effective ISDN access and still maintain analog-terminal compatibility. The device gives independent access to both B data channels and can also operate the D-control channel. The chip performs V.32bis modem functions at 14.4 kbps, Group 3 fax transmission, tone dialing, and V.110 bit-rate adaption. An ISDN reference design is also available. Siemens Components Inc, Integrated Circuits Division, Cupertino, CA. (408) 777-4500.

SPDT 1.9-GHz switches take one 3-V supply.

Two 1.9-GHz spdt switches, both GaAs JFET MMICs that operate from one 3V supply, can improve the performance and simplify the design of PCS handsets and base stations. For high-isolation requirements, the CXG1008N features 57-dB isolation at 1 GHz and 43 dB at 2 GHz. The device has an insertion loss of 0.8 dB at 2 GHz and can handle 10 dBm. For greater power, the CXG1012N handles 400 mW at 3V and 1W at 4V. Its insertion loss figures are 0.4- and 0.5-dB, respectively. Isolation is 35 dB at 1 GHz; and is 23 dB at 2 GHz. Each device comes in an eight-pin plastic DIP. In sample quantities, the devices cost $6 each. Production quantities, available in the fourth quarter, will cost $5 (10,000). Sony Electronics Inc, San Jose, CA. (800) 288-7669.

Single-chip fast Ethernet transceiver.

The ML6692 reduces the time and cost for engineers to design single-speed (100 Mbps) and dual-speed (10 and 100 Mbps) fast Ethernet adapters, repeaters, and switchers. The device, a single BiCMOS chip, partitions a low-speed, 10-Mbps transceiver into the Ethernet controller. Engineers can design a fast Ethernet adapter that operates at 10 and 100 Mbps, using two chips. The chip costs $27.35 (1000) in a 52-pin PLCC and $27.95 (1000) in a 64-pin TQFP. Micro Linear, San Jose, CA. (408) 433-5200.

Tools accelerate design and simulation of communications systems.

These tools combine a high-level language with block-diagram interface in a single interface. The tools integrate with the vendor's MatLab computing environment and provide engineers with integrated algorithm development, simulation, and code-generation tools that accelerate communications design and analysis. The toolbox is available for Windows-based PCs, Macs, and all Unix-based workstations. The device requires MatLab 4.2c.1 and the Signal Processing Toolbox 3.0b. Prices for the toolbox start at $895. The Mathworks Inc, Natick, MA. (508) 647-7000.

Single-board system integrates GPS and GLONASS receiver/decoder.

The vendor's GG24 Eurocard OEM board provides integrated access to satellites of the US GPS and the Russian Global Navigation Satellite (GLONASS) system. The board receives, demodulates, and decodes satellite navigation signals from both 24-satellite systems. The combined system receiver gives users increased satellite visibility and, thus, signal availability approaching 100% compared to a single-system receiver. Because it requires readings from four satellites to establish position, a GPS-only system, for example, may have availability of 75% or less, depending on natural and manmade obstructions. In addition, those satellites that are visible may be in relatively similar alignments, which degrades the position-decode algo-rithm's accuracy.

The GG24 includes both RF and baseband signal-processing circuitry and requires just a signal from an appropriate antenna. It has 12 parallel GPS channels and 12 parallel GLONASS channels, and it automatically selects the best available constellation for the most accurate position results. The circuitry includes algorithms for corrections to satellite information, including differential corrections. In addition, the receiver's autonomous integrity-monitoring algorithms detect and remove erroneous measurements. The 16.7×10-cm Eurocard with a DIN64 connector also has two RS-232C ports, and it consumes 1.8W from a 5V supply. It costs $5995. A sensor package, which in-cludes ruggedized aluminum housing, an internal PCMCIA memory card, and a power supply, costs $9995. Ashtech Inc, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 524-1400.

Amp drives 100(ohm) load.

For 622-Mbps applications, the MAX3664 is a 590-MHz amplifier that requires only 25 mA from a 3.3V supply. It includes a dc-cancellation circuit that reduces pulse-width distortion to 200 psec (maximum) by providing a true differential output for input currents ranging as high as 300 µA. Transimpedance gain is 6 k(ohm), and the differential output, which back-terminates each output line with 60V, can drive a 100(ohm) load. Typical sensitivity is -33.2 dBm, due to the low input-noise figure of 55 nA (rms) with 1300-nm, 622-Mbps receivers. The MAX3664 is available in eight-lead SOIC and µMAX packages and costs $15 (1000). Maxim Integrated Products, Sunnyvale, CA. (408) 737-7600, ext 6087.

Transimpedance amp support different SONET/SDH rates.

Fiber-optic receivers for SONET and SDH applications need transimpedance amplifiers to amplify the weak and widely varying photodiode current and convert it into a voltage. For the 155-Mbps OC-3 rate, as well as 266-Mbps fiber-channel applications, the 165-MHz bandwidth SA5223 includes an AGC amplifier with an internal loop-hold capacitor; the AGC minimizes pulse-width distortion at high signal levels. The amplifier handles signals from 0.5 µA to 2 mA with bit error rates of <1×10^-10; recovers data without overshoot errors, despite as much as 10 dB of gain change; and provides error-free output, even when received signals have asymmetrical duty cycles. Spectral noise is 1.17 pA/[square root]Hz for this eight-pin SOIC, which costs $6.30 (10,000). Philips Semiconductors, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 447-1500.

Transceivers support both T1 and E1 standards.

A pair of universal line interface ICs for long- and short-haul links meets both the 1.544-Mbps T1 and 2.048-Mbps E1 specifications. The LXT360 and LXT361 are designed for distances that have cable attenuation as high as 43 dB, or 6000 ft (2 km) of 22 AWG (0.6-mm) cable; they interface to twisted-pair lines via standard pulse transformers and resistors. The two ICs differ only in their processor interfaces; the LXT360 offers hardware and serial µP control, and the LXT361 features a Motorola/Intel-compatible parallel port.

Because jitter attenuation is critical in most applications, the LXT360 and LXT361 implement a digital, no-crystal jitter-reduction technique. As a result, the devices require no external crystal for this function. The ICs also include features such as a suite of loop-backs, quasirandom, signal-source self-test generation and detection, driver-failure monitor, loss-of-signal alarms, and short-circuit current-limit protection. The 28-lead ICs, which come in PLCC and DIP packages, cost $15.95 (1000). Level One Communications Inc, Sacramento, CA. (916) 855-5000.