Macom Demos W-Band Capability at IMS 2019
New 80 to 100GHz range includes SP2T switch with integrated bias network, voltage variable attenuator, and a 3-Stage power amplifier
Macom Technology will be demonstrating its W-Band capabilities targeted for mmW communications, radar and passive imaging applications at IMS 2019 in Boston this week.
Devices include a variable voltage attenuator (VVA) (typical attenuation range: 25 dB); a reflective SP2TsSwitch with Integrated bias circuits (typical Insertion Loss: 0.8 dB); and balanced 3-stage PA (typical saturated power: 24 dBm)
The control components are designed and manufactured using Macom's proprietary AlGaAs PIN diode technology, and aimed at enabling customers to realise control components with high RF performance at extremely-high frequency (EHF). The inherent low resistance of AlGaAs technology can enable lower insertion loss, minimising the need for expensive amplification functions and unwanted distortion at higher frequencies, according to the company.
W-band is quickly becoming a reality for numerous applications, such as point-to-point communications and passive image radar. For passive image radar at 94 GHz, there is no need to illuminate or excite the target as the system can receive and process the 94 GHz frequency emissions naturally emitting from the environment. Macom’s AlGaAs-based control components are helping to enable these applications by delivering high frequency performance in the form of low insertion loss, high isolation and high linearity.
