8 August 2011

M/A-COM Tech launches digital phase shifters for communications, electronic warfare and radar

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes semiconductors, components, and subassemblies for RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications) has launched a set of digital phase shifters for communications, electronic warfare (EW), and radar applications that are said to facilitate easy implementation in communication antennas, phased array radars, weather radars, and EW receivers.

The firm says that the GaAs pHEMT 4-bit and 6-bit digital phase shifters meet the performance requirements of communications and radar system manufacturers, optimizing for fast switching speed, low phase error, and serial or parallel control capability.

“M/A-COM Tech’s new 1.4–2.4GHz digital phase shifters maintain low phase error and low attenuation variation over the 360° range,” says product manager Kevin Harrington. “The built-in CMOS driver allows for serial or parallel control and low DC power consumption,” he adds.  

The MAPS-010143 is a 4-bit digital phase shifter housed in a 4mm 24-lead PQFN package. It provides 360° phase-shift range with a step size of 22.5°. Its insertion loss is 3.2dB, with a low ±0.5dB attenuation variation and ±2.0° phase accuracy over the 1.4–2.4GHz frequency range.

The MAPS-010163 is a 6-bit digital phase shifter housed in a 4mm 24-lead PQFN package. It provides 360° phase-shift range with a step size of 5.625°. Its insertion loss is 5.0dB, with a low ±0.8dB attenuation variation and ±4.0° phase accuracy over the 1.4–2.4GHz frequency range.

Each digital phase shifter can be controlled with a single +5.0V serial or parallel control line.

Production quantities and samples of MAPS-010143 and MAPS-010163 are available from stock.

Tags: M/A-COM pHEMT

Visit: www.macomtech.com