18 June 2012

M/A-COM Tech launches 1.2–1.4GHz 6-bit digital phase shifter for L-band radar and communications

M/A-COM Technology Solutions Inc of Lowell, MA, USA (which makes analog semiconductors, components and subassemblies for RF, microwave and millimeter-wave applications) has launched a 6-bit addition to its family of digital phase shifters for communication antenna and radar applications.

The MAPS-011007 is a gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high-electron-mobility transistor (pHEMT) 6-bit 1.2-1.4GHz digital phase shifter (with an integrated CMOS driver) that provides 360° phase-shift range with a step size of 5.6°. Housed in a 4mm 24-lead PQFN package, the footprint is smaller than is typically available for a digital phase shifter with an internal driver, the firm claims.

M/A-COM Tech says that the MAPS-011007 is suited to applications where high phase accuracy with minimum loss variation is required. The design has been optimized to minimize variation in attenuation over the phase-shift range, and facilitates easy implementation, it adds.

The firm claims that the GaAs pHEMT 6-bit phase shifter meets the performance requirements of communications and radar system manufacturers, optimizing for fast switching speed, low phase error, and serial or parallel control capability. Insertion loss is 3.8dB, with a low 0.4dB RMS attenuation error over the 1.2-1.4GHz frequency range.

“The MAPS-011007 was specifically designed for L-band radar and communication applications,” says product marketing manager Kevin Harrington. “It’s ideal for customers looking for the lowest RMS phase and attenuation error from 1.2GHz to 1.4GHz.”

Tags: M/A-COM Tech Digital phase shifter GaAs GaAs pHEMT

Visit: www.macomtech.com