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New Smart T/R Modules Feature Integrated Digital Micro-Controllers
Micro-controllers allow the Smart T/R Module to optimize the bias, control and monitoring of key transceiver components. The digital "smarts" compensate for the lot-to-lot variations in the RF semiconductor devices that form the heart of the subsystem, so the result is more robust, worry-free, consistent module performance. This automatic adjustment reduces the manual touch-time needed to set-up, tune and center the module performance, thereby improving the quality and reliability for the systems they enable. Moving control functions to the digital domain typically reduces control component parts-count by over 10% while providing AGC loop timing and accuracy not possible in a strictly analog fashion. Typical advantages of the Smart T/R Module are: Ability to switch from one transmitter output power level to any other in a precisely controlled time segmentand as quickly (or slowly) as system operating conditions dictate. With the Smart T/R Module, the change is provided by the digital micro-controller interfacewhich can select any control voltage within the available range. In contrast, an analog control circuit can often take twenty times longer to effect a 20 dB output power change compared to a 1 dB change, primarily due to ramping voltages through RC circuits and their associated time constants. Improved stability and timing of transition. Micro-controller adjusted ramps provide a fast transition without a peak overshoot, allowing faster switching times than analog circuits thanks to substantial reduction in settling times and ringing. Transmitter AGC loop accuracy improved by >50%. Micro-controller driven, high-resolution DACs provide precise output power control. They adjust for frequency and temperature effects, as well as for rectification efficiency variations between digital modulation types used in the system. Significantly simplified electrical interface, no more interconnect issues due to loading of analog interfaces, or the like. This development opens the door to improved performance and reduced manufacturing costs for integrated transceivers. Furthermore, use of a common digital architecture across all module frequency variants enables simplified manufacturing logistics across the Smart T/R Module product family. Please contact an applications engineering specialist at Endwave for more details. About Endwave Endwave Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets RF modules that enable the transmission, reception and processing of high-frequency signals in wireless telecommunications networks, defense electronics and homeland security systems. The company's RF modules consist of microwave components and subsystems, including integrated transceivers, amplifiers (low-noise, medium-power, high-power, gain blocks, low-phase noise, limiting, and logarithmic), frequency multipliers, up and down converters, oscillators, synthesizers, microwave switch arrays, and other custom multi-function assemblies (MFAs). Endwave has 43 issued patents covering its core technologies including semiconductor and proprietary circuit designs. Corporate headquarters are located in San Jose, CA, with other operations in Diamond Springs, CA; El Dorado Hills, CA; Andover, MA; and Chiang Mai, Thailand. Agency Contact: David Strand Strand Marketing 978-463-0780 Contact Us for more information. |