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Filtronic Debuts E-Band Active Diplexer, Amp at IMS 2023

June 20, 2023
The Taurus and Hades X2 promise to push E-band performance even further.

Two new product ranges from Filtronic, designer and manufacturer of RF-to-mmWave components and subsystems for mission-critical communication networks, were launched at this year’s International Microwave Symposium (IMS): the Taurus, a high-power E-band amplifier and Hades X2, a next-generation active diplexer.

The Hades X2 active diplexer is designed to reduce the cost of E-band radios while increasing overall performance (Fig. 1). It maintains a typical PSAT of 30 dBm and features dual high-power amplifiers. The device also includes two gallium-arsenide (GaAs) monolithic microwave ICs (MMICs) that are performance-matched and power-combined in a waveguide to deliver maximum power and linearity.

Similar to Filtronic’s other active diplexers, Hades X2 incorporates a configurable range of GaAs, power amplifiers, and low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) within an E-band diplexer, maximizing performance while reducing weight and size.

A wide range of COTS SMT-compatible, packaged GaAs or silicon-germanium (SiGe) up/downconverter solutions can be with active diplexers to increase performance beyond what’s achievable with surface-mount products. This allows you to deploy configurable “standard power” and “high power” E-band links without changing the radio mechanics.

Hades X2 is equipped with the following:

  • 71-76GHz and 81-86Gz high-power amplifiers
  • Tx saturated powers up to >+30 dBm
  • Rx NF <4 dB
  • High linearity supports 512QAM
  • Full 5-GHz bandwidths
  • >40-dB Tx gain with 30-dB dynamic control
  • Low SWAP for airborne and HAPS applications
  • Taurus is a high-power E-band amplifier with linear millimeter-wave (mmWave) power and an unmatched performance for long-range E-Band comms, according to the company (Fig. 2). Typical PSAT is 38 dBm.

    Combining the power of two Cerus amplifiers, the Taurus almost doubles the available output power. Each Taurus module is built with two Cerus 8 E-band amplifier modules. Each contains eight Filtronic GaAs pHEMT PA MMICs that are performance-matched and power-combined in a waveguide to deliver maximum power. To top it off, there’s an integrated temperature sensor along with optional function control circuitry like mute control and alarms.

    Other features include:

    • 81- to 86-GHz high-power amplifier
    • High linearity supports 256QAM
    • Full 5-GHz bandwidth
    • Saturated powers up to >+39 dBm
    • >20-dB gain

    “With 70 years of successful symposiums under its belt, there is no better place than IMS for Filtronic to launch Taurus and Hades X2,” commented Walter Magiera, chief commercial officer of Filtronic. “It’s one of Filtronic’s flagship shows, which is always a success for us. The team is looking forward to sharing its latest products with attendees.”

    Filtronic launched the first iteration of Hades active diplexers last year. They’re designed to

    allow OEMs to manufacture cost-effective E-Band radios with higher RF performance for use in commercial or military telecommunication applications, such as airborne and high-altitude platform systems (HAPS).

    About the Author

    Cabe Atwell | Technology Editor, Electronic Design

    Cabe is a Technology Editor for Electronic Design. 

    Engineer, Machinist, Maker, Writer. A graduate Electrical Engineer actively plying his expertise in the industry and at his company, Gunhead. When not designing/building, he creates a steady torrent of projects and content in the media world. Many of his projects and articles are online at element14 & SolidSmack, industry-focused work at EETimes & EDN, and offbeat articles at Make Magazine. Currently, you can find him hosting webinars and contributing to Electronic Design and Machine Design.

    Cabe is an electrical engineer, design consultant and author with 25 years’ experience. His most recent book is “Essential 555 IC: Design, Configure, and Create Clever Circuits

    Cabe writes the Engineering on Friday blog on Electronic Design. 

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