For RF systems onboard drones, size, mass and power consumption are important design criteria. At the same time, sufficient output power is required for RF payloads over a broad frequency range. A compact amplifier module can simplify integration of the RF chain.

The AMP10008 from Exodus Advanced Communications is a GaN amplifier module with a mass of approximately 225 grams. The module operates from 0.7 to 6.0 GHz and delivers 15 W output power with approximately 42 dB gain. The Class AB configuration is suitable for various RF modulations.

Key specifications:

• Frequency range: 0.7–6.0 GHz;
• Output power: 15 W;
• Gain: approximately 42 dB;
• Mass: approximately 225 g;
• Enable/disable: <10 µs;
• Operating altitude: up to 40,000 ft.

The module includes protection features and is designed for operation under conditions including vibration, humidity and thermal load. In addition to drone platforms, such amplifier modules can be used in compact RF transmit chains and other systems where limited SWaP is combined with broadband RF amplification.

The post RF amplification for compact drone platforms with limited SWaP appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

In automated RF testing, signals often need to be switched between test equipment and the device under test, while their levels are adjusted. With multiple test paths, this can result in a complex setup with many individual components. Switch and attenuator boxes combine these functions in a single 19-inch enclosure.

The new models from Ranatec are:

• RF2035 – 12 individually adjustable attenuator channels, 100 MHz–8 GHz, 1 dB steps and up to 96 dB attenuation.
• RF2036 – 8 individually adjustable attenuator channels, 100 MHz–8 GHz, 1 dB steps and up to 96 dB attenuation.
• RF2037 – 4× SP6T and two terminated SPDT switches, DC–26.5 GHz, maximum 46 dBm.
• RF2038 – 6× electromechanical SPDT switches, DC–6 GHz, maximum 53 dBm and <0.3 dB insertion loss at 6 GHz.

The switch boxes can be controlled via a web interface or API. The attenuator boxes are intended for setting RF power levels in transmitter, receiver and system testing, among other applications.

The products can be used for MIMO, WLAN, Bluetooth, production testing and compliance testing. Ranatec also supplies RF switches, attenuators, filters and shielded test setups.

The post RF switching and signal level control in automated RF testing appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

Unwanted reflections are a recurring problem in almost every RF environment: signals reflecting from a test enclosure or crosstalk between antenna systems.

ABS Technics offers ABS-SLF-F-x V, a fully encapsulated, lightweight, carbon-loaded foam absorber that addresses this over a broad frequency range. The absorber consists of open-cell foam into which PU foam is injected to form a rigid panel, which is then covered with a PVC film. The PVC protection makes the absorber resistant to mechanical impact, many chemicals and (sea) water; the absorber is also walkable.

Each layer is matched to its own dielectric gradient, so that the impedance increasingly matches that of air and energy is attenuated rather than reflected. The panels are available in six thicknesses, each linked to an operating frequency. With a typical reflection level of -17 dB at normal incidence, a broadband absorber can be constructed.

Thanks to its robust finish, ABS-SLF-F is suitable for electronic enclosures, antenna radomes and anechoic structures for reducing reflections, including in demanding or wet environments.

The ABS Technics portfolio also includes absorbers for higher frequencies, specific reflection requirements and designs in specific shapes.

The post RF absorber reduces reflections in test setups and antenna structures appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

For sensors that use near-infrared (NIR) light, visible and ultraviolet light can affect detection. This applies to machine vision, iris scanners, LiDAR, time-of-flight modules and other optical sensors. A filter in the sensor window can block unwanted wavelengths before they reach the detector.

Solaris S306 is an optical filter based on PMMA that blocks the visible spectrum and UV light. The material functions as a long-pass filter for wavelengths above approximately 750 nm and has high transmission in the NIR range. The PSC specifies an application range of approximately 800 to 2000 nm.

Key properties:

• Material: optical-grade PMMA;
• Long-pass: >750 nm;
• NIR range: approximately 800–2000 nm;
• Colour: black;
• Available thicknesses: from 0.5 mm;
• Suitable for cover glass and sensor windows.

The black version conceals underlying electronics and optical components from view. The filter can be used in machine vision cameras, LiDAR and ToF modules, and biometric systems. PSC also supplies other Solaris PMMA filters and surface treatments for optical cover glass applications.

The post NIR filter blocks visible light for optical sensors appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

Modern command posts need to be rapidly deployable, easy to relocate, and provide protection against eavesdropping and electromagnetic interference.

A textile-based, RF-shielded shelter provides a practical solution by combining low weight with high shielding effectiveness and short setup time.

The modular construction can be used as a temporary secure workspace, ranging from a compact single-person configuration to a command center with multiple compartments.

Key specifications:

• Shielding effectiveness up to 95 dB from 30 MHz to 40 GHz
• Tested according to IEEE 299 and MIL-STD-285
• Suitable for NATO Zone 2 applications (BSI tested)
• Weight from 30 kg
• Inflatable frame; setup and dismantling in approximately 30 minutes
• Transportable in a carrying bag or on a pallet

In addition to mobile command posts, the shelter is suitable for tactical operations centers, secure voice and data hubs, and temporary EMC-shielded workspaces within existing buildings. The same product series also includes larger shielded shelters and EMC textile solutions for defense, government and critical infrastructure.

The post Mobile command post with RF shielding for secure communications appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

In compact high-frequency systems, metal enclosures, cavities and other structural components can cause unwanted microwave resonances and mutual coupling. In 77 GHz radar systems for ADAS driver assistance systems, this can affect signal integrity and therefore system operation. One solution is to locally absorb electromagnetic energy using a thin, flexible absorber material.

CHO-MUTE 9009 from Parker Chomerics is a carbon-filled silicone elastomer for frequencies from 10 to 100 GHz. The material absorbs up to 50 dB/cm and can be applied close to electronic circuits and metal surfaces.

Key properties:

• Frequency range: 10–100 GHz;
• Absorption: up to 50 dB/cm;
• Surface resistivity: >1 MΩ/square;
• Hardness: Shore A 50;
• Operating temperature: –50 to +160 °C.

The material is available as sheet in various thicknesses and can be supplied with an electrically conductive PSA adhesive layer.

For prototypes and series production, processes including die cutting, waterjet cutting and moulding are possible.

In addition to automotive radar, the material can be used in sensor enclosures, mmWave telecommunications equipment, and military and commercial radar systems.

The post Microwave absorption prevents resonances and cross-coupling up to 100 GHz appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

Ground-based RF systems for detecting drones generally operate at higher power levels than compact RF systems used in airborne platforms. The amplifiers used must also cover a broad frequency range and continue to operate reliably under mobile conditions, including exposure to shock, vibration and heat generation.

Exodus Advanced Communications supplies solid-state RF amplifiers with output powers from 200 to 1000 W and frequency ranges from 0.8 to 18 GHz. Examples include:

• AMP20082:
  0.8–2.5 GHz, 1000 W, including for GPS/GNSS applications;
• AMP20160:
  1.0–6.0 GHz, 750 W, for broadband RF applications on mobile platforms;
• AMP20178:
  6.0–18.0 GHz, 400 W, for applications in higher frequency bands, including radar and payload systems.

The amplifiers are suitable for both CW and pulsed operation. Their modular design allows integration into different RF systems. The versions are designed for use in installations where resistance to shock and vibration is important.

The amplifiers are therefore suitable for ground-based Counter-UAS systems, as well as other applications requiring high RF output power. Exodus Advanced Communications also supplies amplifier modules for lower power levels and specific frequency ranges.

The post High-power RF amplifiers for ground-based drone detection systems appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

Tight PCB layouts, mixed-signal designs and frequent design changes make it difficult to effectively protect sensitive circuits against EMI/RFI. A standard shield does not always match the final PCB layout, while a fully custom shield involves additional development time and tooling costs.

A two-piece board-level shielding system provides a flexible solution. A frame is mounted on the PCB and fitted with a removable metal cover. This creates a shielded enclosure around sensitive circuits that remains accessible during development and maintenance.

The shielding limits both emissions from the circuit and interference from external RF sources, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and cellular radio signals.

Key specifications:

• Available in pre-tin-plated steel or 770 alloy
• Typically 40–60 dB shielding up to 1 GHz
• Welded version for reduced leakage through seams
• Multi-cavity versions for separate shielding of multiple circuit sections
• Size, shape and pin spacing can be matched to the PCB layout
• Removable cover for inspection, rework and testing

The systems can be used in telecommunications, industrial electronics, measurement equipment, and RF and mixed-signal designs. For the same applications, the portfolio also includes other board-level EMI/RFI shields and thermally or mechanically tailored shielding solutions.

The post Flexible EMI/RFI shielding for complex PCB layouts appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

In wireless power transfer (WPT), ferrite materials are used to influence the magnetic flux field of the transmitting and receiving coils. Ferrite can guide the magnetic flux in the desired direction and limit coupling with surrounding metal and electronic components. Material selection depends, among other factors, on operating frequency, power, geometry and available installation space.

Fair-Rite offers various ferrite solutions for this purpose, including ferrite plates for WPT in Material 61 and Material 96. The plates can be applied to the rear of a coil for flux guidance and to limit magnetic flux towards surrounding structural components. Material 96 is suitable for systems up to approximately 16,000 VA and is available in plate thicknesses up to 8 mm.

For applications where a rigid ferrite plate does not fit, flexible NiZn ferrite sheets are available. These feature a PET backing and self-adhesive layer and have a thickness starting from 0.13 mm. Different material grades are available for frequencies starting from 13.56 MHz.

The range also includes:

• Ferrite powders for flux containment and RF absorption, among other applications;
• Oval Snap-It ferrites for parallel cables;
• Clip-IT ferrites for common-mode suppression;
• Multi-opening cores (binocular cores) for baluns and broadband transformers;
• Toroidal cores for EMI suppression.

The ferrite solutions can be used in WPT systems, power supplies, motor drives, automotive electronics and RF systems. In WPT applications, ferrite plates and sheets can be used for flux guidance, shielding surrounding components and limiting unwanted magnetic coupling.

The post Ferrite materials for wireless power transfer appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.

The material is made from the conductive non-woven Shieldex Zeven+30, which provides shielding performance of up to 90 dB on average across the frequency range of 300 MHz to 10 GHz. Dimensions can be customized to protect a variety of equipment, from defense components such as torpedoes, drones, smart sensors, measurement instruments, to other sensitive electronic systems.

Seams are constructed with silver-plated Shieldex thread and finished with Shieldex Ultraflex tape, ensuring a durable and leak-free shield. An optional triple-fold closure with double-layer electrically conductive hook-and-loop fastener allows for quick and secure sealing without compromising EMI protection.

With extensive experience in EMC solutions for defense and industrial applications, including RF tents, pouches, and shielding materials, Shieldex offers products that preserve the electromagnetic integrity of equipment during transport, loading, storage, or testing scenarios. The Faraday Bag is an example of a flexible, reliable solution providing interference protection regardless of the type of sensitive electronic component.

The post Secure Protection of Critical Electronics Against External Interference appeared first on EEMCCOIMEX.