RF Resources
Mini-Circuits offers a wide variety of tools and resources for students and academics in the RF, Microwave, and mmWave field. We invite you to learn more about RF and microwave fundamentals, design techniques and applications through our technical articles. Try out our RF Calculator app to make common RF engineering calculations quicker and easier. And be sure to check back often for new content!
Recent Technical Articles
Disruptive Filter Technology: 90 dB Rejection in an 1812 Footprint
Mini-Circuits’ BFHK-series of high-rejection LTCC filters has been characterized with stopband rejection on the order of 90 dB and higher with a combination of size, reliability, and cost unmatched by other filter technologies with comparable performance.
A Primer on Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM)
Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) has played a pivotal role in the industry’s ability to scale data speed and capacity with user demand over the last 30 years. In this article we describe QAM using basic mathematics and illustrate how a QAM modulator operates.
WR12 Waveguide Amplifier Delivers +21 dBm Power for E-Band OTA Test Sets from 60 to 90 GHz
We continue to grow our amplifier lineup for millimeter-wave test applications with the introduction of the WVA-60903G+ E-Band WR12 waveguide amplifier. This model covers the entire 60 to 90 GHz range with 29.5 dB gain, ±1.5 dB gain flatness and +21 dBm saturated output power.
MMIC Voltage Variable Gain Amplifier
Mini-Circuits continues to grow our MMIC product line with more capabilities to support your needs. The new PVGA-123+ is an E-pHEMT wideband gain block with 16 dB voltage variable gain control. This model combines outstanding wideband performance with integrated control capability, making it ideal for AGC circuits and remote compensation for power variations in a variety of systems.
Low Phase Noise Amplifiers
Amplifier phase noise is a significant contributor to transceiver phase noise performance and many designers are increasingly looking for phase noise specifications before choosing an amplifier for their systems. Mini-Circuits’ engineering team..
Wideband MMIC Balun Transformers
Mini-Circuits’ baluns are an essential building block for any system utilizing differential signaling. Our MTX- and MTY-series MMIC baluns have become popular solutions for transitioning between single-ended and balanced lines in wideband application circuits where board space
RF/Microwave Bias Tees from Theory to Practice
In this article, we examine narrowband bias tee design, component SRFs and how they impact the design, then extend those ideas to broadband bias tees. We will also compare the electrical and physical performance attributes of different types of broadband bias tee designs including conical inductors and MMICs.
Switch Matrix Configurations
Switch matrices are an essential tool for control of RF signal routing in any environment where there is a recurring need to change how systems interconnect. The addition of Ethernet and USB interfaces with flexible software and APIs (application programming interfaces) makes switch matrices…
Fully Non-Blocking (Full Fan-Out) RF Matrices
In this article, we’ll examine the fully non-blocking or “full fan-out” matrix configuration in which all inputs are connected simultaneously to all outputs via splitter/combiners, sometimes with programmable attenuation on every path. Features, advantages, applications and examples will be reviewed.
RF Non-Blocking Switch Matrices
In this article, we discuss the features and functions of non-blocking switch matrices, including fan-in and fan-out configurations. Advantages, trade-offs and common applications of each will be explored together with examples from Mini-Circuits’ ZT-series of rack-mount non-blocking switch matrices.