Super Components
Product Bulletins
CPI's Beverly Microwave Division (CPI BMD) has the capability to manufacture much more than singular components; it can design additional functionality into basic component configurations. It also has the ability to design and manufacture super components and large sub-assemblies which incorporate components designed and/or procured by CPI BMD. This gives CPI BMD the ability to adjust and optimize both the individual component performance and component interfaces, often making it possible for CPI BMD to achieve better overall performance than can be achieved by assemblies of components purchased from a variety of suppliers.
Some typical examples of CPI BMD's capabilities in this area are discussed below. However, each new application has its own unique set of requirements. Please contact CPI BMD for specific needs.
The attenuation function is part of the diode limiter section of the RP. Depending on the nature and amount of attenuation desired, it may be possible to use the limiter diodes in a dual role: passive limiting and controlled attenuation. Thus, it may be possible to add the attenuation function to the RP with little or no increase in insertion loss. Additional diode stages are usually required when the attenuation function is tightly toleranced over a broad band. Even then, the increase in insertion loss is usually less than what could be achieved with a separate attenuator component.
The basic nature of a diode attenuator is a continuous, but nonlinear, attenuation versus bias current characteristic. Depending upon bandwidth and tolerance requirements, each diode stage can provide up to 20 dB of attenuation. With the use of specially designed drivers, the basic attenuation versus current characteristic can be converted into many other types of attenuation versus control function. Step attenuators and linearized functions are possible. Control methods include analog voltage control and digital words. It is also possible to design an attenuator with a programmed, time varying function. Temperature compensation is a key aspect of attenuator design. By far, the best (and only real) way to temperature compensate a diode attenuator is with the driver circuit. Direct temperature compensation of the microwave attenuator is much less effective. For this reason, in order to achieve optimum performance, it is vital that the attenuator be designed with an integral driver. This gives the component manufacturer the ability to tailor the driver design and optimize the driver/RF circuit interface in a way in which would otherwise be impossible.
Examples of some of CPI BMD’s many super components and assemblies are described in data sheets which are accessible through the Product Bulletins (see link at top of page). Please contact CPI BMD for your specific requirements.
Some typical examples of CPI BMD's capabilities in this area are discussed below. However, each new application has its own unique set of requirements. Please contact CPI BMD for specific needs.
Controlled Attenuation
One of the most common ways in which to achieve greater functionality is to incorporate a controlled attenuation function into a receiver protector (RP). This function may be used to perform sensitivity time control (STC) in a radar system.The attenuation function is part of the diode limiter section of the RP. Depending on the nature and amount of attenuation desired, it may be possible to use the limiter diodes in a dual role: passive limiting and controlled attenuation. Thus, it may be possible to add the attenuation function to the RP with little or no increase in insertion loss. Additional diode stages are usually required when the attenuation function is tightly toleranced over a broad band. Even then, the increase in insertion loss is usually less than what could be achieved with a separate attenuator component.
The basic nature of a diode attenuator is a continuous, but nonlinear, attenuation versus bias current characteristic. Depending upon bandwidth and tolerance requirements, each diode stage can provide up to 20 dB of attenuation. With the use of specially designed drivers, the basic attenuation versus current characteristic can be converted into many other types of attenuation versus control function. Step attenuators and linearized functions are possible. Control methods include analog voltage control and digital words. It is also possible to design an attenuator with a programmed, time varying function. Temperature compensation is a key aspect of attenuator design. By far, the best (and only real) way to temperature compensate a diode attenuator is with the driver circuit. Direct temperature compensation of the microwave attenuator is much less effective. For this reason, in order to achieve optimum performance, it is vital that the attenuator be designed with an integral driver. This gives the component manufacturer the ability to tailor the driver design and optimize the driver/RF circuit interface in a way in which would otherwise be impossible.
Duplexers
A receiver protector is almost always used in concert with a duplexer. In some cases, the RP itself performs the duplexing function. CPI BMD has the capability to design and manufacture all types of duplexer assemblies: branched, balanced hybrid and circulator.Excess Noise Generation
Noise diodes, with or without an associated driver, can be added to the RP or switch to provide excess noise for system calibration purposes. Typically, 10 to 15 dB of excess noise, with a tolerance of +/- 2 dB, is achievable with no increase in component insertion loss.Status and Fault Monitoring
Various type of static and dynamic fault monitoring circuits may be incorporated into RP and switch designs. Units with drivers can be designed to send signals to the system which indicate a unit’s status and if it is functioning normally. These signals may also be used to enable the transmitter. It is also possible to incorporate detector circuits into RPs which will give an end of life indication.Super Components
RPs and switches are often combined with other types of components to achieve superior overall performance. RP’s and Switches can be designed into super components which may include such items as filters, low-noise amplifiers or couplers. Almost anything is possible.Filter/ Switch Assemblies
CPI BMD has the capability to design and manufacture high-power switch assemblies at UHF and VHF frequencies which incorporate a TR switch and SPNT switches and filters. This allows the user to quickly route the transmitter signal through one of a number of filters to reduce spurious transmitter energy.Microwave Front Ends
CPI BMD has the capability to design and manufacture complete microwave front ends - from the transmitter to the receiver and everything in between.Examples of some of CPI BMD’s many super components and assemblies are described in data sheets which are accessible through the Product Bulletins (see link at top of page). Please contact CPI BMD for your specific requirements.