Pasternack Blog

Coaxial calibration kits (Cal-kits), or vector network analyzer (VNA) coaxial calibration kits, are indispensable tools for ensuring that a VNA is providing the most accurate measurements possible. Without regularly calibrating a VNA with quality termination components, the conditions in which a device under test (DUT) is testing will also be included in the test data. ..

In the case of test and measurement, cable and connector installations, and coaxial assemblies, there is substantial design effort and thought dedicated to selecting the optimal coaxial cables and connectors for the project. These factors include electrical properties, mechanical properties, infrastructure logistics, pricing, environmental ratings, and standards and qualifications. However, there is more to a ..

Modern transmitters and receivers leverage oscillators and frequency synthesizers to generate carrier signals, upconversion/downconversion local oscillator frequencies, aid in frequency tuning, and more. There are many different types of materials and technologies used in precision frequency generation. This post will provide a brief explanation of the different types of oscillators and frequency synthesizers common in ..

As virtually all electronic systems—and even some mechanical, biological and chemical systems—are susceptible to electrostatic discharge (ESD), and when operating alongside other electronics there is a need for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standards. The DoD offers a handbook and several standards which cover ESD and EMC. MIL-HDBK-263 provides much of the background around the application of ..

In many installations and test bench scenarios, a precisely designed rigid waveguide structure with the proper flange and orientation is not readily available. Lead times of several weeks to months are common to receive the correct part. This is not always convenient in a design, repair, or replacement situation. Flexible waveguides at various lengths enable ..

RF switches are broken down into several configurations, typologies, and technologies. The simplest distinction is the normally open-circuit or normally closed-circuit configurations. Generally, if unlabeled, a switch is normally open-circuit, though it is worth investigating to a high degree of confidence. If a switch remains in the switched state after power has been removed, the ..

It is common to see high reliability (Hi-Rel) labelled electronic components and devices in virtually every automotive, industrial, avionics, military, and space application. Obviously, these applications have widely different standards and expectations for reliability. For example, an automotive device may have an expected failure rate over 5 years that is orders of magnitude less than ..

Bi-directional amplifiers are used to strengthen communication signals between two points for a wide array of applications. This include boosting signals along large subterranean or in-building distributed antenna systems (DAS), acting as a repeater to a remote observation station, and even enabling rapidly deployable portable networks with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). As many modern uses ..

Though many failure modes cannot be predicted or avoided, many of the common failure modes of waveguide assemblies can be avoided by properly accounting for the applications demands and running preventative maintenance programs. If the outer coating/jacket of a waveguide cable run is important in preventing environmental ingress, visual and chemical inspections can be performed ..

A balun, meaning balanced-unbalanced, is a three-port device that converts differential signals to single-ended signals, and vice versa. Hence, a balun presents a 180° phase shift between the signals in the balanced end, unlike a power divider with no phase shift between the splitting ports. This functionality allows for baluns to take the input, or ..