Pasternack Blog

To enable interoperability amongst RF systems, the military and industry rely on standardized dimensions and types of coaxial connectors. The two major standards that define coaxial connectors for the US military are MIL-STD-348 and MIL-PRF-39012. MIL-STD-348 provides the dimensions for control of the standard interfaces, while MIL-PRF-39012 defines the, detail specifications, materials, quality conformance, qualification, ..

RF Diplexers and Duplexers are very common RF components in transmitters, receiver, and transceiver circuits for communications, radar, and other sensing applications. As the terms are similar, they are sometimes mistakenly used interchangeably, which isn’t appropriate. Diplexers and Duplexers perform very different functions, though they are located in similar areas in a circuit block diagram. ..

RF Electromechanical Relay Switches, RF electromechanical switches, or RF electromechanical relays are a type of RF switch with mechanical contacts driven by electrically driven actuators. The transmission paths within an Electromechanical relay switch are purely passive, and thus exhibit relatively low loss and high isolation compared to active switch technologies. Due to the low loss ..

In the world of high-speed communication and signal transmission, choosing the right medium can make or break system performance. Two of the most widely used transmission technologies—RF (Radio Frequency) cables and fiber optic cables—serve distinct roles in modern infrastructure. Whether you’re designing a wireless backhaul, a satellite ground station, or a data center interconnect, understanding the strengths and limitations of each ..

In the unforgiving environment of space, RF coaxial interconnects must meet rigorous demands for performance, durability, and consistency. From extreme temperature fluctuations to high levels of radiation and vibration, these components are essential to mission success. In our latest article for Microwave Journal, Pasternack explores the essential design and material considerations for building space-grade RF ..

Designing for Harsh Environments? Start with MIL-DTL-38999.  Pasternack’s latest technical resource, “Primer on MIL-DTL-38999 Connectors and Contacts,” offers engineers and designers a comprehensive overview of one of the most trusted interconnect standards used in military, aerospace, and high-reliability environments. This detailed white paper explores the evolution of the MIL-DTL-38999 standard, connector series types (I–IV), materials ..

Within an RF signal chain, there is often the need to provide some signal conditioning in incoming, outgoing, or through signals. One of the most needed signal conditioning methods is amplification of signal energy, which is the key function of RF Amplifiers. Signal amplification involves increasing the amplitude of a signal, this could imply voltage, ..

In today’s interconnected world, omnidirectional antenna types have become essential tools for expanding connectivity. Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, serve as reliable solutions for users who need wide-ranging signal coverage without the hassle of constant adjustments. Supporting applications from mobile networks to Wi-Fi connectivity, omni antennas provide the flexibility and dependable performance needed ..

Throughout the signal chain and especially at a signal input stage, RF signals for communications and sensing can be extremely weak. RF Low Noise Amplifiers (LNAs) are the most common method for increasing the signal level of these very weak signals while minimizing the introduction of signal degrading factors. Of these signal degrading factors, added ..

RF sensing and communication applications often involve very weak signal levels. It is often necessary to use RF Amplifiers to increase the gain, or signal level, of these signals in order to digitize them or otherwise condition these signals to usable levels. However, there are a few trade-offs to consider when increasing a signal’s power ..