eNewsletter

November 2009

Announcing Antenna Systems 2010
October 19-20 • Dallas, Texas
The Antenna Systems 2010 Conference will take place October 19-20 at the Gaylord Texan in Dallas, Texas. It is a two-day international conference focused on the latest and most important advancements in antenna systems and technology.

It will serve OEM developers of products that utilize antennas and antenna systems, operators of wireless communications systems, antenna integrators and manufacturers, component and material suppliers interested in learning the latest capabilities and best practices in this rapidly changing field.

Antenna Systems 2010 will provide an opportunity to network with peers, professionals and potential business partners involved in technology solutions serving a variety of applications. Come and see the latest products, services and systems available and discover what’s coming next, and learn the latest business and application developments in antenna markets worldwide.

Additionally, Antenna Systems 2010’s diverse program can be customized to fit your needs. The sessions are broken down into two tracks, allowing you to tailor the event to make it the most beneficial to you: Antenna Technology & Short-Range Wireless.

The event will be organized to provide numerous opportunities for connecting and interacting with peers including refreshment and networking breaks, discussion sessions, a cocktail reception and an interactive exhibit hall.

To learn more visit the Antenna Systems 2010 Web site.

DON'T MISS THE WORLD'S PREMIER CONFERENCE ON ANTENNA SYSTEMS & TECHNOLOGY!
The Antenna Systems 2010 Conference is an ideal forum for networking with peers, technical experts and potential business partners in a relaxed environment. Attendees will enjoy a variety of networking options including networking luncheons, strategic breaks in the exhibit hall, and a cocktail reception. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet face-to-face with key decision-makers and technical innovators.

For program questions, contact Heather Krier at 800-803-9488 x129.

For sponsor/exhibitor questions, contact Laura Mayo at 800-803-9488 x130.

Microstrain, Inc. Awarded US Army SBIR Phase I Contract to Develop RFID Embedded Usage Tracking System for Helicopter Rotating Components
The US Army recently awarded MicroStrain, Inc. a Phase I SBIR contract to develop an active radio frequency identification embedded usage tracking system for helicopter rotating components.

The objective of the SBIR is to develop a comprehensive and networked health management capability that can be embedded directly into rotorcraft components. The project will support the development and demonstration of tiny, wireless energy harvesting radio frequency identification (EH-RFID) nodes that provide part identification, performance monitoring, on-board storage of component usage history, and remaining useful life.

Energy harvesting combined with advanced wireless sensors represents a breakthrough technology that enables truly autonomous monitoring, reporting, and alerting. The new EH-RFID nodes to be developed under this Army SBIR will be compatible with MicroStrain’s new wireless sensor data aggregators (WSDA), which synch wireless sensor networks and provide a remote portal to a secure server. WSDA devices feature an open architecture interface for integration with existing health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), and stand-alone operation modes for data collection on aircraft without HUMS. WSDAs can also be programmed to send e-mail and SMS text message alerts if a potentially damaging event is detected.

“One of the unique aspects of this Phase I SBIR is that the EH-RFID sensor nodes consume very little energy, facilitating continuous operation using highly miniaturized energy harvesters. Our wireless, battery free RFIDs will break down the barriers to deploying widely distributed wireless sensor networks. Once embedded, these tiny sensors will reduce maintenance costs, increase mission readiness, and enhance safety,” said Steve Arms, president of MicroStrain.

MobileAcces Launches EnCOVER VE Solutions
MobileAccess, a provider of in-building wireless solutions, has launched EnCOVER VE, the first 4G distributed antenna system (DAS) to deliver cellular services over a LAN infrastructure. EnCOVER VE leverages existing building infrastructure, enabling carriers and enterprise customers to address indoor coverage needs with lower total installed cost and in less than half the deployment time of traditional DAS solutions. With EnCOVER VE, any building with an existing LAN network is now wireless ready.

The EnCOVER VE converged wireless and cellular solution delivers:

• A cost-effective path to 4G MIMO (multiple input, multiple output) services in any indoor environment;
• All wireless services – 2G, 3G and 4G cellular services as well as enterprise applications – over a single, shared LAN infrastructure without using any of the customer’s Ethernet capacity;
• Patented, unobtrusive Access Pods that simply connect to any Ethernet port and use Power over Ethernet (PoE), removing the challenge and expense of individual power sources
• The ability to connect to a single or multiple distributed RF source of any type, including femtocells, picocells, microcells and bi-directional amplifiers (BDAs), which reduces carrier costs;
• A 100 percent recoverable asset by re-using cabling infrastructure, allowing carriers to recoup their investment in EnCOVER VE hardware for redeployment elsewhere.

“The growth of the smartphone, from the iPhone and BlackBerry  to the newly introduced Droid, and the thousands of applications available on the Android Market, will continue to drive traffic and create wireless performance challenges for carriers,” said Ron Wells, vice president of corporate development, MobileAccess. “In order to keep up with the data demand and off-load traffic from the macro network, carriers are seeking new ways to deliver in-building wireless solutions, Wi-Fi networks and 4G technologies to customers. MobileAccess’ EnCOVER VE DAS solution is enabling carriers and enterprises to quickly and cost-effectively deploy in-building solutions in office buildings, hotels, hospitals and public venues, where users depend on reliable wireless service and strong performance.”

EnCOVER VE will be available in December 2009.

Hemisphere GPS Introduces A220 and A221 Dual Frequency Smart Antennas
Hemisphere GPS has introduced the new A220 and A221 smart antennas. In rugged, portable all-in-one enclosures, the A220 and A221 deliver centimeter-level positioning accuracy for precise guidance, machine control and survey applications. Combining Hemisphere GPS' Eclipse dual frequency receiver and antenna technology with optional radio modem, the A220 and A221 are capable of supporting RTK, SBAS and OmniSTAR HP/XP corrections.

The A220 features LED status indicators for power, GPS and DGPS. The A221 additionally features a built in menu system and 4-line LCD display, making it easy to monitor and configure as an RTK base station. Dual-serial, USB, CAN and pulse output options enable the A220 and A221 smart antennas to interface with many external devices. Multiple mounting options make both models easy to install and easily transferred between locations, vehicles, or machines.

Fast start-up, reacquisition and output rates enable the A220 and A221 to provide the best signal for visual guidance and automated steering applications. They are compatible with CORS and other RTK reference networks where open architecture formats such as RTCM v3 and CMR/CMR+ messages are provided. The A220 and A221 also offer Hemisphere GPS' patented SBAS satellite ranging technology that increases the total number of satellites in view for greater RTK speed and reliability.

austriamicrosystems Introduces New Dual Ultra Low Voltage Noise LDO with Excellent Power Supply Rejection Ratio
austriamicrosystems, a designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs for communications, industrial, medical and automotive applications has expanded its low dropout regulator portfolio with the dual LDO AS1374, capable of delivering up to 200 mA continuous load current at each output.

austriamicrosystems’ AS1374 operates from a 2 to 5.5 V supply, making it well suited for portable battery powered applications. Offering low 120 mV dropout at 200 mA load currents at each output, it has been designed and optimized to work with low-cost, small-capacitance ceramic capacitors. The AS1374 is available with preprogrammed output voltages between 1.2 V and 3.6 V (programmable in 50 mV steps). The device uses an advanced architecture to achieve ultra low output voltage noise of 20μVRMS and a power supply rejection ratio of better than 85 dB (@ 1 kHz). Two active-high enable pins allow the possibility to switch on or off each output independently from each other.

The AS1374 requires 1 μF output capacitor for stability at any load. The device is available in a 6-bump WLP package.

Agilent Technologies Introduces Versatile, Compact Network Analyzer with Wide Frequency Range
Agilent Technologies, Inc. has introduced a compact network analyzer, the Agilent E5061B, that analyzes a frequency range as low as 5 Hz up to the RF (radio frequency) range of 3 GHz. This network analyzer's broad range and versatility eliminates the need for additional low-frequency-dedicated instruments.

Applications for the Agilent E5061B, part of the ENA series of network analyzers, include general RF-network measurements, such as filters or amplifier tests and LF (low frequency) measurements necessary for loop-gain evaluation of DC-DC converters. The E5061B's frequency coverage is suitable for power distribution networks (PDN) measurements, which evaluate the quality of a DC power supply circuit. This type of evaluation is increasingly important, especially in high-speed digital communication equipment.

Features of the Agilent E5061B include:

• S-parameter test port, 5 Hz to 3 GHz, with a wide dynamic range of 120 dB at > 1MHz, 90 dB at < 100 Hz;
• gain-phase test port, 5 Hz to 30 MHz, switchable 1 MΩ/50 Ω input;
• DC bias source from 0 to ±40 VDC, which can be added to AC test signal (for both S-parameter and gain-phase test port) or can be used as a sweepable DC source; and
• compact form factor with a 254 mm depth, requiring less desktop space.

Agilent's ENA series addresses a broad array of component and circuit tests, including EMC-related applications and automotive, wireless communications, aerospace and defense, education and medical applications. The series includes the Agilent E5071C (9 kHz to 8.5 GHz /300 kHz to 20 GHz), the Agilent E5061A/62A (300 kHz to 1.5/3.0 GHz) and now the Agilent E5061B, expanding coverage to LF measurement requirements down to 5 Hz.

The Agilent E5061B network analyzer is available now and is priced at $31,900.

Bliley Introduces Low Phase Noise OCVCXO with Low-g Sensitivity for Microwave Communication, Radar, Navigation and Equipment Systems
Bliley Technologies, Inc., a producer of crystal controlled frequency solutions, has introduced the NV45AD1725 OCVCXO (oven controlled voltage controlled crystal oscillator) configured specifically for ultra low phase noise results in vibration-rich environments.

Packaged with a standard, 1 inch² footprint and with a 0.46 inch height, the 100 MHz NV45AD1725 offers a low phase noise, as well as design flexibility for electronics engineers specifying substitute components and upgrades. Well suited for microwave communication, radar, navigation and equipment systems, the NV45AD1725 is available in both leaded and RoHS compliant versions.

“Historically, phase noise has been a major, limiting factor related to the successful operation of sophisticated communication and radar systems subjected to vibration effects.  The 100 MHz NV45AD1725 is designed to meet that specific engineering requirement.  Although it is available as a standard part, customization is an option for advanced technology programs,” said Dennis Barrick, Bliley’s Global vice president of Marketing and Business Development.

RF Controls’ ITCS Delivers 3D Tag Location with a Single Antenna
RF Controls, LLC, creators of the standards-based Intelligent Tracking and Control System (ITCS), which provides real-time location of items that have been tagged with inexpensive passive UHF RFID tags, have achieved a breakthrough in system performance.

Using advanced, signal processing algorithms, a single ITCS Signal Acquisition and Source Location (SASL) smart antenna can now accurately determine the ranges of all tags it can read, to an individual accuracy of 1’ (30cm). Ranging accuracy is consistent across the full operating range of a SASL. This significant innovation means that each SASL can now accurately locate tagged items in 3D, which in turn means that ITCS provides even higher integrity tag location data. ITCS’ unique capabilities provide end-users with valuable real-time data to address latent business process issues and improve operating efficiency.

ITCS’ combination of features gives end-users the ability to automatically identify, locate and track tagged items on a zonal basis; ITCS eliminates the need for restrictive, nodal data capture points such as portals. Tagged items may be arbitrarily situated within the area or volume being monitored. Simply tag items of interest with standards compliant (ISO 180006-C / EPCglobal UHF Gen2) passive UHF RFID tags, deploy ITCS to “light up” the environment in which those tagged items are present, and you get accurate, real-time location of all those tagged items, enabling efficient, automated inventory and asset management.

The ITCS Application Program Interface (API), through which data captured from tags plus 3D tag location information is presented to a user’s business application, is compliant with the ISO/IEC 24730-1 standard for real-time location systems.

RF Controls’ ITCS-A-1xx SASLs are type approved by the FCC to CFR 47 Part 15.247 and compliant with ETSI EN 302 208 RF emissions standard.

Download the October/November 2009 Issue

Feature Articles:

• Secondary Spectrum Markets and TV White Space Offer Primary Benefits to Wireless Networks
• IML Technique and EM Simulation Software Move Antenna Design Forward

New Products & Services:
Antennas, Components, Connectors, Test & Measurement, WiMAX and ZigBee

NOVEMBER

11/11 - 11/13
SatCom 2009 LatAm
Rio de Janeiro

11/16 - 11/17
Loughborough Antenna & Propagation Conference
Loughborough, UK

11/16 - 11/20
Interop New York
Javits Convention Center

CONNECTIONS Summit
January 7, 2010
Las Vegas, NV

CONNECTIONS™ Summit at CES to focus on connected products and services and business strategies for 3D TV, advertising, and energy management. The  preliminary agenda for CONNECTIONS™ Summit at CES focuses on new business strategies for connected CE, service providers, 3D video, Smart Grid technologies, and other connected home solutions.  The sessions feature executives in the digital living markets, who will discuss the challenges of today’s business climate and the areas of service and innovation that fit best with the changing needs of households throughout the world. www.connectionssummit.com

NATE 2010 Conference & Exposition
February 15-18, 2010
Orlando, FL

The NATE 2010 Conference & Exposition will be held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in Orlando, Florida on February 15-18, 2010. For more information www.natehome.com or tel: 888-882-5865 (U.S.) or 605-882-5865

World Meter Design Congress
March 7-9, 2010
San Diego, CA

The challenges facing meter and systems design engineers in the current environment of change and development are many. Besides ensuring the meter can collect data securely, the quality and functionality of the meter needs to conform to standards and utility and customer requirements, while minimizing costs and maximizing return on investment. Because of evolving market requirements, smart meters also need to be upgradeable as well as interoperable with multiple communication technologies and home area networks.The World Meter Design Congress provides the only forum for the world’s meter design engineers, system architects, research engineers and production professionals to gain insights from over 20 industry-elite speakers into the new requirements and opportunities shaping the design and development of next generation smart metering and grid systems. To download a preliminary program visit www.metering.com/wmdc

Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010
March 7-10, 2010
San Diego, CA

Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010 conference and exhibition is North America’s premium forum where technology meets the customer.  Cutting through the hype of where the industry currently lies, Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010 will focus on the new customer paradigm. With 100 speakers covering four dedicated tracks, a clutch of senior level panel discussions, a choice selection of challenging workshops and interactive networking breakfast sessions, you and your team cannot afford to miss out on Metering, Billing/MDM America 2010. Anne Shen Smith, senior vice president of customer services with San Diego Gas & Electric will be delivering the keynote address. Her presentation will look at the utility perspective of where technology meets the customer, and what immediate impact smart meters will have on the road to full smart grid capabilities. This is a not to be missed event, register today at www.meteringamerica.com

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