![]() ![]() Although this system works well, its size, weight and power requirements make it impractical for small platforms. Transmitted or received radio frequency energy is forced to flow in one specific direction only, which is along the direction of the magnetic lines of flux. In current technology, nonreciprocity is achieved by using isolators with powerful magnets that create a strong magnetic field. This single-direction movement is known as “nonreciprocity.” By forcing the energy’s path to move in one direction, only, an isolator prevents signal distortion and equipment damage. This is an important factor in wireless devices like radar systems-or even cell phones-where a common component both sends and receives signals. “The novel device in our work,” said Page, “is essentially an RF isolator.”Īn RF isolator is a device that keeps unwanted radio frequency energy from reflecting back into a transmitter. Now the same team of Air Force researchers is leveraging this technology to create “giant nonreciprocity” in similarly small microwave transmission devices. ![]() Using a layer of piezoelectric material (a material that changes shape when subjected to an electric field) coupled with a very thin film of permanently magnetized material, the new RF filter has a small fraction of the size, weight, power, and cost (SWaP-C) of the older bulkier and more expensive technology. Derek Bas, recently patented a new tunable RF filter design that can replace the currently used YIG (yttrium iron garnet) based device. Working toward the aim of developing game-changing RF technology, Air Force Research Laboratory scientists led by Dr. The typical difficulties of making smaller mechanical and physical components, however, are dwarfed by the challenges posed by making the required onboard electronic equipment smaller, lighter, and less power-hungry. Using Molex patented technologies, very wide band devices can be achieved in relatively small packages.WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFRL) – As the Department of the Air Force continues with the unrelenting pursuit of driving down the size, weight and power of radio frequency (RF) components, the inherent challenges in these types of technologies are compounded. Customers would like to combine multiple bands in order to have a more flexible radio system. New radio designs actively require very wide bandwidth devices in a single radio. Proper design through the application of Molex expertise, along with optimized selection of materials and dimensions, results in acceptable IMD and harmonics performance with proper frequency bandwidth to meet customer expectations. Low IMD usually requires larger isolators and circulators and thicker dimensions. Low IMD is very important in systems and are not easily achieved in smaller devices. Molex engineers select raw materials with appropriate properties, including the required operating temperature range. Using high power increases temperature and, therefore, degrades performance. Power handling is very dependent on the circulator’s mechanical design and ferrite material properties. Combining our experience with our patented technologies, Molex can provide isolators and circulators as small as 6mm while meeting customer requirements. It is very challenging to meet required specifications such as those pertaining to insertion loss, return loss, power, IMD (passive intermodulation) and temperature stability in a small isolator and circulator package. ![]() Molex has invested in the development of high-efficiency, flexible automated manufacturing equipment to produce high-production-volume isolators and circulators. It requires very special customized equipment with significant investment. Automation equipment for isolators and circulators is not common. ![]()
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