Programmable phase shifters with 360 degrees of accurate variable phase shift

Fairview Microwave has introduced a new series of 8-bit programmable phase shifters that are adjustable over a full 360 degree range. These three new models can produce a discrete set of phase states of up to 256 total steps in 1.4 degree increments with superior accuracy and minimal phase shift error. These digitally controlled analog phase shifters cover broadband microwave and millimeter wave frequencies. They are ideal building block components for aerospace and defense radar and EW applications involving phased-array antennas, phase discriminators, beam forming networks and RF communication systems. The company’s programmable phase shifters feature an 8-bit TTL digital-to- analog converter that allows phase states to be precisely controlled. The integrated hybrid MIC design architecture provides greater immunity to noise on control lines, delivers more uniform performance from unit-to-unit and achieves a flatter phase response over a wider frequency bandwidth with higher power handling and improved linearity performance. These three new programmable phase shifters cover frequency bands from 0.5GHz to 18GHz. Typical phase shift error ranges from +/- 0.9 to +/- 4.5 degrees over eight binary increments with fast switching speed performance from 30nsec to 265nsec. Maximum input (CW) power varies from +13dBm to +30dBm, depending on the model. The packages are compact and environmentally sealed with field-replaceable SMA or 2.92mm connectors, and sub-miniature D multi-pin connectors for the power/logic controls. These models are designed to meet MIL-STD-202F requirements for temperature cycle, humidity, shock, altitude and vibration. “Designers can be confident in our comprehensive selection of 8-bit programmable phase shifters that deliver highly reliable operation and optimal response with extremely precise tuning accuracy that can be used for a variety of aerospace and defense applications,” said Randy Leenerts, senior RF engineer at Fairview Microwave.