Comb generator portfolio delivers excellent phase noise performance

MACOM Technology Solutions has released a portfolio of Non-Linear Transmission Line (NLTL) comb generators optimised to meet the exacting performance requirements of VSAT, radar transceivers and microwave radio applications. Offering what is claimed to be the lowest phase noise in the industry today, the company's MLPNC Series comb generators produce superior performance and ease-of-design compared to conventional step recovery diode (SRD)-based offerings. The excellent phase noise performance delivered by the comb generators is expected to improve the overall performance of RF multiplier modules, complemented by a variable low input power profile (18dBm–24dBm) that eases the power demands on power amplifiers and decreases overall power consumption. The comb generators also allow higher harmonic power at higher frequencies, as opposed to SRD-based comb generators whereby output power rapidly rolls off above 20GHz. “With the launch of our MLPNC Series comb generators, MACOM has again pushed the boundaries of RF device performance while simultaneously helping to simplify our customers’ frequency synthesiser designs,” said Graham Board, senior director of Product Marketing, MACOM. “We believe that our NLTL comb generators deliver best-in-class phase noise performance with useable harmonics up to 50GHz. MACOM’s Combs are MMIC-based, so they are more reliable and repeatable than SRD based solutions. As a further advantage, we offer both surface-mount and connectorized solutions.”