
Today on 5G tech World
What is DRX (Discontinuous Reception) in LTE?
Discontinuous Reception (DRX) is a power-saving mechanism in LTE networks designed to extend the battery life of user equipment (UE), such as smartphones. This FAQ will begin by explaining the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) role in LTE from the DRX perspective. Then, it will illustrate the complete DRX process with short/long DRX cycles and…Spirent adds Wi-Fi 6/7 automated tests to Octobox
The STA Automation Package automates testing that provides repeatability while minimizing manual intervention. The latest flavors of Wi-Fi bring a significant jump to performance over previous iterations. Testing, however, proves difficult because every Wi-Fi installation is different. Spirent Communications has introduced the Octobox STA Automation Package, which automates Wi-Fi 6/6E and 7 over-the-air (OTA) testing.…What is precoding? What does it do?
Precoding is a signal processing technique that modifies the phases and amplitudes of wireless signals to combat channel distortion and optimize the quality and reliability of data transmissions. It can support beamforming in multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) and massive MIMO antenna arrays. This article reviews some of the benefits of precoding, looks at how it’s implemented,…Cable assembly brings signal close to high-speed digital devices
The Si-Fly cable assembly from Samtec lets you mount connectors to a board while going under cooling components. High-speed digital ICs such as microprocessors, GPUs, ASICs, and electrical-to-optical converters need clean signals, and they generate lots of heat. To minimize the PCB traces where signals travel, engineers need to mount cables as close to the…FAQ on the bias tee
A conceptually simple passive component is used to combine or split DC and RF signals; however, its implementation has many subtleties. The RF world, operating at hundreds of megahertz and into the gigahertz range, is known for having many unusual components. Some are unique to that higher-frequency world, while others appear at lower frequencies but…Second-generation tech extends range by 50 percent
SPARK Microsystems introduces its second-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless transceiver, the SR1120. The SR1120 extends SPARK’s established performance leadership in data delivery while enabling significantly lower power consumption, latency, and better interference robustness compared to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 2.4 GHz radios. SPARK UWB’s data throughput leadership versus Bluetooth has doubled from 20X to 40X higher data rates (40.96…Sponsored Content See More >
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High-directivity couplers optimized for 225 – 750 MHz applications
A new integrated thin-film directional coupler is now available in a 2816 (7×4 mm) surface-mount package. This component is compatible with systems operating in the very-high-frequency (VHF) and ultra-high-frequency (UHF) bands. It is designed to support RF and microwave applications that require compact form factors, high reliability, and consistent electrical performance. The device supports operation…
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TXCO operates at 1.2 V
Aker Technology USA has released the TX21ED Series, a 1.2V Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TCXO) that is the ultimate choice for next-generation low-power applications in an era of energy-efficient and high-performance electronics. The ultra-low power TX21ED Series meets the demands for frequency stability while significantly reducing power consumption, designed for wearable devices, IoT sensors, and mobile…
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FAQ on the Butler matrix for beamforming: part 2
This passive beamforming topology is not well known but is widely used – a common situation in the RF world. Part 1 was an introduction to the electronic steering of an antenna beam and the Butler matrix; this part continues the investigation. Q: The Butler passive arrangement seems simpler; why not use it in all…
Wireless Design and Development See More >

Second-generation tech extends range by 50 percent
SPARK Microsystems introduces its second-generation ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless transceiver, the SR1120. The SR1120 extends SPARK’s established performance leadership in data delivery while enabling significantly lower power consumption, latency, and better interference robustness compared to Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 2.4 GHz radios. SPARK UWB’s data throughput leadership versus Bluetooth has doubled from 20X to 40X higher data rates (40.96…
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FAQ on the Butler matrix for beamforming: part 1
This passive beamforming topology is not well known but is widely used — a common situation in the RF world. For many years, radar applications defined much of the world of directional antennas. These antennas were designed with a fixed directivity or rotated in a steady pattern at a known rate, as seen in Figure…