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White papers

We offer a selection of downloadable white papers that cover the latest technologies and applications.

Choosing the Right Coaxial Cable Assembly for your Application

This whitepaper dives into some of the basics of coaxial cables, their various performance parameters, and the constructional variants within the cable and connector heads.

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Microwave & mmWave Applications Drive Automated Test

More so now than any time in the past, there are new microwave and mmWave technologies with features and functions that are both higher performance and more diverse than previous technologies.

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Waveguide Antenna Considerations When Testing 5G Radios

The realization of 5G involves the integration of new radio access technologies (RATs) in a singular radio network architecture for seamless connectivity regardless of the location, traffic load, and mobility of the user.

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Where COTS Meets Hi-Rel for RF/Microwave Active Devices

The process of designing and producing Hi-Rel, Mil/Aero and space-grade RF and microwave active devices has historically been a long and expensive endeavor focused on small or medium quantity manufacturing.

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Blog

The featured blog posts below provide insight on design principles, product applications and the latest networking technologies.

Coax Cable

Announcing: The Coax Cable Webinar That Will Save Your Signal & SDR Setup

Peter McNeil | Mar 19, 2025

Every RF engineer, SDR enthusiast, and telecom technician knows that cable selection can make or break signal performance. But what if you’re making a critical mistake without even realizing it?

Here’s the truth: Using the wrong coaxial cable can destroy your signal integrity, introduce interference, and render your SDR setup useless. Worse still, even if you pick the right cable, a bad termination method can create hidden weaknesses—leading to signal loss, inefficiencies, and expensive troubleshooting.

If you’re not 100% confident that you’re selecting and terminating coaxial cables correctly, then you’re playing a dangerous game with your RF performance.

But there’s good news: You can fix this.

Join the Experts & Learn How to Select and Terminate Coax Cables the Right Way

On March 26, 2025, at 2:00 PM (London time), two industry veterans—Amar Ganwani and Spencer Rautus —will reveal the step-by-step process to choosing the perfect coaxial cable and ensuring flawless termination for SDR and RF applications.

In this LIVE webinar, you will learn:
✅ The #1 mistake that ruins signal transmission—and how to avoid it.
✅ How to decode cable specifications to select the perfect cable for your needs.
✅ The hidden pitfalls of termination methods and how to prevent them.
✅ A live demonstration of best practices for soldering, crimping, and splicing.
✅ How to match your coaxial cable to any environment or application

✅ The real reason why most SDR setups underperform—and how to fix it.

Meet Your Industry Experts
🔹 Amar Ganwani – Senior Product Line Manager at Fairview Microwave (20+ years in RF & Microwave tech).

🔹 Spencer Rautus – RF Cable Assembly Product Associate at Fairview Microwave (7+ years of expertise).
🔹 Jordan Ratcliffe – Your host from the element14 Community, leading the Q&A session.

This Knowledge Could Save Your Next Project—Secure Your Spot Now

❌ Miss this webinar, and you risk wasting hours troubleshooting preventable signal issues.
✔️ Attend, and you’ll walk away with practical, expert-backed solutions to get your coaxial cable setup right the first time.

🔗 REGISTER NOW

📅 Date & Time: March 26, 2025 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM (London)
📍 Location: Online

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RF Terminations RF Fixed Attenuators

Maximizing RF System Performance with Fixed Attenuators and Terminations

Peter McNeil | Feb 20, 2025

Precision and control are critical for achieving optimal system performance in RF technology. Whether you're working in telecommunications, aerospace, or advanced research labs, understanding how to manage signal strength effectively can make a significant difference in the reliability and efficiency of your systems.

Why RF Fixed Attenuators and Terminations Matter

At their core, RF fixed attenuators are passive devices designed to reduce the power level of an RF signal without distorting its waveform. This is essential for:

Protecting Sensitive Equipment: High-power signals can damage delicate components in receivers or test equipment. Attenuators help mitigate this risk by controlling signal levels.
Improving Measurement Accuracy: In testing environments, precise attenuation ensures that instruments measure true signal characteristics without being overloaded.
Enhancing System Stability: By managing reflections and impedance mismatches, attenuators contribute to overall system reliability.

Paired with RF terminations, which absorb unused signals to prevent reflections, these components are indispensable for maintaining signal integrity. Terminations help prevent standing waves and reduce signal degradation, especially in high-frequency environments.

Key Applications of RF Fixed Attenuators and Terminations

Testing and Measurement: Ensuring accurate, repeatable test results in lab environments.
Telecommunications: Managing power levels in high-frequency communication networks.
Broadcast and Satellite Systems: Optimizing signal distribution while minimizing loss.
Aerospace and Defense: Enhancing the performance and reliability of mission-critical RF systems.

Common Challenges in RF Signal Management and How Attenuators Help

Managing RF signals isn’t without its challenges, especially as systems become more complex and demand higher frequencies. Some common issues include:

Signal Reflection and Standing Waves: Reflections can cause interference and reduce system efficiency. RF attenuators help by controlling impedance mismatches, minimizing these reflections.
Overloading of Receivers: High-power signals can overwhelm sensitive receivers, leading to distortion or damage. Attenuators regulate signal strength, protecting critical components.
Thermal Management: High-power RF systems generate heat, which can affect performance. Using attenuators helps manage power levels, reducing thermal stress on equipment.
Maintaining Signal Integrity Over Long Distances: In applications like telecommunications, signal degradation over distance is a concern. Attenuators ensure consistent signal quality by controlling power fluctuations.

Choosing the Right RF Attenuator or Termination

When selecting an attenuator or termination, consider the following factors:

Frequency Range: Ensure the device supports the required operating frequency.
Power Handling: Match the power rating to your system's needs to avoid overheating or failure.
Attenuation Level: Choose the appropriate dB value based on how much you need to reduce the signal strength.
Connector Type: SMA connectors are popular for their reliability in high-frequency applications.

Introducing Fairview Microwave’s RF Fixed Attenuators and Terminations

For professionals seeking high-quality, reliable components, our RF fixed attenuators and terminations are engineered to deliver exceptional performance:

SMA Connectorized Designs: Ensure secure, high-frequency connections.
Wide Attenuation Range: Options from 1 to 10 dB, plus 20 dB and 30 dB, for flexible application use.
High Power Ratings: Handle up to 20W (CW), suitable for demanding RF environments.
Superior Frequency Performance: Optimized for applications up to 26GHz.
Durable Terminations: Rated for 5W, 10W, and 20W loads, built for longevity.

If you’re looking to enhance your RF system's reliability and performance, explore our range of RF fixed attenuators and terminations. Discover our solutions today

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RF Interconnects

Achieving Versatility and Performance with PCB Connectors

Peter McNeil | Feb 13, 2025

Designing high-performance RF systems often requires overcoming space limitations and optimizing signal routing with specialized components, such as angled PCB connectors. Unlike traditional straight connectors, PCB connectors allow for a more flexible orientation, making them ideal for compact designs where efficient use of space is crucial.

For example, when prototyping or working with tight spaces, the 1.85mm, female PCB mount vertical launch connector offers a clamp attachment design for easier installation. This product in particular supports up to 67 GHz performance, making it a reliable option for applications requiring high-frequency signal transmission.

Angled connectors like this one not only optimize space but also ensure that your system maintains low signal loss and high-frequency integrity, even when space is at a premium. Whether you're working on satellite communications, aerospace systems, or military radar systems, choosing the right connector can significantly enhance system performance.

Similarly, for applications requiring high-frequency performance and easy integration, products like the 2.4mm Jack PCB Mount End Launch and the 2.4mm Jack Solderless PCB Mount offer solutions that streamline installation and improve overall system reliability. With 50 GHz performance and minimal signal loss, these connectors are designed to meet the rigorous demands of high-performance systems.

How to Choose the Right Printed Circuit Board Connectors for Your Application

Selecting the appropriate RF PCB connectors for your system requires careful consideration of several factors, including the frequency range, VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio), mounting options, and the available space in your design. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency and performance of your RF system.

· Frequency Range: The frequency range is one of the most important factors when choosing a connector. RF connectors that support up to 50 GHz, are ideal for applications that demand high-frequency performance. It's essential to select connectors that match the frequency requirements of your system to avoid signal degradation and ensure the integrity of your data transmission.

· VSWR: VSWR is an important indicator of signal integrity. A low VSWR ensures minimal signal loss, meaning your system can transmit signals with high efficiency. When evaluating connectors, always check the VSWR specifications to ensure they meet the requirements of your application.

· Mounting Options: The mounting method of your connector can have a significant impact on the ease of installation and the overall design of your system. End-launch connectors are excellent for systems where space constraints require a compact and efficient connector without sacrificing performance.

· Available Space: The physical space available in your design is another critical factor to consider. For systems with tight space requirements, narrow-body connectors high performance while occupying minimal space. These types of connectors are ideal for applications in military defense or satellite communications, where every inch of space matters.

Optimizing System Performance with the Right Connectors

Choosing the right connector can dramatically impact the performance of your RF system. For industries such as military defense, satellite communications, and RF testing, where precision is critical, high-performance connectors are a must.

These connectors also provide flexibility in routing and space-saving benefits that are essential in modern RF designs. Whether you need angled connectors for tight spaces or end-launch connectors for ease of integration, the right product ensures your system will operate at its best.

Future-Proof Your RF Designs with Top-Quality Printed Circuit Board Connectors

When designing your next high-performance RF system, consider the impact that these connectors and end launch connectors can have on your system’s performance. The connectors discussed here offer high-frequency performance, low-loss transmission, and the versatility required for demanding applications. Whether you’re working in telecommunications, military defense, or test & measurement, choosing the right connector ensures your system operates efficiently, even in tight spaces.

Our PCB connectors provide optimal signal integrity, reduced installation time, and ensure your systems perform at their best. Explore our range of high-performance RF PCB connectors today and get the reliability you need for your next big project.

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RF Couplers

What Makes an RF Coupler Fit for Defense Applications?

Peter McNeil | Feb 06, 2025

There are many instances in military/defense, aerospace, space, and naval applications where there is a need for sampling signals from high power transmission paths or monitoring the frequency of high-power signal paths. In these cases, the best RF component for the job is often an RF coupler. However, not all RF couplers are designed for extreme environmental applications indicative of the requirements for defense applications.

For instance, many RF couplers have coaxial connector ports either for the primary signal paths or the coupled ports. If the coaxial connector ports are coaxial types that use dielectric spacers, it may be that the dielectric material used can’t sufficiently perform under extreme temperature ranges specified for military grade coaxial connectors. Other environmental features include corrosion resistance, shock, vibration, humidity, altitude/pressure, etc.

Generally, standard waveguide flanges can meet all of these requirements, possibly with the exception of corrosion resistance. This is why many waveguides meant for defense applications are gold plated; this helps prevent corrosion while still maintaining high conductivity for low loss performance. A common standard for body plating specifications for waveguide couplers is MIL-DTL-5541.

Even with waveguide couplers, if the attachment methods of the coupled ports aren’t designed to withstand shock and vibration, the joint between the main waveguide and coupled waveguide may degrade or even fail. Hence, it is often imperative to ensure that even waveguide couplers are designed to meet MIL-Spec standards for ruggedness. For altitude/pressure performance, couplers often need to be sealed, either hermetically or with epoxy, to prevent outgassing or debris ingress to meet defense standards.

RF couplers designed for defense applications also tend to be specified to operate over certain useful frequency ranges and power levels for defense use cases. Examples of this include RF directional waveguide couplers designed to operate from 100s to 1000s of Watts and in key radar frequency bands, such as C-band, X-band, Ku-band, etc. These couplers will often have high peak and continuous wave (CW) input power ranges specified, as radar applications tend to have high peak power outputs.

All of these factors considered together likely indicate that a RF coupler has been designed to meet defense applications, even if it is not explicitly identified as such.

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Technical articles

Our technical articles provide detailed insight on various RF/Microwave applications and technologies.

All Hail the Zener Diode Noise Source

Noise is the enemy of all receivers, obliterating the desired signals and rendering attempts to eliminate it problematic, but for more than 70 years, it has also been used beneficially for helping to test receivers and many other types of systems. The process relies on deceptively simple devices--noise sources--that provide the basis for many types of measurements by generating and injecting Additive White Gaussian Noise (AWGN) into the device or system under test.

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An Introduction to Passive Interconnect for Millimeter-wave Test

Millimeter-wave technology was a category of components that was once almost strictly used in the realm of military imaging and radar and scientific research. However, is the past several years, Millimeter-wave technology has already permeated a wide range of industries from automotive radar, WiGig (60 GHz WiFi), and 5G (high-band). With technologies such as fixed wireless access (FWA) and adaptive cruise control (ACC) growing, the millimeter-wave industry has been receiving a great deal of attention.

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Getting Rough with VNA Test Cables

The wireless revolution is now in full swing, where innovators and even slow-to-move businesses are making the leap toward wirelessly connecting systems that have traditionally been wired or mechanical. This wireless renaissance, along with creating innumerable new business opportunities and applications, is also risking creating spectrum congestion and a landscape rife with electromagnetic interference (EMI).

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Brochures

Our product and application brochures offer targeted information covering multiple industries.

5G Solutions Product Selection Guide

5G Solutions Product Selection Guide

Fairview Microwave introduces you to a complete line of in-stock 5G RF components and cable assemblies. We know that having the right parts when you need them is critical.

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Electromechanical Switches Product Selection Guide

Electromechanical Switches Product Selection Guide

Fairview Microwave’s electromechanical relay switches cover broadband frequencies ranging from DC to 50 GHz. Our broad selection includes over 290 models that are in-stock.

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PIN-Diode Switch Product Selection Guide

PIN-Diode Switch Product Selection Guide

Fairview Microwave’s 50-ohm PIN diode switches offer designers a wide selection of models and options including broadband frequency coverage up to 67 GHz, SPST through SP12T configurations.

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