Custom MMIC expands partnership with X-Microwave

Monolithic microwave integrated circuit developer Custom MMIC of Westford, MA, USA has announced an expanded collaboration with X-Microwave LLC, a developer of a modular/drop-in simulation, prototyping and production system for solderless and reconfigurable RF/microwave circuits up to 67GHz. The X-MWblock system enables efficient and expedient microwave and millimeter-wave circuit development and testing, using industry-grade non-linear online simulation tools powered by Keysight’s Genesys Spectrasys engine.

The expanded partnership will bring over 35 of Custom MMIC’s low-noise amplifiers (LNAs), power amplifiers (PAs), distributed amplifiers, driver amplifiers, low-phase-noise amplifiers, phase shifters, switches and mixers to the X-Microwave system. The firms plan to add more of the 100-plus products available from Custom MMIC to the X-MWBlock system in the near future.

“Their X-MWsystem is a cost-effective, rapid prototyping system which saves our customers in development time and expense,” comments Custom MMIC’s VP sales & marketing John Greichen.

X-Microwave’s system leverages a unique grid-based modular architecture that facilitates drop-in component configuration of a complete RF, microwave or millimeter-wave system. Initially, the X-Parameter and S-Parameter models of each X-MWblock can be assembled and analyzed in X-Microwave’s free online system simulation tool. Once the desired performance is achieved, the necessary X-MWblock components can be purchased with a modular prototype platform. After testing and verification, these same components can be seamlessly integrated into a final production assembly housing. The X-MWsystem provides what is claimed to be unprecedented ease of simulation, design, prototyping and integration of microwave and millimeter-wave components, such as Custom MMIC’s widbroade range of RF and microwave MMICs.

“Custom MMIC products, such as their latest low-phase-noise packaged amplifiers to 22GHz and in die form to 40GHz, are filling industry gaps and are exciting additions to our portfolio of drop-in components,” comments X-Microwave’s founder & president John Richardson.

Custom MMIC’s products easily work within the X-Microwave modular platform, and provide distinct features that even further reduce system design time and complexity, it is claimed.