25-W Insertion Filter Boasts High Efficiency And Low Insertion Loss

An RF frequency-agile filter that uses microelectromechanical system (MEMS) technology matches or exceeds several performance criteria of traditional RF filters with a smaller assembly and fewer parts. According to its manufacturer, this experimental 25-W tunable power RF bandpass filter has potential use in military and commercial telecom applications that require compact size and high efficiency.

Unlike previous MEMS efforts, which centered on low-power circuits suitable for receiving, this filter looks to high-power transmitting applications. It's tunable to four separate subbands in the VHF spectrum, from 44 to 56 MHz. The filter's total insertion loss is 0.8 to 1.0 dB. The MEMS relays contribute 0.1 to 0.2 dB of that loss. Losses in the MEMS switch signal contacts are about 0.02 dB for each contact. Call the company for pricing information.

Raytheon Co., 1010 Production Rd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808; (219) 429-5547; www.raytheon.com.