TEGAM, Inc., a leading supplier of innovative RF power measurements, was recently awarded Patent No. 8,610,069, “Coaxial to Dual Co-Planar Waveguide Launcher for Microwave Bolometry.” This patent describes a new way to construct bolometers—a type of microwave power sensor that uses thermistors—that makes them more accurate and easier to assemble.
Specifically, the patent describes a sensor with a dual-coplanar sensor architecture that launches a microwave signal from the coaxial airline to a unique arrangement of coplanar waveguides, arranged symmetrically on both sides of a thin dielectric substrate. The characteristic impedance of the top and bottom coplanar waveguides is approximately twice the characteristic impedance of the coaxial airline, so the parallel combination of the two coplanar waveguides is the characteristic impedance of the coaxial airline. Further, steps in both the ground planes and center conductor at the point of transition from coaxial to coplanar are used to tune the launch and minimize reflection.
According to Andy Brush, TEGAM CEO, “This development gives TEGAM the tools to move the proven two-thermistor coaxial sensor into today’s manufacturing technology and higher frequencies. Without this technology, the TEGAM 2510A would not be possible.”
About TEGAM
Headquartered just east of Cleveland, Ohio, TEGAM, Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture and support of a wide variety of test, measurement and calibration instruments. TEGAM is the worldwide leading manufacturer of RF power sensor calibration systems, for commercial and military applications. Founded in 1979, TEGAM has developed a wide variety of measurement instrumentation and markets its products around the world through a network of technical representatives and distributors in more than 40 countries.
TEGAM is internationally recognized for its offering of RF power sensor calibration systems, RF attenuation measurement systems, AC ratio standards and microohmmeters. In addition, the company supplies LCR meters, arbitrary waveform generators, high-voltage amplifiers, MEMS engine driver systems, handheld thermometers, humidity meters and other test and measurement solutions. TEGAM has recently introduced several new products, including the R1L-E2A Intrinsically Safe Microohmmeter (C-UL-US, ATEX), and the R1L-BR1 Microohmmeter and Bond Tester Kit.
Source: http://www.tegam.com