Quantic X-Microwave Design Essentials for Getting Started

RF and Microwave design and product development is an exciting and challenging field. The “Craft is truly an art” that takes years to learn and hone the required skills. First-pass design success is demanding even for experienced designers. Higher frequencies, lower power consumption, smaller size requirements, and lower cost are constant pressures. Despite the challenges, “analog geeks” love it because it involves solving complex problems.

The X-MWsystem is built upon two essential resources: 

1. A complete modular building block ecosystem of RF and microwave components and test and production accessories for rapid prototyping.

2. X-Parameter Technology, including free models and an Online system simulator- powered by Keysight’s Genesys and Spectrasys.

Prototyping Plate (32 x 32 or 16 x 16)
XR-PP2-3232-01 - brass prototyping plate (4.32″ x 4.32″) with legs and PI interface connector
XR-PP2-1616-01 - brass prototyping plate (2.16″ x 2.16″) with legs and PI interface connector

Probes (2.92mm or 1.85mm)
XR-PB1-292F - 40GHz RF X-MWprobe, 2.92mm connector
XR-PB1-185F - 67GHz RF X-MWprobe, 1.85mm connector

Anchors
XR-ANCHOR2 (2x required per junction)
XR-ANCHOR2-A (2x required for each 3-port 0404 block)
XR-ANCHOR2-AA (1x required for each 3-port 0404 block)

Ground-signal-ground jumpers - GSGJ (1x required per junction)
433-XR-GSGJ-10
433-XR-GSGJ-50

Screws
XM-SHCS-172-125-01 - 1-72 0.125" Length for bias and control board | bottom side of Protoplate
XM-SHCS-172-156-01 - 1-72 0.156" Length for RF board | probe lower foot | top side of Protoplate
XM-SHCS-172-187-01 - 1-72 0.187" Length for lid-to-lid interconnect
XM-SHCS-172-250-01 - 1-72 0.25" Length for anchor | pin bridge | top side of Protoplate
XM-SHCS-172-375-01 - 1-72 0.375" Length for probe tall side | short wall mounts | top side of Protoplate
XM-SHCS-172-500-01 - 1-72 0.5" Length for wall tall side | top side of Protoplate
XM-SHCS-172-625-01 - 1-72 0.625" Length for wall with lid installed | top side of Protoplate

XMcontroller Touch Screen for PLLs, DSAs, and other programmable devices
XM-RPK-01

X-MWsystem Terms

Modular Drop-In Building Blocks (X-MWblocks)
There are two primary types of modular X-MWblocks: RF X-MWblocks and Bias and Control X-MWblocks. RF X-MWblocks typically perform one or more operations on an analog signal. Passive blocks operate without additional circuitry. Active blocks require supply voltage and control.

RF X-MWblocks
All blocks are designed to be compatible with a typical size and connectivity standard. Blocks operating up to 50GHz are built in a 4-layer board architecture where most signals are routed along the top layer separated by 8mil Rogers 4003 to layer two ground. Layer 3 is used to route signals with Layer 4 on the bottom, making ground contact with the prototyping plate. Backward-compatible technologies and layer topologies are developing to support higher-frequency components.

Bias and Control X-MWblock
The grid can be considered a standard H-frame design with microwave components on top and low-frequency bias voltage and control circuitry on the bottom. Bias and control is provided from the bottom side of the prototyping plate through shielded spring-pin connections. Bias and control X-MWblocks most often consist of voltage regulators and digital components. The bias and control boards are typically made from a common FR-4 material.

X-MWprotoplate
The prototyping plate serves as the foundation of the design system. Screw holes are placed in a 0.135 x 0.135 inch grid pattern of 1-72 threaded holes. The space between each hole is measured as one grid unit. X-MWblock sizes are integer multiples of the grid spacing. The last four-digit grouping in the part number indicates block size in X-MWgrid units.

X-MWgrid
The X-MWgrid is offered in multiple metal options. Stainless steel provides the most durable prototyping plate. Other materials, such as nickel-plated brass and nickel-plated copper, provide better heat dissipation, but the softer metal is easier to damage by overtightening screws.

Solderless Interconnect
Circuits are built by combining multiple X-MWblocks on the prototyping plate, placing the GSG jumper, shiny side down, across the five mil air gap, and securely anchoring each side of the jumper. Anchor screws should only be lightly tightened to "finger-tight," 10 oz-in (7 N-cm). The X-MWjumper flex-circuit interconnect performs well from DC to beyond 60GHz.

Flex Circuit Board-to-Board Interconnect
The X-MWjumper is coated in diamond dust, and then gold plated to provide a robust ground-signal-ground solderless interconnect between boards. It is often placed with tweezers centered between two X-MWblocks. The two anchors press the rough surface of the X-MWjumper into the surface of the PCB trace, increasing surface area.

X-MWprobe
The solderless X-MWprobe is a precision machined RF connector designed for repeated use throughout the design process. Offered in multiple sizes, the X-MWprobe provides high-quality measurements up to 65GHz. The 2.92mm (SMA Compatible) probe connection makes a solid connection with each side of the ground plane while the center pin contacts the signal trace on the launch. The probe can be installed and removed hundreds of times with minimal degradation.

Screws
All screws are 1-72 socket head cap screws made of 18/8 stainless steel. The proper length screw is essential to ensure nothing protrudes through the prototyping plate's top or bottom.

X-MWwalls and X-MWlids
Modular wall and lid pieces allow users to prototype arbitrarily shaped mechanical housings around your designs to understand better how custom enclosures might impact the behavior of your design. The walls are designed to screw into the prototyping plate with a Spira-Shield at the edge to eliminate gaps and ensure electrical continuity. Additionally, internal shielding is available if needed.

Training Videos Overview

X-Microwave How-It-Works Animation
This animation demonstrates how X-Microwave’s 50GHz Modular RF Building Block System can be assembled for prototyping and production using solderless interconnects. Note how the cascade of “Drop-In” components easily transitions from the prototyping plate to the machined production housing.

Installing the gsg Solder-Less Interconnect
The gsg Jumper allows solderless interconnect between X-MWblocks from DC to 60GHz. This brief tutorial introduces the gsg Jumper and how to install it.

Layout and Cascade Tool – Introduction
The Layout and Cascade tool is an interactive online design environment for part selection, layout, and cascade analysis of signal chains designed with X-MWblocks on a prototype plate or in standard connectorized housing.

Layout and Cascade Tool – Walls and Lids
Walls and lids allow you to explore cavity effects in preparation for designing IMAs. This tutorial takes you through the process of building a complex design with walls, lids, and shields in the X-Microwave design system.

Revolutionary Approach to RF and Microwave Design in 15 Minutes

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions