FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
 

Debra Seifert
McClenahan Bruer Communications
(503) 546-1000
debra@mcbru.com

Deb Stockman
Aeroflex Incorporated
(316) 529-5448
deb.stockman@aeroflex.com

 

Frequency Coverage Boosted to 6 GHz for Aeroflex 3410 Series

The 6 GHz 3416 digital RF signal generator combines wide frequency coverage with high-performance vector modulation for testing WLAN devices

FORT WORTH, Texas — International Microwave Symposium — June 8, 2004 — Aeroflex Incorporated (Nasdaq: ARXX) today announced it has increased the frequency coverage of its popular 3410 series digital RF signal generators to 6 GHz to address the need for testing 802.11a wireless local area network (WLAN) devices. The 6 GHz 3416 digital RF signal generator combines wide frequency coverage with high-performance vector modulation—an ideal combination for testing wireless communications systems and components.

The 3416 digital RF signal generator offers all the benefits of the 3410 series RF signal generators including industry-leading multi-band adjacent channel power, high quality analog and vector modulation, a dual channel arbitrary waveform generator option, and a recently announced option to add differential I/Q output for testing RF integrated circuits (RFICs).

In addition to the expanded carrier frequency coverage, Aeroflex today announced a new real time baseband (RTBB) option for the 3410 series. RTBB will generate baseband signals (I and Q) that modulate an RF source in real time to produce generic FSK, PSK and QAM signals at rates up to 2 Msymbols/second from user-supplied parallel or serial data. Digitized I and Q input and output facilities are also available.

The 3416 is supported by Aeroflex’s IQCreator™ digital modulation waveform creation software, which also provides a convenient Windows user interface to the signal generator. IQCreator is free of charge and can be downloaded from Aeroflex’s Web site at www.aeroflex.com/iqcreator.

Real time baseband generator allows frequency hopping for GSM testing

An important feature necessary to support GSM signal generation is the ability to frequency-hop between channels. The RTBB option for the 3410 series provides frequency hopping by remixing the I and Q data at baseband. The resultant I and Q vectors then modulate the core synthesizer frequency, thus producing a new RF frequency at the output of the signal generator. This method ensures that synchronization is maintained between the IQ data and the hop trigger. In addition, because the main synthesizer hardware remains unchanged, frequency stabilization is nearly instantaneous.

Peak power, level resolution, fast GPIB and electronic attenuator ideal for RF ATE

The 3410 series is optimal for automated test applications for RF components with the following features:

  • Peak output power of up to +16 dB with a level resolution of 0.01 dB for repeatable and accurate RF component testing;
  • An electronic attenuator (Option 3) ideal for high volume automated test (ATE) applications where attenuator life is critical;
  • Fast GPIB system to ensure minimum frequency and level settling times for maximum test throughput;
  • A high power mechanical attenuator (Option 2) for models up to 3 GHz.;
  • A user-defined RF level limit can be entered to ensure signal generator cannot provide damaging signal levels when testing less robust components;
  • Careful attention to the level control system guarantees that positive level transients cannot be generated;
  • Fast-responding electronic reverse power protection system helps ensure long life and high reliability when testing high power systems.

Availability

The 6 GHz 3416 digital RF signal generator is available 4–6 weeks upon receipt of order. The 3410 series is available with frequency coverage from 250 kHz to 6 GHz. Options are priced separately.

About Aeroflex
Aeroflex Incorporated is a global provider of high technology solutions to the aerospace, defense and broadband communications markets. The Company’s diverse technologies allow it to design, develop, manufacture and market a broad range of test, measurement and microelectronic products. The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market System under the symbol ARXX and is included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index. Additional information concerning Aeroflex Incorporated can be found on the Company’s website: www.aeroflex.com.

All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release regarding Aeroflex’s financial position, business outlook, business strategy and plans and objectives of its management for future operations are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to Aeroflex or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of Aeroflex’s management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to its management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, competitive factors and pricing pressures, the divesture of the thin film interconnect manufacturing business, the integration of the business of each of MCE Technologies, Celerity Systems and the Racal Instruments Wireless Solutions Group with Aeroflex, changes in legal and regulatory requirements, technological change or difficulties, product development risks, commercialization difficulties and general economic conditions. Such statements reflect our current views with respect to the future and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to Aeroflex’s financial condition, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. Aeroflex does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.