Application Notes

As part of our commitment to provide you with information that adds value to your work, Mini-Circuits is continuously producing articles and application notes on specific uses of our products in customer systems. Our complete library of technical articles and application notes is available below for public use as an open reference for the RF engineering community. If you need information on a topic you don’t see here or you require additional technical support, we can help. Contact apps@minicircuits.com to talk with one of our engineers for answers.

Measurement Methods and Techniques

Document Number	Title
AN0-40	Automated compression measurements
AN03-36	Measurement methods
AN40-005	Prevention and Control of Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
AN0-39	Speed IM testing
DG02-32	Statistical Process Control

Surface Mount Assembly and Manufacturing Techniques

Document Number	Title
AN00-004	Mini-Circuits AD Family Customer Soldering Of Matte Tin Plating
AN00-007	Handling of Mini-Circuits Open Case Models
AN00-017	High-Power Surface Mount Components
AN00-018	Hi-Rel Components for Space Applications
AN00-019	Demystifying Pin-Outs: What Do We Mean by “Not-Connected”?
AN0-42	A guide to surface mount assembly
AN40-010	Soldering Turret Terminal Pins on ZX series models
AN40-011	Handling Moisture Sensitive Devices
AN40-014	Surface Mount Assembly of Mini-Circuits Components
AN40-015	Impact of Date Code Age Restrictions on Quality, Service, and Value
AN40-017	Small Quantity Tape and Reel Splicing
AN40-018	Interface Dimension Measuring Gage
DG02-23A	Understanding Surface Mount

Conversion Tables

Document Number	Title
AN40-012	dBm - volts - watts conversion table
AN40-013	The Effect of VSWR on Transmitted Power
DG03-111	Return loss vs. VSWR table

Designer Tools

Document Number	Title
WEBTOOL	Gain Uncertainty Calculator / Insertion Loss Uncertainty Calculator / Cascade Noise Figure Calculator

Amplifiers

Document Number	Title
AN60-010	Biasing of Constant Current MMIC Amplifiers (e.g. ERA SERIES)
AN60-038	Definition of terms, Q&As
AN60-033	Enhanced Linearity in the HELA-10 Power Amplifier
AN60-028	ESD Sensitivity Testing of Mini-Circuits ERA-4XSM
AN60-029	ESD Sensitivity Testing of Mini-Circuits ERA-5XSM
AN60-044	GSM-EDGE Performance vs. Output Power (TAMP-960LN+)
AN60-046	GVA-81+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-047	GVA-82+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-048	GVA-83+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-049	GVA-84+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-031	Hand Soldering of MNA Amplifiers
AN60-009	High IP3, wide band, balanced linear power amplifier (HELA-10)
AN60-037	High Power Amplifier in a Multi-Tone Environment
AN60-050	HXG-122+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-051	HXG-242+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-039	Low Cost Very High IP3 Low Noise Amplifiers Cover 250MHz to 2300MHz
AN60-060	MAR-8ASM+ Replacement Part Ref. Guide
AN60-018	MAR/RAM Kit Test Board Instructions for Use
AN60-059	MAV-11BSM+ Replacement Part Ref. Guide
AN60-025	MAV Kit Test Board: Instructions for Use
AN60-045	Mini-Circuits Semi-Conductor Reliability and Quality Assurance
AN60-036	MMIC Test Boards: Instructions for Use
AN60-016	MNA, Low Profile, Low Cost, Fully Integrated Monolithic Microwave Amplifiers
AN60-024	New MAR-8A and MAR-8ASM Amplifiers
AN60-008	Operating precautions for RF Amplifiers
AN60-052	PGA-102+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-064	PGA-103+: Stabilizing Network
AN60-041	PHA-1+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-042	PHA-1+: TD-SCDMA Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-053	PMA2-162LN+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-054	PMA-545+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-055	PMA-545G1+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-027	Power Supply Transient Protection for MNA and VNA Amplifiers
AN60-063	PGA-105+: Stabilizing Network
AN60-057	PSA-545+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-061	RAM-8A+ Replacement Part Ref. Guide
AN60-062	RAM-6A+ Replacement Part Ref. Guide
AN60-034	Transient Protection of Darlington gain block amplifiers
AN60-004	Ultra-Linear 50W Amplifiers 20-512MHz (LZY-1)
AN60-005	Ultra-Linear 32W Amplifiers 500-1000MHz (LZY-2)
AN60-043	UMTS (WCDMA) Performance vs. Output Power (TAMP-242GLN+)
AN60-040	Understanding Noise Parameter Measurements
AN60-032	Uses and Advantages of "MERA" Dual Matched MMIC Amplifiers
AN60-030	Using the Catalog Specifications to Determine MMIC Reliability
AN60-065	VNA-28A+ Replacement Part Ref. Guide
AN60-058	YSF-322+: LTE Performance vs. Output Power
AN60-067	Semiconductor Die Ordering and Packaging Information
AN60-068	ZHL-2-12+ PCN Report
AN60-069	ZHL-2+ PCN Report
AN60-070	ZHL-1042J+ PCN Report
AN60-071	ZHL-42+ PCN Report
AN60-072	ZHL-42W+ PCN Report
AN60-073	Application Note / Report for ZHL-4240+
AN60-074	Application Note / Report for ZHL-4240W+
AN60-075	ZHL-2-8+ PCN Report
AN60-076	Replacement Part Reference Guide, AVA-24+
AN60-077	Replacement Part Reference Guide, AVA-183+
AN60-078	Replacement Part Reference Guide, MNA-6+
AN60-079	TVA-11-422A+ PCN Report
AN60-080	TVA-63-183A+ PCN Report
AN60-081	TVA-82-213A+ PCN Report
AN60-082	Replacement Part Reference Guide, MNA-4+
AN60-083	Replacement Part Reference Guide, MNA-2+
AN60-084	TVA-R5-13A+ PCN Report
AN60-085	Replacement Part Reference Guide, MNA-7+
AN60-086	HPA-272+ User Manual
AN60-087	High-Dynamic-Range MMIC Amplifier Supports CATV Upstream and Downstream Applications
AN60-088	Replacement Part Reference Guide, MNA-5+
AN60-089	Replacement Part Reference Guide, VNA-28A+
AN60-090	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DVGA1-242+
AN60-091	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DVGA1-242PP+
AN60-106	Flattening Negative Gain Slope with MMIC Fixed Equalizers
AN60-107	APPLICATION NOTE ZPUL-30P+ vs ZPUL-30P

Bi-phase, Electronic Attenuators

Document Number	Title
ATT4-3	Frequently asked questions
ATT4-2	Introduction, definition of terms

Cables

Document Number	Title
AN46-001	CBL Series Ruggedized Test Cable - Super Flex Testing
AN46-002	Mating Cycle Validation of QBL Series Cables
AN46-003	Performance Change versus Flexure using Cable Flexure Test Fixture
AN46-004	Understanding Phase Stability in RF Test Cables

Attenuators

Document Number	Title
AN70-033	MMIC Die Testing Made Easy with Ultra-Wideband 0 dB Attenuator (Thru-Line) Dice
AN70-018	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-15R5-PN+
AN70-017	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-15R5-SN+
AN70-016	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-15R5-PP+
AN70-015	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-15R5-SP+
AN70-014	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-31-PN+
AN70-013	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-31-SN+
AN70-012	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-31-PP+
AN70-011	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-31-SP+
AN70-010	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-31R5-PN+
AN70-009	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-31R5-SN+
AN70-008	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-31R5-PP+
AN70-007	Replacement Part Reference Guide, DAT-31R5-SP+
AN70-006	DAT-31R5A/31A/15R5A Series Evaluation Boards Operation to VDD=5.2V
AN70-005	DAT Series Powered through a Voltage Divider Network
AN70-004	Digital Step Attenuators offer Precision and Linearity
DSA5-2	Introduction, definition of terms, Q&As

Directional Couplers

Document Number	Title
AN30-012	Replacement Part Reference Guide, ZGBDC10-362HP+
AN30-011	Replacement Part Reference Guide, ZGDC10-362HP+
AN30-010	Replacement Part Reference Guide, ZGBDC6-362HP+
AN30-009	Replacement Part Reference Guide, ZGDC6-362HP+
AN30-008	Ultra-Wideband, Low-Loss Couplers for Cable TV and Broadband Access Systems (DOCSIS® 3.1)
AN30-007	Replacement Part Reference Guide, D19G+
AN30-006	Replacement Part Reference Guide, D18P+
AN30-005	Replacement Part Reference Guide, D17I+
AN30-004	Coupler Theoretical Main-Line Loss Calculation
AN30-001	Do-it-yourself couplers reduce cost
COUP7-2	Introduction, definition of terms, Q&As
AN30-003	SM Quadrature Couplers have high performance, low cost

Electronic Line Stretchers

Document Number	Title
AN45-002	Line Stretchers Ease VCO Load-Pull Testing

Filters

Document Number	Title
AN75-008	Advantages of Cascading Reflectionless Filters
AN75-007	Pairing Mixers with Reflectionless Filters to Improve System Performance
AN75-006	Enabling Performance in the presence of DC on LTCC Dual Filters
AN75-005	Methodology for Computation of Maximum Power Handling in LTCC Low Pass Filters
AN75-004	Band Pass Filters with Linear Phase Response
FILTS8-2	Constant-impedance IF bandpass filters improve circuit performance
FILT8-2	Introduction, definition of terms, Q&As

Fixed Attenuators / Terminations

Document Number	Title
AN70-001	Fixed attenuators help minimize impedance mismatches
ATT6-1	Introduction, definition of terms, Q&As
AN70-002	2&5W Attenuators cover DC-18GHz

Frequency Doublers

Document Number	Title
DOUB9-2	Introduction, definition of terms, Q&As

Frequency Mixer

Document Number	Title
AN00-003	Dual double balanced mixers (HJK, HUD)
AN00-011	Frequently asked questions about mixers
AN00-001	Figure of Merit of Mixer Intermod Performance (E-Factor)
AN00-015	Hermetic LTCC Mixers Raise the Bar for Reliability, Performance, and Price (MAC)
AN00-012	High IP3 WiMAX Mixers
AN00-010	How to select a mixer
AN00-008	Improved two-tone, third order testing
AN00-006	LTCC Mixer For Instrumentation & Military Applications
AN00-014	Selecting the Right Mixer for Your Application
AN00-002	Triple balanced, low cost, LTCC mixers (MCA)
AN00-009	Understanding Mixers - Terms Defined, and Measuring Performance

I&Q and QPSK Modulators/Demodulators

Document Number	Title
MOD11-2	Introduction, definition of terms
MOD11-8	Most often asked questions

Limiters

Document Number	Title
LIM10-2	Introduction, Q&As
AN42-001	High Power Limiter Modules

VCOs

Document Number	Title
AN45-001	Automated load measurement of VCOs
VCO15-6	Characterizing and minimizing VCO phase noise
VCO15-9	Design features of a synthesizer using Mini-Circuits VCOs
VCO15-20	Frequently asked questions
AN95-003	Glossary of VCO Terms
AN95-005	How VCO Parameters Affect Each Other
AN95-006	Optimizing VCO/PLL Evaluations & PLL Synthesizer Designs
VCO15-10	Phase locked loop fundamentals
VCO15-8	Reducing power supply noise in VCOs
AN95-007	Understanding VCO Concepts
VCO15-15	VCO test methods
VCO15-19	VCO footprints and layout considerations to improve performance
AN95-004	Wide Modulation Bandwidth Measurements

Phase Detectors

Document Number	Title
DET12-2	Introduction, definition of terms
AN41-001	Frequently asked questions about phase detectors

Power Splitters/Combiners

Document Number	Title
AN10-004	Diminutive Impedance-Matching Splitters
AN10-001	Do-it-yourself splitters
PWR2-4	Frequently asked questions
AN10-002	Miniature power splitters
AN30-003	SM Quadrature Couplers have high performance, low cost
AN10-003	Super wide bandwidth power splitters (ZN2PD2-50, ZN4PD1-50)
AN10-005	Surface Mount LTCC Quadrature Splitters
AN10-006	Understanding Power Splitters

Power Sensors

Document Number	Title
PWR SENS-1	Frequently Asked Questions
AN48-001	Mini-Circuits PWR-6GHS+ USB Power Sensor
AN48-002	USB/ETHERNET POWER SENSOR PWR Series Quick Start Guide
AN48-003	Mini-Circuits USB Smart Power Sensors User Guide
AN47-001	A10 MHz to 6 GHz Power Meter

Programmable Attenuators / Solid State RF Switch / UVNA-63 User Guide

Document Number	Title
AN49-005	USB, RS232&Ethernet Programable Attenuators User Guide
AN49-009	USB Solid State RF Switch User Guide
AN49-012	USB/I²C/SPI/TTL High Isolation Solid State RF Switch Modules User Guide
AN49-014	UVNA-63 Instructions for Assembly
AN49-015	UVNA-63 Software and Programming Guide
AN49-016	UVNA-63 Application Note Error Correction
AN49-017	UVNA-63 Application Note Calibration Standards and the SOLT Method

RF Choke

Document Number	Title
AN20-003	Super wide-band RF choke

RF Transformers

Document Number	Title
AN20-002	Application Note on Transformers
TRAN14-2	Introduction, definition of terms, Q&As
AN20-001	How RF transformers work and how they are measured

Switches

Document Number	Title
AN80-006	Biasing of HSWA2-30DR+ SPDT Switch with a 5V supply voltage
SW13-2	Introduction, definition of terms, Q&As
AN80-007	Low-cost ultra high isolation SPDT switch
AN80-001	Using model PSW-1211 as a SPST switch
AN80-004	Using the RSW-2-25P switch
AN80-008	REPLACEMENT PART REFERENCE GUIDE, RSW-2-25P+
AN80-009	Application Note / Report for CSWA2-63DR+
AN80-010	Application Note / Report for VSWA2-63DR+
AN80-011	Application Note / Report for ZFSWA2-63DR+
AN80-018	REPLACEMENT PART REFERENCE GUIDE, ZYSW-2-50DR
AN80-019	REPLACEMENT PART REFERENCE GUIDE, ZYSWA-2-50DR
AN80-020	REPLACEMENT PART REFERENCE GUIDE, ZASW-2-50DR+
AN80-021	REPLACEMENT PART REFERENCE GUIDE, ZASWA-2-50DR+
AN80-022	REPLACEMENT PART REFERENCE GUIDE, ZASWA2-50DR-FT+
AN80-023	Solid State Switching for Next Generation Wireless Test Applications
AN83-001	Mechanical Switch Life Test

Products

Tools and Resources

Quality and Compliance

Company