Syfer unveils range of SMD filters

Designed to meet increased integration demands in the radio-frequency (RF) and microwave sectors for wireless communications systems, these filters are claimed to offer significant performance, space and cost advantages.

They are also finding increasing application in the automotive and aerospace sectors.

Based on low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) technology, these complex passive RF and microwave components are manufactured as single chips.

The technique is a 3D development of the standard process for ceramic capacitors, retaining all the advantages of low-cost, high-reliability, good-temperature performance.

Syfer's devices are based on a glass ceramic composite comprising several printed 50um layers, which are then fired in a single process.

Contact is made between layers using conducting vias to create inductors.

In this way, it is possible to produce capacitive, inductive and strip-line elements with ground planes and strip-line interconnects.

Performance is enhanced using the strip-line construction as interconnections are less dispersive and lossy and the discontinuities within the filter are less severe.

A firing temperature below 900C allows silver conductor material to be used, offering the best possible electrical conductivity and thus the highest Q.

High thermal conductivity maintains power handling.

Smaller devices operate at higher frequencies and ensure improved electrical and mechanical tolerances to give higher reliability.

It is claimed that costs are saved by using these integrated passives through reduced component cost, assembly time and circuit dimensions.

These devices also eliminate the need to design discrete element filters - traditionally a complex process effected in house.

Syfer combines specialised microwave design capability with the specific ceramic SMD manufacturing expertise necessary to produce integrated microwave components such as filters, baluns and couplers.

It addition, the company offers turnkey services from design through prototyping to volume manufacture for both general and customer-specific applications.

Syfer's 3D modelling software is claimed to provide accurate designs in the shortest time, with the minimum number of design iterations.

A wide range of Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive-compliant low-pass, band-pass, high-pass and band-stop filter designs are available in production volumes on 10- to 12-week delivery.

Some custom designs are also available.

Prices and further technical specifications are available on application.