US : Murata Electronics announced its new miniaturized 2GHz Band Isolator for the digital mobile phone market. Inset shows the isolator alongside a couple of postage stamps.

Unlike its predecessors, the CES30 series is significantly smaller and lighter with increased performance levels. The components in this product line can be used in a variety of digital mobile phone systems such as 1.5GHz band PDC, 2GHz band W-CDMA and 1.9GHz band PCS systems.

Murata's new CES30 series is the smallest in size among all of the 2GHz band isolators industry-wide. The components weigh a mere 0.06 grams and measure at 3.2mm2 by 1.6mm high, demonstrating substantial size and weight reduction.

"The new CES30 series is a significant contribution to both the design and engineering communities. By utilizing innovative technologies, Murata has been able to reduce the size, improve performance and mass-produce the series at a competitive price," said Scott Klettke, Market Segment Manager for Murata Electronics North America.

In addition to the significant reduction in size, many electrical characteristic improvements were made. One example is achieving an insertion loss of 0.5dB maximum along with an isolation of 14.5dB minimum in the frequency band from 1920MHz to 1980MHz at normal temperatures. Furthermore, the change in voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) at the input of 1.25 maximum is a substantial reduction from the 1.4 of previous products.

Through this advanced design, the impedance matching performance has greatly improved by placing the isolator at the output of the power amplifier.

Finally, implementing a lead-free surface mounting process allows the isolator to be reflow soldered at a peak temperature of 260 °C.

In addition to improving the electrical characteristics, Murata has also simplified the product design. Murata's new high precision electrode patterning technology has created a monolithic structure in contrast to the previous process of mounting copper electrodes around a Ferrite.

Furthermore, Murata has developed an innovative ceramic multi-layered substrate that can integrate these capacitors with a resistor.

Murata began manufacturing the CES30 series 2GHz band isolator in August, with a production goal of 3 million parts per month by October. Samples are available at a nominal charge per unit. The current sample lead-time is 4 to 6 weeks. Please contact Murata for high volume pricing.