RF Design

05/11/2026

u-blox, a global leader in positioning and short-range communication technologies for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets, today announced the SAM-M11N, a new GNSS module designed for a simple reality: every gram counts in a drone, every millimeter in size in a tracking tag, and every milliwatt in a battery-powered device. Yet adding GNSS often means finding room for a separate antenna and tackling complex RF design. By integrating the receiver and omnidirectional antenna into one single module, the SAM-M11N makes positioning easier to incorporate into smaller, lighter, battery-powered devices. Measuring just 15.5 × 15.5 × 5.3 mm and weighing 4.4 g, the SAM-M11N is 1 mm thinner and 0.9 g lighter than its predecessor, the SAM-M10Q. It is the thinnest and smallest by volume of any GNSS modules with an integrated antenna.

Built on u-blox’s latest F11 GNSS platform, the 4.4 g module combines a GNSS receiver and omnidirectional antenna to simplify integration.

05/11/2026

Mini-Circuits’ expanding line of thin-film on alumina filters provides RF designers with compact, high-performance solutions for demanding frequency-selective applications. The ABF-series bandpass and ALF-series lowpass filters combine low insertion loss, sharp rejection characteristics, and excellent unit-to-unit repeatability, leveraging precision thin-film fabrication on high-Q alumina substrates. Available in surface-mount footprints as small as 0.275 x 0.084”, these filters are well suited for applications in communications, radar, electronic warfare, and test instrumentation where size, loss, and selectivity are critical design considerations.

Mini-Circuits’ expanding line of thin-film on alumina filters provides RF designers with compact, high-performance solutions.

05/11/2026

The New Taoglas MA8020 represents a new generation of railway-certified multi-function antennas, built on the proven Raptor X platform. Re-engineered specifically for rail applications, it delivers reliable, high-speed connectivity for train-to-ground communication, passenger services, and real-time operational systems.​ ​Optimized for demanding rail environments, the MA8020 is engineered to meet stringent EN50155 railway standards for mechanical and RF performance and adheres to EN45545 fire safety requirements, ensuring long-term reliability, safety, and compliance in rolling stock installations.

New Taoglas Rail Certified Antenna MA8020 10-in-1 Multi-band GNSS, 4x Wideband Cellular MIMO, and 5x Wi-Fi MIMO Screw Mount Antenna.

05/11/2026

The ALMA-W1 Series from u-blox AG is a RF Module with Frequency 2.4 to 6 GHz, Data Rate 0.125 to 3 Mbps (Bluetooth PHY) & 86 Mbps (Wi-Fi PHY), Sensitivity -105 to -90 dBm, Output Power 8 dBm (Bluetooth) & 20 dBm (Wi-Fi 2/4/5), Supply Voltage 2.8 to 5.5 V.

The ALMA-W1 Series from u-blox AG is a RF Module with Frequency 2.4 to 6 GHz, Data Rate 0.125 to 3 Mbps.

05/11/2026

The Mini-Circuits 086 Series Hand-Flex™ Coaxial Cables are ideal for interconnection of coaxial components or subsystems. The construction includes a silver-plated copper steel center conductor which maintains its shape after bending. The outer shield is copper braid, tin-soaked, which minimizes signal leakage while remaining flexible for easy bending. Dielectric is low-loss PTFE. These cables are presently available in lengths of 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60 inches. https://rf-design.co.za/2026/11/05/mini-circuits-086-48mcrnb/

05/11/2026

Imagine trying to hold an important conversation in a crowded room. The Qorvo QPC6144 acts like a set of soundproof walls for RF signals, helping reduce signal leakage and maintain the isolation needed for accurate calibration and reliable radio performance.

Explore the QPC6144 and see how precision RF routing can help simplify system design while supporting next-generation wireless infrastructure. https://rf-design.co.za/2026/06/19/qorvo-qpc6144-0-05-10-ghz-high-isolation-sp4t-switch/

05/11/2026

Getting a cellular IoT device certified is often harder than designing it.

It takes extensive testing, close collaboration with operators, and the commitment of multidisciplinary teams working toward a common goal.

Looking beyond the upcoming launch, the R7 Series represents much more than a new product introduction. It is a key milestone in Trasna long-term connectivity roadmap, designed to provide customers with a seamless migration path as cellular technologies continue to evolve.

By combining proven LTE-M capabilities with a forward-looking architecture, R7 is strategically positioned to bridge today's deployments with the next generation of low-complexity 5G solutions, including the emerging eRedCap ecosystem. This ensures that Trasna customers can invest with confidence today while preparing for the networks and applications of tomorrow. https://rf-design.co.za/2026/06/15/trasna-launches-r7-lte-m-modules-powered-by-qualcomm-e51-4g-modem-rf-reinforcing-long-term-commitment-to-cellular-iot/

05/11/2026

Long-distance signal reception depends on high receiver sensitivity. The Radiometrix LMR1 multi-channel VHF receiver delivers clear signal recovery for remote utility polling and off-grid monitoring panels. https://www.radiometrix.com/product/lmr1/

04/11/2026

As GSM-R Approaches the End of the Line, What Makes an FRMCS Antenna Rail Grade? The migration from GSM-R to the Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) is a quarter-century technological leap, from 2G straight to 5G. That makes it an ideal time for rolling-stock engineers, rail systems integrators, and the RF engineers who support them to fundamentally rethink their wireless strategies — not only for internal communications but also positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) applications, passenger broadband, B2B services, and more. Read more via Taoglas:

The migration from GSM-R to the Future Railway Mobile Communications System (FRMCS) is a quarter-century technological leap, from 2G straight to 5G.

04/11/2026

Taoglas®, a trusted provider of advanced RF and antenna solutions, today announced the MA8020 Raptor X, a railway-certified, multi-function antenna platform designed to support cellular, GNSS and Wi‑Fi® connectivity for rail applications. Built on the proven Raptor X platform, the MA8020 Raptor X enables rail operators to integrate multiple wireless technologies in a single low-profile antenna, reducing antenna count, simplifying installation and supporting reliable communications for train-to-ground links, passenger services and real-time operational systems.

The Taoglas MA8020 Raptor X, a railway-certified, multi-function antenna platform designed to support cellular, GNSS and Wi‑Fi® connectivity.