In this new application note, we dive into the details on all things related to tuning elements. If you are unfamiliar with tuning elements, our line of Johanson Microwave Tuning Elements are specially designed for tuning microwave circuits such as filters, oscillators, delay lines, multiplexers, and dielectric resonant structures. Prior to the introduction of this line of Johanson Microwave Tuning Elements, microwave circuit designers were burdened with the frustrating task of selecting from a makeshift conglomeration of "hardware store" nuts and bolts to tune precision microwave circuitry.
By trading these makeshift solutions for Johanson Microwave Tuning Elements, microwave circuit designers can drastically reduce tuning time, lower associated tuning losses, and increase tuning resolution. Figure 1 shows the basic layout of the torque mechanism of the tuning element, which consists of a rotor with two threaded segments coupled together by the spring effect of two transverse slots.Figure 1. A schematic of the torque mechanism of this tuning rotor.
In this new application note, we provide more details on how these tuning elements can be made from a variety of materials and used for tuning various filters, oscillators, and impedance transformers. In addition to covering information on our standard Johanson Microwave Tuning Elements, we also provide details on our Microwave Tuning Rotors. These lubricated tuning rotors that do not include mounting bushings are sometimes necessary when center-to-center spacing of high-density circuits precludes the use of a mounting bushing.
We also cover information on our tuning devices for dielectric resonator oscillators (DROs) and filters. In these devices, the basic metallic cavity resonator is replaced by a dielectric resonator that is several times smaller and more stable with temperature. Known as DYNA-TRIM™, these tuners are available in three basic configurations to satisfy the unique demands of the military, commercial, and consumer markets.
Learn more about our variety of tuning elements by downloading our new Tuning Element Application Note.