New Invar Tuning Elements with Self-Locking System

Exxelia announces the release of new world-unique invar tuning elements featuring a self-locking system. The product has been designed to respond to increasing demand for high frequency tuning elements for space applications.


Working frequencies in Space applications are shifting to Ka, Ku or even Q band, while cavity filters are undergoing the general trend towards miniaturization: this context calls for a much more precise and stable tuning element now offered by Exxelia Temex, daughter company of Exxelia, through their last innovative and unrivalled solution to incorporate a self-locking system into their Invar Tuning Elements.
Invar-36 is a unique Iron-Nickel alloy (64 % Fe / 36 % Ni) sought-after for its very low coefficient of thermal expansion. With 1.1 ppm. K–1 between 0°C and 100°C, Invar-36 is about 17 times more stable than Brass which is the most traditional and common alloy Tuning Elements are made of. The working temperature range in Space is so wide that this property becomes essential for a reliable and stable cavity filter tuning. Self-locking system is a technology commonly used on Tuning Element made of Brass or other soft “easy-to-machine” alloys but is innovative and pretty advanced when applied to hard and tough Invar 36. The design consists of two threaded segments separated by two parallel slots. After cutting both parallel slots, the rotor is compressed in its length in order to create a plastic deformation. Thus, an offset is induced between the two threaded segments which generates a constant tensile stress in the rotor from the moment threaded segments are screwed.

Published on 23 Oct 2016 by Marion Van de Graaf

Microwave Ferrites, Coaxial & Dielectric Resonators : Ask now !

Exxelia offers a wide range, including: Coaxial resonators : Resonators generally used in filters, duplexers, DRO's, and VCO's over a wide frequency range: 300 MHz to 6 GHz. They are available in several dimensions: 2x2, 4x4, 6x6, and up to 12x12 mm, offering the best compromise between impedance, Q factor, and resonance frequency.     Dielectric resonators : The dielectric resonators are designed to replace resonant cavities in microwave functions such as filters and oscillators. Exxelia, with the support of the ESA and CNES, has developed the E7000 series which offers narrow bandwidth with reduced size. The E7000 dielectric resonator is based on Ba-Mg-Ta materials which combine ultra-high quality factor and the possibility to obtain all temperature coefficients on request. E7000 presents the high performances required for space use in the frequency range of 5 to 32 GHz and ensures up to Qxf > 250,000 at 10 GHz. As one of the few manufacturers producing its own raw materials, Exxelia perfectly masters the production of dielectric resonators. Encouraged by the success of this new range, Exxelia is now able to supply larger batches (up to 20 kg of powder) while retaining the same product properties.   Ferrites : Ferrites are magnetic materials used in a variety of applications. They are particularly effective in suppressing electromagnetic interference and noise in high-frequency applications, making them indispensable for modern communication systems. Ferrites are offered in disc, triangle, or specific designs. These materials are based on Exxelia formulations, offering low deltaH (ΔH) conducive to reducing IMD. Their combination with a dielectric material allows for a wide choice of composites (FDA) to miniaturize isolator/circulator designs. Exxelia's ferrites are distinguished by their exceptional quality and superior performance. These ferrites are made from high-quality materials and benefit from state-of-the-art design and manufacturing processes. They have been tested for use in demanding environments and have demonstrated exceptional reliability in applications up to 40 GHz. Contact us to help you choose the ferrites that best suit your needs.