Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts

Most RF systems are based on a self-design approach, in which the components are con-ceived independently from one another, based on budget specifications and following a pre-assigned common 50-Ω impedance interface. This approach requires the design of separate components with their own shielding package, related size constraints, and 50-Ω terminals. When these components are then combined on the system assembling, they require many interconnecting matching and transition circuits.