Updated 5-30-16. Add SLIM-ADCMUX, 8-Channel Multiplexer with 16 Bit AtoD Converter
Updated 12-11-11.  Add SLIM-SFA-1013, SAW Filter Amplifier, an option to Coaxial Cavity Filter
Updated 1-23-10.  Add SLIM-2P4T Switch Module, used for MSA Resolution Filter Bank
Engineering Notice: 8-26-08.  The parts lists for the SLIM's call out Tin plated header pins for interconnections (Digikey S1012-36-ND).  This is preferred when using point to point soldered wires.  If using Gold plated female sockets to connect to the header pins, change the Tin plated headers to Gold plated headers (Digikey S1011-36-ND).


SLIM Basics
    The idea behind the SLIM system is to have as few different printed wire boards (PWB) as possible, while creating as many functional modules as possible.  This is done by designing a PWB with component pads and lines that the user can populate with his own schematic and parts list.  A SLIM is a complete and functional module that is designed and constructed on an originating PWB.  A SLIM has a high level part number of : SLIM-xx-yy-z, where xx is the basic PWB, yy is the specialized circuit, and z is the revision number.  Every SLIM will consist of a Schematic (SKSLIM-xx-yy-z), and a parts list (PLSLIM-xx-yy-z).  Within that parts list will be the originating PWB, with a part number of : PWB-xx-z
    I suggest reading my web page of  General Construction techniques for SLIMs.

SLIM  Presentations
    Each SLIM is presented on it's own web page, with pictures, schematic, parts list, and parts layout.  I have minimized the size of some of the pictures and they may be unreadable.  Click on the picture, and it will open up full size.  If you want to download them in ExpressPCB, retrieve them by clicking on the underlined reference numbers.  The Parts List for each SLIM is in a text format.
    A circuit description will be included.  (I expect to elaborate on the circuit descriptions, as time permits)

PWB  Presentations
    Each PWB is presented on it's own page, with pictures and master artwork.  A schematic may be presented that depects all the possible components.  It's use is to be a basis for future SLIM designs.  No parts list is presented.

Current SLIMs and their originating PWB's. Click to jump to individual Web Page.

SLIM, Part Number	Function and Description of SLIM	Originating PWB
SLIM-CB-NV	Control Board, computer interface, with ceramic noise filter and voltage converter	PWB-CB-NV
SLIM-MO-64	Master Oscillator,  with 64 MHz crystal oscillator, CTX series, with buffer and 3 CMOS line drivers	PWB-MOB
SLIM-BSQ	Buffer, with squaring amplifier and 3 CMOS line drivers	PWB-MOB
SLIM-MCF-L024	Crystal Filter, 10.695 MHz, Monolithic Crystal Filter, supports small to medium sized MCF's.  With Z matching and attenuators.	PWB-MCF
SLIM-MCF-FL096	Crystal Filter, 10.695 MHz, Monolithic Crystal Filter, supports small to medium sized MCF's.  With Z matching and attenuators.	PWB-MCF
SLIM-CLF-10.11/1.0	Crystal Ladder Filter, 10.11 MHz, 5-pole, 1 KHz BW.  With Z matching and attenuators.	PWB-CLF-5
In Work SLIM-MCF3	Crystal Filter, Generic module layout for up to 3 cascaded crystal filters, size HC-49.  With Z matching and attenuators.	In Work PWB-MCF3
SLIM-PLO-1	Phase Locked Oscillator with Active Loop, 1000-2000 MHz, dual outputs at +10 dBm, each	PWB-PLO
SLIM-PLO-2	Phase Locked Oscillator with Passive Loop, 1000-2000 MHz, dual outputs at +10 dBm	PWB-PLO
SLIM-PLO-3	Suspended design.  See SLIM-PLO-1	PWB-PLO
SLIM-DDS-107	Direct Digital Synthesizer, commandable frequency generator, with 10.7 MHz crystal filter and squaring circuit. Serial or parallel commanding.	PWB-DDS
SLIM-MXR-1	Mixer, using ADE-11X.	PWB-MXR- ADE
SLIM-MXR-2	Mixer, using ADE-11X, with diplexer on pin 2 port	PWB-MXR- ADE
SLIM-MXR-3	Mixer, using ADE-11X.	PWB-MXR- ADE
SLIM-MXR-4	Mixer, using ADE-11X, with diplexer on pin 2 port	PWB-MXR- ADE
SLIM-PDM	Phase Detector Module, 1-30 MHz, 360 degree phase detector	PWB-PDM
SLIM-ADC-16	AtoD Converter, serial, analog to digital converter, using 10-pin, AD7685	PWB-ADC10
SLIM-ADC-12	AtoD Converter, serial, analog to digital converter, using 8-pin. LT1860CS8	PWB-ADC8
SLIM-ADCMUX	(New) 8-Channel Multiplexer with 16 Bit AtoD Converter	PWB-ADCMUX
SLIM-LD-8306	Log Detector,  2-160 MHz, RF Logrithmic Detector with RSSI and Limited RF output, transformer input, AD8306	PWB-LD-8306
SLIM-IFA-33	RF Amplifier, dual RF Amplifiers, supports several MMIC amplifiers	PWB-RFA
SLIM-2P4T	1 of 4 RF Switch, Dual Electronic Switch	PWB-2P4T
SLIM-RFA-1	Dual Buffer Amplifier, 1-2 GHz. Optional PLO 2 Buffer	PWB-RFA
SLIM-SFA-1013	SAW Filter / Amplifier. 1013 MHz, Option to Cavity Filter	PWB-SFA
In Work SLIM-MULT-1024	Frequency Multiiplier, 64 MHz to 1024 MHz, dual output at +10 dBm. This will optionally replace the SLIM-PLO-2 in the MSA.	In Work PWB-MULT
In Work SLIM-ATT-4	Attenuators, 4 section pwb for mounting attenuator resistor networks. Designed by Sam W.	In Work PWB-ATT
In Work SLIM-DCDC-24	DC to DC Converter, 10 volt input, 24 volt output. Size 1.2 x 1.2 inch. Designed by Sam W.	In Work PWB-DCDC

Future SLIMs
    Of course, the above SLIMs are not enough to design unlimited projects.  I expect some excellent suggestions and inputs from designers with their own module ideas.  Therefore, I ask for new and different SLIMs that are not here.  For example, Sam has created a few for his VNA extensions and with his permission, they will be included soon.  Go see Sam's Website.
    These are the requirements for any design to become a SLIM.  They must be published in ExpressPCB software, with a schematic, layout, and a parts list.  Size must be exactly 1.2 inch by 1.2 inch or a multiple thereof, with a maximum size of 2.4 inch by 3.6 inch.  The total combination of holes and vias must be 58 or less for a 1.2 x 1.2 layout, 116 for a 1.2 x 2.4, etc.  Power and data inputs to the module must be on a standard .1 inch spaced vertical pin connector, on bottom of board.  Power is to be +10 volts.  Command signals must be CMOS 5 volt.  RF connections are to be on the bottom of the module.  They should be layed out for direct coax connections, with the option of installing RF pwb connectors. The RF center connections must be positioned at least 0.25 inches from any edge of the board.  For multiple RF connections, center connections must be separated from each other by a minimum of 0.5 inch.  This is so that the largest, 0.5 inch base, connectors can be used without interference.
    Although not a requirement, I highly suggest that the components be no smaller than 0805.  If the design has the capability to radiate, it must be totally shielded.  If it is susceptable to outside radiation or interference from other sources, again, it must be totally shielded.  Use a top layer and bottom layer ground perimeter with a width of at least .05 inch.

Links to other pages:
Construction Techniques
SLIM MSA with Tracking Generator and VNA (Main Page)