GENERAL
Description
VDI's VNA Extenders deliver high performance network analyzer frequency extension into the THz range. Models cover 50 GHz to 1,100GHz with additional bands in development. In addition to our full Transceiver (TxRx) modules, VDI also offers Transmit-Reference (TxRef) modules and Receive only (Rx) modules that deliver optimized performance for specific applications. These modules combine high test port power and exceptional dynamic range to deliver industry leading performance. They are compatible with most network analyzers and can be integrated into probe stations and antenna chambers. Power leveling and sweeping is also supported when used with our PM5 Power Meter.
Options
- Increased test port power (for selected bands)
- Micrometer driven variable attenuators (~0-30dB)
- Configured from 1.2m to 5m cables (Standard configuration is 1.2m, 5m option)
- Waveguide calibration kits
- Extended dynamic range modules for high loss environments
VNA Extension Modules General Specifications (WR28 to WR2.2)
|
Description |
Specification |
Connector |
RF Input |
Typical / Damage, -20 Option (Default) |
10 dBm ± 3 dB / 16 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Typical / Damage, -20 Option (Default) with -5m option |
2 dBm ± 3 dB / 8 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Typical / Damage, -40 Option |
0 dBm ± 3 dB / 6 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
LO Input |
Typical / Damage (Default) |
10 dBm ± 3 dB / 16 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Typical / Damage, -5M Option |
2 dBm ± 3 dB / 8 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
IF Outputs (Reference and Measurement) |
Maximum, Direct Connection (279 MHz) |
-9 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Maximum, Controller (7.6 MHz) |
-27 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Test Port |
VDI Precision Flange |
See Flange Diagram |
UG-387/UM |
Power Supply |
AC Input |
100-240VAC, <3.5A, 50-60 Hz |
U.S. or E.U. |
DC Output |
9V / 4A |
2.1mm ID x 5.5mm OD x 9.5mm (f) |
Operating Temperature |
Typical / Recommended |
25°C / 20-30°C |
- |
Typical Enclosure Dimensions |
TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) WR28 to WR19 |
9.5 x 3.0 x 1.5 |
- |
TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) WR15 to WR2.2 |
8.5 x 3.0 x 1.5 |
- |
TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) WR28 to WR19, -Atten Option |
Contact VDI |
- |
TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) WR28 to WR19, -Atten Option |
8.5 x 3.0 x 1.5 |
- |
Rx Modules (in.) |
3.75 x 3.0 x 1.5 |
- |
Typical Weight |
TxRx & TxRef Modules (lbs.) |
4 |
- |
Rx Modules (lbs.) |
2 |
- |
VNA Extension Modules General Specifications (WR1.5 to WR0.65)
|
Description |
Specification |
Connector |
RF Input |
Standard Frequency Input (Typical / Damage) |
10 dBm ± 3 dB / 16 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Standard Frequency Input (Typical / Damage) with -5m option |
2 dBm ± 3 dB / 8 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
High Frequency Input (Typical / Damage) |
0 dBm ± 3 dB / 6 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
LO Input |
Typical / Damage (Default) |
10 dBm ± 3 dB / 16 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Typical / Damage, -5M Option |
2 dBm ± 3 dB / 8 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
IF Outputs (Reference and Measurement) |
Maximum, Direct Connection (279 MHz) |
-9 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Maximum, Controller (7.6 MHz) |
-27 dBm |
2.9mm (f) |
Test Port |
VDI Precision Flange |
See Flange Diagram |
UG-387/UM |
Power Supply |
AC Input |
100-240VAC, <3.5A, 50-60 Hz |
U.S. or E.U. |
DC Output |
See VDI-175 Datasheet |
Operating Temperature |
Typical / Recommended |
25°C / 20-30°C |
- |
Typical Enclosure Dimensions |
TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.)
|
11 x 5 x 3 |
- |
Rx Modules (in.)
|
8 x 5 x 3 |
- |
Typical Weight |
TxRx & TxRef Modules (lbs.) |
9 |
- |
Rx Modules (lbs.) |
4 |
- |

Contact [email protected] for more information.
VNAX
Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) Extenders - Summary of Specifications
|
Waveguide Band |
Frequency Coverage (GHz) |
Dynamic Range (BW=10Hz,dB) |
Test Port Power (dBm typical) |
Stability |
Test Port Input Limit for TxRx, TxRef (est., dBm, sat./damage) |
Directivity (dB) |
Standard |
Extended‡ |
Typical
|
Minimum
|
Magnitude (±dB) |
Phase (±deg) |
WR28 |
26-40 |
- |
120 |
110 |
13 |
0.15 |
2 |
26/33 |
30 |
WR19* |
40-60 |
- |
120 |
110 |
13 |
0.15 |
2 |
26/31 |
30 |
WR15 |
50-75 |
47-77 |
120 |
110 |
13 |
0.15 |
2 |
26/30 |
30 |
WR12 |
60-90 |
55-95 |
120 |
110 |
13 |
0.15 |
2 |
26/30 |
30 |
WR12 SE Option |
60-90 |
55-90 |
120 |
110 |
13 |
0.15 |
2 |
26/30 |
30 |
WR10 |
75-110 |
67-115 |
120 |
110 |
11 |
0.15 |
2 |
24/30 |
30 |
WR10 SE Option |
75-110 |
67-110 |
120 |
110 |
-1 |
0.15 |
2 |
13/30 |
30 |
WR8.0 |
90-140 |
- |
120 |
110 |
6 |
0.15 |
2 |
19/30 |
30 |
WR6.5 |
110-170 |
- |
120 |
110 |
9 |
0.25 |
4 |
22/30 |
30 |
WR5.1 |
140-220 |
- |
120 |
110 |
-1 |
0.25 |
4 |
12/21 |
30 |
WR4.3 |
170-260 |
- |
115 |
110 |
-2 |
0.3 |
4 |
11/20 |
30 |
WR3.4 |
220-330 |
- |
115 |
105 |
-6 |
0.3 |
6 |
7/20 |
30 |
WM-710 (WR2.8) |
260-400 |
- |
100 |
80 |
-10 |
0.5 |
6 |
6/13 |
30 |
WM-570 (WR2.2) |
325-500 |
- |
110 |
100 |
-8 |
0.5 |
6 |
-10/-3 |
30 |
WM-380 (WR1.5) |
500-750 |
- |
100 |
80 |
-25 |
0.4 |
4 |
-10/-3 |
30 |
WM-250 (WR1.0) |
750-1100 |
- |
65 |
45 |
-30 |
0.5 |
6 |
-10/-3 |
30 |
WM-164 (WR0.65†) |
1100-1500 |
- |
60 |
40 |
-45 |
1 |
20 |
-10/-3 |
30 |
*WR19 is under development. Specifications listed above indicate expected performance. Contact VDI for more information.
**WM164 (WR0.65) performance is specified for a TxRx-Rx configuration using external synthesizers. Performance of a TxRx-TxRx configuration is estimated to have a ~15 dB degradation of dynamic range and may additionally require the use of a mmWave controller.
General Notes:
Extension modules are compatible with all modern VNAs. Please consult with VDI to discuss VNA and module configurations that will yield the best performance for your application.
Technical Notes:
1. Test Port Power is typical, reduced power is possible at band edges. Range is measured on PNA/PNAX front-panel with internal synthesizers, using a controller can reduce DR by ~5-10 dB.
2. Stability is specified for 1 hour after system warm-up, in stable environment with ideal cables.
3. Specifications assume a through measurement with two TxRx heads.
4. Specifications are measured on a Keysight PNA/PNAX with front panel connection at 25°C typical.
5. The dynamic range (RBW 10 Hz) is measured by first connecting two TxRx heads together and normalizing the un-calibrated S21 & S12. The heads are then disconnected and terminated with a waveguide short. The rms of the measured S21 & S12 give the system dynamic range.
6. Typical Module Dimensions exclude testport (2" standard testport for all modules except WM250 (WR1.0), where a 1" testport is used)
‡Where noted, Extended Frequency Coverage applies; module performance within the standard band conforms to standard specifications while performance in the extended regions can be degraded as follows:
-The minimum and typical dynamic range is degraded by 10dB or less, compared to the specification for the standard band.
-The test port power typical across the extended band is degraded by 5 dB or less compared to the specification for the standard band.
Contact [email protected] for more information.
CUSTOM VNAX
VDI continues to improve its VNAX product line by focusing on reaching higher frequencies and powers.
235 GHz High Test Port Power VNAX
This custom system achieves > 10dBm test port power across ~ 228-242 GHz while maintaining similar dynamic range, stability and directivity as our standard WR4.3VNAX. VDI is able to offer narrow band/high test port power modules like the 235 GHz Custom High Test Port Power VNAX module. Dynamic Range and Test Port Power performance is shown below:
Contact [email protected] for more information.
CAL KITS
Calibration Kits
This VDI offers banded waveguide calibration kits for s-parameter calibration of our extension modules. Two different calibration techniques are offered dependent upon the frequency of operation: TRL (Through-Reflect-Line) calibrations for WR15 through WR3.4; SOLT (Short-Open-Load-Through) calibrations for WR2.8 through WR1.0. VDI also makes available both Type A (legacy) and Type B (current) versions of the calibration standards to support both QW (Quarter Wave Delay Shim) and QD (Quarter Wave Delay Short) standards. These standard versions are described here. Electronic calibration kit definitions are available for download below.
Downloads
Use the image below to identify the correct type of calibration kit needed.

Questions? Contact VDI at [email protected]
DUAL SOURCE MODULE
Dual Source Module
Virginia Diodes offers VNA Extension Modules with an integrated second RF source to enable two-tone measurement solutions. This includes TOI/IP3 analysis as well as differential measurement setups. The addition of the second RF source reduces the test port power of the primary signal path slightly, but otherwise preserves the full measurement capability of the standard VNA Extension Modules. Dual sources module do require longer enclosures to implement. Contact VDI for additional information and details.

TRIPLEXER OPTION
Triplexer Option
For Rx modules, Virginia Diodes offers a triplexer option that allows the user to combine DC, LO, and IF signals onto a single cable. The triplexer can be mounted on the top of the Rx module. To mount the triplexer assembly to the Rx module, the Rx module must be configured with appropriate mounting holes, as shown below.
See 2D drawing of Rx modules (with ~3.75" x 3.0" x 1.5" enclosures) here.

Contact VDI for additional information and details.
RESOURCES
Product Manuals and Specifications
Mechanical Drawings
WM380 to WM164 - 2D Drawings:
WR28 to WM570 - 2D Drawings: