OVERVIEW
Description
Virginia Diodes, Inc. (VDI) Spectrum Analyzer Extension (SAX) modules provide high performance broadband down-conversion and frequency extension of microwave spectrum analyzers into the THz range. VDI SAX modules offer full waveguide band coverage and are available from WR28 (26 to 40 GHz) to WR1.0 (750 to 1100 GHz) with additional bands under development.
For spectrum analyzer extension mode, this turn-key, sweepable solution is compatible with most modern spectrum analyzers with external mixer option. For block down- and up-conversion, the SAX modules can be driven by an LO signal generator that meets the input frequency and power requirements. Contact VDI for spectrum analyzer extension compatibility.
Standard Features
- Full waveguide band coverage
- Low-conversion loss and noise figure
- Broadband IF up to 40 GHz for block down-conversion.
- 8" x 5" x 3" enclosure suitable for standalone operation or mounting on optical tables and probes
- 9V DC power supply included
Options
- IF input port for block up-conversion
- Amplifiers and filters for use with up-conversion option
- External Micrometer driven variable attenuator (~0-30dB)
- Output horn antenna for free space coupling
- Waveguide test port extensions (1" and 2" available)
- High Sensitivity (Please contact VDI for more information)
Mini SAX (NEW!)
VDI Mini SAX Standard Product List |
VDI Part # |
Band (GHz) |
Typical SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
|
Maximum Available IF Bandwidth (GHz)† |
Intrinsic Mixer* |
WR0.65SAX-M |
1,100 - 1,500 |
33 |
40 |
WR1.0SAX-M |
750 - 1,100 |
25 |
40 |
WR1.5SAX-M |
500 - 750 |
18 |
40 |
WR2.2SAX-M |
330 - 500 |
16 |
40 |
WR2.8SAX-M |
260 - 400 |
13 |
40 |
WR3.4SAX-M |
220 - 330 |
12 |
40 |
WR4.3SAX-M |
170 - 260 |
11 |
26 |
WR5.1SAX-M |
140 - 220 |
11 |
22 |
WR6.5SAX-M |
110 - 170 |
10 |
17 |
WR8.0SAX-M |
90 - 140 |
10 |
14 |
WR10SAX-M |
75 - 110 |
10 |
11 |
WR12SAX-M |
60 - 90 |
10 |
9 |
WR15SAX-M |
50 - 75 |
10 |
7.5 |
WR19SAX-M |
40 - 60 |
9 |
6 |
WR28SAX-M |
26 - 40 |
9 |
4 |
*Intrinsic mixer conversion loss is measured before any IF amplification.
† For block down-conversion mode only. Maximum IF bandwidth is limited to 20 GHz when
up-conversion option is added.
For more information about the Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL), please refer to the
SAX Product manual located on the Resources tab.
General Specifications for VDI SAX-M Modules
|
Description |
Specification |
Connector |
LO Input Port |
Low Frequency (Typical / Damage) |
10 dBm ± 3 dB / 20 dBm |
2.92mm (f) |
High Frequency (Typical / Damage) |
0 dBm ± 3 dB / 6 dBm |
2.92mm (f) |
Low Freq. IF Output Port |
-- |
~50kHz-2.5GHz |
2.92mm (f) |
RF Test Port
|
VDI Precision Flange |
WR15 to WR0.65 |
UG-387/UM |
WR28 to WR19 |
UG-599/UM |
AC Input |
Single-Volt Power Supply (+9V / 4A) |
100-240VAC, 3.5A, 50-60 Hz |
U.S. or E.U. |
Maximum Weight |
-- |
4.0 Lbs. (1.81 Kg.) |
-- |
Dimensions |
Typical (Length x Width x Height) |
8" x 5" x 3" |
-- |
Operating Temperature |
Typical / Recommended |
25°C / 20-30°C |
-- |
SAX MODULES
VDI SAX Standard Product List |
VDI Part # |
RF Frequency Band (GHz) |
RF Power Limits (Compression / Damage) |
Intrinsic Mixer Conversion Loss (Typical dB)* |
IF Frequency (GHz)†
|
Displayed Average Noise Level (dBm/Hz)†† |
Without -UP Option, High Freq. IF Output
|
With -UP Option, High Freq. IF Output
|
IF Input |
IF Output |
WR28SAX |
26 - 40 |
-4 / 6 |
9 |
0.1-4 |
1-4 |
0.1-4 |
-150 |
WR19SAX |
40 - 60 |
-10 / 0 |
9 |
0.1-6 |
1-6 |
0.1-6 |
-150 |
WR15SAX |
50 - 75 |
-10 / 0 |
9 |
0.1-7.5 |
1-7.5 |
0.1-7.5 |
-150 |
WR12SAX |
60 - 90 |
-10 / 0 |
10 |
0.1-9 |
1-9 |
0.1-9 |
-150 |
WR10SAX |
75 - 110 |
-10 / 0 |
10 |
0.1-11 |
1-11 |
0.1-11 |
-150 |
WR8.0SAX |
90 - 140 |
-10 / 0 |
10 |
0.1-14 |
1-14 |
0.1-14 |
-150 |
WR6.5SAX |
110 - 170 |
-10 / 0 |
10 |
0.1-17 |
1-17 |
0.1-17 |
-150 |
WR5.1SAX |
140 - 220 |
-10 / 0 |
11 |
0.0001-22 |
1-20 |
0.1-20 |
-150 |
WR4.3SAX |
170 - 260 |
-10 / 0 |
11 |
0.0001-26 |
1-20 |
0.1-20 |
-150 |
WR3.4SAX |
220 - 330 |
-20 / -10 |
14 |
0.0001-40 |
1-20 |
0.1-20 |
-150 |
WR2.8SAX |
260 - 400 |
-10 / 0 |
13 |
0.0001-40 |
1-20 |
0.1-20 |
-145 |
WR2.2SAX |
330 - 500 |
-20 / -10 |
16 |
0.0001-40 |
1-20 |
0.1-20 |
-150 |
WR1.5SAX |
500 - 750 |
-20 / -10 |
18 |
0.0001-40 |
1-20 |
0.1-20 |
-150 |
WR1.0SAX |
750 - 1,100 |
-20 / -10 |
30 |
0.0001-40 |
1-20 |
0.1-20 |
-135 |
WR0.65SAX |
1,100-1,500 |
-20 / -10 |
33 |
0.0001-40 |
1-20 |
0.1-20 |
-130 (est.) |
*Intrinsic mixer conversion loss is measured before any IF amplification.
†Maximum IF frequency is limited to 20 GHz when up-conversion option is added. Contact VDI for more information about the -UP40 option,
which can increase the IF frequency for up-conversion and down-conversion up to 40 GHz.
††Displayed Average Noise Level (DANL) measurements taken on Keysight PXA based on compression levels listed above. For small signal
analysis, DANL can be enhanced with external IF amplification. Contact VDI for more information.
General Specifications for VDI SAX Modules
|
Description |
Specification |
Connector |
LO Input Port |
Low Frequency (Typical / Damage) |
10 dBm ± 3 dB / 20 dBm |
2.92mm (f) |
High Frequency (Typical / Damage) |
0 dBm ± 3 dB / 6 dBm |
2.92mm (f) |
Low Freq. IF Output Port |
WR19 to WR6.5 |
~100MHz-2.5GHz
|
2.92mm (f) |
WR5.1 to WR0.65 |
~50kHz-2.5GHz |
2.92mm (f) |
RF Test Port
|
VDI Precision Flange |
WR15 to WR0.65 |
UG-387/UM |
WR28 to WR19 |
UG-599/UM |
AC Input |
Single-Volt Power Supply (+9V / 4A) |
100-240VAC, 3.5A, 50-60 Hz |
U.S. or E.U. |
Maximum Weight |
-- |
4.0 Lbs. (1.81 Kg.) |
-- |
Dimensions |
Typical (Length x Width x Height) |
8" x 5" x 3" |
-- |
Operating Temperature |
Typical / Recommended |
25°C / 20-30°C |
-- |
RESOURCES
Product Manuals and Specifications
Application Notes
For Mini SAX:
WR28 to WR19: .pdf and .stp
WR15 to WM-250: .pdf and .stp
Compatible with Keysight Signal Analyzers:
VDI SAX modules are compatible with Keysight PXA, MXA, and EXA signal analyzers. Click here for more information.