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Millimeter Wave Frequency Extenders

Technical Overviews

The N9029AVxx signal analyzer frequency extension modules expand the measurement range of microwave signal analyzers up into the millimeter frequency range. They combine low conversion loss with excellent noise figure to provide the best possible sensitivity for measuring low-level signals.

The N9029AVxx modules can be used in two different operating modes, depending on the type of signals to be measured. In standard mode (see Figure 2), the LO signal comes from the signal analyzer, gets multiplied to a much higher frequency, and is mixed with the incoming millimeter signal entering the module from the waveguide input. The resulting 322.5 MHz IF signal is then routed back into the signal analyzer. A built-in diplexer enables both the LO and IF signals to share the same cable, allowing a single coaxial cable to provide the connection between the signal analyzer and the N9029AVxx frequency extender.

In this mode, the signal identification and image suppression features of the Keysight X-Series signal analyzers can be used to correctly identify the actual RF frequency and remove spurious signals. Amplitude readings on the signal analyzer can be corrected with the conversion loss table, which is stored on a USB memory stick included with each N9029AVxx module so that it can be easily downloaded into the signal analyzer’s memory.

The standard mode is useful for general spectrum analysis and works best with stable CW or narrowband signals.

The N9029AVxx module can also be used as a wideband downconverter (see Figure 3). In this mode, a separate signal generator is used to provide a fixed LO signal, and a block of RF signals (both the upper and lower sidebands) are down converted to IF and fed into the signal analyzer or oscilloscope RF input. This configuration provides an IF bandwidth of up to 20 GHz.

Block down conversion, in which spectral information is preserved, is very useful for signals that drift or for wideband communication signals. Like the standard mode, conversion loss can be applied to determine RF power. Spurious mixing products can be identified by varying the signal generator frequency slightly to determine the mixing order.

There is an optional capability available on some N9029AVxx frequency extender models, called Option UDC, which enables the unit to operate as either a wideband downconverter (see Figure 3) or an upconverter (see Figure 4). The conversion mode is determined by arranging the semi-rigid jumper cables on the rear panel of the N9029AVxx-UDC, as shown in Figures 5 through 8.

In upconverter mode, a baseband generator, such as the Keysight M8190A arbitrary waveform generator, can be used with the E8267D PSG vector signal generator to place a wide baseband signal on an IF carrier. The IF and LO inputs are up converted through the frequency extender, and mixing images are created at frequencies (FLO*N-FIF) and (FLO*N+FIF). Image rejection can be obtained at the up converter output by using externally-mounted bandpass waveguide filters that offer up to 100 dB of out-of-band rejection. Conversion loss data can be applied to determined RF output power. Spurious mixing products can be identified by varying the signal generator frequency slightly to determine the mixing order.

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