Dual Channel Frequency Extender

DC-32GHz Dual Channel Up & Down Converter
+ VNA Extender Module

EECL is pleased to offer the market a dual channel converter module that can be configured for RF->IF or IF->RF (independent) conversion utilising two frequency and phase locked channels. Gain control (+30 to -30 dB) of both IF and RF ports is facilitated, and these can be reversed as required independently.

Each channel has an extremely high isolation of 90dB. The LO used for mixing is generated from an extremely low phase noise VCO and can be set anywhere from 8GHz to 32GHz. The unit has integrated tuneable harmonic filters to prevent unwanted spurious and the unit provides extremely high dynamic range and low noise figure.

Unwanted sidebands can be removed as required. The unit takes up to a 48V power supply and operates over USB with a simple UART based command set, perfect to control with Matlab, C, and Labview. The unit is drift stabilised by the inclusion of an oven and therefore suitable for long term use in a calibrated system.

Overview

Dual channel with high isolation
Up & Down conversion in a single unit
IF: 16KHz – 8GHz
RF: 8GHz – 32GHz
Synthesizer frequency: 8GHz – 32GHz
In-built image rejection (low / high and LO)
Tuneable local oscillator frequency
2.92mm RF & SMA IF ports
Inbuilt heater for stabilization
Low mass, Compact
Aluminium main body fully EMC Shielded

view Dual Channel Frequency Extender DATASHEET

Test automation
VNA Test equipment extender
Low-cost Ka – Band Antenna measurement
Low-cost production test stations
5G & 6G Phased Arrays

2 x Up/Down channels
Bi-Directional RF/IF
LO 8-32 GHz 1MHz Step
Frequency and Phase Locked
Variable RF and IF Gain Control
Spur Filtering and Control
Low Noise
High linearity
High isolation
Zero drift (oven stabilised)
Ultra Low Phase Noise
Fast switching
Internal / External Frequency Reference 10,100,200MHz + custom

Programable and versatile
Easy to use
Compatible with LabVIEW, Matlab, C and other environments
USB / RS232 / Ethernet interface

When used as a VNA extender for anechoic chamber measurement, the module allows an extremely low-cost measurement system to be used with zero compromise on measurement made. The above plot shows our Dual Converter with a Low-Cost VNA, compared to a High-Cost Keysight VNA. Both measurements are identical.

Internal Configuration

The module is somewhat complex inside and utilises multiple bands and around 40 RF MMIC chips. However the insides can be simplified to the following block diagram: