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!)
*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 / 18 dBm |
2.92mm (f) |
High Frequency (Typical / Damage) |
0 dBm ± 3 dB / 6 dBm |
2.92mm (f) |
Low Freq. IF Output Port |
WR28 to WR1.0 (Typical) |
~50kHz-2.5GHz |
2.92mm (f) |
High Freq. IF Output Port |
Start Frequency (Typical) |
~50kHz |
2.92mm (f) |
Stop Frequency |
See Product Manual |
RF Test Port
|
VDI Precision Flange |
WR15 to WR1.0 |
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 |
-- |
2.0 Lbs. (0.90 Kg.) |
-- |
Dimensions |
Typical (Length x Width x Height) |
6" x 3.5" x 1.5" |
-- |
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, typ.) |
Intrinsic Mixer Conversion Loss (Typ., dB)* |
Maximum IF Frequency (Typical, GHz)
|
Displayed Average Noise Level (dBm/Hz, typical)†
|
WR28SAX |
26 - 40 |
-4 / 6 |
9 |
4 |
-150 |
WR19SAX |
40 - 60 |
-10 / 0 |
9 |
6 |
-150 |
WR15SAX |
50 - 75 |
-10 / 0 |
9 |
7.5 |
-150 |
WR12SAX |
60 - 90 |
-10 / 0 |
10 |
9 |
-150 |
WR10SAX |
75 - 110 |
-10 / 0 |
10 |
11 |
-150 |
WR8.0SAX |
90 - 140 |
-10 / 0 |
10 |
14 |
-150 |
WR6.5SAX |
110 - 170 |
-10 / 0 |
10 |
17 |
-150 |
WR5.1SAX |
140 - 220 |
-10 / 0 |
11 |
22 |
-150 |
WR4.3SAX |
170 - 260 |
-10 / 0 |
11 |
26 |
-150 |
WR3.4SAX |
220 - 330 |
-20 / -10 |
14 |
40 |
-150 |
WR2.8SAX |
260 - 400 |
-10 / 0 |
13 |
40 |
-145 |
WR2.2SAX |
330 - 500 |
-20 / -10 |
16 |
40 |
-150 |
WR1.5SAX |
500 - 750 |
-20 / -10 |
18 |
40 |
-150 |
WR1.0SAX |
750 - 1,100 |
-20 / -10 |
30 |
40 |
-135 |
WR0.65SAX |
1,100-1,500 |
-20 / -10 |
33 |
40 |
-130 (est.) |
*Intrinsic mixer conversion loss is measured before any IF amplification.
†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 (Typical) |
~100MHz-2.5GHz
|
2.92mm (f) |
WR5.1 to WR0.65 (Typical) |
~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 (SAX 899 and lower), Old, Discontinued Units:
WR28 to WR19: .pdf and .stp
WR15 to WM-250: .pdf and .stp
For Mini SAX (SAX 900 and higher):
WR28 to WR19:
Contact VDIWR15 to WM-250 (with feet):
.pdf and
.stp
WR15 to WM-250 (without feet):
.pdf and
.stp
Relevant Links
Compatible with Keysight Signal Analyzers:
VDI SAX modules are compatible with Keysight PXA, MXA, and EXA signal analyzers. Click here for more information.