plaquette_rf_system_01_16
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Radio Frequency measurement systems, or RF systems, are based on up or down frequency conversion (IF Signal) through mixers or frequency multipliers. The RF system is used for high accuracy antenna measurements up to 110 GHz. Placing transmit and receive units (the two parts of the RF system) in the vicinity of the RF probe and AUT offers a better dynamic range. Such an RF system configuration can be used with any type of RF source and RF receiver. RF system cables support long LO cables for fundamental mixing up to 20 GHz. LO cables in test and reference locations can have different lengths (near- field or far-field measurement scenarios). RF signals are transmitted from an RF source (Vector Network Analyzer) either to a probe or an AUT. The signal is amplified to compensate cable losses inside a scanner or cable routed to the AUT. The signal reference is converted to a lower (IF) frequency and sent back to the receiver. On the AUT side, the signal is picked up by the same receiver head and down-converted to an IF frequency and sent over a separate channel to the receiver.

System overview Planar Near Field measurement RF system AUT Sync Clock TTL from AUT TX Polarization Switch Optional OEWG Probe LVDS Switch Driver POL SW Horizontal DC-DC Power Supply Transfer switch Bi-Directional Coupler Bi-Directional Coupler Phase Stable Cable Phase Stable Cable Phase Stable Cable CONTROL ROOM DC-DC Power Supply Switch Drive Network Analizer Active Cooling LVDS Switch Driver Phase Stable Cable DC-DC Power Supply Transfer switch DC-DC Power Supply LVDS Switch Driver Active Cooling

System overview Far Field Compact Range measurement RF system AUT Sync Clock TTL from AUT TX SPNT Fast RF Switch Unit LVDS Switch Driver DC-DC Power Supply Feed selector SPOT DC26GHz DC-DC Power Supply LVDS Switch Driver Transfer switch Transfer switch DC-DC Power Supply LVDS Switch Driver Bi-Directional Coupler Active Cooling DC-DC Power Supply LVDS Switch Driver Active Cooling Bi-Directional Coupler Line Amplifier CONTROL ROOM DC-DC Power Supply Switch Drive Network Analizer

An UP or DOWN RF frequency conversion unit The Transmit/Receive Head is the up or down frequency converter used in an MVG-Orbit/FR antenna measurement system. In such systems, placing Transmit/ Receive (Tx/Rx) units in the vicinity of the RF probe. These RF modules are designed to be symmetrically placed on the Probe and/or AUT side of the antenna measurement system. # Main features • Frequency Range: > 0 - 1 GHz Direct Measurements > 1 - 40 GHz Seamless Operation* • Supports both Transmit and Receive Mode • Allows for the use of low frequency** RF cables. • Used in conjunction with a basic...

Note: In such systems, placing Transmit/Receive (Tx/Rx) units in the vicinity of the RF probe and the AUT offers an increased dynamic range. The proximity of the Tx/Rx unit to the probe or AUT also guaranteees high accuracy antenna measurement. For example, the Tx/Rx head placed close to the probe antenna will allow accurate reference of the transmitted signal and thus will avoid phase disturbances caused by RF cable movement. Functional Block Diagram Transfer switch DC-DC Power Supply LVDS Switch Driver Active Cooling Model Index - RF TX/RX Heads PART NUMBER RF Tx/Rx Head, 1 – 20 GHz...

Down Frequency Converter The Receive Head is a simplified version of the Transmit/Receive Head unit. The unit allows only down frequency conversion and thus represents a cost-effective solution for antenna measurement systems. The Receive Head offers the option to include an LNA unit to increase the received signal. # Main features • System Frequency Range: > 0 - 1 GHz direct measurements > 1 - 20 GHz operation > 1 - 40 GHz operation • Supports receive mode only • Simple and cost-effective RF front end for antenna measurement • Stable VSWR toward the AUT or Probe • Complimentary unit to...

A wideband, low-noise RF Amplifier MVG RF Power Amplifiers are used to convert a low-power radio-frequency signal into a larger signal of significant power, typically for driving the antenna of a transmitter. # Main features • Super ultra-wideband: 800 MHz to 21 GHz; 1 - 50 GHZ • Unconditionally stable • Good matching at input and output • Withstands open/short load at 1 dB compression point output power • Very good isolation, typically 75 dB • Robust and compact case with heat sink Functional Block DiagramSpecificationsMODELOFR-RFAMP-S20-X OFR-RFAMP-S40-X Type RF Amplifier, RF...

AUT RX Switch Small Signal Absorptive PIN Switch SPNT MVG-Orbit/FR Broadband AUT RX PIN Diode Absorptive switches are designed for multi-port antenna measurement. RF switch fast response time allows on-the-fly RF signal measurements synchronized with mechanical movement. RF switches are capable of handling power levels up to 100 mW (20 dBm) at a switching speed of 50 ns (nanoseconds). This series of absorptive PIN diode switches are designed with remote logic controls with an over 50 meter cable. The RF signals can be amplified with an internal broadband Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). Main...

MODEL Type Operation Frequency Switching Time Switch Insertion Loss Power Ratings Amplifier Gain Gain Flatness Noise Figure Connectors IN/OUT DC Power Switch control RX SP4T Absorbtive PIN Switch with Low Noise Amplifier, 1 - 40 GHz 1 - 40 GHz 50 nsec 6 dB typical 0.1 Watt max 30 dB typical ±2.2 dB 4.5 dB typical 2.92 mm (F) 24 V, 460 mA max LVDS logic, RG45 connector 125 x 63 x 123 [mm] (W x H x L) RX SP32T Absorbtive PIN Switch with Low Noise Amplifier, 1 - 40 GHz 1 - 40 GHz 50 nsec 12 dB typical 0.1 Watt max 30 dB typical ±2.2 dB 4.5 dB typical 2.92 mm (F) 24 V, 460 mA max LVDS...

MVG-Orbit/FR 50 ohm Coaxial Switches are designed to toggle between TX and RX modes of operations. The RF Switch is designed to handle power levels up to 80 W at a switching speed of 10 ms (milliseconds). Received RF signals can be amplified with an internal broadband LNA. # Main features • Ultra-wideband operating frequencies, DC to 40 GHz • Low loss, max 0.8 dB • Switching speed of 10 ms maximum • Power ratings of 80 W minimum • Life cycle of 2 million cycles • LVDS control logic I Functional Block Diagram SPDT TX/RX Switch Unit MODELOFR-RFSWT-X Type TX/RX Fast SPDT Switch, 1 -...