Vector Network Analyzer Extenders
Description
VDI’s VNA Extenders deliver high performance network analyzer frequency extension into the THz range. Models cover 26 GHz to 1,100GHz with additional bands in development. In addition to our full Transceiver (TxRx) modules, VDI also offers Transmit-Reference (TxRef) modules and Receive only (Rx) modules that deliver optimized performance for specific applications. These modules combine high test port power and exceptional dynamic range to deliver industry leading performance. They are compatible with most network analyzers and can be integrated into probe stations and antenna chambers. Power leveling and sweeping is also supported when used with our PM5 Power Meter.
Options
– Increased test port power (for selected bands)
– Micrometer driven variable attenuators (~0-30dB)
– Configured from 1.2m to 5m cables (Standard configuration is 1.2m, 5m option)
– Waveguide calibration kits
– Extended dynamic range modules for high loss environments
General Specifications | |||
| Description | Specification | Connector | |
| RF Input | Typical / Damage, -20 Option (Default) | 10 dBm ± 3 dB / 16 dBm <20 GHz | 2.9mm (f) |
| Typical / Damage, -20 Option (Default) with -5m option | 2 dBm ± 3 dB / 8 dBm <20 GHz | 2.9mm (f) | |
| Typical / Damage, -40 Option | 0 dBm ± 3 dB / 6 dBm <45 GHz | 2.9mm (f) | |
| LO Input | Typical / Damage (Default) | 10 dBm ± 3 dB / 16 dBm <20 GHz | 2.9mm (f) |
| Typical / Damage, -5M Option | 2 dBm ± 3 dB / 8 dBm <20 GHz | 2.9mm (f) | |
| IF Outputs (Reference and Measurement) | Maximum, Direct Connection (279 MHz) | -9 dBm | 2.9mm (f) |
| Maximum, Controller (7.6 MHz) | -21 dBm | 2.9mm (f) | |
| Test Port | VDI Precision Flange | See Flange Diagram | UG-387/UM |
| Power Supply | AC Input | 100-240VAC, <3.5A, 50-60 Hz | U.S. or E.U. |
| DC Output | 9V / 4A | 2.1mm ID x 5.5mm OD x 9.5mm (f) | |
| Operating Temperature | Typical / Recommended | 25°C / 20-30°C | – |
| Typical Enclosure Dimensions | TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) WR28 to WR19 | 9.5 x 3.0 x 1.5 | – |
| TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) WR15 to WR2.2 | 8.5 x 3.0 x 1.5 | – | |
| TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) WR28 to WR19, -Atten Option | Contact VDI | – | |
| TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) WR28 to WR19, -Atten Option | 8.5 x 3.0 x 1.5 | – | |
| Rx Modules (in.) [New, Serial Number: VNAX 2400 and higher] | 4.75 x 3.0 x 1.5 | – | |
| Rx Modules (in.) [Old, Serial Number: VNAX 2399 and lower] | 3.75 x 3.0 x 1.5 | ||
| Typical Weight | TxRx & TxRef Modules (lbs.) | 4 | – |
| Rx Modules (lbs.) | 2 | – | |
General Specifications | |||
| Description | Specification | Connector | |
| RF Input | Standard Frequency Input (Typical / Damage) | 10 dBm ± 3 dB / 16 dBm <20 GHz | 2.9mm (f) |
| Standard Frequency Input (Typical / Damage) with -5m option | 2 dBm ± 3 dB / 8 dBm <20 GHz | 2.9mm (f) | |
| High Frequency Input (Typical / Damage) | 0 dBm ± 3 dB / 6 dBm <45 GHz | 2.9mm (f) | |
| LO Input | Typical / Damage (Default) | 10 dBm ± 3 dB / 16 dBm <20 GHz | 2.9mm (f) |
| Typical / Damage, -5M Option | 2 dBm ± 3 dB / 8 dBm <20 GHz | 2.9mm (f) | |
| IF Outputs (Reference and Measurement) | Maximum, Direct Connection (279 MHz) | -9 dBm | 2.9mm (f) |
| Maximum, Controller (7.6 MHz) | -21 dBm | 2.9mm (f) | |
| Test Port | VDI Precision Flange | See Flange Diagram | UG-387/UM |
| Power Supply | AC Input | 100-240VAC, <3.5A, 50-60 Hz | U.S. or E.U. |
| DC Output | See VDI-175 Datasheet | ||
| Operating Temperature | Typical / Recommended | 25°C / 20-30°C | – |
| Typical Enclosure Dimensions | TxRx & TxRef Modules (in.) | 11 x 5 x 3 | – |
| Rx Modules (in.) | 8 x 5 x 3 | – | |
| Typical Weight | TxRx & TxRef Modules (lbs.) | 9 | – |
| Rx Modules (lbs.) | 4 | – | |
Contact vdirfq@vadiodes.com for more information.
Vector Network Analyzer (VNA) Extenders – Summary of Specifications | |||||||||
| Waveguide Band | Frequency Coverage (GHz) | Dynamic Range (BW=10Hz,dB) | Test Port Power (dBm, typical) | Stability (typical) | Test Port Input Limit (estimate, dBm, damage) TxRx, TxRef † | Directivity (dB, typical) | |||
| Standard | Extended‡ | Typical | Minimum | Magnitude (±dB) | Phase (±deg) | ||||
| WR28 | 26-40 | – | 120 | 110 | 13 | 0.15 | 2 | 33 | 30 |
| WR19 | 40-60 | – | 120 | 105 | 17 | 0.15 | 2 | 31 | 30 |
| WR15 | 50-75 | 47-77 | 120 | 110 | 18 | 0.10 | 1.5 | 30 | 30 |
| WR15 SE Option | 50-75 | 47-77 | 120 | 110 | 13 | 0.10 | 1.5 | 30 | 30 |
| WR12 | 60-90 | 55-95 | 120 | 110 | 18 | 0.10 | 1.5 | 30 | 30 |
| WR12 SE Option | 60-90 | 55-90 | 120 | 110 | 13 | 0.10 | 1.5 | 30 | 30 |
| WR10 | 75-110 | 67-115 | 120 | 110 | 18 | 0.10 | 1.5 | 30 | 30 |
| WR10 SE Option | 75-110 | 67-110 | 120 | 110 | -1 | 0.10 | 1.5 | 20 | 30 |
| WR8.0 | 90-140 | – | 120 | 110 | 16 | 0.15 | 2 | 30 | 30 |
| WR6.5 | 110-170 | – | 120 | 110 | 13 | 0.25 | 4 | 30 | 30 |
| WR5.1 | 140-220 | – | 120 | 110 | 6 | 0.25 | 4 | 30 | 30 |
| WR5.1 (EB Option) | 140-220 | 130-220 | 120 | 110 | 6 | 0.25 | 4 | 30 | 30 |
| WR4.3 | 170-260 | – | 115 | 110 | 4 | 0.3 | 4 | 28 | 30 |
| WR3.4 | 220-330 | – | 115 | 105 | 1 | 0.3 | 6 | 26 | 30 |
| WM-710 (WR2.8) | 260-400 | – | 110 | 100 | -1 | 0.5 | 6 | 23 | 30 |
| WM-570 (WR2.2) | 330-500 | 325-500 | 110 | 100 | -3 | 0.5 | 6 | 10 | 30 |
| WM-380 (WR1.5) Mini | 500-750 | – | 110* | 95* | -12 | 0.4 | 4 | 7 | 30 |
| WM-250 (WR1.0) Mini | 750-1100 | – | 95* | 75* | -23 | 0.5 | 6 | -3 | 30 |
| WM-164 (WR0.65**) | 1100-1500 | – | 60* | 40* | -45 | 1 | 20 | -3 | 30 |
*The dynamic range specifications assume that low phase sources are used, like those used in the modern Keysight PNA / PNA-X analyzers
with DDS synthesizers. While compatible, other VNAs may reduce dynamic range.
**WM164 (WR0.65) performance is specified for a TxRx-Rx configuration. Performance of a TxRx-TxRx configuration is estimated to have a
~15 dB degradation of dynamic range and may additionally require the use of a mmWave controller.
†Test Port Input Powers exceeding the peak Test Port Power of the TxRx or TxRef module will compress the module.
General Notes:
Extension modules are compatible with all modern VNAs. Please consult with VDI to discuss VNA and module configurations that will yield the best performance for your application.
Technical Notes:
1. Test Port Power is typical, reduced power is possible at band edges.
2. Stability is specified for 1 hour after system warm-up, in stable environment with ideal cables.
3. Specifications assume a through measurement with two TxRx heads.
4. Specifications are measured on a Keysight PNA/PNAX with front panel connection at 25°C typical.
5. The dynamic range (RBW=10Hz) is measured by first connecting two TxRx modules together and normalizing the un-calibrated S21 & S12. The heads are then disconnected and terminated with a waveguide short. The RMS average of 10 sweeps of the measured S21 & S12 gives the system dynamic range.
6. Typical Module Dimensions exclude testport (2″ standard testport for all modules except WM250 (WR1.0), where a 1″ testport is used)
‡Where noted, Extended Frequency Coverage applies; module performance within the standard band conforms to standard specifications while performance in the extended regions can be degraded as follows:
-The minimum and typical dynamic range is degraded by 10dB or less, compared to the specification for the standard band, with the exception of WR5.1.
-For WR5.1, the minimum dynamic range is 95dB (15dB degradation compared to the standard band specification).
-The test port power typical across the extended band is degraded by 5 dB or less compared to the specification for the standard band.
Contact vdirfq@vadiodes.com for more information.
PXI VNAX
VDI offers VNAX module configurations that are compatible with the Keysight PXI or Streamline VNA product lines. For specifications, please refer to page 5 of this Keysight document for the latest specifications. The specifications listed below are accurate as of May 9, 2023. The VNAX-AM (Streamline VNA to VNAX Adapter Module) may be required for some configurations
P50xxA/B Streamline M980xA PXI VNA | P93xxA/B Streamline M937xA PXI VNA | ||||||
| Part Number | Frequency Band (GHz) | Test Port Power (dBm typ) | Dynamic Range (BW=10Hz,dB) | Dynamic Range (BW=10Hz,dB) | |||
| Standard | Extended | Typical | Minimum | Typical | Minimum | ||
| WR15VNATxRxM* | 50-75 | 47-77 | 18 | 110 | 100 | 105 | 95 |
| WR15VNATxRxM-SE* | 50-75 | 47-77 | 13 | 110 | 100 | 105 | 95 |
| WR15VNATxRxM-P | 50-75 | – | 13 | 105 | 95 | 105 | 95 |
| WR12VNATxRxM* | 60-90 | 55-95 | 18 | 110 | 100 | 105 | 95 |
| WR12VNATxRxM-SE* | 60-90 | 55-90 | 13 | 110 | 100 | 105 | 95 |
| WR12VNATxRxM-P | 60-90 | – | 13 | 105 | 95 | 105 | 95 |
| WR10VNATxRxM* | 75-110 | 67-115 | 18 | 110 | 100 | 105 | 95 |
| WR10VNATxRxM-SE* | 75-110 | 67-110 | -1 | 110 | 100 | 105 | 95 |
| WR10VNATxRxM-P | 75-110 | 16 | 105 | 95 | 105 | 95 | |
| WR10VNATxRxM-P-SE | 75-110 | -1 | 105 | 95 | 105 | 95 | |
| WR8.0VNATxRxM* | 90-140 | 16 | 110 | 100 | 95 | 85 | |
| WR6.5VNATxRxM* | 110-170 | 13 | 110 | 100 | – | – | |
| WR5.1VNATxRxM* | 140-220 | 6 | 110 | 100 | N/A | N/A | |
| WR4.3VNATxRxM* | 170-260 | 4 | 110 | 100 | N/A | N/A | |
| WR3.4VNATxRxM* | 220-330 | 1 | 110 | 100 | N/A | N/A | |
*VNAX-AM (Streamline VNA to VNAX Adapter Module) is required to operate Standard VDI VNAX Modules with
Keysight Streamline or PXI VNA.
High Power VNAX Configuration
VDI offers VNA Frequency Extension Modules with Higher Test Port Power compared to the standard VNAX modules. The High Power VNAX modules conform to all other standard S-parameter performance specifications. The typical and minimum dynamic range may be slightly reduced.
| |||
| Waveguide Band (GHz) | RF Frequency (GHz) | Part Number | Test |
| WR-6.5 | 110 – 170 | WR6.5VNATxRxM-HP2 | 17 |
| WR-4.3 | 170 – 260 | WR4.3VNATxRxM-HP4 | 17 |
Additional high power options and frequency bands are available.
Contact vdirfq@vadiodes.com for more information.
Calibration Kits
VDI offers banded waveguide calibration kits for s-parameter calibration of our extension modules. Two different calibration techniques are offered dependent upon the frequency of operation: TRL (Through-Reflect-Line) calibrations for WR28 through WR3.4; SOLT (Short-Open-Load-Through) calibrations for WR2.8 through WR1.0. VDI only manufactures Type B versions of the calibration standards to support both QW (Quarter Wave Delay Shim) and QD (Quarter Wave Delay Short) standards. These standard versions are described here. Information about Type A calibration standards are included in the VNAX Manual. Electronic calibration kit definitions are available for download below.
Use the image below to identify the correct type of calibration kit needed.
Type A Calibration Kits have been discontinued but Type A Calibration Kit Definitions may
still be downloaded here.
Questions? Contact VDI at info@vadiodes.com
Dual Source Module Option
The Dual Source (DS) option for VDI VNAX modules adds a second source module and a directional coupler into the standard TxRx Module (see block diagram below). This enables two-tone measurements to allow users to characterize device linearity. VNAX-DS modules have slightly reduced test port power and dynamic range compared to standard VNAX modules. VNAX-DS modules conform to all other standard
S-parameter performance specifications. Specifications listed below are specific for the DS option. For setup instructions or other information about our VNAX-DS Modules, please Contact VDI. For more information on VDI VNAX Modules, please refer to VDI-707.1 (VNAX Product Manual) located under the Resources tab.
The –3DB Option includes a 3dB combining coupler instead of a 6dB combining coupler. With the –3DB option, the Test Port Power imbalance between Source 1 and Source 2 is reduced while sacrificing maximum test port power compared to the standard configuration.
| VNAX-DS Dual Source Specifications | ||||||
| Waveguide Band (GHz) | Frequency Band (GHz) | Dynamic Range (BW=10Hz,dB) | Test Port Power (dBm, typ.) | |||
| Standard | Extended‡ | Typical | Minimum | Source 1 | Source 2 | |
| WR15 | 50-75 | 47-77 | 115 | 105 | 14 (est.) | 9 (est.) |
| WR15 (-3DB) | 115 | 105 | 13 | 13 | ||
| WR12 | 60-90 | 55-95 | 115 | 105 | 14 | 9 |
| WR12 (-3DB) | 115 | 105 | 13 | 13 | ||
| WR10 | 75-110 | 67-115 | 115 | 105 | 13 | 7 |
| WR10 (-3DB) | 115 | 105 | 13 | 13 | ||
| WR8.0 | 90-140 | – | 110 | 100 | 12 | 7 |
| WR8.0 (-3DB) | 110 | 100 | 10 (est.) | 10 (est.) | ||
| WR6.5 | 110-170 | – | 110 | 100 | 12 (est.) | 7 (est.) |
| WR6.5 (-3DB) | 110 | 100 | 10 (est.) | 10 (est.) | ||
| WR5.1 | 140-220 | – | 110 | 100 | 3 (est.) | -2 (est.) |
| WR5.1 (-3DB) | 110 | 100 | 1 (est.) | 1 (est.) | ||
‡Where noted, Extended Frequency Coverage applies; module performance within the standard band conforms
to standard specifications while performance in the extended regions can be degraded as follows:
-The minimum and typical dynamic range is degraded by 10dB or less, compared to the specification for the
standard band.
-The test port power typical across the extended band is degraded by 5dB or less compared to the specification
for the standard band.
Dual RX Option
For VDI Mini Rx Modules, VDI offers a Dual Rx configuration. The Dual Rx Module integrates two Rx chains in the same enclosure, with 1.375” center-to-center spacing between the test ports. Each Rx chain meets the standard specifications for Rx modules.
| |||||||
| Description | WR19 | WR15 | WR12 | WR10 | WR8.0 | WR6.5 | WR5.1 |
| RF Frequency Band (GHz) | 40-60 | 50-75 | 60-90 | 75-110 | 90-140 | 110-170 | 140-220 |
| Test Port Input Power Limits (Compression/ Damage, High Sensitivity Operation) | -10 / 0 | -10 / 0 | -10 / 0 | -10 / 0 | -10 / 0 | -10 / 0 | -10 / 0 |
| LO Harmonic Factor | 4 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| LO Input Power (typical, +/-3 dB) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Description | WR4.3 | WR3.4 | WM710 (WR2.8) | WM570 (WR2.2) | WM380 (WR1.5) | WM250 (WR1.0) | |
| RF Frequency Band (GHz) | 170-260 | 220-330 | 260-400 | 330-500 | 500-750 | 750-1,100 | |
| Test Port Input Power Limits (Compression/ Damage, High Sensitivity Operation) | -10 / 0 | -10 / 0 | -10 / 0 | -20 / 0 | -10 / 0 | -20 / -10 | |
| LO Harmonic Factor | 24 | 24 | 24 | 36 | 54 | 72 | |
| LO Input Power (typical, +/-3 dB) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | |
Contact VDI for additional information and details.
VNAX Product Manual
VNAX-AM (Streamline VNA to VNAX Adapter Module) Product Manual
VNAX Specifications
VNAX Dual Source Option Datasheet
PM5B Compatibility with Keysight VNA
Streamline / PXIe VNA to VDI VNAX Adapter Module
TxRx and TxRef with footplate: .pdf .stp
TxRx and TxRef without footplate: .pdf .stp