Agilent 11970 Series Harmonic Mixers This manual provides documentation for the following harmonic mixers: K, A, Q, U, V, and W Models User’s Guide
Notices © Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2011-2012 Manual Part Number Restricted Rights Legend No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws. 11970-90040 Supersedes: 11970-90035 If software is for use in the performance of a U.S.
In This Guide… This guide contains the following information: 1 General Information This chapter covers equipment supplied, the mixers and options that are covered in this manual, as well as specifications and environmental limitations regarding the mixer. 2 Operation Refer to this chapter for information on how to make effective use of the 11970 mixers.
Certification Agilent Technologies certifies that this product met its published specifications at the time of shipment from the factory. Agilent Technologies further certifies that its calibration measurements are traceable to the United States National Institute of Standards and Technology, to the extent allowed by the Institute's calibration facility, and to the calibration facilities of other International Standards Organization members.
LIMITATION OF WARRANTY The foregoing warranty shall not apply to defects resulting from improper or inadequate maintenance by Buyer, Buyer-supplied software or interfacing, unauthorized modification or misuse, operation outside of the environmental specifications for the product, or improper site preparation or maintenance. NO OTHER WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED. AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Contents 1. General Information Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Equipment Supplied . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Mixers Covered by Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Contents 8
1 General Information 9
General Information Introduction Introduction The Agilent Models 11970K, 11970A, 11970Q, 11970U, 11970V and 11970W are general-purpose harmonic mixers with very flat frequency response characteristics and low conversion loss. Collectively, they cover the frequency range of 18 to 110 GHz. The 11970K covers the 18 - 26. 5 GHz range; the 11970A, the 26.
General Information Introduction 11970 Series Harmonic Mixers Figure 1-1 Options Option 009, shown in Figure 1-2 on page 13, is a Mixer Connection Kit. It includes three low-loss SMA cables (Part Number 5061-5458), one hex-head balldriver (Part Number 8710-1539) for tightening the waveguide connector screws, and one 5/16-inch open-end wrench (Part Number 8710-0510) for use on the SMA connectors.
General Information Introduction • PSA Series E4440A, E4446A, and E4448A spectrum analyzers require Option AYZ (LO OUT and IF IN connectors). The E4443A and E4445A do not support external mixing. • 856x Series portable spectrum analyzers with options 002 (tracking generator) and 327 (no IF IN on front panel) do not have external mixing capability. • 856x Series Portable Spectrum Analyzers require option 008, or FW date code ≤ 920528, for signal identification functionality.
General Information Introduction Figure 1-2 Mixer Connection Kit, Option 009 13
General Information Specifications Specifications Specifications for the 11970 Series Mixers are listed in Table 1-1 on page 15 through Table 1-7 on page 21. NOTE Supplemental information is included only as additional information; they are not specifications. Nominal values indicate expected performance or describe product performance that is not covered by the product warranty.
General Information Specifications Table 1-1 11970 Series Specifications Description Specifications LO Amplitude Range 14 to 18 dBm Bias Requirements Supplemental Information None Maximum CW RF Input Level 20 dBm (100 mW) Maximum Peak Pulse Power 24 dBm with <1μsec pulse (avg power: +20 dBm) 3 dB Bandwidth DC to 1.3 GHz Environmental: Meets MIL-T-28800C, Type III, Class 3, Style C IF/LO Connectors SMA female 5061-5458 Cable Insertion loss 0.8 dB at 2 GHz 1.
General Information Specifications Table 1-2 11970K Specifications Description Specifications Supplemental Information RF Frequency Range 18 to 26.5 GHz The 11970K is not supported by the N9030A (PXA) LO Harmonic Number 6 Odd Order Mixing Product Suppression LO Input Frequency Range >20 dB (nominal) 2.95 to 4.36 GHz Gain Compression Level (<1 dB) Maximum Conversion Loss –3 dBm (nominal) 24 dB ±2.0 dB with LO amplitude range of 14.5 dBm to 16.0 dB (nominal) Calibration Accuracy1 ±3.
General Information Specifications Table 1-3 11970A Specifications Description Specifications RF Frequency Range 26.5 to 40 GHz LO Harmonic Number1 8 Odd Order Mixing Product Suppression LO Input Frequency Range >20 dB (nominal) 3.27 to 4.96 GHz Gain Compression Level (<1 dB) Maximum Conversion Loss Supplemental Information –5 dBm (nominal) 26 dB ±2.0 dB with LO amplitude range of 14.5 dBm to 16.0 dB (nominal) Calibration Accuracy2 ±3.0 dB with LO amplitude range of 16 dBm to 18.
General Information Specifications Table 1-4 11970Q Specifications Description Specifications RF Frequency Range 33 to 50 GHz LO Harmonic Number1 10 Odd Order Mixing Product Suppression LO Input Frequency Range >20 dB (nominal) 3.27 to 4.96 GHz Gain Compression Level (<1 dB) Maximum Conversion Loss Supplemental Information –7 dBm (nominal) 28 dB ±2.0 dB with LO amplitude range of 14.5 dBm to 16.0 dB (nominal) Calibration Accuracy2 ±3.0 dB with LO amplitude range of 16 dBm to 18.
General Information Specifications Table 1-5 11970U Specifications Description Specifications RF Frequency Range 40 to 60 GHz LO Harmonic Number 10 Odd Order Mixing Product Suppression LO Input Frequency Range >20 dB (nominal) 3.97 to 5.97 GHz Gain Compression Level (<1 dB) Maximum Conversion Loss Supplemental Information –7 dBm (nominal) 28 dB ±2.0 dB with LO amplitude range of 14.5 dBm to 16.0 dB (nominal) Calibration Accuracy1 ±3.0 dB with LO amplitude range of 16 dBm to 18.
General Information Specifications Table 1-6 11970V Specifications Description Specifications RF Frequency Range 50 to 75 GHz LO Harmonic Number1 14 Odd Order Mixing Product Suppression LO Input Frequency Range >15 dB (nominal) 3.55 to 5.33 GHz Gain Compression Level (<1 dB) Maximum Conversion Loss Supplemental Information –3 dBm (nominal) 40 dB ±2.2 dB with LO amplitude range of 14.5 dBm to 16.0 dB (nominal) Calibration Accuracy2 ±3.2 dB with LO amplitude range of 16 dBm to 18.
General Information Specifications Table 1-7 11970W Specifications Description Specifications RF Frequency Range 75 to 110 GHz LO Harmonic Number 18 Odd Order Mixing Product Suppression LO Input Frequency Range >15 dB (nominal) 4.15 to 6.09 GHz Gain Compression Level (<1 dB) Maximum Conversion Loss Supplemental Information –1 dBm (nominal) 46 dB ±2.2 dB with LO amplitude range of 14.5 dBm to 16.0 dB (nominal) Calibration Accuracy1 ±3.2 dB with LO amplitude range of 16 dBm to 18.
General Information Specifications PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Model Flange1 Weight X Y Z 11970K UG-595/U WR-42 0.17 kg 0.36 lb 36 mm 1.4 in 51 mm 2.0 in 90 mm 3.5 in 11970A UG-599/U WR-28 0.14 kg 0.32 lb 36 mm 1.4 in 51 mm 2.0 in 71 mm 2.8 in 11970Q UG-383/U WR-22 0.14 kg 0.32 lb 36 mm 1.4 in 51 mm 2.0 in 76 mm 3.0 in 11970U UG-383/U -M WR-19 0.14 kg 0.32 lb 36 mm 1.4 in 51 mm 2.0 in 76 mm 3.0 in 11970V UG-385/U WR-15 0.14 kg 0.32 lb 36 mm 1.4 in 51 mm 2.0 in 76 mm 3.
2 Operation 23
Operation Introduction Introduction This section provides information on how to make effective use of the 11970 mixers. Operating Precautions Refer to the sections below for specific parameters to follow prior to mixer operation. WARNING Do not exceed the maximum ratings listed below or permanent damage to the mixer will result. RF Input Power Use the following parameters: CW: No greater than 20 dBm. See Gain Compression values for each model number.
Operation Getting Started Getting Started The 11970 series of millimeter wave mixers have no bias or back-short adjustments. 11970 Mixers require an LO power of 14 to 18 dBm at the LO input.
Operation Using the Mixers with the E4407B Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) Using the Mixers with the E4407B Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) The Agilent Technologies E4407B spectrum analyzer contains an extensive menu of functions that help with millimeter measurements. The following examples explain how to connect external mixers to the spectrum analyzer, choose the band of interest, store and activate conversion-loss factors, and how to use the signal-identification functions. Set up the equipment 1.
Operation Using the Mixers with the E4407B Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) Amplitude Calibration The conversion loss versus frequency data can be entered on your analyzer from one of three sources. • From a Conversion Loss Data Disk, supplied with your mixer. • Data from the calibration sheet supplied with your mixer. The 11970A, Q, and V band mixers calibrated after May 2011 have two calibration sheets. Use the sheet that contains the text "Not for use with the Agilent X-Series Signal Analyzers’.
Operation Using the Mixers with the E4407B Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) Manually Entering Conversion-Loss Data 1. The analyzer frequency band will be set to 26.5 – 40 GHz (A). To choose a different band, press Ext Mix Band and then press the desired band frequency range/letter key. For this example, we will use band A, which ranges from 26.5 GHz to 40 GHz. NOTE To correct for the conversion-loss of the harmonic mixer in use, the analyzer amplitude correction feature is used. 2.
Operation Using the Mixers with the E4407B Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) Figure 2-2 Identification of valid responses is achieved by simply turning on the signal-identification feature. (instrument preset selects the Image Suppress signal identification mode.) Press Input/Output, Input Mixer, Signal Ident (On) and note that now only the valid response (35 GHz) remains. Press Peak Search to place a marker on the remaining response.
Operation Using the Mixers with the E4440A, E4446A, or E4448A PSA Series Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) Using the Mixers with the E4440A, E4446A, or E4448A PSA Series Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) The Agilent Technologies PSA Series spectrum analyzers contain an extensive menu of functions that help with millimeter measurements. Prior to starting this procedure, refer to “Spectrum Analyzer Retrofit Requirements” on page 11 for instrument requirements for the PSA Series spectrum analyzers.
Operation Using the Mixers with the E4440A, E4446A, or E4448A PSA Series Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) Amplitude Calibration The conversion loss versus frequency data can be entered on your analyzer from one of three sources. • From a Conversion Loss Data Disk, supplied with your mixer. See “Using a Conversion-Loss Data Disk” on page 27. • Data from the calibration sheet supplied with your mixer. The 11970A, Q, and V band mixers calibrated after May 2011 have two calibration sheets.
Operation Using the Mixers with the E4440A, E4446A, or E4448A PSA Series Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) NOTE More correction points entered across the band in use will improve frequency response accuracy. Up to 200 points may be defined for each set. 4. Once the desired correction points are entered, press Return, Correction (On) to activate correction set Other. This will also turn corrections on resulting in a calibrated display.
Operation Using the Mixers with the E4440A, E4446A, or E4448A PSA Series Spectrum Analyzer (Option AYZ) Figure 2-6 33
Operation Using the 11970A, Q, U, V, and W Mixers with the X- Series Signal Analyzers (Option EXM) Using the 11970A, Q, U, V, and W Mixers with the X- Series Signal Analyzers (Option EXM) Refer to “Spectrum Analyzer Retrofit Requirements” on page 11 for configuration requirements.
Operation Using the 11970A, Q, U, V, and W Mixers with the X- Series Signal Analyzers (Option EXM) frequency or a start and stop frequency. 7. Many responses may appear on screen. Turn on the Signal ID function to identify true signals from images and harmonics. Press Input Output, External Mixer, Signal ID Mode, Image Suppress, Signal ID On. See “Signal ID” on page 38 for more information. Amplitude Calibration 1. See Loading Conversion Loss Data for the PXA Signal Analyzer below.
Operation Using the 11970A, Q, U, V, and W Mixers with the X- Series Signal Analyzers (Option EXM) Down loading the conversion loss .csv files to the analyzer corrections array 1. Install the CD ROM provided with the mixer, into a PC and view the contents of the CD. 2. Locate the 70xxxxxx_X.csv file. NOTE For the 11970A, 11970Q and 11970V, this is the conversion loss file used for almost all applications. However, for the mixer model numbers listed above, there are two other 70xxxxxx_.
Operation Using the 11970A, Q, U, V, and W Mixers with the X- Series Signal Analyzers (Option EXM) Loading the .csv file automatically populates the Description and Comment fields found under the Corrections, Properties key. To edit these fields, press Input/ Output, More, Corrections, Select Correction, select the correction number, press Properties, Description or Comment. Compensating for IF cable and diplexer loss The external diplexer has 1dB of loss at 300 MHz.
Operation Using the 11970A, Q, U, V, and W Mixers with the X- Series Signal Analyzers (Option EXM) Signal ID Image Suppress The Image Suppress mode of Signal ID mathematically removes all image and multiple responses of signals present at the mixer input. Two hidden sweeps are taken in succession. The second sweep is offset in LO frequency by 2*IF/N. For each point in each trace, the smaller amplitude from the two traces is taken and placed in that point in Trace 1.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers External millimeter mixers can be used to extend the frequency coverage of the 8560 E-Series and EC-Series spectrum analyzers. (The 8560E/EC Option 002 and Option 327 do not have external mixing capability.) The 8560 E-Series and EC-Series spectrum analyzers contain an extensive menu of functions that help with millimeter measurements.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers Select the Frequency Band 2. Specify unpreselected external mixing by pressing CONFIG, then EXT MXR PRE UNPR until UNPR is selected. 3. To select a frequency above 18 GHz: a. Press AUX CTRL, EXTERNAL MIXER to set the analyzer to external mixer mode. b. Enter the desired frequency directly using the center-frequency function. c. Notice in Table 2-1 that some frequencies overlap and fall into two bands.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers In this example, we'll look at U-band, which ranges from 40 GHz to 60 GHz, as shown in Figure 2-9. The LOCK HARMONIC function “locks” the spectrum analyzer in that band, ensuring that the spectrum analyzer sweeps only the chosen band. LOCK ON OFF is automatically set to ON when FULL BAND is pressed. Figure 2-9 Select the band of interest. Save the average conversion-loss value 4.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers Figure 2-10 Store and correct for conversion loss. The second method for storing conversion-loss information lets you save individual conversion-loss data points at specific intervals across the harmonic band, using CNV LOSS VS FREQ. To view or enter a conversion-loss data point: a. Press CNV LOSS VS FREQ. b. Enter the conversion-loss data at the frequency shown. c.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers Figure 2-11 Signal Responses Produced by a 50 GHz Signal in U Band Identify signals with the frequency-shift method 6. Signal-identification routines that identify the signal and images are available on instruments with firmware revisions ≤920528, or with Option 008. The frequency-shift method of identifying valid signals uses the spectrum-analyzer function SIG ID ON OFF.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers Figure 2-12 Response for Invalid Signals Figure 2-13 Response for Valid Signals 44
Operation Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers Identify signals in wide frequency spans 7. SIG ID AT MKR identifies signals in wide frequency spans, using harmonic search. SIG ID AT MKR automatically determines the proper frequency of a signal and displays its value on the spectrum analyzer. • Activating SIG ID AT MKR on an image of the signal will yield a reading in the active block, as shown in Figure 2-14.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 856X Series Spectrum Analyzers Figure 2-15 46 SIG ID AT MKR Performed on a True Signal
Operation Using the Mixers with MMS Analyzers Using the Mixers with MMS Analyzers Preliminary Operation NOTE This section provides information for the Agilent 70907A (or B), however the operation of the Agilent 70909A and Agilent 70910A is similar. Minor differences may be noted, but the necessary deviations from these exact instructions will be obvious.
Operation Using the Mixers with MMS Analyzers Operation Band Selection Use the following key sequence to enter the external mixing mode and to select the desired band of operation: MENU Select Input - choose external mixer input, for example: “IN 2 EM 70910A” State ext mixer fulband KAQUVE Press the softkey for the desired band. NOTE The above band selection key sequence must be used to enter the external mixing band of operation. Do not enter in the center frequency of the band directly.
Operation Using the Mixers with MMS Analyzers General Descriptions of Agilent 71000 Series Spectrum Analyzer External-Mixing Functions ext mixer Allows access to the following softkey functions that control the measurement range when an external mixer extends the spectrum analyzer frequency range. The ext mixer softkey can be found under the State key.
Operation Using the Mixers with MMS Analyzers CONV LOSS (conversion loss) Offsets the reference level to compensate for amplitude losses at the active input port. If necessary, use select input to activate the desired input port before specifying its conversion-loss offset. To clear the offset, enter a conversion loss of zero. After the instrument preset, a default value of 30 dB is activated automatically for the input port of the external-mixer-interface module.
Operation Using the Mixers with MMS Analyzers NOTE See the table below for available frequency ranges and related harmonic numbers. Use the IMAGE N START and IMAGE N STOP softkeys for the image identification only. Table 2-3 Frequency Ranges and Corresponding Harmonic Numbers Band/Range Harmonic Number and Sign of IF (N) Internal Mixing - Agilent 71210C 2.9 - 6.2 6.0 - 12.7 12.5 - 19.9 19.7 - 22.0/26.5 −1 −2 +3 +4 Internal Mixing - Agilent 71200C 2.9 - 6.2 6.0 - 12.8 12.6 - 22.
Operation Using the Mixers with MMS Analyzers Conversion Loss Versus Frequency Correction The Agilent 71000 Series Spectrum Analyzers with the Agilent 70907A (or B) External Mixer Interface Module installed has the amplitude-correction function (AMPCOR) available by remote programming. Use AMPCOR to compensate for the Agilent 11970 Series frequency-dependent conversion-loss variations.
Operation Using the Mixers with MMS Analyzers To print out an existing AMPCOR table, use the program listed below: 10 dim A$ (1:20) [30] 20 OUTPUT 718; “CONVLOSS 0DB;” 30 OUTPUT 718; “AMPCOR 50 GHZ, 46.1DB, 52GHZ, 46.7DB, 53GHZ,47.2DB;” 40 ! 50 OUTPUT 718; “AMPCOR?;” 60 ENTER 718 USING “%,k”;A$ (*) 70 ! 80 FOR I=1 TO 10 90 PRINT “Point “;I,A$ (I) 100 NEXT I 110 END Line 30: Generates an AMPCOR table. Line 60: % specifies that an EOI terminates the entire statement.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 8566B Spectrum Analyzer Using the Mixers with the 8566B Spectrum Analyzer Set up the equipment 1. Connect the external harmonic mixer to the spectrum analyzer, as shown in Figure 2-17. NOTE Good-quality shielded SMA-type cables should be used to connect the mixer to the spectrum analyzer to ensure that no signal attenuation occurs. Agilent 5061-5458 SMA-type cables may be used. Do not over-tighten the cables; the maximum torque should not exceed 112 N-cm (10 in-lb.).
Operation Using the Mixers with the 8566B Spectrum Analyzer stands for locked, or you could press Shift+z to manually harmonic lock. Figure 2-18 TYPICAL MILLIMETER SIGNAL DISPLAY A menu of millimeter measurement functions is accessed by pressing SHIFT, 1, MHz. Even though the spectrum analyzer is in an external mixer band, the 8566B spectrum analyzer retains full operation capability (except for use of the RF input attenuator and preselector).
Operation Using the Mixers with the 8566B Spectrum Analyzer Signal Identification Figure 2-18 on page 55 shows a typical full-band display of a single input signal. Direct interpretation of the display is difficult because of the large number of responses produced by several local oscillator harmonics generated in the mixer. To solve this problem the 8566B spectrum analyzer uses two methods of signal identification.
Operation Using the Mixers with the 8566B Spectrum Analyzer Figure 2-19 57
Operation Using the Mixers with the 8566B Spectrum Analyzer Figure 2-20 58
3 Service 59
Service Maintenance Maintenance The only maintenance required for the 11970 Series Mixers is preventive maintenance. When you are not using your mixer, cover its waveguide input with its waveguide cap. Also, though the 11970 Mixers can absorb more punishment than is normal for such devices, you should avoid subjecting them to unnecessary shock or vibration. Repairs The 11970 Mixers are NOT field-repairable. If your mixer fails, DO NOT try to repair it yourself, you will void the warranty.
Service Maintenance Figure 3-1 11970 Series Mixer Schematic Diagram Model LPF Fco (GHz) 11970K 4.4 11970A 5.0 11970Q 5.0 11970U 6.2 11970V 5.4 11970W 6.
Service Maintenance Table 3-1 Accessories and Replaceable Parts Part Number Description 5061-5460: Mixer Connector Kit (Option 009), includes the following three items: 5061-5458 Cable, 1 meter long, SMA male connectors (3 required) 8710-0510 Wrench, 5/16-inch, open-end 8710-0523 Ball Driver, 3/32-inch 3030-0221 Socket Head Cap Screw, 4-40 thread, .375 inches long (flange connecting screw for 11970K and 11970A) 1390-0671 Socket Head Cap Screw, captive, 4-40 thread, .
Service Maintenance Table 3-2 Locations for Agilent Technologies Online assistance: http://www.agilent.
