Name of Sponsoring Organization: Mini-Circuits
Sponsor Point of Contact (name): Joanne McDonnell
Email Address:
Name of Technical Mentor (i.e. Subject Matter Expert): Stephen Leone & Piyush Chander
TM Email Address:
Project Title: VNA Frequency Extender
Required EE Area(s) of Expertise: RF/Microwave Systems (Read a Block Diagram and Calculate cascaded Gain, NF, IM Products, and Compression), ADS (Linear and Non-Linear model Simulation), PCB Layout and Assembly, Proficiency in Python or Matlab, Reading a datasheet, Test Equipment (VNA, SA, RF Source), VCO&PLL Usage.
Brief Project Description: Design model and build a VNA Frequency extender to convert a 6 GHz Network Analyzer (UVNA-63) to a 5G band of interest centered at 28 GHz (25.5-29.5GHz). Make a calibrated reflection and/or transmission measurement of a DUT. Design will be for Megtron7 or similar high frequency multilayer structure. Open “Eval Board” design with optional plastic protective enclosure.
Major system products expected from this project: - Create system block diagram, frequency plan, and power plan. - Select components to meet cost, size, and performance targets - Create mixer imt model and use to track harmonics through the system - Layout PCB and communicate with PCB manufacturer to build 2-5pcs - Measure a DUT using the proposed frequency extender paired with UVNA-63 - Integrate a VCO on the board that can be phase locked to the analyzer (Optional) - Design a stripline coupler operating from 24-32GHz (Optional)
Parts of the project that “Engineering Design” is expected (e.g., mathematical calculations and/or verification simulations): 1. Design a Coupler with >15dB directivity in the band of interest 2. Design CPW, Stripline, and transition structures in the given media 3. System design/block diagram (ADS, Excel, other) 4. Implementing Calibration Equations (Python/Matlab) 5. Calculation of error contribution of measurement due to isolation and image rejection 6. Compare performance to High Frequency NA Measurement and identify errors
The level of support (Time: technical guidance, materials, computing, financial, etc.) for the project. If no financial support will be provided, please offer an estimate of the Materials Cost: Technical Guidance will be provided in 1 hour sessions either once per week or every other week. All Mini-circuits components and UVNA-63 Kit will be provided. Funding for PCB fabrication will be provided on acceptance of student design proposal.