Name of Sponsoring Organization: Mini-Circuits
Sponsor Point of Contact (name): Rosemarie Radhay for Ted Heil
Email Address:
Name of Technical Mentor (i.e. Subject Matter Expert): Stephen Leone
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).
Brief Project Description: Propose a VNA Frequency extender design to convert a 6 GHz Vector Network Analyzer (UVNA-63 or similar) to measure DUTs in a 5G band of interest centered at 28 GHz (25.5-29.5GHz). Build and characterize a frequency extender centered at 12GHz using Mini-Circuits connectorized components. Present measured results that prove the concept of your design.
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 - Measure a DUT S-Parameters using the proposed 12GHz frequency extender paired with UVNA-63
Parts of the project that “Engineering Design” is expected (e.g., mathematical calculations and/or verification simulations): 1. System design/block diagram (ADS, Excel, other) 2. Selection of COTS components per system specification. 3. Implementing Calibration Equations (Python/Matlab) 4. Calculation of error contribution of measurement due to crosstalk, image rejection, and noise. 5. Compare performance of the proof of concept Frequency Extender measurement to a High Frequency VNA Measurement. Identify and quantify measurement 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. The Mini-Circuits components that were provided last year will be re-used for the 12GHz proof of concept design. Smaller donations are also possible if needed.