Anritsu partners with VDI to introduce frequency extender modules

The integrated solution brings signal purity and output power benefits to sub-THz design environments. Rubidium claims to outperform all other signal generators in its class in phase noise and harmonic/spurious by a substantial margin. The performance advantages are preserved at sub-THz frequencies.

When the VDI frequency extender modules are used with Rubidium signal generators, engineers realize the industry’s highest output power at THz frequencies. The VDI modules offer high test port power, voltage-controlled RF attenuation, and TTL controlled ON/OFF modulation rates to a few kHz as standard.

Each frequency extender module has two multipliers, which can be configured to allow input signals in two frequency bands. One multiplier has low frequency input for < 20GHz and 10dBm input level and the other has high frequency input for < 50GHz and 0dBm input level.

The Rubidium-VDI signal generation solution aims to meet the growing demand for emerging sub-THz radio spectrum designs. It can be used during development of satellite services, radio astronomy, earth exploration, and meteorology applications.

Wireless communication systems focusing on the W band (90GHz to 120GHz) and D band (130GHz to 170GHz), as well as intersatellite links operating at 220GHz to 330GHz, are also applications for which the solution is designed.

“VDI strives to produce the highest quality test and measurement solutions for the mmWave, sub-THz and THz frequency ranges through frequency extension of existing microwave test infrastructure. Achieving this requires continual innovation and development to integrate leading-edge active devices with our in-house Schottky diode technology to meet tomorrow’s measurement challenges,” said Cliff Rowland V.P. Business Development, VDI. “VDI is exited to work with Anritsu to combine our high-frequency SGX extension modules with its new signal generation capability to bring high-performance solutions to the market.”

Rubidium delivers new level of performance

The Rubidium signal generator family aims to deliver signal purity and frequency stability, even at high output power levels, across a broad frequency range of 9kHz to 43.5GHz. Coupled with built-in, easy-to-use, at-location frequency and power calibration capability, Rubidium offers exceptional overall utility and long-term value in a broad range of commercial, scientific, and military/aerospace measurement applications.

Rubidium believes to offer an order of magnitude with better frequency stability compared to other signal generators that use an OCXO-based reference. The signal generators offer groundbreaking low single sideband (SSB) phase noise of -136dBc/Hz (typical) and -140dBc/Hz (measured) at 10GHz and 10kHz offset that is unmatched in the industry. Coupled with best-in-class harmonic and spurious performance, Rubidium signal generators enable customers to make highly accurate measurements.