Copper Mountain Technologies Cobalt Series Quick start guide

COBALT SERIES
NETWORK ANALYZER
4209, 4409
4220, 4420
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CONNECTING FREQUENCY EXTENDERS TO A
VNA WITH ATM0082 MODULE SET
May 2019

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T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
Introduction ....................................................................................................................4
1 Safety Instructions ........................................................................................................7
2 General Overview .........................................................................................................8
2.1 Description......................................................................................................................8
2.2 Standard Operating Set ..................................................................................................8
2.3 Specifications................................................................................................................11
2.4 Principle of Operation ..................................................................................................15
3 Preparation for use .....................................................................................................20
3.1 General information.....................................................................................................20
3.2 Visual Inspection...........................................................................................................20
4 Connection procedure.................................................................................................21

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Introduction
This document is a supplement to the operating manual of the Cobalt Series Vector Network
Analyzers.
This instruction sheet describes the general procedure for connecting frequency extension
modules of any manufacturer.
The Cobalt Series includes analyzers with loops on the configurable front panel enabling direct
connection of frequency extension modules. The rear panel of the analyzers also features con-
nectors for transmission of control signals and power supply. The frequency extenders expand
the upper limit of the operating frequency range for measuring transmission and reflection
coefficients up to microwave frequencies.
Figure 1.1 Vector network analyzer. RF measurement module.
Table 1.1 Supported analyzers
Analyzer
RF Frequency
Range
RF Power Range
LO Frequency
Range
LO Power Range
Two-port Analyzers
С4209
100 kHz to 9.6 GHz
–60 to +15 dBm
20 MHz to 9 GHz
–6 to +3 dBm
С4220
100 kHz to 20 GHz
–60 to +10 dBm
3.9 GHz to 20 GHz
–6 to +6 dBm
Four-port Analyzers
С4409
100 kHz to 9.6 GHz
–60 to +15 dBm
20 МHz to 9 GHz
–6 to +3 dBm
С4420
100 kHz to 20 GHz
–60 to +10 dBm
3.9 GHz to 20 GHz
–6 to +6 dBm
The maximum number of operating frequency extenders is determined by the number of test
ports of the analyzer, i.e. two-port analyzers can simultaneously work with one or two fre-
quency extenders, four-port analyzers can control one, two, three or four frequency extend-
ers.

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Figure 1.2 Vector Network Analyzer. Connection of the TM0082 Module.
The frequency extender modules are connected to the analyzer via a booster module set, the
purpose of which is to ensure the mechanical mating of the device connectors and to set an
acceptable power level of RF, LO and IF signals in the path. The booster module set includes
the module itself, external RF and LO signal amplifiers, cables (optional), attenuators and co-
axial adapters.
Frequency extenders can operate in either passive or active mode. Passive mode means that
generation of the extender’s internal signals by frequency and magnitude will have no feed-
back from the analyzer (there is no control from the VNA). In active mode, it is assumed that
the analyzer itself will fully control the process of parameter setting of the connected extend-
ers.
The frequency extenders, depending on their hardware design, may be powered from the an-
alyzer, or from an external source.
COMBINATION OF ALL AFOREMENTIONED DEVICES FORMS THE MILLIMETER WAVE FRE-
QUENCY EXTENSION SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS BUILDING A SCALABLE AND AFFORDABLE S-PA-
RAMETER TESTING SOLUTION.
It is recommended to be familiar with the following documentation before starting:
•This instruction sheet
•The operating manual of the analyzer
•The operating manual of the frequency extension module
•The analyzer programming manual (if remote control function is desired)

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Maintenance and operation of the analyzer should be performed by qualified personnel with
basic experience in operating of microwave circuits.
The manufacturer is not responsible for any consequences resulting from misuse of the ana-
lyzer, including violation of safety rules or other necessary precautions.
Additional information about vector network analyzers is available on the website:
https://coppermountaintech.com

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1Safety Instructions
Additional safety instructions can be found in the operating manuals of the analyzer and the
frequency extenders to be used.
Devices such as analyzer, booster, power supply, and frequency extender (refer to figure 1.2)
must be grounded using their power cables. It is recommended to connect terminal on
the device with the ground bus bar. Frequency extenders, where applicable, may be grounded
using the control cable directly connected to the Analyzer.
CAUTION:
DAMAGE TO THE GROUND WIRE WILL MAKE WORK DANGEROUS.
NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT POWER CABLES WHEN THE EQUIPMENT IS POWERED ON.
WHEN POWERING THE MODULE FROM THE ANALYZER, NEVER CONNECT OR DISCONNECT THE
CONTROL CABLE WHEN THE ANALYZER IS IN ON.
Only thoroughly trained personnel with the required skills and
knowledge of safety precautions should use the devices.
Exceeding the maximum input power of the RF signal or the maximum
DC peak voltage as indicated on the housing can damage the devices.
Electrostatic Discharge Protection
Make sure to protect the workplace against electrostatic discharge.
Static charge can build up on a user's body and damage sensitive
internal components. To avoid damage from electric discharge,
observe the following:
- Always discharge the static charge before touching any de-
vice.
- Always use a desktop grounded conductive anti-static mat on
the stationary workplace.
- Always wear a grounding wrist strap connected to the desk-
top grounded conductive anti-static mat through daisy-chained
1 MΩresistor.

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2General Overview
2.1 Description
Analyzers in combination with the devices illustrated in figure 1.2 form a unified measurement
system of complex transmission and reflection coefficients (elements of the scattering matrix)
of N-port networks with extending the operating frequency range upper limit. This is the mil-
limeter wave frequency extension system.
Accessories provide proper connection of the frequency extender to the analyzer.
2.2 Standard Operating Set
Table 2.1 Two-port analyzer
Description
Quantity, pcs.
Analyzer
С4209 or С4220
1
Power cable
1
USB cable
1
Software
1
Frequency Extension Module
Frequency Extension Module (defined by the customer)
2
Accessories
TM0082 Module
1
Rigid cables set
1
Locking bar
2
Amplifier (for RF and LO signals)
4
RF cable
2
LO cable
2
IF cable
4
Coaxial adapter
4
Coaxial attenuator
–

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Description
Quantity, pcs.
Power supply
Power supply
–
Power (control) cable
–
Note: Usage of a power supply, power (control) cable and coaxial attenuators depends on
the module.
Table 2.2 Four-port analyzer
Description
Quantity, pcs.
Analyzer
С4409 or С4420
1
Power cable
1
USB cable
1
Software
1
Frequency Extension Module
Frequency Extension Module (defined by the customer)
4
Additional Accessories
TM0082 Module
1
Rigid cables set
1
Locking bar
2
Amplifier (for RF and LO signals)
8
RF cable
4
LO cable
4
IF cable
8
Coaxial adapter
8
Coaxial attenuator
–

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Description
Quantity, pcs.
Power supply
Power supply
–
Power (control) cable
–
Note: Usage of a Power supply, power (control) cable and coaxial attenuators depends on
the module.
Each of the previously listed analyzers has an AUX option (an additional functional capability),
the presence of which is determined upon ordering. When choosing this option, the analyzer
includes a two-channel DC voltmeter board, which allows measurement and display of the
voltage values synchronously with the frequency tuning during the measurement of the com-
plex transmission and reflection coefficients.
To perform reflection and transmission measurements, appropriate RF cables and adapters
are required to connect Devices Under Test (DUTs) to the ports of the extenders, as well as
calibration kits to reduce systematic measurement error. The description of these RF accesso-
ries should be given in the manual for the utilized frequency extender.