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

3
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.

5
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.

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2.3 Specifications
Table 2.3 Analyzer specifications for operation with the frequency extender modules
Parameter
Value
«PORT» OUTPUT
Output frequency range:
С4209, С4409
100 kHz to 9.0 GHz
С4220, С4420
100 kHz to 20 GHz
Output power range:
С4209, С4409
–60 to +15 dBm
С4220, С4420
–60 to +10 dBm
«LO OUT» OUTPUT
Output frequency range:
С4209, С4409
20 MHz to 9 GHz
С4220, С4420
3.9 GHz to 20 GHz
Output power range:
С4209, С4409
–6 to +3 dBm
С4220, С4420
–6 to +6 dBm
«IF» INPUT
Input frequency
15.45 MHz
Max operating input power level
0 dBm
Damage level
+13 dBm
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Full frequency accuracy
210–6
Power accuracy
±1.5 dB

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Parameter
Value
Connection to PC:
Connector type
USB B
Interface
USB 2.0
Warm-up time
40 minutes
Power supply
110 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Power consumption
С4209
75 W
С4409
145 W
С4220
145 W
С4420
270 W
Dimensions (length, width, height):
С4209, С4409
355 440 96 mm
С4220
430 440 140 mm
С4420
600 440 140 mm
Weight:
С4209
7.0 kg
С4409
10.0 kg
С4220
14.0 kg
С4420
22.0 kg

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Table 2.4 Technical specifications of the booster module set
Parameter
Value
TM0082. BIAS TEES
«RF+12VDC OUT», «LO+12VDC OUT» outputs:
DC voltage
11.5 to 12.5 V
Max DC current
0.5 А
Connector type
3.5 mm, female
«RF IN», «LO IN» inputs:
Connector type
3.5 mm, female
TM0082. IF AMPLIFIERS
Center frequency
15.45 МHz
Bandwidth
2 МHz
Gain
13 to 14 dB
«IF IN» inputs:
Max operating input power level
–13 dBm
Connector type
SMA, female
«IF OUT» outputs:
Connector type
SMA, female
TM0082 SET.AMPLIFIERS (EXTERNAL DEVICES)
Operating frequency range
3.9 to 20 GHz
Gain
8 to 15 dB
«RF+12VDC IN» input:
Max operating input power level
0 dBm
DC voltage
5 to 15 V
Power (current) consumption
50 mА
Connector type
3.5 mm, female

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Parameter
Value
«RF OUT» output:
Connector type
3,5 mm, female
MAX INPUT SIGNAL LEVELS
Damage level:
«RF+12VDC OUT», «RF IN»
«LO+12VDC OUT», «LO IN»
+16 dBm
«IF IN», «IF OUT»
+13 dBm
Damage DC voltage:
«RF+12VDC OUT», «RF IN»
«LO+12VDC OUT», «LO IN»
15 V
«IF IN», «IF OUT»
0 V
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
Amplifier warm-up time
30 minutes
TM0082 warm-up time
30 minutes
TM0082 power supply
110 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
TM0082 power consumption
35 W
TM0082 dimensions (length, width, height)
355 440 96 mm
TM0082 weight
3.5 kg
Environmental specifications:
Operating temperature
5 to 40 С
Humidity
up to 90 % at 25 С
Atmospheric pressure
70.0 to 106.7 kPa
Specifications of RF, LO and IF cables, adapters and attenuators will depend on the selected
model and are given in the operating manuals of these devices.

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2.4 Principle of Operation
This section provides a brief description of the analyzer, the frequency extender module and
the booster module set needed to understand the operation of these devices.
VECTOR NETWORK ANALYZER
LO OUT
LO
RF
IF R1
Control block
IF A
A IN
R1 IN
PORT
(RF OUT) Output of
RF signal
Output of
LO signal
Inputs of
IF signals
HUB
Power supply
and control
Figure 2.1 Analyzer inputs/outputs used for
joint operation with the modules.
Analyzer functions:
- Generation of RF (test) and LO signals,
necessary for the Module to function as
intended; modules are used in a role of
external frequency converters.
- Processing of the intermediate
frequency signals of the reference and
test channels coming from the module
output.
- Electric power supply of modules (where
possible).
- Control of the measurement process.
Final calculation and display of
measurement results of reflection and
transmission coefficients is performed by
an external computer with installed
software. The principle of operation is
based on measuring the ratio of the
magnitudes and phase differences of the
source signal (incident wave) and the
transmitted wave or the reflected one
from the DUT.
FREQUENCY EXTENDERS
Frequency extenders are compact portable
devices. In general, they consist of frequency
multipliers for RF and LO signals, an output
power amplifier, directional couplers, and a
pair of converters with amplification and
filtering of intermediate frequency signals.
Additionally, for operation in active mode
modules include power and control boards.
Module functions:
- Frequency multiplication of the RF signal:
extending the upper limit of the Analyzer
operating frequency range.
- Signal separation: incident, reflected or
transmitted through the DUT.
- Conversion of the separated signals to a
fixed intermediate frequency for both
reference and test channels.
- Amplification of intermediate frequency
signals.

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Frequency range
DFRF.OUT = NRF xDFRF.IN
xNRF
xNLO
Power supply
(power distribution)
RF IN
LO IN
IF REF
IF TEST
SUPPLY
PORT
Directional couplers
Reference
channel
Test
channel RF
IF
LOLO
IF
RF
Power
amplifier
Amplifier
Frequency
multiplier
Frequency range DFRF.IN
Power
amplifier
Input of
RF signal
Power range DPRF.IN
Frequency range DFLO.IN
Power range DPLO.IN
Input of
LO signal
Multiplication factor NRF
Frequency
multiplier
Outputs of
IF signals
Fixed frequency
FIF = NRF x FRF.IN ± NLO x FLO.IN
Power supply
DC voltage U
Multiplication factor NLO
Figure 2.2 Typical module structure.
For the extender’s operation, it is necessary to apply RF and LO signals with the specified fre-
quency and power to its inputs. It is prohibited to exceed input signal levels stated in the ex-
tender’s documentation or listed on its housing.
Test signal is multiplied in the extender by frequency, filtered, and scaled by level. Then the
generated RF signal is transmitted to the test port through directional couplers. The direc-
tional couplers separate the incident wave, wave transmitted through the DUT, and wave re-
flected from its inputs. These waves are supplied to frequency converters of test and refer-
ence channels. For conversion, LO signal multiplied in the module by frequency is used. The
converted IF signals are amplified and passed to the module output.
Hardware design of the module determines whether they are powered directly from the ana-
lyzer or from the external power supply.
It is recommended to be familiar with the specifications and
operating manual of the extenders’. Basic specifications include:
output frequency range, input frequency and power range of RF and
LO signals, multiplication coefficients of input signals, frequency and
power range of converted signals, power supply voltage.
Booster Module Set
Booster Module Set includes a TM0082
module, external RF and LO signal
amplifiers, as well as a set of cables and
adapters for connecting to the analyzer and
modules ports.
TM0082 module consists of internal power
supply, IF signal amplifiers and bias tees for
transmitting supply voltages along the
Booster Module Set functions:
- Mechanical connection with the analyzer
ports.
- Mechanical connection with the module
ports.
- Insertion loss compensation of long length
cables.

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center conductor of cables to external RF
and LO signal amplifiers.
- Increasing the upper limit of RF and LO
signals output power range of the Analyzer
to +13 dBm
DC
DC
DC
DC
2.92mm(f)SMA(m)
3.5mm(f) SMA(m)
SMA(m)
3.5mm(f) SMA(m)
RF cable
LO cable
RF IN
+12VDC RF OUT
RF IN
+12VDC RF OUT
SMA(f) SMA(m)
SMA(m)
SMA(f) SMA(m)
Power Supply
IF cable
IF cable
IF amplifier
Bias tees
3.5mm(f)
3.5mm(f)SMA(m)
SMA(f)
SMA(f)SMA(m)
SMA(m)
Cable
Cable
SMA(m)
RF IN
LO IN
Test set
Cable
Cable
Amplifiers
2.92mm(f)
2.92mm(f) Adapter
Adapter
SMA(m)
SMA(m)
SMA(m)
SMA(m)
Input of
RF signal
Input of
LO signal
Outputs of
IF signals
Rigid cables to
Analyzer connect
IF R1 OUT
IF A OUT IF A IN
IF R1 IN
RF OUT
+12VDC
LO OUT
+12VDC
RF, LO, IF cables
2.92mm(f)
SMA(m)
Output of
RF signal
Output of
LO signal
Inputs of
IF signals
[to Module]
[to Module]
[from Module]
[to Analyzer]
[from Analyzer]
[from Analyzer]
Figure 2.3. Connecting the Booster Module Set.
Connection of the analyzer, booster module set and frequency extender module is shown in
figure 2.7.

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Figure 2.4 Typical gain
RF and LO signal amplifiers
Figure2.5 Typical gain
IF signal amplifiers of test set
Figure 2.6 Typical transmission coefficient (insertion loss)
bias tees of test set

xNLO
RF IN
Frequency
multiplier
Frequency
multiplier
LO OUT
-60…+10 dBm
-6…+6 dBm
LO
RF
IF R1 IN
DC
DC
DC
DC
2.92mm(f)SMA(m)
3.5mm(f) SMA(m)
2.92mm(f)SMA(m)
3.5mm(f) SMA(m) LO IN
RF cable
LO cable
RF OUT
+12VDC RF IN
+12VDC RF OUT
RF IN
+12VDC RF OUT
LO OUT
+12VDC
SMA(f)SMA(m)
SMA(f) SMA(m) IF REF
IF A IN
SMA(f)SMA(m)
SMA(f) SMA(m) IF TEST
Power supply
IF
IF
IF cable
IF cable
IF amplifier
Bias tees
3.5mm(f)
3.5mm(f)
3.5mm(f)
3.5mm(f)
SMA(m)
SMA(f)
SMA(f)SMA(m)
SMA(m)
SMA(m)
SMA(m)
Cable
Cable
SMA(m)
RF IN
LO IN
IF R1
Control block
IF A
3.5mm(f) SMA(m)
3.5mm(f) SMA(m)
Test set
Cable
Cable
A IN
R1 IN
IF A OUT
IF R1 OUT
Power supply
Cable
amplifiers
Power cable
Analyzer Module
Reference
channel
Test
channel
xNRF
LO
RF
PORT
(RF OUT)
0 dBm max
0 dBm max
0 dBm max
0 dBm max
External Power supply
-13 dBm max
-13 dBm max
G=13...14 dB
3.9…20 GHz
100 kHz…20 GHz
15.45 MHz
15.45 MHz
15.45 MHz
15.45 MHz
G=8...13 dB
DF=3.9…20 GHz
G=8...13 dBдБ
DF=3.9…20 GHz
DFLO.IN
PRF.IN
DFRF.IN
PLO.IN
2.92mm(f)
2.92mm(f) Adapter
Adapter
Figure 2.7 Connection diagram

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3Preparation for use
3.1 General information
The maximum distance from the modules to the analyzer will depend on length of utilized RF,
LO and IF cables and ability of the booster module set to provide the required extender mod-
ules’operation mode at a distance.
ESD and safety precautions should be adhered to while operating the devices.
Vent holes of the devices' housing must not be obstructed during operation.
3.2 Visual Inspection
Visual inspection check list:
•Scratches, dents, corrosion of metal parts, and integrity of marking.
•Integrity of cables (power cable, USB cable, connecting cables) and adapters.
•Dents or irregularities on the inner and outer conductors of the coaxial connectors.
If nonconformities are found, further usage of the devices without
service operations is not recommended.