Virginia Diodes WR19AMP Quick start guide

979 Second Street SE, Suite 309
Charlottesville, VA 22902-6172 (USA)
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
www.vadiodes.com
© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc. –All Rights Reserved
Waveguide Amplifiers
Operational Manual
2022

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Contents
Section 1 –Introduction.......................................................................................................Pages 2-3
Contents..................................................................................................................................................... Page 2
Safety and Operational Guidelines............................................................................................................ Page 3
Section 2 –Product Overview and Specifications ...................................................Pages 4-6
Amplifier Overview..................................................................................................................................... Page 4
Product Specifications –Broadband, Medium Power Amplifiers............................................................... Page 5
Product Specifications –Narrowband, High Power Amplifiers.................................................................. Page 6
Appendix 1 –Amplifier Performance..........................................................................Pages 7-18
Amplifier Performance ........................................................................................................................ Pages 7-18
Appendix 2–Amplifier Drawings ..............................................................................Pages 19-22
Mechanical Drawing –WR15 to WR4.3 .................................................................................................. Page 19
Mechanical Drawing –130AMPS, 170AMPS Only ................................................................................. Page 20
Mechanical Drawing –WR19 .................................................................................................................. Page 21
Mechanical Drawing –Heatsink + Fan Assembly ................................................................................... Page 22
Addendum –Product Updates and Company Contacts........................................... Page 23
Introduction
Section
One
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© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Safety and Operational Guidelines
Read all instructions and information in this product manual before connecting the product to external equipment.
Operational procedures must be followed for proper function. If you have questions, contact VDI before operating the
product.
VDI assumes the customer is familiar with microwave, millimeter wave and VDI products in general. The user and
customer are expected to understand all safety guidelines, health hazards and general advisories that may exist and
are associated with the use of this device. VDI is not responsible for any human hazards that may exist or may occur
while using this device.
Disassembly of any VDI components is prohibited and will void the product’s warranty. VDI is not responsible for the
warranty or guarantee of products that are damaged as a result of improper handling, testing, biasing, or use by the
user.
Virginia Diodes, Inc. (VDI) accepts no liability for damage or injury resulting from or caused by:
•Improper use, disassembly or use for other purposes than those for which the module was designed;
•Use outside common safety, health or general advisories pertaining to microwave, millimeter wave and VDI products;
•Repairs carried out by persons other than VDI or its assigned agents;
Waveguide Inspection / Test Port Care
•Inspect waveguide flanges prior to making connections.
•Waveguide screws should be torqued in the range 20-50 cNm, greater torque can damage the interface.
•Making a connection with metal debris between the waveguide flanges can damage the waveguide interface and prevent
repeatable connections.
•If debris is present, clean the flange with pre-dampened TexWipe wipes or swabs (e.g. Part Number TX1065).
•If these are not available, TexWipe cloths lightly dampened with ethanol may be used (e.g. Part Number TX604).
•Replace dust caps when the system is idle.
General Operating Practices and Recommendations
•Check with VDI before any measurement connection is attempted beyond those described in this manual or if it may
exceed commonly accepted standards of practice.
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Amplifier Safety and Operational Guidelines

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Waveguide Amplifiers
Amplifiers are able to boost a small input RF signal to a large output RF signal. VDI offers
amplifiers up to ~260 GHz with additional amplifiers under development. Higher frequency or
narrowband higher power amplifiers may be available upon request.
Amplifiers with VDI SAX and CCU / CCD Modules
VDI amplifiers can be used with VDI Spectrum Analyzer Extension (SAX or SAX-M) Modules and
Compact Converter (CC) Modules, configured for block up-conversion mode. In block up-conversion mode, the module up-
converts a block of IF signals in the microwave to millimeter-wave frequencies. VDI amplifiers are available to boost the output
power and overcome significant conversion and transmission losses.
The figure below shows how an SAX module can be used with a band pass filter and an amplifier to enhance the performance of
the module when configured for block up-conversion. Refer to the SAX Operational Manual for details on how to operate an SAX
module.
Waveguide Amplifier Overview
Section
Two
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© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
*Waveguide amplifiers must be connected to thermally grounded waveguide prior to biasing.
**Heatsink + Fan Assembly only included on select amplifiers. Can be removed, but user must provide sufficient heatsinking to stay below the maximum case
temperature.
†All amplifiers will meet P1dB specification listed above. P1dB data will not be provided with each amplifier.
*For SMP Bias Connectors Only: An SMP to LEMO 00 cable or SMP to SMA cable or both can be provided. Must be specified on quote or PO. An SMP to
LEMO 00 cable is provided if a VDI Waveguide Amplifier is purchased with VDI SAX-UP, CCU, or CCD modules. SMP to LEMO 00 cable is for compatibility
with VDI SAX-UP, CCU and CCD modules. SMP to SMA cable is for general use.
General Specifications for VDI Waveguide Amplifiers
Description
Specification
DC Bias Voltage (V)
+9 ± 1
Maximum Weight (lbs.)
0.1
Maximum Case Temperature*
< 45°C
Fan Supply Voltage / Current Draw**
+5V / ~20mA
VDI Broadband Power Amplifier Specifications
VDI Part Number
WR19AMP
WR15AMP
WR12AMP
WR10AMP
Amplifier Band (GHz)
40-60
50-75
60-90
75-110
Waveguide Interface
WR-19
WR-15
WR-12
WR-10
Gain, S21 (dB, typical)
16
20
18
18
Saturated Output Power (dBm, typical)
20
19
20
20
Output P1dB (dBm, typical)†
17
11
16
16
Input Reflection, S11 (dB, typical)
-10
-10
-10
-10
Output Reflection, S22 (dB, typical)
-10
-10
-10
-10
Maximum RF Input Power (dBm)
+10
+10
+10
+10
Bias Connector*
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
Current Draw (Typical, Maximum, mA)
400 / 500 (est.)
450 / 1200
150 / 500
150 / 500
VDI Part Number
WR8.0AMP
WR6.5AMP
WR4.3AMP
WR3.4AMP
Amplifier Band (GHz)
90-140
110-170
170-260
220-330
Waveguide Interface
WR-8.0
WR-6.5
WR-4.3
WR-3.4
Gain, S21 (dB, typical)
23
20
24
24
Saturated Output Power (dBm, typical)
19
18
16
5
Output P1dB (dBm, typical)†
13
11
9
-1
Input Reflection, S11 (dB, typical)
-10
-9
-9
-8
Output Reflection, S22 (dB, typical)
-10
-10
-3
-
Maximum RF Input Power (dBm)
+10
+10
+6
0
Bias Connector*
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
Current Draw (Typical, Maximum, mA)
300 / 800
200 / 600
300 / 800
~200 / -
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Product Specifications –Broadband Power Amplifiers

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
†Higher Power Narrowband Amplifiers are under development. Contact VDI for more information.
††All amplifiers will meet P1dB specification listed above. Sample P1dB performance as shown in Appendix 1. P1dB data will not be provided with each amplifier.
*For SMP Bias Connectors Only: An SMP to LEMO 00 cable or SMP to SMA cable or both can be provided. Must be specified on quote or PO. An SMP to
LEMO 00 cable is provided if a VDI Waveguide Amplifier is purchased with VDI SAX-UP, CCU, or CCD modules. SMP to LEMO 00 cable is for compatibility
with VDI SAX-UP, CCU and CCD modules. SMP to SMA cable is for general use.
VDI Narrowband Power†Amplifier Specifications
VDI Part Number
VDI15.0AMP-
0055/0067-15-20
VDI12.0AMP-
0067/0087-20-20
130AMPS
170AMPS
197AMPS
Amplifier Band (GHz)
55-67
67-87
120-140
160-180
185-205
Waveguide Interface
WR-15
WR-12
WR-6.5
WR-5.1
WR-4.3
Gain, S21 (dB, typical)
17
20
24
17
15
Saturated Output Power (dBm, typical)
20
19
22
21
18
Output P1dB (dBm, typical)††
17
15
15
13
10 (est.)
Input Reflection, S11 (dB, typical)
-7
-10
-10
-10
-10
Output Reflection, S22 (dB, typical)
-10
-10
-10
-10
-10
Bias Connector*
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
SMP(m)
Maximum RF Input Power (dBm)
+10
+10
+10
+13
+13
Current Draw (Typical, Maximum, mA)
150 / 500
150 / 500
~500 (typ., est.)
~700 (typ., est.)
~400 (typ., est.)
Heatsink + Fan Assembly
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
VDI Part Number
130AMPMP
170AMPMP
197AMPMP
Amplifier Band (GHz)
120-140
160-180
185-205
Waveguide Interface
WR-6.5
WR-5.1
WR-4.3
Gain, S21 (dB, typical)
24
17
15
Saturated Output Power (dBm, typical)
25
24
20
Output P1dB (dBm, typical)††
-
-
13 (est.)
Input Reflection, S11 (dB, typical)
-10
-10
-10
Output Reflection, S22 (dB, typical)
-10
-10
-10
Maximum RF Input Power (dBm)
+13
+16
+16
Bias Connector*
Contact VDI
Contact VDI
Contact VDI
Current Draw (Typical, Maximum, mA)
~1000 (typ., est.)
~1400 (typ., est.)
~800 (typ., est.)
Dimensions (L x W x H, inches)
TBD
TBD
TBD
Heatsink + Fan Assembly
Yes
Yes
Yes
Product Specifications –Narrowband Power Amplifiers
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© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Typical amplifier performance plots are provided below.
Amplifier Performance
App-1
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Appendix
One
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
50 55 60 65 70 75
dB
Frequency (GHz)
WR15AMP - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
0
5
10
15
20
25
50 55 60 65 70 75
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
WR15AMP - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
App-1
Pg-8
0
5
10
15
20
25
60 65 70 75 80 85 90
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
WR12AMP - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
60 65 70 75 80 85 90
dB
Frequency (GHz)
WR12AMP - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
Amplifier Performance –Continued

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110
dB
Frequency (GHz)
WR10AMP - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
0
5
10
15
20
25
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
WR10AMP - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB
Amplifier Performance –Continued
App-1
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© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Amplifier Performance –Continued
App-1
Pg-10
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140
dB
Frequency (GHz)
WR8.0AMP - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
0
5
10
15
20
25
90 95 100 105 110 115 120 125 130 135 140
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
WR8.0AMP - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Amplifier Performance –Continued
App-1
Pg-11
0
5
10
15
20
25
110 120 130 140 150 160 170
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
WR6.5AMP - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
110 120 130 140 150 160 170
dB
Frequency (GHz)
WR6.5AMP - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260
dB
Frequency (GHz)
WR4.3AMP - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
WR4.3AMP - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB
Amplifier Performance –Continued
App-1
Pg-12

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
App-1
Pg-13
Amplifier Performance –Continued
-20
-10
0
10
20
30
40
220 240 260 280 300 320
dB
Frequency (GHz)
WR3.4AMP - S-Parameters
S11 S21
-4
-2
0
2
4
6
8
10
220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
WR3.4AMP - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Amplifier Performance –Continued
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
50 55 60 65 70 75
dB
Frequency (GHz)
VDI15.0AMP-0055/0067-15-20 - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
60 65 70 75 80 85 90
dB
Frequency (GHz)
VDI12.0AMP-0067/0087-20-20 - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
App-1
Pg-14

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
App-1
Pg-15
Amplifier Performance –Continued
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
115 120 125 130 135 140 145
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
130AMPS - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
115 120 125 130 135 140 145
dB
Frequency (GHz)
130AMPS - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
App-1
Pg-16
Amplifier Performance –Continued
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
155 160 165 170 175 180 185
dB
Frequency (GHz)
170AMPS - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
160 162 164 166 168 170 172 174 176 178 180
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
170AMPS - Saturated Output Power, P1dB
Psat P1dB

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
App-1
Pg-17
Amplifier Performance –Continued
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
180 185 190 195 200 205 210
dB
Frequency (GHz)
197AMPS - S-Parameters
S11 S21 S22
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
180 185 190 195 200 205 210
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
197AMPS - Saturated Output Power
12dBm Input Power

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Amplifier Performance –Continued
App-1
Pg-18
-20
-15
-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
180 185 190 195 200 205 210
dB
Frequency (GHz)
197AMPMP - S-Parameters
S21
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30
180 185 190 195 200 205 210 215 220
dBm
Frequency (GHz)
197AMPMP - Saturated Output Power
10dBm Input Power

© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Mechanical Drawing (WR15, WR12, WR10, WR8.0, WR6.5, WR4.3, 130AMPS and 197AMPS
Amplifiers)
Mechanical Drawing –WR15 to WR4.3 Amplifiers
Appendix
Two
App-2
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© 2022 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev: 15 November 2022
Mechanical Drawing (170AMPS Only)
App-2
Pg-20
Mechanical Drawing –Continued