Virginia Diodes WR5.1 Quick start guide

979 Second Street SE, Suite 309
Charlottesville, VA 22902-6172 (USA)
Tel: [phone]; Fax: [phone]
www.vadiodes.com
© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc –All Rights Reserved
Compact Converter
Operational Manual
2021
0

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
Section 1 –CC General Overview, Safety and Operational Guidelines...........Pages 2-3
Contents.....................................................................................................................................................Page 2
CC General Overview, Safety and Operational Guidelines .......................................................................Page 3
Section 2 –Product Overview and Technical Specifications .............................Pages 4-7
CC Configurations......................................................................................................................................Page 4
Product Overview.......................................................................................................................................Page 5
Double-Sideband Up-Conversion and Down-Conversion..........................................................................Page 6
General Specifications ...............................................................................................................................Page 7
Product Specifications................................................................................................................................Page 8
Appendix 1 –CC Performance.......................................................................................Pages 9-15
CC Performance ...................................................................................................................................Page 9-15
Addendum –Product Updates and Company Contacts ...........................................Page 16
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Contents
Section
One

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
Compact Converters (CC)
Virginia Diodes offers compact converters (CCs) for frequency up and down-conversion. These
converters are easy to use and well suited for high performance up and down conversion of wide
band modulated millimeter-wave signals. VDI CCs offer full waveguide band coverage and are
available from WR28 (22.5-40 GHz) to WR2.2 (330-500 GHz) with additional CCs under
development.
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.
The internal components can be damaged by Electro Static Discharge (ESD). Any operator using or handling the
device should wear a grounded wrist strap specifically designed to guard against ESD. The work environment
including test benches should also be properly grounded.
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.
Virginia Diodes, Inc. (VDI) accepts no liability for damage or injury resulting from or caused by:
•Improper use, disassembly or use for purposes other than those for which the product 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 for debris prior to making connections.
•Making a connection with debris between the waveguide flanges can damage the waveguide interface and prevent
repeatable connections.
•If debris is present, clean the flange with pre-dampened lint free wipes or swabs (e.g. TexWipe TX1065). If these are not
available, lint free cloths lightly dampened with ethanol may be used (e.g. TexWipe TX604).
•When device is not in use, cover appropriate waveguide flanges with provided dust cap or protective waveguide tape.
•Waveguide screws should be torqued between 20-50 cNm, greater values can damage the interface.
•Use a torque of 90 cNm when making coaxial connections. Avoid sharp bends in cables.
General Operating Practices and Recommendations
•Check with VDI before any use is attempted beyond those described in this manual, including uses that may exceed
limitations stated here or commonly accepted standards of practice.
CC General Overview, Safety and Operational Guidelines
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© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
Compact Converter Configurations
Compact Up-Converter (CCU):
A CCU module is a compact converter module configured for up-conversion. Basic block diagram is shown below.
Compact Down-Converter (CCD):
A CCD module is a compact converter module configured for down-conversion. Basic block diagram is shown below.
E-field Polarization Configurations
Default E-field Polarization for each model is specified in the General Specifications table. VDI can offer alternative E-field
polarization by appending -V or -H at the end of the part name. VDI plans to remove the E-field polarization option in 2022. Once
option is removed, VDI plans to only ship CCU and CCD modules in the default polarization configuration.
Section
Two
CC Configurations
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VERTICAL
E-Field
Polarization
(-V)
HORIZONTAL
E-Field
Polarization
(-H)

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
Compact Converters
CCUs and CCDs have a rectangular waveguide RF port and a coaxial LO and IF port. The drawing for a typical CCU is shown below. CCD has similar ports and
labeling. Older CCU and CCD modules may have different form factors, E-field polarization or ports in different locations.
LO Input: For optimal performance, the user must adjust LO power at each frequency for optimal performance. DO NOT exceed damage limits listed on Page 7.
IF Port (ESD Sensitive for CCUs only): The IF port can be used as an input or an output depending on the configuration (see Page 4). The IF port for CCUs is
extremely ESD sensitive. The IF port for CCDs has ESD protection. DO NOT apply any DC biases or surges when connecting / disconnecting from IF port.
Discharge static from cables before connecting to the device. DO NOT exceed damage limits listed on Page 7. Replace IF port with provided 50Ωtermination
when IF port is not in use.
RF Port: The RF port can be used as an input or an output depending on the configuration (see Page 4). DO NOT exceed damage limits listed on Page 7.
Voltage Bias Port: The voltage bias port provides +9V that is used to bias external VDI RF amplifiers.
Failure to follow these procedures may damage or destroy the device. The user is liable for repair costs of detectors damaged by ESD, and the use of stringent
ESD precautions is recommended when making connections to VDI compact converters.
General Operating Procedure
Turn On:
With the input power turned off, make all necessary connections (i.e. LO cable, IF cable).
Connect VDI RF amplifier to Voltage Bias Port of CCU/CCD (if applicable).
Connect power supply to DC Power port on CCU/CCD.
Apply appropriate LO power to the device then apply small signal input power.
Turn Off:
Turn off small signal input power then turn off LO input power.
Disconnect power supply from DC Power port on CCD/CCD.
Disconnect and turn off all other equipment on user test bench.
Product Overview
RF Port
LED (ON/OFF)
DC Power
LO Input
IF Port
Voltage
Bias Port
E-Field Polarization
[Horizontal Polarization is shown]
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© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
CCD: Block Down-Conversion
VDI CCDs can be used to down-convert a block of millimeter-wave / THz signals to the IF band, where it can then be coupled into
the RF port of an analyzer or processed by other means. Figure 1 shows how a VDI CCD down-converts a block of millimeter-
wave signals. It is important to note that due to the double sideband nature of the CCDs, the mixer will convert both sidebands.
The upper and lower sidebands will be down-converted to the same range IF output frequencies.
The IF Output frequency can be calculated by: fIF = | fRF –N•fLO |, N is the harmonic factor for the module. N=2 is shown in the
figure below.
Figure 1: Diagram of double-sideband block down-conversion is shown for subharmonic mixing.
CCU: Block Up-Conversion
The CCUs can also be used to up-convert a block of IF signals to generate a block of millimeter-wave / THz signals for
transmission from the RF port. Figure 2 shows how a VDI CCU up-converts a block of IF input signals. Due to the double
sideband nature of the CCUs, two sidebands (upper and lower sidebands) are generated during the up-conversion process. A
filter may be preferred for certain applications to eliminate one sideband. VDI offers a range of filters for common wireless
communication bands. Custom filters are also available upon request.
The lower sideband RF Output frequency can be calculated by: fRF-lower = N•fLO –fIF . The upper sideband RF Output frequency
can be calculated by: fRF-upper = N•fLO + fIF, where N is the harmonic factor for the module. N=2 is shown in the figure below.
Figure 2: Diagram of double side-band block up-conversion is shown for subharmonic mixing.
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Double Side-Band Up-Conversion and Down-Conversion
LO Input
IF Input
RF Output
LO Input
RF Input
IF Output

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
†The IF Input Damage Limit (for CCUs) and the RF Input Damage Limit (for CCDs) are the same. The IF Connector is specified here. The RF Test Port specifications are listed
separately in the table above.
††CCD modules include an IF amplifier with ~12dB gain.
Table 1: General Specifications for VDI CCU and CCD Modules
Description
Specification
Connector
LO Input Port (Typical / Damage)
WR28
0 dBm / 10 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR19 (Not -B)
0-3 dBm / 6 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR19 (-B Only)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR15 (Not -B)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR15 (-B Only)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR15 (-B-M4 Only)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR12 (Not -B)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.4mm (f)
WR12 (-B Only)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.4mm (f)
WR12 (-B-M4 Only)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR10 (Not -B)
6-12 dBm / 15dBm
1.85mm (f)
WR10 (-B Only)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR8.0 to WR2.2 (Not WR3.4CCU/CCD)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR3.4CCU/CCD (Not -M12)
0-6 dBm / 9 dBm
1.85mm (f)
IF Input Power Damage Limit
(for CCUs)†
RF Input Power Damage Limit
(for CCDs)†
WR28
10 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR19
6 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR15 to WR10 (Not -B)
0 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR15 to WR10 (-B Only)
12 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR8.0 to WR3.4
6 dBm
2.92mm (f)
WR2.2
0 dBm
2.92mm (f)
IF Frequency
CCU
~10 MHz (min.), See Table 2 for Max IF
--
CCD
~100 kHz (min.), See Table 2 for Max IF
--
RF Test Port
VDI Precision Flange
WR15 and Higher Frequency
UG-387/UM
WR28 to WR19
UG-599/UM
Default E-Field Polarization
WR28 to WR10 (Not -B)
Horizontal
--
All Others
Vertical
--
IF Amplifier Gain (dB)††
For CCDs Only
~12dB
--
AC Inputs
Single-Volt Power Supply ( +9V / 4A)
100-240VAC, 3.5A, 50-60Hz
U.S. or E.U.
Maximum Weight
--
2.0 Lbs. (0.91 Kg.)
--
Dimensions (Enclosure, without
Connectors, L x W x H)
WR28 to WR10 (Not Including CCU-B and
CCD-B Modules)
3.75” x 3.00” x 1.50”
(See VDI Website for Drawing)
--
All Others
5.00” x 3.50” x 1.50”
(See VDI Website for Drawing)
--
Operating Temperature
Typical / Recommended
25⁰C / 20-30⁰C
--
General Specifications
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© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
*LO Input Power for optimal conversion loss varies with LO input frequency.
†Conversion Loss is defined as the intrinsic mixer conversion loss without any external amplifiers.
General Notes:
• VDI CCs include a single-volt power supply.
• The required LO power for optimal performance varies across the frequency band. Performance specifications assume optimal RF and LO power coupled into the mixer;
performance may be reduced near band edges.
• Conversion Loss performance is specified at ~1 GHz IF. Conversion loss increases as a function of IF, at a rate of ~1.5dB/10GHz, up to the specified Maximum IF Frequency.
Performance is typical with reduced performance at band edges.
• RF filters can be used to eliminate one sideband of the CCU RF output. Contact VDI for more information.
• RF amplifiers can be used to increase the CCU RF output power. Contact VDI for more information.
• Where available, an input isolator will smooth the required LO input power vs. frequency.
Table 2: Product Specifications for Compact Converters
Waveguide
Band
RF
Freq.
(GHz)
Up-Converter
Down-
Converter
LO
Harmonic
Factor
LO Input
Freq.
(GHz)
Intrinsic
Mixer
Conversion
Loss (dB,
typ.)†
Input
Power
(~P1dB /
~P0.1dB)
Maximum
IF Freq.
(GHz)
WR28
22.5-40
WR28CCU
WR28CCD
1
22.5-40
9
8 / -5
8.5
WR19
40-60
WR19CCU
WR19CCD
2
20-30
9
-4 / -14
6
WR19CCU-B
WR19CCD-B
2
20-30
9
+5 / -5
9
WR15
50-75
WR15CCU
WR15CCD
2
25-37.5
10
PLO –10dB /
PLO –20dB*
9
WR15CCU-B
WR15CCD-B
2
25-37.5
10
+5 / -5
9
WR15CCU-B-M4
WR15CCD-B-M4
4
12.5-18.75
10
+5 / -5
9
WR12
60-90
WR12CCU
WR12CCD
2
30-45
10
PLO –10dB /
PLO –20dB*
12
WR12CCU-B
WR12CCD-B
2
30-45
10
+5 / -5
12
WR12CCU-B-M4
WR12CCD-B-M4
4
15-22.5
10
+5 / -5
12
WR10
75-110
WR10CCU
WR10CCD
2
37.5-55
10
PLO –10dB /
PLO –20dB*
15
WR10CCU-B
WR10CCD-B
4
18.8-27.5
10
+5 / -5
15
WR8.0
90-140
WR8.0CCU
WR8.0CCD
4
22.5-35
10
-1 / -11
15
WR6.5
110-170
WR6.5CCU
WR6.5CCD
6
18.3-28.3
10
-1 / -11
17
WR6.5CCU-M4
WR6.5CCD-M4
4
27.5-42.5
10
-1 / -11
17
WR6.5CCU-M12
WR6.5CCD-M12
12
9.2-14.2
10
-1 / -11
17
WR5.1
140-220
WR5.1CCU
WR5.1CCD
6
23.3-36.7
11
-1 / -11
22
WR4.3
170-260
WR4.3CCU
WR4.3CCD
6
28.3-43.3
11
-1 / -11
26
WR3.4
220-330
WR3.4CCU
WR3.4CCD
6
36.7-55
12
-1 / -11
40
WR3.4CCU-M12
WR3.4CCD-M12
12
18.3-27.5
12
-1 / -11
40
WR2.2
330-500
WR2.2CCU
WR2.2CCD
12
27.5-41.7
14
-7 / -17
40
Product Specifications
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© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
CCU/CCD Single Side Band (SSB) Conversion Loss Performance
Typical CCU/CCD SSB intrinsic mixer conversion loss data is provided below. Data below does not include any internal or
external amplification and is tested at ~400 MHz IF. Measured conversion loss will be shipped with each VDI CC.
.
Appendix
One
CC Performance –WR28 and WR19
App-1
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0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR28
Typical
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
40 42 44 46 48 50 52 54 56 58 60
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR19
Typical

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
CCU/CCD Single Side Band (SSB) Conversion Loss Performance - continued
App-1
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CC Performance –Continued
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
50 55 60 65 70 75
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR15
Typical
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
50 55 60 65 70 75
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR15 (-B)
Typical

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
CCU/CCD Single Side Band (SSB) Conversion Loss Performance - continued
CC Performance –Continued
App-1
Pg-11
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
60 65 70 75 80 85 90
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR12
Typical
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
60 65 70 75 80 85 90
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR12 (-B)
Typical

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
CCU/CCD Single Side Band (SSB) Conversion Loss Performance - continued
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR10
Typical
CC Performance –Continued
App-1
Pg-12
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR10 (-B)
Typical

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
CCU/CCD Single Side Band (SSB) Conversion Loss Performance - continued
CC Performance –Continued
App-1
Pg-13
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
110 120 130 140 150 160 170
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR6.5
Typical
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 220
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR5.1
Typical

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
CCU/CCD Single Side Band (SSB) Conversion Loss Performance - continued
CC Performance –Continued
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
170 180 190 200 210 220 230 240 250 260
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR4.3
Typical
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
220 230 240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320 330
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR3.4
Typical
App-1
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© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
CCU/CCD Single Side Band (SSB) Conversion Loss Performance - continued
CC Performance –Continued
App-1
Pg-15
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
330 340 350 360 370 380 390 400 410 420 430 440 450 460 470 480 490 500
SSB Conversion Loss (dB)
Frequency (GHz)
WR2.2
Typical

© 2021 Virginia Diodes, Inc.—All Rights Reserved—Rev 8 November 2021
The Virginia Diodes staff of engineering and physical science professionals works to continually improve our products. We also
depend upon feedback from colleagues and customers. Ideas to simplify component operations, improve performance or add
capabilities are always welcome.
Contact VDI:
Virginia Diodes, Inc.
Web: http://www.vadiodes.com
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Addendum —Product Updates and Company Contacts
Addendum
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