Equipments » RF » Understanding Waveguide Mixers: Anritsu MA2808A Overview

Understanding Waveguide Mixers: Anritsu MA2808A Overview

waveguide mixer anritsu millimeter-wave spectrum analyzer

This article discusses waveguide mixers and its benefits, specifically highlighting the Anritsu Waveguide Mixer MA2808A. Waveguide mixers, like the Anritsu models, are crucial components for testing and measurement in the millimeter wave frequency range.

Essentially, a waveguide mixer functions similarly to a standard RF mixer. However, it’s specifically designed to interface with waveguide components, making it suitable for millimeter-wave applications. It takes two input frequencies, mixes them, and generates the sum and difference of those frequencies at its output. The desired output frequency is then selected, and any unwanted frequencies are filtered out using appropriate RF filters.

Anritsu has developed waveguide mixers to facilitate the testing of millimeter-wave wireless devices. These mixers are well-suited for applications like wireless backhaul, WLAN 11ad (WiGig), and radar systems operating in the 77 to 79 GHz bands. Anritsu’s MS2830A spectrum analyzer can be used in conjunction with these waveguide mixers for the effective testing and troubleshooting of millimeter-wave solutions.

The image below shows the waveguide mixer model MA2808A.

MA2808A Waveguide Mixer

Technical Specifications of Anritsu Waveguide Mixers

The following table details the technical specifications of Anritsu’s waveguide mixers, models MA2806A and MA2808A.

SpecificationMA2806AMA2808A
RF Frequency50 GHz to 75 GHz60 GHz to 90 GHz
IF Frequency1.875 GHz1.875 GHz
LO Frequency5 GHz to 10 GHz5 GHz to 10 GHz
LO amplitude>10 dBm>10 dBm
Multiplier value812
Conversion loss<15dB<15dB
P1dB> 0 dBm> 0 dBm
LO leakage<-30dBm<-30dBm
Input level (max.)10 dBm10 dBm

Benefits of a Waveguide Mixer

  1. Converts high frequency signals to intermediate frequencies with minimal loss.
  2. Ensures high signal integrity and minimal power dissipation.
  3. Reduces distortion, making it ideal for precise signal processing.
  4. Supports wide frequency ranges including microwave and millimeter wave bands.
  5. It is robust and durable in design which makes it work efficiently in harsh environments, including aerospace and defense applications.
  6. Minimizes phase noise and enhances receiver sensitivity.
  7. As it is compact and light in weight, it is suitable for space constrained RF and microwave systems.
  8. It is used in various applications including radar, satellite communications and radio astronomy.

Conclusion

A waveguide mixer is a crucial component in RF and microwave systems, enabling efficient frequency conversion with low loss, high linearity and superior noise performance. Its durability and wide frequency support make it indispensable in advanced communication, radar and space applications.