WM490

The Tektronix WM490 is a series of waveguide mixers for 490-series spectrum analyzers, e.g., the 7L18, 492, and 494.

A waveguide is a structure which guides energy waves, such as electromagnetic waves or sound waves. Waveguides are metallic lines, similar in fashion to transmission lines, which are used at microwave frequencies. Unlike coaxial cable which is also a transmission line, there is no center conductor within the waveguide. Signals propagate within the confines of the metallic walls that act as boundaries. The signal propagation is confined by total internal reflection from the walls of the waveguide.

As described in "Spectrum Analysis Utilizing Waveguide Mixers" the Tektronix Application Note 26W5390 states that whether a measurement is made at audio frequencies or millimeter wavelengths, the spectrum analyzer is used to measure amplitude vs. frequency. Typical measurements include spectral energy distribution or signature of the energy source. This can be as simple as measuring harmonic levels of a continuous wave source to a more complicated occupied bandwidth measurement of a digital microwave transmission system.

Actual spectrum analyzer measurements at millimeter wavelengths differ from lower frequency measurements in the transition from coaxial cables to waveguides. Most spectrum analyzers have an internal mixer upper frequency limit of 21 to 22 GHz, and utilize a type "N" RF input connector.

When the requirement measurement is above 22 GHz, some type of external mixing is required. Current techniques utilize harmonics of the spectrum analyzer first sweeping LO and an external harmonic waveguide mixer covering the designer frequency range. The mixers extend the frequency range of measurement up to as high as 325 GHz. Each mixer covers a separate frequency range, typically about two thirds of an octave.

Note: The MIL-F-39000/3C which describes flanges for double-ridge waveguide was cancelled without replacement on January 20, 2009.

Characteristics

Model No.	Band Desig.	Freq Range (GHz)	Sensitivity (dBm)	Waveguide (EIA)	U-Type Flanges
WM490K	K	18.8 to 26.5	-100	WR-42	UG-595/U
WM490A	A	26.5 to 40	-95	WR-28	UG-599/U
WM490Q	Q	33 to 50	-95	WR-22	UG-383/U
WM490U	U	40 to 60	-95	WR-19	UG-383/U-M
WM490V	V	50 to 75	-95 at 50 GHz -90 at 75 GHz typ.	WR-15	UG-385/U
WM490E	E	60 to 90	-95 at 60 GHz -90 at 90 GHz typ.	WR-12	UG-387/U
WM490W	W	75 to 110	-90 at 75 GHz -80 at 110 GHz typ.	WR-10	UG-387/U-M
WM490F	F	90 to 140	-85 at 90 GHz -75 at 140 GHz typ.	WR-08	UG-387/U-M
WM490D	D	110 to 170	-80 at 110 GHz -70 at 170 GHz typ.	WR-06	UG-387/U-M
WM490G	G	140 to 220	-75 at 140 GHz -65 at 220 GHz typ.	WR-05	UG-387/U-M
119-1728-00 G-J Band flange transition	J	220 to 325	-65 at 220 GHz -50 at 325 GHz typ.	WR-05 WR-03	74-003 74-005

Notes:

• All mixers are equipped with standard UG-XXX/U type flanges as indicated. Flange adapters to standard MIL-F-3022 type flanges are provided in F, D, and G bands at no additional charge.
• The waveguide name WR stands for waveguide rectangular, and the number is the inner dimension width of the waveguide in hundredths of an inch (0.01 inch = 0.254 mm) rounded to the nearest hundredth of an inch.
• The waveguide height is half the waveguide width.
• The Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) is the body that defined the WR designations for standard rectangular waveguides.

Links

• Spectrum Analysis Utilizing Waveguide Mixers (PDF)
• Harmonic Mixers for Spectrum Analyzers y K6JEY
• M.I.T. Radiation Laboratory Series, Waveguide Handbook, N. Marcuvitz, 1951 (PDF)

Pictures

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  Specs of WM490 Mixers with 494