The Prototype

As the Arduino/Genuino "Polarmod" does not cover all specific applications, the need for a different approach deemed necessary. This one allows the RF signal to be amplified by 0 dB / 20 dB / 40 dB and then beeing downconverted by injecting two (different) LO signals to a range from DC to approx. 10 MHz. This project is used by our Cavity Team as well as our Impact Team. This device is constructed to be a SET - AND - FORGET unit. No user interaction necessary. The device is powered by a +5V Power Supply, delivering approx. 200 mA.

As a lot of Inputs and Outputs had to be placed on that tiny frontpanel, we went for the SMA type. For easy use, the frontpanel is equipped with a block diagram.

The RF signal is input to the left SMA, followed by two switcheable LNA. It is advantageous to use the left amplifier first. For an extra low noise pre-amplification. Two GALI-39+ are used for the preamplifier. They have a NF of 2.4 dB nd a Gain of approx. 20 dB each.

The amplified signal is the split with a ADP-2-10+ (Power Splitter/Combiner, 5 - 1000 MHz).

Each path is fed to a ADE-1LH+ (Frequency Mixer, +10 dBm).

The two LO inputs are clamped to approx. +13 dBm by an RLM-33-2W+ (Limiter, 0.2 to 3000 MHz) then amplified by a GALI-39+ and then clamped again (RLM-33-2W+). By that an optimal LO level is guaranteed, almost independent of the input level.

Some attenuators around the mixer shall make sure, that it operates in a 50 Ω environment.



As the Block Diagram suggests ... not much inside :-)

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