Distributed Frequency Converter

Distributed Frequency Converter

The Distributed Frequency Converter (DFC) uses remote mixers to convert independent test and reference RF signals to an IF at 5 to 20 MHz. NSI-MI's DFC consists of an LO/IF unit and two mixer modules. The mixers may be swapped to extend frequency coverage or replaced with Mixer Interfaces to support external mmWave converters.

Features
  • Standard mixers cover 100 MHz to 50 GHz
  • Mixer Interface supports mmWave to 1 THz
  • Fundamental mixing to 20 GHz
  • Identical test and reference mixers
  • Single LO cable for each mixer
  • Independent LO cable lengths to 110 feet

Datasheet
  • Specifications
  • Applications
  • Includes
  • Accessories
Test frequency (RF) 100 MHz–50 GHz (Mixers)
40 GHz–1.1 THz (Mixer Interface + mmWave modules)
Intermediate frequency (IF) 5–20 MHz
LO frequency > -25 dBm (fundamental, 26.5/40/50 GHz mixers)
> -17 dBm (third-harmonic, 26.5/40/50 GHz mixers)
> -21 dBm (fundamental, 6 GHz mixers)
Conversion gain (typical) +10 to +16 dB (fundamental, 26.5/40/50 GHz mixers)
-5 to +8 dB (third-harmonic, 26.5/40/50 GHz mixers)
0 to +12 dB (fundamental, 6 GHz mixers)
LO input power (LO In) +4 to +6 dBm
LO output power (LO-DC Out) +14 dBm (0.1–6 GHz)
+12 dBm (6–12 GHz)
+10 dBm (12–20 GHz)
Size (Mixers) 127 x 127 x 43 mm (5 x 5 x 1.7 in.)
Size (LO-IF Unit) 89 x 432x 406 mm (2U EIA, 3.5 x 17 x 16 in.)
AC Power (LO-IF Unit) 100–120 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 35 W


Distributed frequency converter components:
  • ELE-DFC-LOIF LO/IF Unit
  • ELE-MIX-1-26.5-DFC 1–26.5 GHz mixer
  • ELE-MIX-1-40-DFC 1–40 GHz mixer
  • ELE-MIX-1-50-DFC 1–50 GHz mixer
  • ELE-MIX-0.1-6-DFC 0.1–6 GHz mixer
  • ELE-MIX-REM-DFC Mixer interface, supports non-standard mixers or mmWave modules

Distributed frequency converter packages:
  • ELE-DFC-1-26.5 LO/IF unit and two 1–26.5 GHz mixers
  • ELE-DFC-1-40 LO/IF unit and two 1–40 GHz mixers
  • ELE-DFC-1-50 LO/IF unit and two 1–50 GHz mixers
  • ELE-DFC-0.1-6 LO/IF unit and two 0.1–6 GHz mixers
  • ELE-DFC-0.1-26.5 LO/IF unit, two 0.1–6 GHz mixers and two 1–26.5 GHz mixers
  • ELE-DFC-0.1-40 LO/IF unit, two 0.1–6 GHz mixers and two 1–40 GHz mixers
  • ELE-DFC-0.1-50 LO/IF unit, two 0.1–6 GHz mixers and two 1–50 GHz mixers
  • Distributed frequency converter set, consists of LO/IF unit and two mixer modules
  • DFC, LO/IF unit
  • DFC, mixer module
  • Mixers - provide RF to IF signal conversion for measurement