Microwave Synthesizers, Wideband Converters and Tuners - Syntonic Microwave

Form - Fit - Function Solutions

  • Products
    • Microwave Converters
    • IF Converters
    • Synthesizers
  • Custom Solutions
  • About
  • Contact
  • News
  • Request A Quote
Home » RFT-3100 Series Microwave Downconverters/Tuners

RFT-3100 Series Microwave Downconverters/Tuners

RFT-3100 Series Microwave Downconverters/Tuners

RFT-3100 Series:
40 GHz Downconverter with Fixed IF


Feature Rich, Easily Configurable

No two applications are alike. So it follows that no one Microwave Tuner can fit all applications.

We understand this dynamic and have created the RFT-3100 Series of Downconverters, which draws from a wide range of user selectable, factory configurable features and options. Working together, we’ll specify a Tuner which is customized to your needs and fits the requirements of your application.

image of Syntonic Microwave's RFT-3170 Converter and Tuner


Features and Options

Tailoring and Configuration Choices for the RFT-3100 SERIES

Configuration choices for the RFT-3100 Series Downconverter

Shown here are some choices for configuring your Tuner.
Users make selections in all these categories at the time of order.

RF INPUT
Configuration
Choices

Models Input Range
RFT-3170 0.5-18, 26, 40 GHz
RFT-3180 1.0-18, 26, 40 GHz
RFT-3190 1.5-18, 26, 40 GHz

Primary Input. The Primary Input can be configured to span the basic range covering 1 to 18 GHz (0.5 to 18 GHz for RFT-3170), with possible extensions going down to 100 MHz or up as high as 26.5 GHz.

Secondary Input. The Secondary Input is typically used for millimeter inputs, ranging up to 26.5 or 40 GHz. The inputs can be configured with overlap. For instance, the Primary can go as high as 26.5 GHz and the Secondary can start as low as 18 GHz, enabling two sources with overlapping frequency ranges to be supported.

Input Attenuation. Either the Primary and/or the Secondary Input can be outfitted with a wide-ranging Step Attenuator. Typically these are specified with 10 dB steps and a range of 70 dB, but this can be tailored or customized at the time of order to the user’s needs.

IF OUTPUT
Configuration
Choices

IF Outputs
Wideband Output
center frequencies
1.0 GHz (-3170)
1.5 GHz (-3180)
1.5 GHz (-3190)
Optional Narrowband 50-160 MHz Tunable IF Out, in 10 MHz Steps, 50 & 100 MHz select BWs

Primary Output. The Primary Output freuqency is determined by the bandwidth of the Tuner, typically. However, a customized IF Output center frequency can be specified at the time of order, to suit the downstream input frequency requirements. Check with the factory for tailoring needs.

Secondary Output. A Secondary Output can be provided. Typically, this is a narrowband IF Output, to complement the Wideband IF Output used for the Primary Output. Our option SIF-001 is such a Narrowband option, providing a tunable output in the range from 50 to 160 MHz, in 10 MHz steps, and with output gain control with 20 dB in range.

Output Level Control. The Primary Output can also be provided with a Automatic Level Control. Our option -AGC enables the user to set the output within the range from 0 to -20 dBm, with AGC for inputs from -10 to -65 dBm.

BANDWIDTH
Choices

Models Bandwidth
Model RFT-3170 500 MHz
Model RFT-3180 1000 MHz
Model RFT-3190 2000 MHz

Built for Wideband. Attempting to “scale up” a microwave tuner for greater and greater instantaneous bandwidth poses may problems to the converter designer. To overcome this, we have started with wideband applications in mind. Even with bandwidths to up 2 GHz, we are able to offer  outstanding performance, with excellent phase noise, spurious, dynamic range and image performance.

Wideband apertures…..no worries.

Phase Noise
Details

Our standard Microwave RFT-Series Frequency Converters have excellent phase noise, as shown in the diagram.

With option -LN, improvements by as much as 20 dBc/Hz can be obtained, as well as stability within 0.1 ppm.

chart showing excellent phase noise in RFT-Series Frequency Converters
Shown here with Standard Phase Noise profile

PHASE
COHERENT

rft-series frequency converters in master/slave configuration

Our Microwave RFT-Series Frequency Converters are available in a variety of phase-coherent configurations, supports such modes as “shared LO” and “Master/Slave”.

The phase coherent converters can also be configured for stand-alone or coherent operation, so as needs shift the equipment continues to meet user’s needs.

All-in-One upconverter configuration
Master/Slave Tuner configuration

SEARCH
SWEEP/SCAN
OPTION -SWP

Our Microwave RFT-Series Frequency Converters can be configured to become Search and Scanning Tuners.

With option -SWP, the RFT-3100 Series downconverter adds features for high speed search. In this mode, the settling times are reduced to 600 uSec and a TTL hardware lines are brought out giving the user increased precision in the control for steps, sweeps, scanning and running Lists.

Controls for search can be set-up using SCPI commands, or the GUI, and the search execution can be either hardware or software controlled.

sweep/scan gui interface

Housing
Options

Choose a chassis. Off-the-shelf choices include a:

  • 19″ Rack Mount chassis (typically 1RU);
  • Benchtop chassis that is 2U high and a 1/2 rack width across, or;
  • Ruggedized chassis, such as our ATR/Half-ATR enclosure.
RFT-4200 Series Upconverter Housing Options

GUI and SCPI-based
Interfaces

All RFT-3100 Series Microwave Converters have a complete SCPI-based command-set accessible over a choice of Ethernet or Serial Ports.

GUI solutions are Browser-based and usable on Windows, Mac and Linux platforms.

screenshot of the terminal window

Terminal Support

In addition to the Browser-based GUI, each RFT is equipped with a serial port and can support terminal communications.

SCPI-based commands are send and received, providing another human-readable user interface.

What’s at the Heart of Our Microwave Tuners and Downconverters?

Our World-Class Microwave Synthesizer, the DS-3000.

  • Tunes to 20 GHz
  • Steps in 1 Hz
  • Switches as fast as 200 uSec
  • Offers extremely low phase noise, with <-116 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz when tuned to 10 GHz
DS-3000 microwave synthesizer
RFT-4100 Microwave Upconverter

Need a Matching Upconverter?

Our RFT-4100 Series Upconverters match the RFT-3100 Series Downconverters with:

  • Input/Output Frequencies
  • Bandwidths
  • Common Command-sets

Learn more here >>


Key Specifications

Models Input Range Bandwidth WB IF Out
RFT-3170 0.5-18, 26, 40 GHz 500 MHz 1 GHz
RFT-3180 1.0-18, 26, 40 GHz 1000 MHz 1.5 GHz
RFT-3190 1.5-18, 26, 40 GHz 2000 MHz 1.5 GHz
RF Input Ranges – Primary
Input Range, RFT-3170 0.5-18 GHz
Input Range, RFT-3180 1.0-18 GHz
Input Range, RFT-3190 1.5-18 GHz
Optional Low Band extension tunes down to 100 MHz
Tuning Speed  <2 msec standard, 600 usec with -SWP
Step Size  10 kHz
RF Input Ranges – Secondary
Millimeter Extension, option FXT-001 18-26.5 GHz
Millimeter Extension, option FXT-002 18-40 GHz
Input Port 2.92 mm
IF Output – Primary Wideband Port
IF Out, Center, RFT-3170 1 GHz  (500 MHz BW)
IF Out, Center, RFT-3180 1.5 GHz  (1000 MHz BW)
IF Out, Center, RFT-3190 1.5 GHz  (2000 MHz BW)
Gain Adjustment 10 to 30 dB, in 1 dB steps
IF Output – optional Secondary Port (SIF-001)
IF Output Frequencies 50-160 MHz, in 10 MHz steps
IF Output BW 50 and 100 MHz
Gain Adjustment 10 to 30 dB, in 1 dB steps
Transfer Characteristics
Gain Adjustment 10 to 30 dB, in 1 dB steps
Phase Noise 0.5 degrees RMS
Noise Figure <15 dB, typ
Spurious, internal <-90 dBm, typ
Dynamic range, P1 dB 85 dB, typ
SFDR (2nd & 3rd Order) 60 dB, typ
General Characteristics
Reference In/Out 10 MHz
Reference Stability <0.5 ppm standard, 0.1 ppm optional
Reference Int/Ext Select Auto-sensing
Remote Access Ethernet & RS-232
Ethernet Modes DHCP, Static
IP Configuration Settable IP, Gateway, Mode
Addressing MAC address monitorable
User Interfaces SCPI, Web Browser

Ordering Information


Model Name
RFT-3170 Base Unit, 500 MHz BW Tuner, 0.5 to 18 GHz, 500 MHz BW
RFT-3180 Base Unit, 1000 MHz BW Tuner, 1.0 to 18 GHz, 1000 MHz BW
RFT-3190 Base Unit, 2000 MHz BW Tuner, 1.5 to 18 GHz, 2000 MHz BW
Options: Input Extensions
FXT-001
FXT-002
FXT-005
For Primary or Secondary Input Extends input to 26.5 GHz
Extends input to 40.0 GHz
Extends input down to 100 MHz
Options: Output Extensions
SIF-001 add Narrowband
secondary IF output
Tunable 50 – 160 MHz, with Selectable BW’s 50/100 MHz, 30 dB Gain
Other Factory Options
-ATT Adds input attentuator Up to 70 dB of input attenuation. Can be added to Primary and/or Secondary inputs
-LN Improves Phase Noise Up to 20 dB improvement in near-in phase noise, and increases stability to 0.1ppm
-INV Inversion Toggle Enables user to switch between inverted and upright output spectral sense
-SWP Fast Step/Sweep/Search Adds high speed tuning (600 uSec) with a dedicated trigger line and “all ready” TTL strobe
-AA Anti-Aliasing Adds anti-aliasing filter to IF Output
-M, -S Master/Slave Option Enables the converter to be used either as an independent, stand-alone converter, or paired into a Master/Slave configuration.
-C Phase Coherent Option Dual Converters with shared LO’s for Phase Coherent outputs
-2U Benchtop Chassis Utilizes Syntonic’s 2U High, 1/2 Rack Chassis
-AGC Adds Output Level Control Increases gain, converts Primary Output to ALC, adds Secondary Output with fixed gain

Configure

Syntonic Microwave’s Wideband Tuner has been designed for a multi-purposed and multi-project workspace. Virtually every feature of the Tuner is customizable.

Configure yours in the form below to receive a quote.

  • To begin, choose your desired Bandwidth below.
  • SET PRIMARY INPUT FREQUENCY
    Choose the microwave input range needed for this configuration. Frequency range shown here represents the valid input center frequencies that can be user entered. Extensions down to 100 MHz have reduced bandwidth of 100 MHz.
  • Choose multiple fields as needed
  • SET SECONDARY INPUT FREQUENCY
    Choose the microwave/millimeter input range needed for this configuration. Frequency range shown represents the valid input center frequencies that can be user entered. This RF Input uses a 2.92mm connector.
  • SET PRIMARY OUTPUT FREQUENCY
    The primary output is a fixed frequency. This frequency can be customized at the time of order. This output is brought out to an SMA-Female connector on the rear panel of the instrument.
  • SET SECONDARY OUTPUT FREQUENCY
    The secondary output operates independent of the Primary Output. It is brought out to a separate SMA-Female connector on the rear panel of the instrument.
  • PLATFORM OPTIONS
    Choose either the 1RU Rack Mount or ½ Rack 2R Package.
  • OTHER OPTIONS :
    Choose from these options:
  • PHASE COHERENT OPTIONS
    Our microwave converters are offered with phase coherent options. Choose from these configuration options:
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


Detailed
Specs
Request
Quote
Request
Datasheet
Related Product
RFT-4100
All
Converters
Contact
Us

© 2019 Microwave Synthesizers, Wideband Converters and Tuners - Syntonic Microwave · 275 East Hacienda Ave · Campbell, CA 95008 · 408-866-5900