ACST provides a large range of THz AMC/Sources.

ACST provides a large range of THz AMC/Sources addressing various customer requirements for different applications. Key element of these units is a chain of passive frequency multipliers based on High-Power Multiplier Technology of ACST and using High-Power Amplifier (HPA) modules or MMIC-s at 110GHz as driving sources.

This technology aims at ultimate performance concerning output power AND frequency bandwidth. Various options may be offered and integrated on customer request:

  • Horn antenna (for coupling the output signal to free space),
  • Waveguide sections compatible with the output RF-port,
  • User-controlled output power by a mechanically driven variable attenuator,
  • various passive frequency multipliers, which can easily be connected to the RF-output of the module to extend the output signal to higher frequency bands.

ACST Signal Sources/AMC-s can basically be divided in two distinguishing criteria: upon functionality and upon performance.

Moreover, ACST offers three different package implementation versions of their AMC/Sources to better fit customer application and available budget.

Performance criteria distinguishes high-power and broadband sources.

This criterion distinguishes following categories:

In-housing

In-housing version is best suited for laboratory instrumentation.
This is an alone-standing housing with all required elements integrated. All required voltage biases and current sources are provided by an integrated Power Supply Unit (PSU). The module only needs electrical powering of 15-18V DC, which is provided by a universal AC/DC adapter, usually included in delivery package. The housing also features a height adjustable stage for easy mechanical integration into any experimental setup.

Additional advantage of the in-housing version is that more options can be integrated on customer request like a user-defined attenuator, power-combined versions for increasing the output power, and externally attached multipliers. The last option offers to the user opportunity to use different frequency ranges using the same base-source, which brings more flexibility for laboratory instrumentation. Standard In-housing modules offer two 12V output ports for easy biasing of DC bias boxes for external multipliers.

Product Highlights:

  • Flexibility in functionality
  • Easy-to-use: all required units are integrated
  • Adjustable height control of housing.

Compact

Compact version is based on a compact modular design.
This implementation version features full possible performance while keeping mechanical compactness and simplicity in operation. AMCs of this implementation version usually need external DC powering for integrated amplifiers and bias boxes (not included in the delivery package).

Compact versions are well suitable for integration into more complex THz systems like frequency extenders of VNA or Tx arrays for FMCW radars. Output waveguide (WG) flanges may be modified in a way to achieve compactness while maintaining compatibility with standard WG flanges.

Product Highlights:

  • High performance
  • Mechanical compactness
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for integration in more sophisticated systems

Economical Version

Economical version aims at achieving overall good performance while keeping manufacturing costs low.
Mechanical compactness and low power consumption are also in focus of this development. These modules are developed responding to demand in real life industrial applications. The design and manufacturing process allow for crucial reduction of production costs in case of production in large volumes. These modules just need DC powering of 9V, which can even be provided by a standard 9V-battery.

Product Highlights:

  • Economical solution
  • Overall good performance
  • Mechanical compactness
  • Low power consumption
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for integration in more complex systems

Product List

Broadband AMC

Broadband AMC/Sources are usually fully covering standard frequency bands of rectangular waveguides and typically perform frequency bandwidths of about 40-45%.

Broadband sources

Broadband AMC/Sources are usually fully covering standard frequency bands of rectangular waveguides and typically perform frequency bandwidths of about 40-45%.

Compact Broadband AMC

Broadband AMC are usually fully covering standard frequency bands of rectangular waveguides and typically perform frequency bandwidths of about 40-45%.

High power AMC

MC are called Amplifier-Multiplier-Chains. AMC modules are meant to extend operation frequency of a microwave signal synthesizer or a sweeper to higher frequency range.

High power sources

Signal Sources are designed to provide RF-signal at MM-Waves. The source consists of a Voltage-Controlled Oscillator (VCO), followed by an Amplifier/Multiplier Chain (AMC).