ElecEng 4/6FJ4 LABORATORY MODULE #3 Microwave Detection with a Crystal Detector I. Objectives The purpose of this module is to help the students get familiar with the “crystal” detector, one of the simplest power detectors at radio, microwave and millimeter-wave frequencies. The crystal detector uses a simple circuit, consisting of a diode, a RF (radio-frequency) choke and a low-pass filter (often, this is simply a capacitor) to rectify the high-frequency signal. The lectures of ElecEng 4FJ4 do not cover the general topic of microwave diodes and their applications. Thus, this laboratory module is complementary to the lectures in both its content and hands-on experience. The students must prepare for the 3-hour laboratory beforehand by reading the DISCUSION part of the Detection of Microwave Signals LabVolt (https://www.labvolt.com/) exercise, which constitutes MODULE #3. If the students come to the lab unprepared, it is likely that they will not be able to complete the exercises on time. II. Preparing the Lab Report The student is expected to bring along a printout of this guide. The Lab Report consists of simply filling in the required information. Note that there are REVIEW QUESTIONS at the end of the exercise. The student must provide answers to these questions, which are closely related to the DISCUSSION and the PROCEDURE parts of the exercise. The student is expected to hand in the lab report to the teaching assistant (TA) at the end of the lab session. Take home work should not be necessary. PLEASE WRITE DOWN YOUR NAME AND STUDENT ID ON THE TITLE PAGE! III. Grading the Lab Report • • • • Total points: 100 Penalty for a missing item in the PROCEDURE part: −5 points Penalty for a missing plot or table in the PROCEDURE part: −10 points Penalty for a missing or wrong answer in the REVIEW QUESTIONS part: −10 points IV. Feedback We value your opinion. Direct your recommendations, opinions, and criticism to the Instructor (Prof. Nikolova) at nikolova@ieee.org. Nikolova ElecEng 4FJ4 Labs 2014 ElecEng 4/6FJ4 LABORATORY MODULE #3 MICROWAVE DETECTION WITH A CRYSTAL DETECTOR Student Name: Student ID: Student Signature: Date: TA Name: TA Signature: Date: REPORT GRADE: (provided no later than one week after report submission) Nikolova ElecEng 4FJ4 Labs 2014 Exercise 5 Detection of Microwave Signals EXERCISE OBJECTIVES When you have completed this exercise, you will be familiar with the operation of a crystal detector operating in the square-law region. You will be able to plot the sensitivity curve of a crystal detector and to evaluate its tangential sensitivity. DISCUSSION Introduction to Crystal Detectors Nikolova: The name "crystal" is an archaic reference to the first nonlinear devices acting as diodes in the now obsolete battery-less "crystal" radios. Mineral crystals (small pebbles) from lead sulphide (PbS) were common. Nowadays, tunnel diodes are usually used. Microwave signals are detected by converting the microwave signal to a DC current or DC voltage whose amplitude is a function of the amplitude of the microwave signal. By doing so, conventional low-frequency instruments can be used to measure many of the parameters of the microwave signal, or just to detect its presence. Figure 5-1 represents a simplified microwave crystal detector circuit and its symbolic representation. Crystal detectors are basically a type of diode rectifier. Because a diode is a non-linear element, harmonic components of the input signal are generated in the detection process. These harmonic components are attenuated by the lowpass filter located before the detector output, leaving only the DC output signal. Figure 5-1. Simplified representation of a detection circuit and the symbolic representation of a crystal detector. Typical Sensitivity Curve of a Crystal Detector Figure 5-2 shows how the output voltage of a detector varies as a function of the microwave signal power at its input. This curve represents a typical sensitivity curve for crystal detectors. • When the microwave signal power remains low, the detector output voltage is proportional to the square of the microwave signal voltage and, therefore, to the microwave signal power. In this condition, the detector is said to be operating in its square-law, or quadratic region. 5-1 Detection of Microwave Signals • When the microwave signal power is higher than about -15 dBm, the detector output voltage tends to be directly proportional to the microwave signal voltage. In this condition, the detector is said to be operating in its linear region; that is, it rectifies the applied signal. Figure 5-2. Typical output voltage-versus-microwave input power curve of a crystal detector. Voltage Sensitivity The voltage sensitivity is an indication of a detector output voltage in the square-law region when a microwave signal of a given power is applied to its input. The voltage sensitivity can be calculated by using the equation below. The voltage sensitivity is an approximation. Its main use is to compare the performance of different detectors. Amplification of a Crystal Detector's Output Signal As Figure 5-3 shows, a crystal detector can be used to detect very small signals when followed by a low-noise high-gain amplifier. The output level, amplified to a level high enough to be easily measured, is then applied to an indicator. 5-2 Detection of Microwave Signals Figure 5-3. Amplification of a crystal detector's output signal. This method can be used for non-modulated and amplitude-modulated microwave signals. Usually, the microwave signal is amplitude modulated by a 1-kHz square wave signal. This permits the use of low-frequency instruments and circuits with low noise level to measure several parameters of the microwave signal, and the detection of even smaller signals. Measuring the Tangential Sensitivity The tangential sensitivity of a detector is a measure of the detector's ability to detect low-level signals. It corresponds to the smallest microwave signal level that can be detected above the noise level. One way to measure the tangential sensitivity of a detector is to apply a microwave signal amplitude modulated by a 1-kHz square-wave signal to the detector input: • The level of the microwave signal is adjusted so that the peak-to-peak voltage of the 1-kHz detected signal is equal to the peak-to-peak voltage of the noise at the detector output, as Figure 5-4 shows. • The applied microwave signal power corresponds to the tangential sensitivity of the crystal detector, as long as the percentage of modulation is 100%. For the measurement setup, an oscilloscope, and an amplifier with a bandwidth wide enough to prevent distortion of the shape of the 1-kHz square-wave signal are required. 5-3 Detection of Microwave Signals Figure 5-4. Oscilloscope screen showing a 1-kHz detected signal for tangential sensitivity measurements. Generally, crystal detectors will have a tangential sensitivity in the order of -50 dBm for a bandwidth of 1 MHz. Since the noise power at the amplifier output is proportional to the bandwidth of the amplifier, the tangential sensitivity is better when the bandwidth is reduced. Procedure Summary In this exercise, you will measure the power of a microwave signal, using the Thermistor Mount and the LVDAM-MW Power Meter. This will be the maximum power used in the exercise, and will be the reference power level. You will then replace the Thermistor Mount by a Crystal Detector and measure the detector output voltage with the LVDAM-MW Oscilloscope. You will then attenuate the microwave signal by steps and measure the Crystal Detector output voltage for each attenuation setting. This will allow you to plot the sensitivity curve of the Crystal Detector. Finally, you will amplitude modulate the Gunn Oscillator's output signal with a 1-kHz square wave and measure the tangential sensitivity of the Crystal Detector. EQUIPMENT REQUIRED Refer to the Equipment Utilization Chart, in Appendix F of this manual, to obtain the list of equipment required to perform this exercise. 5-4 Detection of Microwave Signals PROCEDURE Nikolova: Please place a "tick" mark in the box of each step of the Procedure once this step is completed. A missing "tick" mark indicates missed Procedure item, which can result in a penalty of -5 or -10 points. Measuring the Maximum Power of the Microwave Signal G 1. Make sure that all power switches are in the O (off) position. Set up the modules and assemble the microwave components as shown in Figure 5-5. Note: Before connecting the Thermistor Mount, unscrew the matching screws so that they do not penetrate into the waveguide; the screws do not need to be removed from the posts. G 2. Make the following settings on the Gunn Oscillator Power Supply: VOLTAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIN. MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DC METER SCALE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 V G 3. Turn on the Gunn Oscillator Power Supply and the Data Acquisition Interface (DAI) by setting their POWER switch to the "I" (ON) position. Set the Gunn Oscillator supply voltage to 8.5 V. Wait for about 5 minutes to allow the modules to warm up. G 4. On the host computer, start the LVDAM-MW software. In the Application Selection window, make sure the Work in stand-alone box is unchecked, and click OK. In the Settings panel of LVDAM-MW, make the following settings: Gunn Oscillator/VCO Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ON Function Input 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Power Meter Gain Input 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 dB 5-5 Detection of Microwave Signals Figure 5-5. Computer and module arrangement (showing electrical connections to microwave components), and microwave setup. G 5-6 5. Wait for about 5 minutes to allow the modules to warm up. In LVDAM-MW, start the Power Meter and set it to display dBm readings. Enter the power Detection of Microwave Signals factor indicated (η) on the Thermistor Mount’s waveguide. Then, perform zeroing of the Power Meter. G 6. On the Thermistor Mount, loosen the knurled lock-nut that holds the moveable short circuit into place. Adjust the short circuit to the position nearest the waveguide which gives a maximum reading on the Power Meter. Then, adjust each matching screw of the Thermistor Mount to maximize the power reading. Fine tune if necessary. Finally, lock the moveable short circuit into position. G 7. Note and record the reading of the Power Meter. This will be, in the context of this exercise, the maximum power of the microwave signal. Maximum power of the microwave signal = dBm Close the Power Meter of LVDAM-MW. Determining the Sensitivity Curve of the Crystal Detector Note: A first microwave circuit [Figure 5-6 (b)] will be used to perform the measurements requiring an attenuation lower than 30 dB. A 30-dB Fixed Attenuator will then be added to the microwave circuit to perform the rest of the measurements—which require an attenuation equal to or higher than 30 dB. G See Note on p. 5-9 before item 10. 8. In the Settings panel of LVDAM-MW, set the field Gunn Oscillator/VCO Power to OFF. Set up the modules and assemble the microwave components as shown in Figure 5-6. Connect the Crystal Detector to MULTI-FUNCTION INPUT 1 of the Data Acquisition Interface. Note: Connecting the output of the Crystal Detector to one of the DAI Inputs (in this case MULTI-FUNCTION INPUT 1) will allow you to monitor the Crystal Detector output voltage with the Oscilloscope of LVDAM-MW. G 9. Set the blade of the Variable Attenuator to 0.0 mm. 5-7 Detection of Microwave Signals Figure 5-6 Computer and module arrangement (showing electrical connections to microwave components), and microwave setup for attenuations lower than 30 dB. 5-8 Detection of Microwave Signals Nikolova: Just connect the 60-dB Amplifier here. This way you will need to insert only one additional component later. Note: It is probable that you will not need the 60-dB Amplifier in this section of the exercise, since the level of the signal produced at the output of the Crystal Detector is usually strong enough for the acquisition process to perform the calculations and display the proper signal on the Oscilloscope. However, if the signal is too weak, connect the 60-dB Amplifier between the output of the Crystal Detector and Multi-Function Input 1 of the Data Acquisition Interface (as shown in Figure 5-9 of this exercise). G 10. In LVDAM-MW, select the Data Table function, which will bring up the Data Table. In this Table, manually enter the column titles and figures already recorded in Table 5-1 below. Save the Data Table. Nikolova: You can fill in this table by hand directly in your Report printout. Using the software to generate the Table is optional. ATTENUATION SETTING (dB) 0 ATTENUATOR BLADE'S POSITION (mm) DELIVERED POWER (dBm) DETECTOR VOLTAGE (V) 20 log DETECTOR VOLTAGE (dB) 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 35 40 Table 5-1. Determining the sensitivity curve for the Crystal Detector. G 11. Fill in the column "ATTENUATOR BLADE'S POSITION" of the Data Table: Nikolova: A plot of the blade-position vs. attenuation curve of the attenuator is provided at your table. We have two such attenuators and their curves are also provided at the back of this guide. By referring to the attenuation-versus-blade position curve (or the corresponding Data Table) of the Variable Attenuator obtained in Exercise 4, determine as precisely as you can the attenuator blade's position required to obtain each of the attenuation settings listed in the Data Table. Record your results in the table and save your work. Note: For the attenuation settings equal to or higher than 30 dB, subtract 30 dB from the attenuation setting and determine the Variable Attenuator's blade position required to obtain the resulting difference. For example, an attenuation setting of 30 dB requires that the Variable Attenuator's blade position be returned to 0 mm; an attenuation setting of 35 dB requires that the blade position be set to provide a 5-dB attenuation, and so on. This must be done because, as already mentioned, a 30-dB Fixed Attenuator will be added to the current microwave circuit when the required attenuation is equal to or higher than 30 dB. 5-9 Detection of Microwave Signals G 12. Fill in the column "DELIVERED POWER" of the Data Table. For each attenuation setting, calculate and record the power delivered to the Crystal Detector, using the formula below. Save your work. where Maximum Power = Maximum power of the microwave signal, as recorded in step 7 of this exercise G 13. In the Settings panel of LVDAM-MW, make the following settings: Gunn Oscillator/VCO Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ON Function Input 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voltage Probe (Unipolar) Gain Input 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0 dB Start the LVDAM-MW Oscilloscope and set it as follows: Channel 1 (X) Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 mV/DIV Time base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200 µs/DIV Trigger Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ch1 Software Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Continuous Refresh G 14. Fill in the column "DETECTOR VOLTAGE" for each of the attenuation settings between 0 and 25 dB listed in the Data Table. To do this, perform the steps below. a. Adjust the Variable Attenuator's blade to the position required to obtain the attenuation setting. b. Measure the voltage on channel 1 of the Oscilloscope screen and record it in the column "DETECTOR VOLTAGE". It will be necessary to increase the sensitivity of Oscilloscope Channel 1 when the vertical deflection becomes too low. This is performed by changing the Scale of Channel 1, and by increasing Gain Input 1 as necessary. Note: Changing the Gain on the Input associated with an Oscilloscope channel will change the scales available on this channel: – An Input Gain of 0 dB provides the following scales on the associated Oscilloscope channel: 1 V/div, 500 mV/div, and 200 mV/div. – An Input Gain of 20 dB provides the following scales on the associated Oscilloscope channel: 100 mV/div, 50 mV/div, and 20 mV/div. 5-10 Detection of Microwave Signals – An Input Gain of 40 dB provides the following scales on the associated Oscilloscope channel: 10 mV/div, 5 mV/div, and 2 mV/div. Note: The dynamic range of measurement, on each scale of the Oscilloscope, is not the same as with an ordinary oscilloscope. This occurs because the dynamic range of measurement is limited by the converters of the Data Acquisition Interface. Therefore, the maximum voltage that you can measure, on each scale of the Oscilloscope, is as follows: – With Function Input set to Voltage Probe (Unipolar): Gain of 0 dB: 3 V; Gain of 20 dB: 300 mV; Gain of 40 dB: 30 mV. – With Function Input set to Voltage Probe (Bipolar): Gain of 0 dB: ± 1.5 V; Gain of 20 dB: ± 150 mV; Gain of 40 dB: ± 15 mV. G 15. Fill in the remainder of the column "DETECTOR VOLTAGE" for the attenuation settings of 30 to 45 dB: a. In the Settings panel of LVDAM-MW, set the field Gunn Oscillator/VCO Power to OFF. b. Insert the 30-dB Fixed Attenuator between the 6-dB Fixed Attenuator and the Variable Attenuator, as Figure 5-7 shows. Do not modify the remainder of your setup. c. In the Settings panel of LVDAM-MW, set the field Gunn Oscillator/VCO Power to ON. d. Adjust the Variable Attenuator's blade to the position required to obtain each of the remaining attenuation settings listed in the Data Table. For each attenuation setting, measure the voltage on channel 1 of the Oscilloscope screen and record it in the column "DETECTOR VOLTAGE". Note: You may not be able to fill in the last row of the Data Table due to the very low voltage level measurement required to do so. Figure 5-7. Microwave setup for attenuations equal to or higher than 30 dB. 5-11 Detection of Microwave Signals G 16. Fill in the last column, "20 log DETECTOR VOLTAGE (dB)", of the Data Table. For each attenuation setting, calculate the detector output voltage, in dB, based on the detector voltage (V) measured for each of these settings, and record your results. Save your work. G 17. In LVDAM-MW, select the Graph function of the Data Table and plot the sensitivity curve of the Crystal Detector by selecting "DELIVERED POWER" for the X axis and "20 LOG DETECTOR VOLTAGE" for the Y axis. The obtained curve should resemble that shown in Figure 5-8. Print your graph. Then, determine the square-law region of the sensitivity curve by plotting a straight line tangential to this curve. As Figure 5-8 shows, in the square-law region, a variation of 1 dBm in the input power to the Crystal Detector produces a variation of approximately 2 dB in the Crystal Detector output voltage. This occurs because the Crystal Detector output voltage is proportional to the square of the amplitude of the microwave voltage. Since the X-axis of the graph in Figure 5-8 indicates the microwave power (power unit in dBm), and since the Y-axis indicates the detector output voltage (in dB), a variation of 1 dBm in the microwave power produces a variation of 2 dB in the detector output voltage; a variation of 4 dBm in the supplied microwave power produces a variation of 8 dB in the detector output voltage; and so on. Note: The lower section of your curve may deviate from the straight line, due to inaccuracies of measurements at low signalto-noise ratios. However, consider this section as making part of the square-law region. Save your work, and then close the Data Table. Nikolova: You can plot your curve by entering the data from Table 5-1 directly onto Figure 5-8 in your Report printout. Using the software to generate your plot is optional. 5-12 Detection of Microwave Signals Figure 5-8. Sensitivity curve of the Crystal Detector. Measuring the Tangential Sensitivity of the Crystal Detector G 18. In the Settings panel of LVDAM-MW, set the Gunn Oscillator/VCO Power to OFF, so that there is no microwave signal injected into the waveguide. G 19. As Figure 5-9 shows, modify your circuit so as to connect the Crystal Detector to MULTI-FUNCTION INPUT 1 of the Data Acquisition Interface, via the 60-dB Amplifier, Model 9593. This will allow you to monitor the amplified Crystal Detector output voltage on the Oscilloscope. 5-13 Detection of Microwave Signals As Figure 5-9 shows, the supply cable for the 60-dB Amplifier must be connected to the DB-9 male connector on the bottom of the Data Acquisition Interface. Figure 5-9. Computer and module arrangement (showing electrical connections to microwave components), and microwave setup. 5-14 Detection of Microwave Signals G 20. Make the following settings: On the Gunn Oscillator Power Supply: MODE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 kHz On the Variable Attenuator: Blade Position . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 mm Note: Setting the MODE switch of the Gunn Oscillator Power Supply to 1 kHz will cause the Gunn Oscillator's output signal to be amplitude modulated by a 1-kHz square wave. G 21. In the Settings panel of LVDAM-MW, make the following settings: Gunn Oscillator/VCO Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ON Filter Input 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . > 30 kHz Function Input 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Voltage Probe (Bipolar) Gain input 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 dB Set the LVDAM-MW Oscilloscope as follows: Channel 1 (X) Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 mV/DIV Time base . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 500 µs/DIV Trigger Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ch1 Software Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Continuous Refresh G 22. Gradually decrease the attenuation provided the Variable Attenuator (turn its adjustment screw counterclockwise) until you obtain a waveform similar to that shown in Figure 5-4 of the DISCUSSION on the oscilloscope screen (that is, a 1-kHz detected signal having a peak-to-peak amplitude approximately equal to the peak-to-peak voltage of the noise in this signal.) Figure 5-10 shows an example of signal obtained on the Oscilloscope. At that point, the level of the 1-kHz detected signal will be very low. You can switch the 1-kHz MODE switch of the Gunn Oscillator Power Supply between the "DC" and "1 kHz" positions to better see and evaluate the level of the noise signal alone and that of the 1-kHz detected signal to see if they are approximately equal. 5-15 Detection of Microwave Signals Figure 5-10. Example of a 1-kHz detected signal on the Oscilloscope. G 23. Record the position of the Variable Attenuator's blade below. Variable Attenuator's blade position: Nikolova: A plot of the bladeposition vs. attenuation curve of the attenuator is provided at your table. We have two such attenuators and their curves are also provided at the back of this guide. mm Referring to the attenuation-versus-blade position curve (or the corresponding Data Table) of the Variable Attenuator obtained in Exercise 4, determine the attenuation provided by the Variable Attenuator at this blade position. Attenuation: dB Calculate the total attenuation by adding 30 dB to the attenuation obtained from the Variable Attenuator's curve. Total attenuation: dB Calculate the power of the Crystal Detector's input signal (tangential sensitivity) by subtracting the total attenuation from the maximum power of this signal (as recorded in step 7 of this exercise). Tangential sensitivity: dBm G 24. Turn off the Gunn Oscillator Power Supply and the Data Acquisition Interface by setting their POWER switch to the O (OFF) position. Disassemble the setup and return all components to their storage location. G 25. Close the LVDAM-MW software. 5-16 Detection of Microwave Signals CONCLUSION In this exercise, you were introduced to the principles of microwave signal detection and to the operation of crystal detectors. You plotted the sensitivity curve of the Crystal Detector by measuring its output voltage for different levels of the microwave signal at its input. You measured the tangential sensitivity of the Crystal Detector, by amplitude modulating the Gunn Oscillator's output signal with a 1-kHz square wave. REVIEW QUESTIONS 1. What do microwave detectors allow you to do? 2. What characterizes the square-law region of a detector? 3. What does the sensitivity curve of a crystal detector represent? 4. A crystal detector generates a signal of 10 mV for an incident microwave power of -25 dBm. What is the detector sensitivity (in mV/mW)? 5. Why is it often useful to amplitude modulate a microwave signal with a 1-kHz square wave before applying it to a crystal detector? 5-17 5-18 50 Attenuator #1 45 40 Attenuation (dB) 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 Blade Position (mm) 3.5 4 4.5 5 50 45 Attenuator #2 40 Attenuation (dB) 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 Blade Position (mm) 3.5 4 4.5 5