Hi there,
I have been assembling 2 stage amps using minicircuits VCOs (ROS 1700 and 2500) rf output to stage 1 sirenza SXA389BZ or SXB4089Z on .031"FR4 via 2oz microstrip, and stage 2 in the same way to SPB 2026Zs.
I've been following the sirenza datasheets very closely to get tracklengths correct, but get HUGE losses between stage 1 and 2... Been using exact components for impedance matching, and talking to wes paxman at sirenza (rfmw) to get things right. NO LUCK - 2nd set of pcbs wasted...
Instead of observing track lengths, could I try just making everything as close together as possible in an attempt to minimise losses, despite the obvious increases in destructive interference due to non proven striplengths?
I can't afford a network analyser (startup company trying to get a part working prototype) but I've got an ok spectrum analyser. I also have ok single stage amps working...
I have been assembling 2 stage amps using minicircuits VCOs (ROS 1700 and 2500) rf output to stage 1 sirenza SXA389BZ or SXB4089Z on .031"FR4 via 2oz microstrip, and stage 2 in the same way to SPB 2026Zs.
I've been following the sirenza datasheets very closely to get tracklengths correct, but get HUGE losses between stage 1 and 2... Been using exact components for impedance matching, and talking to wes paxman at sirenza (rfmw) to get things right. NO LUCK - 2nd set of pcbs wasted...
Instead of observing track lengths, could I try just making everything as close together as possible in an attempt to minimise losses, despite the obvious increases in destructive interference due to non proven striplengths?
I can't afford a network analyser (startup company trying to get a part working prototype) but I've got an ok spectrum analyser. I also have ok single stage amps working...