Varian CPI VZM6991G3

The Varian CPI VZM6991G3 is a high-power vacuum electron device engineered for X- through Ka-band applications requiring linear amplification across wide instantaneous bandwidths. Operating from 8 GHz to 18 GHz, it delivers 20 Watts output power with 40 dB typical gain, making it suitable for radar, satellite communication, and scientific instrumentation where efficiency and reliability are critical.

– Technical Specifications

• Frequency Range: 8 GHz to 18 GHz
• Output Power: 20 Watts
• Gain: 40 dB (typical)
• Output Connector: N-type, 50 ohms nominal impedance
• Input VSWR: 2.0:1 typical
• Output VSWR: 2.0:1 typical
• Load VSWR: 1.3:1 maximum (full specification); 2.0:1 maximum (no damage)
• Noise & Spurious: -50 dBc typical (excluding harmonics and residual modulation)
• Residual AM: -40 dBc
• Residual FM: Less than 4 kHz peak-to-peak in any 5 MHz band
• AM/PM Conversion: 2.5 °/dB typical at 6 dB below rated output
• Noise Figure: 35 dB maximum
• Harmonic Content: -3 dBc at lower band edge, decreasing to -15 dBc typical at upper band edge; -20 dBc with optional harmonic filter
• Dimensions (L-Band and above): 3.5 × 19 × 19.25 inches

– Key Features

• Linear amplification across 8–18 GHz instantaneous bandwidth
• Moderate noise figure supports low-noise receiver chains
• Low AM/PM distortion enables high-quality modulated signals
• Selectable harmonic filtering for emission compliance
• Industry-standard N-type connectors and 50 ohm interface

– Typical Applications

• Radar transmit chains and signal conditioning
• Satellite uplink amplification
• Test and measurement instrumentation

– Compatibility & Integration

The VZM6991G3 interfaces via standard 50 ohm N-type connectors. Load impedance tolerance extends to 2.0:1 VSWR without device damage, though full specification performance requires loads within 1.3:1. Harmonic content control via optional filtering enables integration into systems with stringent spectral masks.