The Varian CPI VZM6990K1 is a traveling wave tube (TWT) amplifier engineered for wideband RF applications spanning 8.0 GHz to 18.0 GHz. Delivering 10 watts of output power with 40 dB gain, this all-metal-ceramic tube amplifier operates at 50 ohms nominal impedance and terminates in a Type N connector. Built for antenna range testing, EMC chamber deployment, and bench-level validation, the VZM6990K1 combines high power density with proven reliability across industrial and scientific measurement tasks.
Technical Specifications
• Frequency Range: 8.0 GHz to 18.0 GHz
• Output Power: 10 watts
• Gain: 40 dB
• Impedance: 50 ohms nominal
• Output Connector: Type N
• 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 Figure: 35 dB maximum (L-Band and above)
• Noise and Spurious: −50 dBc typical (excluding harmonics and residual modulation)
• Residual AM: −40 dBc
• Residual FM: <4 kHz peak-to-peak in any 5 MHz band
• AM/PM Conversion: 2.5 dB/dB typical at −6 dB below rated output
• Harmonic Content: −3 dBc at lower band edge; −15 dBc typical at upper band edge (without optional filter)
– Key Features
• All-metal-ceramic TWT construction ensures extended operational life
• Wideband 8–18 GHz coverage minimizes amplifier count in multi-band test systems
• Power supply Mean Time Between Failures exceeds 41,000 hours
• Optional harmonic filtering reduces harmonic distortion
• Available with input and output isolators for impedance mismatch tolerance
• IEEE 488 GPIB control available for automated test equipment (ATE) integration
– Typical Applications
• Antenna range RF verification and characterization
• Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) chamber signal conditioning
• Broadband RF system testing and validation
• Laboratory bench amplification for wideband signals
– Compatibility & Integration
The VZM6990K1 is part of CPI's 6900K series, which includes models with alternative output power ratings. Remote control options, input/output isolators, and harmonic filter packages are available as configuration choices. For automated testing workflows requiring instrument control, IEEE 488 bus-controllable variants are offered with integrated GPIB cards or external module configurations.
