Description
The Mi-Wave 980-2/18/10/smaF RF Transmitter provides a robust and flexible solution for wideband microwave and communication systems. Designed for applications requiring frequency agility, spectral purity, and reliable output power, the transmitter operates across a broad 2 to 18 GHz RF frequency range, covering S-, C-, X-, and Ku-band frequencies.
The transmitter supports input frequencies from 500 MHz to 4 GHz, allowing straightforward integration into modern transmit architectures. Its digitally controlled synthesized local oscillator (LO) provides precise frequency and gain adjustment through an RJ45 interface with graphical user interface (GUI). This enables convenient remote configuration, repeatable settings, and system-level synchronization.
The 980-2/18/10/smaF delivers greater than 28 dB of gain across its operating range with low gain variation. It provides RF output power up to 27 dBm and is available with 500 MHz or 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth, supporting wideband modulation, multi-carrier signals, and high-data-rate communications.
Mi-Wave transmitter platforms can be customized with multichannel configurations, independent digital gain control, high input-power handling, and multiple RF and signal paths. Packaging options include commercial rack-mount, airborne, military, and environmentally ruggedized enclosures, making the transmitter suitable for both laboratory testing and field deployment.
Typical applications include satellite uplinks, point-to-point microwave communications, radar transmitters, telemetry systems, electronic warfare platforms, test and measurement equipment, and other broadband RF systems requiring stable, high-performance signal transmission.
Watch our informational video to learn more about this product family, including its key features, operating principles, and common applications.
Key Specifications (Summary)
RF Output Frequency: 2 – 18 GHz
IF Input Frequency: 500 MHz – 4 GHz
IF Input Power Range: −40 dBm to +10 dBm (typical)
IF Input VSWR: 2:1 maximum
IF Input Connector: SMA (Female)
Local Oscillator (LO) Frequency Range: 0.5 – 18 GHz
LO Architecture: Synthesized, digitally controlled
RF Output Performance
Conversion Gain: > 28 dB across operating band
Gain Flatness: Nominally flat across operating frequency range
Maximum RF Output Power: Up to 27 dBm
Noise Figure: 12 – 14 dB (typical)
Instantaneous Bandwidth: 500 MHz or 1 GHz
*Actual product may be different from the image shown per customers specifcations
*All data presented is collected from a sample lot.
* Actual data may vary unit to unit, slightly.
*All testing was performed under +25 °C case temperature.
*Consult factory to confirm if material, plating, size, shape, orientation and any electrical parameter is critical for the application as website information is for reference only.
*Millimeter Wave Products, Inc. reserves the right to change the information presented on website without notice as we continue to enhance the performance and design of our products.
RF Transmitter, Receiver & Transceiver Overview
Mi-Wave designs and manufactures high-performance RF transmitters, RF receivers, and RF transceivers for microwave and millimeter-wave systems operating across X-Band (8–12 GHz), Ku-Band (12–18 GHz), Ka-Band (26–40 GHz), Q-Band (33–50 GHz), V-Band (50–75 GHz), W-Band (75–110 GHz), and frequencies beyond 110 GHz.
Our portfolio includes wideband transmitters, microwave receivers, millimeter-wave transceivers, frequency-agile RF systems, multichannel platforms, and custom solutions for satellite communications (SatCom), radar, telemetry, electronic warfare (EW), wireless communications, aerospace and defense systems, and RF test and measurement applications.
An RF transmitter prepares and delivers a signal for transmission by performing functions such as frequency conversion, signal conditioning, gain control, amplification, and filtering. An RF receiver captures an incoming RF or millimeter-wave signal and converts, filters, and amplifies it for analog or digital processing. An RF transceiver combines transmit and receive capabilities into one integrated platform, reducing system size, cabling, and integration complexity.
Mi-Wave transmitter, receiver, and transceiver systems can incorporate digitally synthesized local oscillators, upconverters, downconverters, low-noise amplifiers, power amplifiers, filters, attenuators, switches, and remote control interfaces. Each platform can be configured to meet application-specific requirements for frequency range, bandwidth, gain, output power, noise figure, phase noise, spectral purity, channel count, and environmental performance.
RF Transmitter, Receiver & Transceiver Signal Flow
RF Transmitter
Converts and conditions an input signal for transmission through an antenna, waveguide system, cable, or RF test platform.
RF Receiver
Receives high-frequency signals and prepares them for demodulation, digitization, analysis, or other downstream processing.
RF Transceiver
Integrates bidirectional transmit and receive functions into a single compact platform for communications, radar, telemetry, and test systems.
How RF Transmit and Receive Systems Work
Signal Input or Reception
A transmitter accepts a baseband or IF signal, while a receiver captures an incoming microwave or millimeter-wave RF signal.
Frequency Translation
Upconverter or downconverter stages combine the signal with a stable local oscillator to generate the required transmit or receive frequency.
Signal Conditioning
Filtering, amplification, attenuation, and gain control reduce unwanted responses while maintaining signal level, bandwidth, and spectral purity.
System Integration
The processed signal is delivered to an antenna, modem, digitizer, radar processor, test instrument, or other RF subsystem.
Key Features & Performance Benefits
Low Phase Noise
Low-phase-noise synthesized local oscillators help preserve signal integrity throughout the transmit and receive chains. This supports high-order modulation, narrowband carriers, coherent radar, and systems with demanding EVM, BER, and spectral-purity requirements.
Excellent Frequency Stability
High-stability internal and external reference options provide accurate, repeatable operation across temperature and environmental changes. This is valuable for satellite communications, precision measurement systems, radar, and synchronized multichannel platforms.
Fine Frequency Tuning
Fine frequency resolution enables precise channel placement, signal alignment, and frequency-agile operation within crowded spectra. This capability supports laboratory testing, interference avoidance, channel planning, and dynamic frequency selection.
Multichannel Options Available
Multichannel transmit, receive, and bidirectional configurations support parallel signal paths while reducing overall system footprint, cabling, and integration complexity. These options are well suited for phased arrays, MIMO platforms, and multi-carrier systems.
Digital Gain Control
Integrated gain and attenuation control allow signal levels to be optimized for changing input powers, link conditions, and system requirements. This helps prevent compression, improve dynamic range, and simplify system calibration.
Low LO Leakage
Careful isolation between the signal and local oscillator paths minimizes unwanted LO feedthrough and spurious emissions. This improves spectral purity and helps reduce interference in dense RF environments.
High Image Rejection
Advanced filtering and frequency-conversion architectures suppress unwanted image frequencies. Strong image rejection produces cleaner transmitter outputs and helps protect receiver sensitivity from undesirable signals.
High Transmit Output Power
Mi-Wave transmitters and transceivers can incorporate power amplification to deliver the RF output levels required for communications, radar, telemetry, electronic warfare, and test applications.
Low Receiver Noise Figure
Mi-Wave receivers and transceivers can incorporate low-noise amplification and optimized signal paths to improve sensitivity and preserve weak incoming signals before frequency conversion and processing.
Wide Instantaneous Bandwidth
Wideband configurations support broadband modulation, multi-carrier signals, high-data-rate communications, wideband radar waveforms, and frequency-agile test and measurement applications.
Remote Monitoring and Control
Available Ethernet, GUI, and digital control interfaces enable remote frequency selection, gain adjustment, status monitoring, and repeatable configuration within larger automated systems.
Compact and Rugged Packaging
Space-efficient packaging supports installation in equipment racks, shelters, airborne platforms, vehicles, outdoor enclosures, and portable test systems. Commercial, military, and environmentally ruggedized options are available.
Applications for RF Transmitters, RF Receivers & RF Transceivers
RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers are designed for integration into RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems where reliable signal transmission, receiver sensitivity, spectral purity, and frequency stability are critical. Mi-Wave systems support commercial, industrial, scientific, aerospace, and defense applications across fixed, mobile, airborne, maritime, and outdoor installations.
Satellite Communications
RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers are essential components in satellite uplink and downlink architectures, enabling reliable communication between ground terminals, gateways, and space-based platforms.
Typical satellite communication applications include:
- Satellite ground terminals and gateway stations
- Teleports and network operations centers
- VSAT and transportable SatCom terminals
- Ku-, Ka-, Q-, V-, and W-band communication systems
- Satellite uplink transmitters and downlink receivers
- Integration with antennas, modems, LNAs, and power amplifiers
- Payload testing and ground-support equipment
These systems help maintain signal integrity, reduce phase noise, and support reliable links within crowded satellite frequency allocations.
Point-to-Point Radio Communications
RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers are commonly used in high-capacity point-to-point radio links for telecommunications, private networks, and critical infrastructure.
Common applications include:
- Microwave and millimeter-wave backhaul
- Fixed wireless access networks
- High-throughput data links between sites
- Urban and rural point-to-point connectivity
- Private and secure communication networks
- Spectrum-efficient narrowband and wideband radio systems
Precise frequency control, clean transmitter output, and high receiver sensitivity help maximize link reliability, range, and spectral efficiency.
Radar and Sensing Systems
RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers perform essential signal-generation, transmission, detection, and processing functions within radar systems.
Typical radar applications include:
- Surveillance and tracking radar
- Weather and meteorological radar
- FMCW and pulse-Doppler radar
- Ground-based, airborne, maritime, and space-based radar
- Radar transmitter and receiver front ends
- Target detection and ranging systems
- Coherent and frequency-agile radar architectures
Low phase noise and excellent frequency stability help improve range resolution, Doppler accuracy, sensitivity, and target discrimination.
Meteorology and Atmospheric Sensing
Microwave and millimeter-wave transmitters, receivers, and transceivers support meteorological and environmental monitoring systems that use radar and remote-sensing technologies.
Applications include:
- Weather radar for precipitation and storm tracking
- Atmospheric profiling and cloud monitoring
- Climate and environmental research
- Doppler radar systems
- Radiometers and remote-sensing instrumentation
- Long-duration outdoor monitoring installations
Stable frequency performance and rugged packaging help ensure accurate data collection under changing temperatures and environmental conditions.
Telemetry and Remote Data Links
Telemetry systems depend on reliable RF transmission and reception to exchange real-time data with remote, mobile, or unmanned platforms.
Common telemetry applications include:
- Aerospace and flight-test telemetry
- Defense and range instrumentation
- Missile and launch-system testing
- Automotive and motorsports testing
- Industrial monitoring and remote sensing
- UAV and unmanned-system data links
- Command, control, and communications systems
Frequency agility, low LO leakage, and reliable gain performance support accurate data transmission and recovery in dynamic operating environments.
Electronic Warfare and Defense Systems
RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers support advanced defense systems that must detect, analyze, generate, or respond to signals across wide frequency ranges.
Typical applications include:
- Electronic support measures
- Electronic intelligence systems
- Signal detection and monitoring
- Threat simulation and emitter testing
- Communications intelligence
- Jamming and countermeasure research
- Radar warning and signal-analysis platforms
Wide frequency coverage, rapid tuning, multichannel configurations, and remote control support flexible and adaptable defense architectures.
5G and Millimeter-Wave Wireless
RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers support the development, testing, and deployment of 5G, FR2, and emerging millimeter-wave wireless technologies.
Typical applications include:
- 5G FR2 base-station and small-cell testing
- Beamforming and MIMO system validation
- Millimeter-wave signal generation and analysis
- Wireless backhaul and fixed wireless access
- Prototype radio and antenna testing
- Pre-deployment verification systems
- Next-generation wireless research
Fine frequency resolution, wide instantaneous bandwidth, and multichannel options enable flexible platforms for advanced wireless networks.
Radio Astronomy and Scientific Research
Highly sensitive RF receivers and stable transmit/receive systems are used in radio astronomy, space science, and scientific instrumentation.
Applications include:
- Radio astronomy observatories
- Low-noise scientific receiver chains
- Space science and deep-space monitoring
- University and government research laboratories
- Spectral analysis and long-duration observations
- Atmospheric and planetary research
- Precision microwave and millimeter-wave experiments
Excellent frequency stability, low phase noise, and low receiver noise figure are essential for detecting and analyzing weak signals.
RF Test and Measurement
RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers provide repeatable signal-generation and signal-reception capabilities for laboratory, production, and system-integration environments.
Typical uses include:
- RF and millimeter-wave test benches
- Transmitter and receiver test systems
- Signal-generation and signal-analysis setups
- Automated test equipment
- Device characterization and validation
- Antenna and component testing
- Production testing and calibration
- System-level integration and troubleshooting
These systems provide stable and repeatable performance for research, product development, manufacturing, and quality assurance.
Custom System Integration
Mi-Wave transmitter, receiver, and transceiver platforms can be configured for integration into larger RF and millimeter-wave assemblies.
Available integration options may include:
- Custom frequency ranges and bandwidths
- Multichannel transmit and receive paths
- Integrated power and low-noise amplifiers
- Digital gain and attenuation control
- Synthesized local oscillators
- Ethernet and GUI control
- Coaxial and waveguide interfaces
- Rack-mount, airborne, military, and ruggedized packaging
Custom configurations help reduce system complexity, development time, cabling requirements, and overall platform footprint.
System Performance and Signal-Integrity Benefits
Across these applications, RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers help:
- Maintain spectral purity and signal integrity
- Deliver reliable RF output power
- Improve receiver sensitivity and dynamic range
- Reduce phase noise, spurious responses, and LO leakage
- Support precise and repeatable frequency control
- Enable wideband and frequency-agile operation
- Simplify multichannel system integration
- Support scalable and modular RF architectures
RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers serve as foundational components in modern RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems where dependable signal transmission, reception, and bidirectional communication are essential.
RF Transmitter, Receiver and Transceiver FAQ
These quick answers cover RF transmitters, RF receivers, and RF transceivers used in satellite communications (SatCom), point-to-point microwave links, radar, telemetry, electronic warfare, RF test and measurement, and 5G/mmWave systems.
Quick Answers
What does an RF transmitter do?
An RF transmitter prepares a signal for wireless or guided transmission by performing functions such as frequency conversion, filtering, gain control, and power amplification. It produces an RF or microwave output that can be delivered to an antenna, waveguide system, cable, or other RF component.
What does an RF receiver do?
An RF receiver captures an incoming RF, microwave, or millimeter-wave signal and prepares it for processing. The receiver may include low-noise amplification, filtering, gain control, and downconversion to an intermediate frequency or baseband output.
What does an RF transceiver do?
An RF transceiver combines transmitter and receiver functions within a single integrated platform. It can transmit and receive signals through separate RF connections or a shared antenna interface, depending on the system architecture.
What is the difference between a transmitter and an upconverter?
An upconverter primarily translates a lower-frequency input signal to a higher RF frequency. A complete RF transmitter may include the upconverter along with filtering, gain control, power amplification, monitoring, and control functions.
What is the difference between a receiver and a downconverter?
A downconverter translates a high-frequency RF signal to a lower intermediate frequency. A complete RF receiver may also include an LNA, RF and IF filtering, gain control, signal monitoring, and other components required to detect and process incoming signals.
What is the difference between a transceiver and separate transmitter and receiver units?
A transceiver combines transmit and receive functions into one enclosure, which can reduce size, weight, cabling, and integration complexity. Separate transmitter and receiver units may provide greater flexibility, isolation, serviceability, or independent signal-path control.
What frequency bands can RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers support?
Systems can be designed for microwave and millimeter-wave bands, including X-Band, Ku-Band, Ka-Band, Q-Band, V-Band, W-Band, and frequencies beyond 110 GHz. Custom frequency ranges may also be available for application-specific requirements.
More Technical Questions
What input signals can an RF transmitter accept?
Depending on its design, an RF transmitter can accept baseband, intermediate-frequency, L-Band, or direct RF inputs. Common IFs include 70 MHz, 140 MHz, and L-Band frequencies such as 950–2150 MHz.
What output signals can an RF receiver provide?
An RF receiver may provide baseband, IF, L-Band, or another lower-frequency RF output. The appropriate output depends on the modem, digitizer, signal processor, test equipment, or other downstream system.
Why is output power important in an RF transmitter?
Transmitter output power helps determine whether the transmitted signal can overcome path loss and reach the intended receiver at a usable level. Required output power depends on distance, frequency, antenna gain, atmospheric loss, modulation, and the overall link budget.
Why is noise figure important in an RF receiver?
Noise figure indicates how much noise a receiver adds to an incoming signal. A lower noise figure improves receiver sensitivity and helps the system detect weak signals, particularly in satellite communications, radar, radio astronomy, and remote-sensing applications.
What is receiver sensitivity?
Receiver sensitivity is the minimum input-signal level that a receiver can detect while meeting a specified performance requirement. It is influenced by noise figure, bandwidth, gain, modulation, required signal-to-noise ratio, and receiver architecture.
What does low phase noise mean for a transmitter or receiver?
Low phase noise indicates minimal short-term frequency fluctuations from the local oscillator or synthesizer. In transmitters, it helps produce cleaner output spectra and improved modulation quality. In receivers, it supports better signal detection, demodulation, and separation of closely spaced signals.
What is LO leakage and why does it matter?
LO leakage is unwanted local-oscillator energy that appears at the RF, IF, or output ports. Low LO leakage helps reduce spurious emissions, self-mixing effects, receiver interference, and unwanted signals within nearby channels.
Why is image rejection important in an RF receiver?
An image frequency is an unwanted RF signal that can convert to the same IF as the desired signal. High image rejection reduces this interference, improving receiver sensitivity, selectivity, and overall signal integrity.
Why is a 10 MHz reference input used?
A 10 MHz reference can lock the transmitter, receiver, or transceiver local oscillator to a stable external source. This improves frequency accuracy and allows multiple channels, radios, converters, and test systems to operate from a synchronized reference.
What is gain, and how does gain control help?
Gain is the increase in signal level through a transmitter or receiver signal path. Adjustable gain or digital attenuation provides repeatable level control, helps prevent compression or overload, improves dynamic range, and simplifies system calibration.
What does AGC do in an RF receiver?
Automatic Gain Control adjusts receiver gain or attenuation as the incoming signal level changes. This helps maintain a consistent output level, prevents downstream overload, and supports reliable operation across a wide range of input powers.
What is receiver dynamic range?
Receiver dynamic range is the range between the weakest detectable signal and the strongest signal the receiver can process without unacceptable distortion or compression. Greater dynamic range allows the receiver to operate effectively in environments containing both weak and strong signals.
What is instantaneous bandwidth?
Instantaneous bandwidth is the frequency span a transmitter, receiver, or transceiver can process at one tuning setting without retuning. Wider instantaneous bandwidth supports broadband modulation, multi-carrier signals, wideband radar waveforms, and high-data-rate communications.
What is the difference between operating bandwidth and instantaneous bandwidth?
Operating bandwidth is the complete frequency range across which a unit can be tuned. Instantaneous bandwidth is the portion of that range the system can process at one time. A system may cover a wide operating range while processing a smaller instantaneous bandwidth at each tuning setting.
Can RF transceivers transmit and receive simultaneously?
Some transceivers support simultaneous transmit and receive operation, while others alternate between modes using time-division duplexing or RF switching. The supported method depends on the transceiver architecture, isolation requirements, antenna configuration, and application.
Why is transmit-to-receive isolation important?
Transmit-to-receive isolation prevents high-power transmitter energy from entering and potentially overloading or damaging the sensitive receiver path. Isolation may be provided through separate antennas, filters, diplexers, circulators, switches, or physical separation.
Are multichannel configurations available?
Multichannel transmitters, receivers, and transceivers can support multiple independent or synchronized signal paths in one platform. These configurations are useful for phased arrays, MIMO systems, multi-carrier SatCom terminals, radar systems, and automated test equipment.
Can RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers be remotely controlled?
Depending on the configuration, systems can include Ethernet, RJ45, USB, serial, or other digital interfaces. Remote controls may include frequency selection, gain adjustment, attenuation, operating-mode control, status monitoring, and stored configurations.
Where are RF transmitters, receivers, and transceivers used?
These systems are used in satellite terminals and gateways, point-to-point microwave links, radar, telemetry, electronic warfare, meteorology, remote sensing, radio astronomy, 5G/mmWave development, and RF test and measurement platforms.
RF Frequency Conversion Calculator (GHz)
Calculate RF and image frequencies for RF upconverters and downconverters using GHz units.
Formulas
- High-side LO: RF = LO + IF, Image = LO − IF
- Low-side LO: RF = LO − IF, Image = LO + IF
Image Frequency Calculator (GHz)
Calculate the image frequency for a mixer/downconverter using LO and IF in GHz.
How it works
- Desired RF: LO ± IF (depends on side)
- Image RF: LO ∓ IF (opposite side from desired)
- Separation between desired and image: 2 × IF
Conversion Gain & Output Power Calculator (dBm)
Calculate output power for RF upconverters, downconverters, and frequency conversion chains using dBm and dB.
Formula
- Pout (dBm) = Pin + Conversion Gain + Amplifier Gain − Attenuation
- Net Gain (dB) = Conversion Gain + Amplifier Gain − Attenuation
Cascaded Noise Figure Calculator (Friis)
Calculate total receiver noise figure and total gain for LNA + downconverter + IF stages using Friis.
Formulas (Friis)
- Convert NF(dB) to noise factor: F = 10^(NF/10)
- Convert Gain(dB) to linear: G = 10^(Gain/10)
- Total noise factor: Ftotal = F1 + (F2−1)/G1 + (F3−1)/(G1·G2) + (F4−1)/(G1·G2·G3)
- Total NF(dB) = 10·log10(Ftotal)
- Equivalent noise temperature: Te = (Ftotal−1)·T0, with T0 = 290 K
Frequency Stability Calculator (ppm/ppb → Hz)
Convert oscillator or LO stability (ppm/ppb) into frequency error at a given carrier frequency.
Formula
- Error (Hz) = Frequency (Hz) × Stability
- ppm = 1×10-6, ppb = 1×10-9
dBm ↔ Watts Converter
Convert RF power between dBm, Watts, milliWatts, and dBW for amplifiers, BUCs, and RF chains.
Formulas
- W = 10^((dBm − 30)/10)
- dBm = 10·log10(W) + 30
- dBW = dBm − 30
Free-Space Path Loss (FSPL) Calculator
Estimate free-space path loss for point-to-point links, SatCom, telemetry, and RF system planning.
Formula
- FSPL(dB) = 92.45 + 20·log10(fGHz) + 20·log10(dKm)
- Valid for free-space propagation (no atmospheric/terrain losses included)
Glossary of RF Frequency Conversion Terms
Core Frequency Conversion Definitions
Upconversion
The process of translating a lower-frequency signal, typically intermediate frequency (IF) or L-band, to a higher RF, microwave, or millimeter-wave frequency using a mixer and local oscillator (LO).
Upconversion is used in transmit chains for satellite communication, radar systems, telemetry links, point-to-point radio, and wireless infrastructure, and is commonly followed by RF power amplification.
Downconversion
The process of translating a high-frequency RF signal down to a lower intermediate frequency for easier amplification, filtering, digitization, and demodulation.
Downconversion is fundamental in receiver architectures, particularly where low noise figure and high dynamic range are required.
Frequency Converter
A general RF component that performs upconversion, downconversion, or both, enabling frequency translation between IF, RF, and millimeter-wave bands. Frequency converters form the core of modern RF signal chains in communications, sensing, and test systems.
Intermediate Frequency (IF)
A fixed or standardized frequency used between RF and baseband stages to simplify filtering, amplification, and signal processing.
Common IFs include 70 MHz, 140 MHz, and L-band (950–2150 MHz).
IF Bandwidth
The usable frequency range around the intermediate frequency that can be processed without distortion or degradation. IF bandwidth determines supported modulation schemes, channel density, and overall system flexibility.
Frequency Inversion
A condition where the spectral order of a signal is reversed during the frequency conversion process. Frequency inversion must be accounted for in system design to ensure proper demodulation and signal interpretation.
RF Frequency
The operating radio frequency after conversion, typically ranging from X-band through millimeter-wave bands such as Ku-, Ka-, Q-, and V-band.
Channel Spacing
The frequency separation between adjacent carriers or channels. Proper channel spacing is critical in multi-carrier and multi-channel systems to prevent adjacent-channel interference.
Converter Types, Channels, and Packaging
Converter Type
Defines the frequency conversion approach and physical implementation.
Synthesized Converter
Uses a digitally controlled synthesizer to generate the local oscillator. Synthesized converters provide fine tuning resolution, high frequency accuracy, repeatability, and agile frequency selection, making them well suited for multi-carrier and frequency-agile systems.
Block Converter
A self-contained unit that integrates frequency conversion, filtering, amplification, and LO generation. Commonly implemented as Block Upconverters (BUCs) and Low-Noise Block Downconverters (LNBs) for satellite and microwave systems.
Number of Channels
The number of independent frequency conversion paths within a single unit.
Single-Channel
One conversion path for dedicated or fixed links.
Multi-Channel (1, 2, 3, or 4 Channels)
Multiple parallel conversion paths used in multi-carrier systems, phased arrays, MIMO architectures, beamforming platforms, and spectrum monitoring systems.
Multichannel Operation
A configuration where multiple independent frequency conversion paths operate in parallel within a single unit, often sharing reference and LO resources for synchronization.
Packaging
The mechanical form factor and intended operating environment.
Commercial Rack
Rack-mount enclosures designed for indoor laboratories, test benches, data centers, and satellite ground stations.
Environmental or Ruggedized
Sealed enclosures designed for outdoor, rooftop, mobile, airborne, or harsh environments, with extended temperature operation.
Local Oscillator and Mixing Terms
Local Oscillator (LO)
A stable signal source used in a mixer to translate frequencies. LO quality directly impacts phase noise, spurious performance, image rejection, and overall system stability.
Internal Reference Oscillator
A built-in frequency reference used to stabilize the LO when an external reference is not provided. Internal references offer convenience but typically lower long-term accuracy than external references.
Reference Input
An external frequency reference, commonly 10 MHz, used to lock the LO for improved stability, phase coherence, and synchronization across multiple systems.
Phase Coherence
The ability of multiple signals or channels to maintain a fixed phase relationship. Phase coherence is critical in multi-channel converters, phased arrays, beamforming systems, and coherent radar architectures.
Channel-to-Channel Phase Matching
A measure of phase alignment consistency between channels in a multi-channel converter. Tight phase matching is essential for polarization integrity, beam steering, and array performance.
Mixer
A nonlinear RF component that combines the input signal and LO to produce sum and difference frequencies, enabling frequency conversion.
LO Leakage
Unwanted LO energy that appears at the RF or IF ports. Low LO leakage is critical for minimizing spurious emissions and system interference.
Image Frequency
An unwanted frequency that also converts to the same IF during mixing and must be suppressed through filtering or image-reject architectures.
Image Rejection
The ability of a frequency converter to suppress unwanted image frequencies. High image rejection improves receiver sensitivity, spectral purity, and dynamic range.
Stability and Signal Quality Metrics
Phase Noise
Short-term frequency fluctuations of the LO or output signal, expressed in dBc/Hz. Low phase noise is essential for high-order modulation, low EVM, radar resolution, and clean spectra.
Frequency Stability
The ability of a converter or LO to maintain accurate frequency over time, temperature, and environmental changes, often specified in ppm or ppb.
Spurious Responses (Spurs)
Unwanted discrete frequency components generated by mixing products, harmonics, and nonlinearities, which must be minimized in dense RF environments.
Gain, Linearity, and Dynamic Range
Conversion Gain
The gain or loss introduced by the frequency conversion process, specified in dB.
Gain Control
An adjustable feature that allows optimization of signal levels to prevent compression and improve system dynamic range.
Digital Attenuation
Digitally controlled attenuation that enables precise, repeatable gain adjustment and remote system control.
Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
A control function that automatically adjusts gain or attenuation to maintain a consistent output level despite variations in input signal strength.
Input Power Range
The acceptable signal level range at the converter input over which performance specifications are maintained. Exceeding this range can result in compression or distortion.
Output Power (P1dB)
The output power level at which gain compression reaches 1 dB, defining the linear operating range of the converter.
Third-Order Intercept Point (IP3 / OIP3)
A measure of linearity indicating resistance to intermodulation distortion. Higher IP3 values improve performance in multi-carrier and high-dynamic-range systems.
Noise Figure (NF)
A measure of how much noise a component adds to the signal. Low noise figure is especially critical in downconverters, LNBs, and receiver front ends.
Linearity
The ability of the converter to process signals without distortion. High linearity reduces intermodulation products and spurious emissions.
Dynamic Range
The range between the smallest and largest signal levels that can be processed without excessive noise or distortion.
Bandwidth and Channel Characteristics
Bandwidth
The frequency range over which the converter can operate without performance degradation.
Instantaneous Bandwidth
The frequency range over which the converter can operate at a given tuning setting without retuning, supporting wideband and multi-carrier signals.
Tuning Step Size
The minimum frequency increment by which the LO or output frequency can be adjusted.
Hardware and System Architectures
Block Upconverter (BUC)
A transmit module that upconverts IF or L-band signals to microwave or millimeter-wave frequencies for satellite uplinks and point-to-point links, often integrating RF power amplification.
Low-Noise Block Downconverter (LNB)
A receive module that amplifies and downconverts high-frequency RF signals to IF or L-band with minimal added noise.
Heterodyne Architecture
A frequency conversion approach using one or more mixing stages and intermediate frequencies to improve selectivity and image rejection.
Direct Conversion
A receiver architecture that converts RF directly to baseband without an intermediate frequency stage.
Frequency Plan
The defined relationship between RF, IF, and LO frequencies across a system. Proper frequency planning minimizes spurs, images, and interference.
Multi-Carrier Operation
The ability to process multiple carriers simultaneously within the same frequency band.
Beamforming Support
Architectural capability that enables phase- and amplitude-controlled signal paths used in electronically steered antenna arrays.
Measurement and Performance Parameters
S-Parameters
Scattering parameters used to characterize RF performance. For converters, S21 represents conversion gain or loss, while S11 and S22 represent input and output matching.
Return Loss (S11 / S22)
A measure of impedance matching at the input or output ports. Higher return loss indicates better matching and lower reflections.
VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio)
A ratio derived from return loss that indicates impedance matching quality. Lower VSWR values correspond to improved power transfer.
Group Delay
The frequency-dependent time delay introduced by conversion and filtering stages. Excessive variation can distort wideband or digitally modulated signals.
Mechanical, Interface, and Environmental Terms
Waveguide Interface
A high-frequency RF interface used at millimeter-wave bands to minimize loss and maintain signal integrity. Common examples include WR-28, WR-22, WR-15, and WR-10.
Flange Standard
Defines the mechanical mating interface of a waveguide connection, such as UG-383, UG-599, or UG-387, ensuring compatibility between RF components.
Control Interface
The electrical interface used for configuration and monitoring, such as Ethernet, RS-232, RS-485, USB, or discrete logic control.
Operating Temperature Range
The temperature range over which RF performance specifications are guaranteed.
Storage Temperature Range
The allowable temperature range when the unit is not powered.
MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures)
A statistical measure of reliability indicating expected operational lifetime under normal conditions.
Application and System-Level Terms
Receiver Front-End Protection
The use of frequency converters and filtering to prevent strong out-of-band signals from overloading LNAs and mixers.
Spectral Purity
The cleanliness of the output spectrum, including low phase noise, low spurious content, and strong image suppression.
Interference Mitigation
Reducing the impact of adjacent-channel signals, harmonics, and unwanted emissions through proper frequency conversion and filtering.
Synchronization
The alignment of frequency and phase across multiple converters or channels, often achieved using a shared reference source.
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring frequency-converted signals meet spectral mask, emission, and interference requirements imposed by regulatory authorities.
| Model Number | Band | Description | Frequency (GHz) | Converter Type | # of Channels | Packaging | User Preferences | LINK |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 980-2/18/10/smaF | C, S, X | Transmitter | 2-18 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 14-16 GHz Receiver with integrated Omni Antenna | Ku | Receiver | 14-16 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970980-25/27/14/383AC | Ka | Transceiver | 25-27 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 980A-34.5/381 S | Ka | Transmitter | 26.5-40 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 27–29 GHz Receiver with integrated Omni Antenna | Ka | Receiver | 27–29 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970980A-35.61 /KF | Ka | Transceiver | 35.61 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970B-37.5/42.5/383 | Q | Receiver | 37.5- 42.5 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970B-38.25/383S | Q | Receiver | 38.0-38.5 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970A-39.65/599 | Ka | Receiver | 39.4-39.9 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 980B-43.25/383S | Q | Transmitter | 42.0-43.5 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970980-43.5/50/14/383AC | U | Transceiver | 43.5-50 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 980U-45.5/51.4/10/1.85mmF/387 | U | Receiver | 45.5-51.4 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970U-47.2/51 .4/1.85mmF | U | Receiver | 47.2-51.4 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970980U B-47.2/51 .4/1.85mmF-PLO | U | Transceiver | 47.2-51.4 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970980U B-47.2/51 .4/1.85mmF-PLO | U | Transceiver | 47.2-51.4 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 980U/47.5/52.5/383 | U | Transmitter | 47.5 – 52.5 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 50–110 GHz Broadband Receiver | Broadband | Receiver | 50-110 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970E-60/90-12/10F | E | Receiver | 60-90 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970E-75/12.5/387 | E | Receiver | 60-90 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970V-62.5/385 | V | Receiver | 70-65 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970E-70.4/86.4/387 | E | Receiver | 70.4-86.4 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 980E-75/12.5/387 | E | Transmitter | 71 to 86 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC | |
| 970980W-20/387S | W | Transceiver | 95-100 | Synthesized | Block | 1,2,3,4 | Commercial Rack Environmental | Bandwidth Internal/External Ref Digital Attenuation AGC |
Interested in this product or other Mi-Wave solutions?
Contact our team to discuss your frequency range, interface needs, and application requirements.
Custom configurations are available for specialized RF, microwave, and millimeter-wave systems.
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