Frequency Upconverters & Downconverters | Custom Frequency Converters for SatComm & RF Systems

SatCom Low Noise Blocks, Block Upconverters, RF Downconverters, BUC Units, and Precision SatCom Frequency Converters

Description:

MIWV designs and builds high-performance Frequency Upconverters, Downconverters, and BUCs for SatComm and advanced RF systems. Our converters can be customized to support a wide range of operational bands, including 37.5–39.5 GHz, 39.5–42.5 GHz (space-to-Earth) as well as 47.2–50.2 GHz and 50.4–51.4 GHz (Earth-to-space). We also support configurations operating within 37.5–42.0 GHz (space-to-Earth) and companion uplink ranges. Every solution is engineered for demanding RF environments and tailored to your exact system requirements.

Features

  • Low phase noise for enhanced SatCom link performance

  • Excellent frequency stability for reliable uplink and downlink operation

  • Super-fine tuning steps for precise alignment with satellite channels

  • Multichannel SatCom configurations available for flexible system architectures

  • Optional gain control to optimize performance across varying SatCom signal conditions

  • Low LO leakage to minimize interference with adjacent satellite services

  • High image rejection for cleaner conversion in congested satellite bands

  • Compact package ideal for space-constrained SatCom terminals and ground equipment

Applications

  • Point-to-Point Radio Links for Satellite Backhaul

  • Telemetry & Telecommand for Satellite Systems

  • Meteorological Satellite Data Acquisition

  • Radar & Tracking Systems for Satellite Networks

  • Satellite Communication (SatCom) Uplink & Downlink

  • Space & Radio Astronomy for Deep-Space Communications

Model NumberBandDescriptionFrequency (GHz)Converter Type# of ChannelsPackagingUser
Preferences
LINK
980-10/385SC, S, XUpconverter2-18Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
980A-34.5/381 SKaUpconverter26.5-40Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
970980A-35.61 /KFKaUp-Downconverter35.61Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
970B-38.25/383SQDownconverter38.0-38.5Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
970A-39.65/599KaDownconverter39.4-39.9Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
980B-43.25/383SQUpconverter42.0-43.5Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
970U-47.2/51 .4/1.85mmFUDownconverter47.2-51.4Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
970980U B-47.2/51 .4/1.85mmF-PLOUUp-Downconverter47.2-51.4Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
970V-62.5/385VDownconverter70-65Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
970E-70.4/86.4/387EDownconverter70.4-86.4Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC
970980W-20/387SWUp-Downconverter95-100Synthesized | Block1,2,3,4Commercial Rack EnvironmentalBandwidth
Internal/External Ref
Digital Attenuation
AGC

Backed by 35+ years in mmWave and microwave RF design, our engineering team provides complete solutions for SatCom systems — from concept to production. Contact us for custom frequency upconverters, downconverters, RF transceivers, LNBs, low-noise block upconverters, and advanced sub-assembly modules designed for modern satellite communication platforms.

Build Your RF Upconverter, Downconverter, BUC, LNB, and SatCom Hardware Solutions!

MI-WAVE has supported a wide array of advanced SatCom and RF projects, supplying custom upconverters, downconverters, and critical components integrated into larger communication systems. Contact us to review your project requirements. We guide you through every step, from design to manufacturing, delivering precision-built RF assemblies and hardware.

RF Upconverters and Downconverters

RF Upconverters and Downconverters

RF upconverters and downconverters are critical components in satellite communication (Satcom) systems, enabling signals to be translated between baseband, intermediate frequency (IF), and radio frequency (RF) bands used for satellite transmission and reception.

An RF upconverter shifts a lower-frequency signal to a higher RF frequency for transmission to a satellite. In Satcom systems, the upconverter is often paired with an RF power amplifier (PA) to increase signal strength before transmission. When combined into a single integrated unit, this assembly is known as a BUC (Block Up-Converter). BUCs are commonly used in satellite ground stations, gateways, and uplink terminals to support reliable satellite uplinks across X-, Ku-, Ka-, Q-, and V-band frequencies.

A downconverter performs the opposite function by converting a received high-frequency satellite signal down to a lower frequency that can be processed by receivers and modems. In many Satcom applications, the downconverter is integrated with a low noise amplifier (LNA) to improve sensitivity and reduce system noise. This configuration is referred to as an LNB (Low Noise Block downconverter). LNBs are essential for satellite downlinks, providing improved signal quality for ground stations, monitoring systems, telemetry, and broadband satellite networks.

Together, BUCs and LNBs form the core RF signal chain in satellite communication systems, enabling efficient uplink and downlink operation across microwave and millimeter-wave frequency bands. Mi-Wave designs and manufactures RF upconverters, downconverters, BUCs, and LNB solutions to support advanced Satcom, aerospace, and defense applications.