17.1-17.3 GHz Up Converter with Synthesizer and 3-Channel Down Converter Module

Overview

The RF exciter & receiver module integrates a Ku-band up-converter, an internal frequency synthesizer, and a three-channel down-converter in a single compact package. A temperature-compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) provides a stable 100MHz reference that is filtered, amplified and supplied to a phase-locked loop (PLL). The PLL generates a precise 15.9GHz local-oscillator (LO), which is distributed to both the transmit and receive paths.

In the transmit chain, a digitally controlled DAC produces a 1.2–1.4GHz IF signal that is mixed with a fixed 15.9GHz Local Oscillator (LO) to generate the target Ku-band output of 17.1–17.3GHz. The resulting RF signal passes through band-pass filtering and high-linearity amplification before being delivered to the solid-state power-amplifier (SSPA) driver. Built-in calibration ports enable internal simulation testing.

On the receive chain, each of the three down-converter channels mixes the incoming signal with the same 15.9GHz LO, converting it to a 1.2-1.4GHz IF that matches the optimal input range of the downstream ADC. The IF chain incorporates band-pass filtering, high-IP3 amplification, and a digitally controlled attenuator to provide the required gain while suppressing spurious and intermodulation products. The overall design prioritizes low noise, high linearity, and comprehensive monitoring, delivering a reliable and high-performance RF exciter & receiver for Ku-band monopulse Seeker systems. 

Key Features

  • Fixed LO generation at 15.9GHz derived from a 100MHz TCXO reference.
    LO distribution: one path to the up-converter, one to the down-converter, and a third for monitoring.
  • Up-converter mixes a 1.2–1.4GHz DAC signal with the LO to produce a Tx band of 17.1–17.3GHz, then filters and amplifies this signal to drive the SSPA.
    Two (2) BITE ports for internal and external calibration.
  • Down-converter receives Ku-band signal from LNA, mixes it with same 15.9GHz LO, and produces 1.2–1.4GHz IF output that is fed to ADC board.
  • Integrated gain control: high-IP3 amplifiers and a digital attenuator (AGC) used to maintain signal level within the ADC’s optimal range.
  • Comprehensive filtering on both up and down conversion paths to suppress out-of-band and inter-modulation products.
  • Power-efficient architecture with filtered, amplified LO distribution and
    low-noise amplification stages