Low noise amplifier design for Ka Band VSAT systems

Abstract

Low noise amplifier design for receiver terminal of Ka Band VSAT systems is presented. The design achieves less than 0.95 dB noise figure at 19.7-20.2 GHz, receive band of Ka band satellite communications systems. Typically, low noise block is used for this purpose, however, in this particular VSAT arrangement, reflector antenna is located away from the rotating antenna unit, which is intended for maritime applications. Two stage amplifier using NE3520 HJ-FET transistors and a bandpass filter is designed for 22 dB gain. The design has very low noise figure compared to its commercial counterparts.