MMIC based Up-converter for Ku-band Data Transmitter

Abstract

This paper discusses design and realization of Amplifier and Sub-harmonic Mixer MMICs using 0.25µm GaAs/AlGaAs pHEMT process. This paper also discusses design and realization of Ku-band up-converter subsystem using these two MMICs for data transmitter applications on a single RF board developed using RT-Duroid 6002 substrate. On the same substrate, a wideband band reject filter MIC is also designed and realized. IF frequency of 375MHz (±125MHz) is up-converted to Ku-band frequencies, Band-1: 10.825GHz & Band-2: 11.327GHz using half of the required translation frequencies. The measured conversion gain of Ku-band up-converter is better than 4.5dB over both the bands, with gain flatness of 0.3dB, NF is less than 18dB and spurious response is less than -60dBc at input level of -15dBm. It weighs less than 240gms.