These high performance and easy-to-use rack mount instruments receive samples of the uplink frequencies anywhere in the range 27.5 to 31.0 GHz and convert that signal to the appropriate downlink frequency ranges occurring from 17.7 to 21.2 GHz. This simulates the target satellite while still “off air” and allows important alignment and system performance measurements to be taken without compromising the transmission. Depending on the frequency regime of the individual system, there is a choice of internal local oscillator frequencies of either 9.8 GHz or 10.3 GHz, with stability over +10 to +40C of +/-2ppm (options include TCXO and OCXO levels of stability) and typically each instrument has a 3 GHz bandwidth. Input signal level can be very easily adjusted over a 30dB range.
The local oscillator employs unique AtlanTecRF PLL technology and is locked to either its own internal reference or an externally provided source. The local oscillator itself features harmonics of typically -25dBc and spurious at -80dBc with phase noise at 10 KHz offset of -100dBc/Hz. The overall converter performance sees transmitted harmonics better than -30dBc with in-band spurios significantly better than -20dBc. Conversion gain at minimum attenuation setting is generally better than -35dB for a 0dBm input level. The basic models come with a wide range of options in order to tailor to the specific customer application. A variety of reference/stability and attenuation control variations will adapt the units to many different needs while the mechanical interfaces are catered for with a wide range of input and output connector choice which, incidentally, can be either rear or front panel mounted. The 19” rack unit is 1U high and just 13.5 inches (343mm) deep and the input power requirement is from 80 to 250V at 50/60Hz.