A step-up amplification filtering C-Ku up-converter device
By designing a C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering, using broadband devices and equalization circuits, and combining cavity shielding technology, the problems of complex structure, high cost and narrow bandwidth of traditional upconverters are solved, achieving high-performance and low-cost signal frequency conversion.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202521968280.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-09-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-11-03
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-09-12
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, traditional microwave C-Ku upconverter devices have problems such as complex structure, high manufacturing cost and narrow bandwidth, which cannot meet the growing needs of satellite communication and radar detection.
Design a C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering. It uses a power module and sequentially connected amplifiers, digitally controlled attenuators, filters, mixers and other devices to achieve step-by-step frequency conversion and filtering of signals through step-by-step amplification and filtering. It uses broadband devices and equalization circuits, combined with cavity shielding technology, to suppress spurious levels and electromagnetic interference.
A microwave C-Ku frequency converter device with simple structure, few components, low cost, and wide bandwidth has been realized, which improves uplink performance and channel link detection level, reduces manufacturing cost, and is suitable for widespread application.
Smart Images
Figure CN224935634U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of frequency conversion technology, and in particular to a C-Ku up-converter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering. Background Technology
[0002] A microwave frequency converter is a key component in microwave systems used for frequency conversion and is widely used in fields such as communications, radar, and satellite systems. The core function of a microwave upconverter is to convert an input signal from the C-band to the Ku-band.
[0003] With the advancement of Earth observation technology, the amount of data that needs to be transmitted by satellite-to-ground links is increasing, the information bit rate is getting higher and higher, and therefore the bandwidth required is also getting wider and wider. However, the existing satellite-to-ground links cannot meet the transmission of large amounts of data, which makes the contradiction between remote sensing information and the data transmission capacity of satellite-to-ground links increasingly prominent.
[0004] In the uplink signal link of a ground receiving system for Earth observation satellite data, signal encoding, modulation, and filtering are typically performed at the intermediate frequency (IF). Then, an upconverter shifts the frequency to a higher band, and finally, the signal is amplified by a low-noise amplifier before being fed to the transmitting antenna receiver to simulate the downlink signal. The upconverter is a key component of the uplink in a satellite ground data receiving system; its performance directly affects the uplink performance indicators and also the level of channel link detection.
[0005] Upconversion technology is now widely used in satellite communication, radar detection and other fields. However, traditional upconverters have problems such as complex structure, high manufacturing cost and narrow bandwidth. Therefore, it is urgent to study a microwave C-Ku upconverter device with simple structure, few required components, low manufacturing cost and wide bandwidth to meet the growing needs of satellite communication and radar detection. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a microwave C-Ku upconverter device with a simple structure, few required components, low manufacturing cost, and wide bandwidth.
[0007] The technical solution to achieve the purpose of this utility model is: a C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering, including a power supply module and a first amplifier, a first digitally controlled attenuator, a second amplifier, a first filter, a first mixer, a second filter, a third amplifier, a third filter, a second mixer, a fourth amplifier, a fourth filter, a second digitally controlled attenuator, a fifth amplifier, and a coupler connected in sequence.
[0008] The input C-band signal is amplified by the first amplifier, and the output signal enters the first digitally controlled attenuator to adjust the signal level amplitude.
[0009] The signal output from the first digitally controlled attenuator enters the second amplifier for amplification, then passes through the first filter to remove high-frequency signals, and then passes through the first mixer to achieve isolation between intermediate frequency and radio frequency.
[0010] The signal then passes through the second filter, which performs intermediate frequency and radio frequency filtering and suppression on the output signal of the first mixer. The filtered and suppressed signal is then output to the third amplifier and the third filter for further amplification and filtering. The signal is then converted to 13.75GHz~14.5GHz by the second mixer and output to the fourth amplifier and the fourth filter for amplification and filtering.
[0011] The amplified and filtered signal is output to the second digitally controlled attenuator to further adjust the level and amplitude of the radio frequency signal. Then, it passes through the fifth amplifier to adjust the output power of the signal. Finally, it is coupled by a coupler to output the up-converted Ku-band signal.
[0012] Furthermore, the first and second amplifiers are IGB-015B-X type amplifiers; the third amplifier is an ILA-0618-1.5 type amplifier; and the fourth and fifth amplifiers are ILA-1220-1.8 type amplifiers.
[0013] Furthermore, the first filter is a JY-LFCN-5000+ model filter; the second and third filters are UIYBPF4515A model filters, and the fourth filter is a UIYBPF8717A model filter.
[0014] Furthermore, the first digitally controlled attenuator is a HXTAT0816SP4 model digitally controlled attenuator; the second digitally controlled attenuator is a LDA-4026 model digitally controlled attenuator.
[0015] Furthermore, the first mixer is a SIM276SP3B model mixer; the second mixer is a GMX-1246A model mixer.
[0016] Furthermore, in this device, the local oscillator signal for up-conversion is provided by a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). After passing through a first mixer and a second mixer, the required high local oscillator signals at two frequency points of 9000MHz and 19150MHz are generated and used as the difference frequency signal input. These two local oscillator signals are mixed with the intermediate frequency input signal of 2850-3600MHz, and then passed through an amplifier and filter to output the signal of the required frequency band.
[0017] Furthermore, when selecting amplifiers and mixers, broadband devices should be chosen, broadband matching circuits should be designed, and equalization circuits should be used for equalization.
[0018] Furthermore, the power supply section adopts an isolated DC-DC switching power supply module, and LC filters are added at the input and output terminals of the power supply module to filter power supply ripple.
[0019] Furthermore, the upconverter device employs cavity shielding, with a metal isolation cavity arranged on the radio frequency circuit to block interference from external electromagnetic waves and protect the normal operation of the internal circuits or equipment.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the significant advantages of this utility model are: (1) simple structure, few required components, low manufacturing cost, suitable for widespread production and application; (2) broadband devices are used, broadband matching circuit design is adopted, and equalization circuit is used for equalization, which ensures good amplitude and frequency response, improves the performance index of the uplink, and improves the level of channel link detection; (3) filters are designed at both the RF end and the IF end, which can effectively filter out the high-order harmonics of the local oscillator output signal; (4) the power supply section adopts a mature power supply module, and LC filters are added at the input and output ends of the power supply module to filter the power supply ripple, and the upconverter device adopts cavity shielding to suppress spurious levels and improve the suppression capability of related spurious signals. Attached Figure Description
[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation
[0022] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.
[0023] Combination Figure 1 The present invention provides an upconverter device, comprising a power supply module and a first amplifier, a first digitally controlled attenuator, a second amplifier, a first filter, a first mixer, a second filter, a third amplifier, a third filter, a second mixer, a fourth amplifier, a fourth filter, a second digitally controlled attenuator, and a coupler connected in sequence.
[0024] The input C-band signal with a frequency of 2850-3600MHz / -30±2dBm is amplified by the first amplifier, whose normal operating frequency band includes 2-4GHz. The output signal enters the first digitally controlled attenuator, which provides an attenuation of 0-30dB to adjust the signal level amplitude. The signal output from the first digitally controlled attenuator enters the second amplifier for amplification, and then passes through the first filter to filter out high-frequency signals to ensure signal quality and reduce spurious signals after mixing.
[0025] The signal then passes through the first mixer to achieve effective isolation between the intermediate frequency and the radio frequency, preprocess the aliasing of the radio frequency and local oscillator signals, and suppress spurious signals from entering the system, thereby reducing the noise floor and enhancing the intermediate frequency and image rejection.
[0026] The signal then passes through the second filter, which manages the output signal of the first mixer, performing intermediate frequency and radio frequency suppression to separate and absorb the local oscillator, image, and radio frequency spectrum signals.
[0027] The filtered and suppressed image signal then enters the third amplifier and the third filter, and after being amplified and filtered again, it passes through the second mixer to convert the signal frequency to 13.75GHz~14.5GHz; the signal passes through the fourth amplifier and the fourth filter to improve the quality of the radio frequency signal and filter out out-of-band spurious signals; the second digitally controlled attenuator further controls the level amplitude of the radio frequency signal, and after passing through the fifth amplifier, it ensures the output power requirements of the signal;
[0028] Finally, the signal is coupled by a coupler and output as a Ku-band signal after up-conversion; the fifth amplifier outputs P-1dB: 17dBm. After passing through the coupler and the output terminal, there is also a π-type attenuator and cable, with a total loss of about 5-7dB. When the gain of this frequency converter is at its maximum, the output saturation level is 10dBm.
[0029] As a specific example, the first and second amplifiers are IGB-015B-X type amplifiers; the third amplifier is an ILA-0618-1.5 type amplifier; and the fourth and fifth amplifiers are ILA-1220-1.8 type amplifiers.
[0030] As a specific example, the first filter is a JY-LFCN-5000+ model filter; the second and third filters are UIYBPF4515A model filters, and the fourth filter is a UIYBPF8717A model filter.
[0031] As a specific example, the first digitally controlled attenuator is a HXTAT0816SP4 model digitally controlled attenuator; the second digitally controlled attenuator is a LDA-4026 model digitally controlled attenuator.
[0032] As a specific example, the first mixer is a SIM276SP3B model mixer with a local oscillator power range of 13-19dBm, a conversion loss of 8.5dB, RF and LO ports of 6-23GHz, and IF ports of DC-7GHz; the second mixer is a GMX-1246A model mixer.
[0033] As a specific example, the local oscillator signal for up-conversion in this device is provided by a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). After passing through a first mixer and a second mixer, the required high local oscillator signals at two frequency points of 9000MHz and 19150MHz are generated and used as the difference frequency signal input. The local oscillator signals at these two frequency points are mixed with the intermediate frequency input signal of 2850-3600MHz, and then passed through an amplifier and filter to output the signal of the required frequency band.
[0034] As a specific example, frequency converters are required to have good amplitude-frequency response within the operating frequency range. Given the wide operating frequency range, the following design strategies are employed: wideband devices are selected for amplifiers and mixers, wideband matching circuits are used, and equalization circuits are employed to ensure good amplitude-frequency response; the amplitude-frequency characteristics of the filters, mixers, low-noise amplifiers, attenuators, and other components used within the operating frequency range, after matching simulation, are ≤2.5dB pp (full bandwidth) and 1dB pp (any 40MHz bandwidth).
[0035] As a specific example, since spurious levels are generally generated by the mixing of high-order harmonics of the local oscillator output signal and the radio frequency signal, or by the power supply, filters are designed at both the radio frequency and intermediate frequency ends in this solution to effectively filter out the high-order harmonics of the local oscillator output signal. The power supply section uses an isolated DC-DC switching power supply module, and LC filters are added at the input and output ends of the power supply module to filter power supply ripple, so as to prevent high-frequency harmonics generated by the switching power supply module from entering the signal link through conduction or radiation coupling, which would cause signal distortion, decreased sensitivity, or even damage to sensitive devices. The radio frequency section uses a balanced mixer, which uses a differential structure to suppress even-order harmonics. Its harmonic suppression capability is 10-15dB higher than that of a single-ended mixer. Class A or Class AB amplifiers are preferred for amplifier selection, as their nonlinear distortion is lower than that of switching amplifiers, making them suitable for harmonic-sensitive scenarios. Matched filter circuits are designed. The upconverter device uses cavity shielding, with a metal isolation cavity arranged on the radio frequency circuit to block external electromagnetic interference and protect the normal operation of internal circuits or equipment. It achieves shielding by reflecting and absorbing electromagnetic waves, while also filtering out spurious levels generated by the frequency converter loop. This ensures that spurious suppression reaches approximately -65dB.
[0036] As a specific example, in terms of the overall phase noise technical requirements of frequency converters, the requirements for local oscillator phase noise are relatively high. The factors affecting the phase noise of the phase-locked loop include: power supply ripple characteristics, reference signal phase noise characteristics, and the phase-locked loop frequency multiplication factor.
[0037] As a specific example, the phase noise of the VCO at 100 kHz is approximately -116 dBc / Hz, and the phase noise of the VCO at 1 MHz is approximately -130 dBc / Hz.
[0038] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.
Claims
1. A C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering, characterized in that, It includes a power supply module and a first amplifier, a first digitally controlled attenuator, a second amplifier, a first filter, a first mixer, a second filter, a third amplifier, a third filter, a second mixer, a fourth amplifier, a fourth filter, a second digitally controlled attenuator, a fifth amplifier, and a coupler connected in sequence. The input C-band signal is amplified by the first amplifier, and the output signal enters the first digitally controlled attenuator to adjust the signal level amplitude. The signal output from the first digitally controlled attenuator enters the second amplifier for amplification, then passes through the first filter to remove high-frequency signals, and then passes through the first mixer to achieve isolation between intermediate frequency and radio frequency. The signal then passes through the second filter, which performs intermediate frequency and radio frequency filtering and suppression on the output signal of the first mixer. The filtered and suppressed signal is then output to the third amplifier and the third filter for further amplification and filtering. The signal is then converted to 13.75GHz~14.5GHz by the second mixer and output to the fourth amplifier and the fourth filter for amplification and filtering. The amplified and filtered signal is output to the second digitally controlled attenuator to further adjust the level and amplitude of the radio frequency signal. Then, it passes through the fifth amplifier to adjust the output power of the signal. Finally, it is coupled by a coupler to output the up-converted Ku-band signal.
2. The C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second amplifiers are IGB-015B-X type amplifiers; the third amplifier is ILA-0618-1.5 type amplifier; and the fourth and fifth amplifiers are ILA-1220-1.8 type amplifiers.
3. The C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first filter is a JY-LFCN-5000+ model filter; the second and third filters are UIYBPF4515A model filters, and the fourth filter is a UIYBPF8717A model filter.
4. The C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first digitally controlled attenuator is a HXTAT0816SP4 model digitally controlled attenuator; the second digitally controlled attenuator is a LDA-4026 model digitally controlled attenuator.
5. The C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first mixer is a SIM276SP3B model mixer; the second mixer is a GMX-1246A model mixer.
6. The C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to claim 1, characterized in that, In this device, the local oscillator signal for up-conversion is provided by a voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). After passing through a first mixer and a second mixer, the required high local oscillator signals at two frequency points, 9000MHz and 19150MHz, are generated and used as the difference frequency signal input. These two local oscillator signals are mixed with the intermediate frequency input signal of 2850-3600MHz, and then passed through an amplifier and filter to output the signal of the required frequency band.
7. The C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to claim 1, characterized in that, When selecting amplifiers and mixers, broadband devices should be chosen, broadband matching circuits should be used, and equalization circuits should be used for equalization.
8. The C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power supply section adopts an isolated DC-DC switching power supply module, and LC filters are added to the input and output terminals of the power supply module to filter power supply ripple.
9. The C-Ku upconverter device with step-by-step amplification and filtering according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upconverter device employs cavity shielding, with a metal isolation cavity arranged on the radio frequency circuit to block external electromagnetic interference and protect the normal operation of the internal circuits or equipment.