What Causes Spectral Regrowth in BUCs?
Struggling with spectral regrowth in your BUC? This interference bleeds into adjacent channels, compromising your system. Let’s find the true sources beyond just the amplifier. Spectral regrowth in a Block Upconverter (BUC) is caused by system-level nonlinearities. The main sources are not just the power amplifier, but also the mixer operating nonlinearly, signal envelope compression from high PAPR signals, and poor impedance matching between internal stages1. I’ve seen this happen many times in my career. An engineer invests in a top-of-the-line GaN SSPA, expecting a pristine signal output from their BUC. Instead, they are disappointed by significant spectral regrowth. Their first instinct is to blame the amplifier, but the problem […]
How to Balance System Cost and RF Performance When Selecting a VSAT LNB?
Facing pressure to cut component costs? A cheap LNB seems like an easy win, but its failure can cause system downtime and expensive field repairs, erasing any initial savings. To balance cost and performance, look beyond the initial price of the LNB. The best approach is to evaluate its Total Cost of Ownership1. Prioritize reliability by verifying surge test data, temperature cycling reports, and the presence of internal physical protection components to ensure long-term stability. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers on a price sheet. I’ve been in many meetings where the primary focus is shaving a few dollars off the bill of materials. But I’ve learned […]
How Can You Locate Spurs and IMD in Downconversion Systems?
Your downconversion system is live, but the spectrum is a mess of spurs and IMD. This ruins performance. I’ll show you a fast, step-by-step method to fix it. Start by disconnecting the RF input. If spurs vanish, check the LNA or add an attenuator. If they persist, inspect the LO and power supply for ripple. If all else fails, the problem is likely LO signal crosstalk, which can be verified with absorbing material. Finding the root cause of these unwanted signals can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But with a logical process, you can systematically eliminate possibilities and pinpoint the exact problem. Let’s break down the […]
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