Orbital Ka-Band Modified Series LNBs

Orbital Low Noise Block Downconverters

The Dual Output Ka LNB1725/1825S was designed specifically for SES Americom’s AMC15 and AMC16 Satellites to resolve the issue of having two antennas for each Satellite. The LNB1725/1825S is also known as the Ka Band Gemini LNB. It is part of Orbital Research’s Gemini program involving the design of commercial wideband / multi-band LNBs.
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Orbital 1725X/1825X Series
Ka-Band Dual Output LNB
PRODUCT SERIES:
LNB1725X/1825X

Simultaneous reception of 18.5 to 19.2GHz and 19.2 to 20.2GHz

The Problem

New Ka satellites, like AMC 15 and AMC 16, have operating bandwidths much wider (1.7 GHz) than any receiver or modem can handle. To receive all the signals, two dishes and two LNBs would be required. For flyaway terminals, this is very expensive. To put two LNBs on one dish would require a waveguide splitter, and a noise penalty of 3.5 dB, or a waveguide switch allowing only one LNB at a time, or physically changing LNBs each time you want to view the other band. Clearly, none of these options provide quality, performance, convenience, or cost effectiveness.

The Solution

Orbital Research, with its decades of experience in microwave conversion, has designed and built a dual band Ka LNB with a single WR-42 waveguide input, and dual L band conventional outputs. One LNB with two outputs in a single enclosure now solves all of the problems above.

Orbital Quality

To perform well, Ka LNBs must have exceptional performance specifications, especially phase noise. Using state of the art thick film hybrids, Orbital has built very low phase noise stable DROs for the dual oscillators. The RF, mixer, and IF amplifier circuits are physically and electrically independent. Because the LO frequencies of the LNBs are such strong signals, and would swamp the input stages of proximal LNBs, only one LNB can operate at a time. To switch between LNBs, simply use the DC power of each LNB to turn them on and off.

For full band access (both LNBs on at the same time), you would need to use an LNA / BDC combination.

 

Orbital Features

  • One waveguide input, low noise conversion to two outputs
  • Low phase noise, high quality Dual DROs
  • Dual DC power via both output connectors
  • Choice of output connectors and impedance
  • Excellent dynamic range and reliability

Custom Engineering

  • Begin with the low noise figure of a proven quality LNB
  • Engineer and integrate new high performance DROs
  • Engineer dual RF, Mixer and IF modules into one LNB
  • Optimize Input and Output for superior VSWR
  • Modify and tune RF & IF filters for optimum response
  • Tune for very low bandpass ripple
  • Optimize Gain distribution for your system parameters
  • Temperature compensated gain

Environmental

  • O ring sealed connectors for weather resistant operation
  • O ring sealed, custom milled housing,
  • Allodyne finish to MIL SPEC C-5541 Cat 3.

Options

  • Special Dual DC option via each output coax
  • Available in 50 or 75 ohm out in F, SMA, or N connectors
  • Available in 50 and 55dB gain
  • Custom IF amps capable of +17 dBm IP3
  • Full test documentation available
  • Custom design and labeling requirements welcomed

Loss of Lock Alarm – LOLA (optional)

LNBs can lose oscillator lock from internal failure or loss of the 10 MHz reference. The LOLA detects this anomaly and increases the current consumption of the LNB over the IFL cable to trigger a redundant switch or other detector. No extra ports, cables or infrastructure are required. 

Simply hookup the LNB with 10 MHz present, set the current windows on the redundancy system so they are just out of triggering, then turn off the 10 MHz to trigger the LNB LOL circuit. The redundant switch should activate. Restore 10 MHz and the LOLA will reset.

It should be noted that these LNBs are exceptionally good for 10 MHz lock range. They will stay locked under adverse 10 MHz conditions and keep the system in sync.

Orbital Dual Output Ka Band LNB Specifications

pdf icon Click to download specs & mechanical PDF

Electrical Specifications  
Input  
Frequency: 18.5 to 19.2 GHz and 
  19.2 to 20.2 GHz
Bandwidth: 700MHz and 1,000 MHz
Input Stability: Unconditionally stable 
  (no oscillation) for all possible input loads
Input VSWR: 2.5 : 1 nominal
Noise Figure: 1.8 dB maximum @ 23°C
Output  
Bandpass: Output 1: 1250 to 1950 MHz 
  Output 2: 950 to 1950 MHz
Output VSWR: 2.1 : 1 maximum @ 75W
Output Stability: Unconditionally stable 
  (no oscillation) for all possible input loads
3rd Order Intercept:  
  +13 dBm minimum, 
  up to +17 dBm (optional)
Local Oscillator  
Frequency: LNB 1: 17.25 GHz
  LNB 2: 18.25 GHz
Stability: ±750 kHz
Leakage: -45 dBm maximum @ IF output & input
Phase Noise: -90 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz
  -115 dBc/Hz @ 100 kHz
  -140 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz
Gain  
Nominal Gain: 55 dB nominal
Gain Variation over Temperature & Frequency:  
  ±2.0 dB maximum
Gain Ripple: 1 dB p-p maximum over any 
  33 MHz segment
1 dB Compression Point:  
  +3 dBm minimum, 
  up to +7 dBm (optional)
Power  
DC Input: 12 to 15 VDC, 450 mA maximum (estimation) over one cable for both LNBs
Filtering: Transient, over and reverse voltage protected
Mechanical Specifications  
Size: 45 x 51 x 115 mm 
  (with F connector)
Weight: 350 grams
Paint: Allodyne finish to MIL SPEC C-5541 Cat 3
Environmental Specifications  
Operating Temp: -35 to +55°C
Relative Humidity: Up to 100% condensation and frost


Here's a few LNB solutions, for adding additional services, or perhaps you have just purchased a new LNB with external DC or dual DC. There are a few external reference examples as well.

3 LNB Solution

5 LNB Solution

 

How to order an Orbital 1725X/1825X Series Dual Output Ka-band LNB

For pricing options please call 1-604-856-0305 or contact us.





© 2012 Neil Baxter