We build some of the industry’s highest quality BDCs for satellite communications. Available in a range of bandwidths, frequencies, and connector configurations, our BDCs work with your low noise amplifier (LNA) to provide simultaneous reception of an entire Ku, Ka, or X satellite band. Each unit is expertly engineered, hand-tuned and tested – and can be custom mounted as required.

9 products

  • What is a BDC?

    A block downconverter is a small box mounted behind a satellite dish or in an outdoor hub. It translates a block of C, X, Ku or Ka-band input frequencies into L-band. Unlike a low noise block downconverter (LNB), which contains a low noise amplifier (LNA) in its housing, a BDC works with an external LNA to provide simultaneous reception of an entire band.

  • Why use a BDC?

    Block downconverters (BDCs) are used when you want to cover an entire satellite band with a single antenna. You could potentially do this with multiple low noise block downconverters (LNBs), but you would need to use a waveguide splitter or switch – which would add to your noise figure and costs and decrease your local oscillator (LO) stability.

  • How does a BDC work?

    First, a high-quality LNA amplifies your satellite signal to a point where it can be split with minimal noise figure impact. Second, your split signal is fed into your BDCs, and then into your receivers. How many BDCs do you need? It depends on your bandwidth requirements. A pair of BDCs, for example, can cover 10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz.

  • PLL vs. external reference

    There are two main types of BDCs: phase-lock loop (PLL) and external reference. The kind you need depends on your phase noise requirements – but generally, PLL is used for receiving only and external reference is used for 2-way satellite communication. If you need maximum data throughput or a low bit error rate (BER) – you need an external reference BDC.

  • Need a custom BDC?

    Orbital's engineers can customize bandwidth, signal gain and local oscillator frequency to input/output connectors and DC power options. We can ruggedize our LNBs for airborne use, create multi-band military LNB assemblies, and much more.
    If you have a custom need, we can meet it.


    Talk to us today.