Ku-band MMIC upconverter for mobile satellite communications

A complete Ku-band MMIC (monolithic microwave IC) upconverter is developed for use in a high-volume commercial two-way mobile satellite communication system. Both FET and diode mixer topologies were explored. An output power of 20 dBm is achieved for the diode mixer topology, and 19 dBm is achieved for the FET mixer topology. Both achieved LO (local oscillator) rejection >25 dB and 2IF+LO rejection >20 dB. This single chip replaces 80 discrete components. The area occupied by the upconverter function has been reduced from 4700 mm/sup 2/ to 7.6 mm/sup 2/.<
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