Ultra-low phase noise compact down-converter with frequency coverage of 18–40 GHz

This paper presents development and construction of an integrated dual inputs down-converter in the 18–40 GHz frequency range with noise figure better than 13 dB, average conversion gain of 20 dB and phase noise of better than −96 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. This configuration provides the highest gain with third order intercept point of 10 dBm. This module consists of two channels: 18–30 GHz and 26–40 GHz. The overlapping bands allow receiving of wide band signals. The received signals are down-converted to 2–16 GHz. This module has been miniaturized in order to be integrated with the reception antenna module in compact configuration. The paper describes the motivation, subsystems configuration and the results of measurements.