17/12 GHz Communication Receiver for Direct Broadcast Satellites

This paper describes the design of a 17/12 GHz Communication Receiver for the first US Direct Broadcast Satellite (DBS) to be launched in 1986. The receiver has an operating bandwidth of 500 MHz, a maximum noise figure of 6.0 dB (at 60°C), small-signal gain of 35 dB (nominal), gain stability of 0.5 dB peak-to-peak and a third-order intercept point of 26 dBm (minimum) when operated over -10°C to 60°C temperature range. Measured data on a development model receiver are presented.