Millimetre-wave downconverter using monolithic technology for high volume application

Ten receiver downconverters have been produced, tested, and deployed for TV distribution at 29 GHz. GaAs monolithic technology has been chosen in order to make the imminent production version an affordable product. Conversion gains and noise figures are 30 to 38 dB and 12 to 16 dB, respectively. DRO (dielectric resonator oscillator) stability is +or-2 MHz over -20 degrees C to +40 degrees C. The downconverter is shown schematically and its components are described.<>