A Low Noise GaAs MMIC Satellite Downconverter for the 6 to 4 GHz Band

An all GaAs MMIC wideband 6 to 4 GHz downconverter technology demonstrator has been designed, developed, fabricated and tested. The module achieves an overall conversion gain of 67 dB with a 3.2 dB noise figure. The MMIC chip set developed includes an LNA, an active splitter, phase shifters, a mixer, broadband power combiners and an IF amplifier. The assembly represents a significant size and weight reduction compared to conventional hybrid units.