Design of a X-band down converter module

This paper introduces a design of X-band down converter module based on microwave hybrid integrated. The module receives microwave signals from 8GHz to 9GHz, and outputs IF signal of 2.43GHz. The module using single frequency conversion scheme, which matches, amplifies and attenuates for input RF signal, then mixed with LO signal by two times, and produces the IF signal. The IF signal is output after filtering, amplifying and attenuation. The module system and key circuits are designed by using Syscalc and Serenade software. The test results indicate that the module has performance of conversion gain $25 \pm 1\ \text{dB}$, noise figure less than 3.8dB, input and output return loss more than 18.5dB, mirror frequency and spurious signal suppression performance all good, all indicators are satisfied with the requirements of the system.