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.