VSAT Block Up Converters
A VSAT satellite system consists of outdoor and indoor components where the indoor setup has a satellite modem, router, or a switch connected to a display. The outdoor setup is the parabolic antenna reflector dish, a feedhorn to transmit/receive the satellite signal, a BUC to convert uplink frequencies and the LNB to convert received frequencies.
Defining Block Upconverters (BUCs)
BUCs convert frequencies from L-band to Ku-band, C-band, and Ka-band. Ku-band satellites work on a frequency range specifically reserved for satellite TV and for VSAT (very small aperture terminal) systems used out at sea. BUCs transmit the uplink of satellite signals to convert a band of frequencies from a lower frequency to a higher frequency.
Available BUCs
BUCs augment the amplitude level of the converted RF signal and it costs less when used in place of two separate modules (upconverter and amp). There are several Ku-band BUCs available.
The Ku-band BUC modules convert uplink frequencies from a lower to a higher RF frequency covering 13.75 to 14.5 GHz. The output power differs between BUCs from 2 watts, 3 watts, 4 watts and 6 watts. These BUCs are waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 ingress protection rating.
2W Ku-Band BUCs
The Ku-band 1.5W BUCs come in two versions, an N-type and F-type IF connector. The RF frequency is 14.0 to 14.5 GHz, the local frequency is 13.05 GHz, and an IF frequency of 950 to 1,450 MHz.
3W Ku-Band BUCs
The iDirect 3W Universal Ku Band BUC supports both standard and extended Ku-band frequencies for the ultimate flexibility. By exploiting custom-designed components and advanced manufacturing techniques, these compact BUCs offer superior power efficiency and reliability. It has an output frequency range of 13.75 to 14.5 GHz, an input frequency range of 950 to 1,700 MHz and offers a single, fixed LO conversion type. The LO frequency is 12.80 GHz.
Other 3W Ku-band BUC options include:
- New Japan Radio 3W Universal Ku-Band Block Upconverter (BUC) (NJT8302UF)
- NJRC 3W Standard Ku-Band BUC (NJT8302F)
- New Japan Radio 3W Ku-Band Block Upconverter (BUC) (NJT5116F)
- New Japan Radio 3W Universal Ku-Band Block Upconverter (BUC) (NJT5116)
- New Japan Radio 3W Ext. Ku-Band Block Upconverter (BUC) (NJT5097F)
- New Japan Radio 3W Ext. Ku-Band Block Upconverter (BUC) (NJT5097)
4W Ku-Band BUCs
The 5207 and 5307 series provide up to +36.0 dBM (4 Watts) of Linear RF output power and are easy to install and quick to setup.
In this category, we have the following BUCs:
- New Japan Radio 4W Std. Ku-Band BUC, Type F Input (NJT5307F)
- New Japan Radio 4W Ku-Band BUC (NJT5207N)
- NJRC 4W Ku-Band BUC (NJT5207F)
6W Ku-Band BUCs
The NJRC 6W Ku-Band Block Upconverters (NJT5127N and NJT5127FL) have an RF frequency of 14.0 to 14.5 GHz, a high efficiency output power of +37.8 dBm min. over temperature, and power consumption of 37 W max. These units are small and lightweight and are RoHS Compliant.
