This paper proposes a Low-Noise Block (LNB)
downconverter operating in the Ku-band for Cubesat transponders. The frontend is composed by a Low-Noise Amplifier
(LNA) and two switchable Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW)
filters, providing a frequency reconfigurability to the system. The
LNB is completed by a downconversion unit, constituted by a
mixer, a PLL frequency synthesizer and an IF amplifier. A first
breadboard features an overall gain of 54 dB with a 2.3 dB
noise figure. The worst case linearity performance indicates an
input-referred 1 dB compression point (P1dB) and a third-order
intercept point (IIP3) equal to -27 dBm and -16 dBm respectively.
This work is important since demonstrates a low-cost solution
for satellite radio apparatuses based on commercial components
and standard PCB.
