ARTICLES

Aging Drift & Offset

When purchasing a PLL LNB customers often look to the drift to see that the LNB will stay within a certain range of the desired frequency. But what they do not allow for is the aging of the crystal and the initial offset from the desired frequency. In other words, the LNB will stay within the desired range of drift, but what happens if it is offset within that range toward one of the extremes of the desired frequency?

Why BDC?

Under what conditions would I want Block Downconverters (BDCs) and an LNA, as opposed to LNBs. If you want to use a single antenna to cover the entire band, you can use an LNA and two (or three) wideband BDCs…

Why U-Tube

In X band the transmit frequency is in close proximity to the receive frequency. How do we protect the low-power receive signal from a nearby signal 10 billion times more powerful?

Why External Reference?

When purchasing a PLL LNB customers often look to the drift to see that the LNB will stay within a certain range of the desired frequency. But what they do not allow for is the aging of the crystal and the initial offset from the desired frequency. In other words, the LNB will stay within the desired range of drift, but what happens if it is offset within that range toward one of the extremes of the desired frequency?

Why BDCs?

Why BDCs?

With a single LNA covering the whole band, you can cover from 10.7 to 12.75 GHz with just two Orbital BDCs, 10.7~11.7 GHz and 11.7~12.75 GHz – or you can stack the output of two 500 MHz B/W polarities into one combined L band output: 950~1450 MHz and 1500~2000 MHz

Ka Band Ext Ref LNB

Why a Ka External Reference DRO?

Phase lock loop designs double phase noise as well as drift when they are raised to Ka frequencies.  However, DRO designs maintain low phase noise while drift is eliminated through the use of an External Reference.  Orbital is proud to introduce the phase locked DRO Ka external reference LNB.

10 MHz Thru Tee

You need a higher power BUC, but your modem cannot supply adequate DC…

You need a bias tee and a separate power supply.  But conventional Bias Tees shunt the 10 MHz reference signal to AC ground.  You could use the MT25/40 Orbital Mux/Tee, if you have a separate 10 MHz signal, but your modem only supplies 10 MHz up the cable with the L band signal.  The excellent MT1 filters the L band, stopping the 10 MHz signal from passing through.

Why MuxTee?

Why do I need an Orbital Mux/Tee?

In satellite applications there are three distinct signals linking the LNB/BUC, the receiver/modem, the power supply, and the 10 MHz external reference oscillator.  These signals have to move on the same wire and not interfere with each other.  These signals have enormously different amplitudes, frequencies, and bandwidths.

The BUC Starts Here

Routing Satellite Signals on the IFL

Many of the world’s largest satellite businesses use Orbital’s Systems Interface Products to insert, extract, mux, filter, amplify, combine, divide, and switch their signals.  We also build conversion systems that use our BDCs and LNBs in conjunction with SIP Products to provide integrated down-conversion systems.

Using Oscillators

Put the Lock in Your Clock

The four circumstances for defining stability are as follows:

1. Stability at an instant
2. Stability at a given temperature
3. Stability over a range of temperatures
4. Stability over a long period of time

Universal Tee

The Universal Mux Tee

The Orbital MY25/40 Mux Tee can insert or extract the 10 MHz reference signal, it can be used to insert or extract DC.  It can be used as a Bias Tee, as a Mux Tee, or as a Diplexer.  You can have a choice of connectors, it filters and conditions signals, and it can perform L band impedance transforms.

Alarm Reporting LNBs

Alarm Reporting LNBs

Redundancy is about a system surviving disaster, such as a lightning strike or failure in a complex component.  Most redundant systems only switch to a backup LNB or BDC on a change in current consumption.  Sometimes though, a failure in an LNB or BDC doesn’t result in a change in current consumption…

C Band BDCs

C Band BDCs

You don’t have to pay a fortune to have superb, professional quality BDCs.   With an LNA that covers your satellite, simply order a custom Orbital BDC to cover the bandwidth that you need.  You can specify input and output connector types, external DC input, coaxial DC input, or dual power option.  Most importantly, we can customize your gain to optimize compression point and noise distribution.  Just tell us your needs, and we will build a mass-custom solution in a unique, cost effective way.

Explore solutions to common and uncommon frequency conversion issues

Measuring LNB output VSWR

BDC SOLUTIONS

The term BDC is commonly used to refer to the modules (which look like an LNB with the waveguide removed and replaced with a connector), and to the rack-mounted unit which might contain from one to several BDC modules. BDCs are increasingly used in outdoor units at the antenna – ODUs, and have an indoor rack mounted controller – IDUs. BDCs are commonly used when a client uses multiple BDCs and a single LNA to cover the entire band.

Using Orbital Systems Interface Products to bring 4 BDCs, 16 Modem/Receivers and a BUC, under the discipline of a single 10 MHz Oscillator.

4 BDC Solution

The client needed multiple receivers/modems to cover 2 GHz of bandwidth (10.7 – 12.75 GHz). For each polarity, a wide band LNA, a highband BDC, and a lowband BDC were required. System performance required instant acquisition, high stability, and optimal BER, therefore external reference BDCs were needed. The same high quality conditions were required to be met for the uplink.

» C Band BDCs
» Ku Band BDCs
» Ku Band Ext Ref BDCs
» Ka Band BDCs
» Ka Band Ext Ref BDC

Here is a redundant horizontal/vertical polarity solution using Orbital’s Systems Interface Products to route the satellite signals. This project includes both indoor (IDU) and outdoor segments (ODU).

Redundant Dual Polarity

One for two redundant LNA’s, horizontal and vertical high/low BDCs all controlled by the same Orbital Master Oscillator and combined for output to various client devices. All of the BDCs are in weather-tight enclosures out at the dish and are linked to the IDU through the IFL cable.

» C Band BDCs
» Ku Band BDCs
» Ku Band Ext Ref BDCs
» Ka Band BDCs
» Ka Band Ext Ref BDC

Combiner Solutions

When you want to add a service without adding an entire new system, you need a Combiner. For instance, you may want to add a second modem and you try to use a standard combiner, and suddenly you have lost or seriously impaired your 10 MHz signal, here’s what to do. Perhaps you want to change from low drift PLLs to external reference LNBs and you need an Oscillator…

Orbital 2-way Combiner using 10 MHz from one of the modems and Hi Power Mux/Tee to insert BUC power.

2 Way Combiner

An Orbital Mux/Tee in reverse is used to extract the 10 MHz signal from one of the modems, while blocking the modem DC. The L-band signal from both of the modems is combined in a two-way combiner in preparation for being multiplexed with the 10 MHz reference, and the new more powerful DC supply.
This is done in order to properly combine the L-Band signals, and to re-integrate the 10 MHz reference after combining. In addition, in this solution, the DC power from the modem is insufficient to power the new BUC.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 2-way Combiner using 10 MHz from one of the modems and Hi Power Mux/Tee to insert BUC power.

2 Way Combiner 2

An Orbital Mux/Tee in reverse is used to extract the 10 MHz signal from one of the modems, and modem DC to insert BUC power. The L-band signal from both of the modems is combined in a two-way combiner in preparation for being re-integrated with the 10 MHz reference, along with the DC power, (filtered by the mux tees), provided by the modem.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 4-way Combiner using 10 MHz & DC from one of the modems and Standard Power Mux/Tee to insert BUC power.

4 Way Combiner

An Orbital Mux/Tee in reverse is used to extract the 10 MHz signal and the modem DC. The L-band signal from all of the modems is combined in a four-way combiner in preparation for being re-integrated with the 10 MHz reference, along with the DC power -filtered by the mux tees. Since this is a network using all F type connectors, the Orbital Mux/Tees are required to make an impedance transform for the BUC which has an N connector.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 4-way Combiner using 10 MHz & DC from one of the modems and Standard Power Mux/Tee to insert BUC power.

4 Way Combiner 2

An Orbital Mux/Tee in reverse is used to extract the 10 MHz signal and the modem’s DC. The L-band signal from both of the modems is combined in a four-way combiner in preparation for being re-integrated with the 10 MHz reference, along with the DC power – filtered by the mux tees.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 2-way Combiner with 10 MHz Master Oscillator.

2 Way with Master Osc

With the 10 MHz reference and DC turned off on a pair of modems, only the L-Band is passed to the 2-way combiner. An Orbital MOS (or a POS) provides the 10 MHZ reference to the Orbital Mux/Tee that integrates the signals and inserts the DC power.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 4-way Combiner with 10 MHz Master Oscillator and Hi Power DC insert for BUC

4 Way with Master Osc

With the 10 MHz reference and DC turned off on a quartet of modems, only the L-Band is passed to the 4-way combiner. An Orbital MOS provides the 10 MHZ reference to the Orbital Hi Power Mux/Tee that integrates the signals and inserts the DC to the high power BUC.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Using an Orbital Hybrid Coupler to combine two combine and divide – using 10 MHz from one of the modems.

2 to 2 Combiner/Divider

The L-Band signal from both of the modems goes to the Hybrid Coupler where it is combined and split to a pair of High Power Mux/Tees. The 10 MHz reference is extracted and feeds a 10 MHz Splitter which redirects the signal to the pair of Mux/Tees. The Mux/Tees multiplex the DC power with the L-Band and 10 MHz to re-integrate the combined signal for each of the BUCs.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital Hybrid Coupler to combine and divide (2-way) – using MOS Oscillator and 10 MHz Switch for Redundant BUCs

Redundant BUC Combiner

L-Band signals from two modems are combined and divided with an L-Band coupler. The 10 MHz reference is provided by an Orbital MOS (10 MHz Master Oscillator), and is switched by the waveguide. The signals are multiplexed together by a pair of Orbital Hi Power Tees, providing high power DC to the BUCs. The switching of the 10 MHz utilizes the mute function on the BUCs to turn one of them to full power, and leave one in standby.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 2-Way Divider – extracting 10 MHz from Modem

2 Way Divider

A Mux/Tee in reverse is used to block the DC from the modem, but extract the L-Band and 10 MHz signals. The 10 MHz is sent to an Orbital 10 MHz Splitter to provide a reference signal to a pair of Hi Power Mux Tees. The L-Band signal is routed through a two-way L-Band Divider and then sent to the pair of Mux Tees. Each Hi Power Mux/Tee multiplexes the two signals with DC Power and feeds one of a pair of BUCs.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 2-way Hybrid Coupler with 10 MHz Precision Oscillator

Hybrid Coupler with POS

With the 10 MHz reference and DC turned off on a pair of modems, only the L-Band is passed to the 2-way combiner. An Orbital MOS (or a POS) provides the 10 MHZ reference to the Orbital Mux/Tee that integrates the signals and inserts the DC power. The advantage of the hybrid coupler is the 30 dB of isolation between the inputs.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 2 way Divider – extracting 10 MHz from the Modem and using a 10 MHz switch to enable one of a pair of BUCs.

Redundant BUCs 2

An Orbital MT-25 Mux Tee in reverse extracts the 10 MHz signal from a modem for a 10 MHz Switch. Orbital Mux Tees multiplex the L-Band and 10 MHz signals for a pair of redundant BUCs.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital 2 way Divider – using Master Oscillator and 10 MHz Switch for redundant BUCs.

Redundant BUC Divider

L-Band signals from a single modem is divided to feed two Hi Power Mux Tees, while the Orbital Master Oscillator provides a source to a 10 MHz Switch. The 10 MHz switched signal is used to enable the BUC. A pair of Orbital MT-40s multiplex the 10 MHz with the L-Band and DC power for the selected BUC.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

Orbital Redundant BUC Assembly.

Redundant BUCs Assembly

Orbital IDU supplies power, 10 MHz and L-Band filtering to ODU. 10 MHz and DC are extracted, split and re-inserted with minimal loss. Orbital recommends this configuration (switched 10 MHz), since running both BUCs at full power gives no statistical advantage for redundancy. It is possible that the redundant BUC will fail before the primary BUC with both BUCs running fully on. No inrush current. Instant “On” and lock.

» Bias Tee
» Diplexer
» Dual Power Tee
» Mux Tee
» Thru Tee

LNB SOLUTIONS

Here’s a few LNB solutions, for adding additional services, or perhaps you have just purchased a new LNB with external DC or dual DC. There are a few external reference examples as well.

Using Orbital Systems Interface Products to bring 3 LNBs and 3 Receivers under the discipline of a single 10 MHz Oscillator.

3 LNB Solution

Customer required dual pole Ku and single pole C band LNBs with very low drift. A single Orbital Master Oscillator with a single Orbital 3 way 10 MHz splitter fed three Orbital Mux Tees to achieve synchronous down conversion. Advantages are modular design that is easily expandable and maintainable. Both 75 Ω and 50 Ω impedances can be accommodated with Orbital low loss impedance transforms.

» Ku Band LNBs
» Ku Band Ext Ref LNBs
» Ka Band LNBs
» Ka Band Ext Ref LNBs

Using Orbital Systems Interface Products to bring 5 LNBs from two antennas under the discipline of a single 10 MHz Oscillator to feed 5 separate receivers.

5 LNB Solution

Five external reference LNBs all controlled by the same 10 MHz reference oscillator feeding five discrete receivers. The Orbital 10 MHz Master Oscillator has two 10 MHz outputs that each feed a 10 MHz Splitter, leaving an extra 10 MHz for another device, or usable as a test port. Sometimes you just need to lock everything up! This was useful for a client who wanted to download from one dish and uplink internationally on another – transmit section is not shown.

» Ku Band LNBs
» Ku Band Ext Ref LNBs
» Ka Band LNBs
» Ka Band Ext Ref LNBs

OSCILLATOR SOLUTIONS and 10 MHz SPLITTER

If your modem does not provide a 10 MHz reference signal, or if that signal is not adequate to your needs, the high quality Orbital TCXO Master Oscillator (such as a MOM), or an even better Orbital ovenized OCXO Precision Oscillator (such as a POP) is just the ticket. Here are some standard applications for Orbital Oscillators. There many additional applications included in the Combiner solutions that demonstrate the integrations of the Orbital Oscillators with 10 MHz Splitters and other Systems Interface Products. Orbital Oscillators can come as standalone modules, in stacks, on plates, or in a standard rack.

Using a standalone Master Oscillator (MOM or POP) provides a stable, high quality reference to phase lock any and all external reference devices in the system.

Using a MOM or a POP

Advantages:

• reference signal can be split and distributed to multiple devices throughout the system
• the system is free of dependence on a single modem or power supply
• independent oscillator power supply provides immunity from ground loops, modulations, and transients
• the system architecture is now flexible, free to add additional components as needed
• exceptional quality ensures improved phase noise, bit error rate, and C to N.

Products

» Master Oscillator
» Master Oscillator Module
» Master Osc Dual Modules
» Precision Oscillator
» Precision Osc Package
» Precision Osc Dual Mods

Using a Master Oscillator Dual Modules (or Precision Oscillator Dual Modules) to provide a 10 MHz reference signal to a BUC, and an LNB or BDC…

Using a MODM or a PODM

In this solution the dual independent outputs of the oscillator provide precision 10 MHz reference to each Mux Tee module allowing independent DC power to each device. In a VSAT, this can be high power to a BUC, and low power to an LNB. For a dual polarity system, each of LNBs is fed by its own Mux Tee module for optimum isolation.

The modular architecture of the Orbital product line allows the assembly of these modules into a single encapsulated unit complete with rack-mounting provisions.

» Master Oscillator
» Master Oscillator Module
» Master Osc Dual Modules
» Precision Oscillator
» Precision Osc Package
» Precision Osc Dual Mods

Using a Master Oscillator Dual Modules to provide a 10 MHz reference signal to a pair of BDCs feeding eight receivers using two four way splitters…

Using a MODM or a PODM

Once a Master Oscillator and Mux Tees have been put into place, a secure, locked, L band only signal is available for distribution to any number of receivers. The dividers can provide port to port isolation, assuring independent operation of the receivers. No contamination of the reference signal is allowed by the 92 dB isolation of the Orbital Mux Tees. The result is improved BER, lower phase noise, and increased system reliability.

» Master Oscillator
» Master Oscillator Module
» Master Osc Dual Modules
» Precision Oscillator
» Precision Osc Package
» Precision Osc Dual Mods

Using an Orbital 10 MHz Splitter to provide 10 MHz reference signals to three BUCS using Orbital MT25 Mux Tees

Using a 10MHz Splitter

Orbital Oscillator are designed to provide a high output level to allow splitting the reference signal to feed multiple devices. The passive 10 MHz splitter, (that does not contribute noise – no active devices) divides the reference signal with minimal lass, excellent VSWR, and high port to port isolation. This is important because reference devices can generate interfering signals that must not be allowed to reach other locked devices. Normal splitters do not have a high level of isolation.

» Master Oscillator
» Master Oscillator Module
» Master Osc Dual Modules
» Precision Oscillator
» Precision Osc Package
» Precision Osc Dual Mods

SIP SOLUTIONS

Systems Interface Products

Although Combiners and Oscillators are also SIP products, we have narrowed the definition here to just include Bias Tees, Diplexers, Mux Tees, TTL Switches, Thru Tees, Dual Power Tees, etc.

Here are standard applications for each of these products. Here’s how to insert 10 MHz, insert DC, extract 10 MHz, block DC, extract DC, multiplex DC L band and 10 MHz, and perform impedance transforms while you do it.

Horizontal/Vertical Polarity 1 for 2 Redundant System

We need a system that will provide us with both horizontal and vertical polarities at Ku Band. In addition, the system must offer 1 for 2 redundancy.

Using an Orbital Hi Power Thru Tee to circumvent a divider or switch

My modem does not have sufficient DC to power my BUCs, and I can’t switch DC power to the BUC, what to do?

Orbital Combiner/Divider using a MOS 10 MHz Oscillator

I need to combine the L-Band signals from a pair of modems with an common, external 10 MHz source, and insert power to a pair of high power BUCs.

Orbital Combiner/Divider stripping out the 10MHz from only one of two modems

I have a pair of modems and I need to use the 10 MHz reference from one of them and split it. I need to take the L-Band signal from both modems and combine it with the 10 MHz reference. Now I need to insert DC power for a pair of high power BUCS.

Orbital 2-way Combiner using 10 MHz from one of the modems and Hi Power Mux/Tee to insert DC power

I have a pair of modems, one of which provides a 10 MHz reference, but I don’t have enough power from my modem for my new high power BUC.

4 Way Combiner with 10 MHz Oscillator and Hi Power DC insert.

I want to lock several modems to a single 10 MHz Oscillator, and insert high power DC to my BUC.

Using a Hi Power Thru Tee to power a BUC

Modem has DC power, but not enough to power my new BUC.

MORE SIP SOLUTIONS

Using a Thru Tee

Using an Orbital Thru Tee to provide a separate DC power supply to the BUC, while passing the 10 MHz signal through from the modem.

Using a Diplexer

Using an Orbital MT-40 Mux Tee as a Diplexer to insert a 10 MHz reference to a BUC

Using a Bias Tee

Using an Orbital MT-40 Mux Tee as a Bias Tee to insert DC Power to a BUC

Using a Mux Tee

Using an Orbital MT-40 Mux Tee to multiplex the L-Band, and 10 MHz reference signals with DC power for a BUC