New Q/V band RF upconverter for testing satellite payloads

The Q/V band provides greater bandwidths for feeder links to satellites, making it excellent for the implementation of upcoming data links with high bit rates. This comprises future communications and cellular backhaul networks that can supply end-users with large volumes of data. Operators of conventional geostationary satellites and LEO satellites in the new space environment are finding the benefits of these new satellite bands.

High demands are put on microwave components in the Q/V band, which indicates they must undergo extensive testing throughout development and verification. Amplifiers, receiver modules, converters and complete satellite payloads are merely a few examples of components that need to be tested in the Q/V band. Particularly for satellite payloads, test equipment must satisfy very high demands for signal quality. Together with the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator, the R&S SZV100A Q/V band RF upconverter gives continuous coverage of all satellite bands from VHF to V band as well as the frequency bands for 5G in the Q/V band.

The test setup comprises of the R&S SMW200A vector signal generator, the R&S SMA100B RF and microwave signal generator, and the R&S SZV100A Q/V band RF upconverter. With its excellent RF performance, the R&S SMW200A produces the modulated broadband IF signal with bandwidths up to 2GHz, while the R&S SMA100B gives the high-precision LO signal. The maximum output power of the R&S SZV100A is as high as +16dBm (at 1dB compression point).

The R&S SZV100A is excellent as a low-cost upgrade for existing test systems. Due to the control software, the setup comprising the R&S SZV100A, R&S SMW200A and R&S SMA100B can be run as a single instrument.