The Ku-Band 200W / 250W GaN Block Upconverter (BUC) series integrates a precision L-band to Ku-band upconverter and a high-efficiency Gallium Nitride (GaN) solid-state power amplifier into a single IP65-rated outdoor enclosure. Delivering up to +54 dBm (250 W) of saturated output power and +51 dBm (125 W) of linear power, these units provide high-power uplink capability for satellite communications (Satcom), mobile earth stations, broadcast uplink trucks, and mission-critical Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) networks.
Built with advanced GaN semiconductor technology, this Ku-band block upconverter family covers both Standard Ku-band (14.0–14.5 GHz) and Extended Ku-band (13.75–14.5 GHz) frequencies, combining high linear power density with comprehensive remote monitoring and control (M&C) protocols.
Technical Specs & Engineering Support
Need complete electrical parameters, S-parameter data, or custom RF design support for this series?
Product Overview
- RF Output Frequency: Standard Ku (14.00–14.50 GHz) / Extended Ku (13.75–14.50 GHz)
- IF Input Frequency: 950–1450 MHz (Std Ku) / 950–1700 MHz (Ext Ku)
- Saturated Output Power (Psat): 200 W (+53 dBm) / 250 W (+54 dBm)
- Linear Output Power (PLINEAR): 100 W (+50 dBm) / 125 W (+51 dBm)
- Small Signal Gain: 75 dB nominal (20 dB gain control range in 0.5 dB steps)
- Operating Supply Voltage: 220 VAC nominal (175 to 264 VAC)
- Enclosure Rating & Dimensions: IP65 weatherproof, 320 × 200 × 180 mm (15.5 kg)
Why Choose an Integrated High-Power GaN BUC for Ku-Band VSAT?
Deploying high-power satellite uplink stations requires balancing linearity, power consumption, and outdoor environmental reliability:
- Consolidated All-in-One Outdoor Package: Combines the block upconverter, GaN power amplifier, power supply, and control interface into a single compact enclosure mounted directly at the antenna feed, eliminating long waveguide loss.
- High Linear Power for Multi-Carrier Uplinks: Delivers 100 W to 125 W of linear output power (PLINEAR) with low intermodulation products (-25 dBc max), enabling high-order modulation schemes (16APSK, 32APSK) and multi-carrier transponder access.
- Rugged Weatherproof Construction: The IP65-sealed aluminum chassis operates across wide ambient temperature extremes (-40°C to +60°C) with 0 to 100% relative humidity tolerance for harsh marine, desert, and tropical ground station environments.
1. Quick Specification Matrix & Selection Guide
To assist satellite communications engineers and ground station integrators in selecting the correct configuration, the matrix below outlines core RF, mechanical, electrical, and control specifications across the 200W and 250W product lines:
| Technical Specification | 200W Ku-Band GaN BUC | 250W Ku-Band GaN BUC |
| Standard Ku RF / LO Frequency | 14.00–14.50 GHz / LO: 13.05 GHz | 14.00–14.50 GHz / LO: 13.05 GHz |
| Extended Ku RF / LO Frequency | 13.75–14.50 GHz / LO: 12.80 GHz | 13.75–14.50 GHz / LO: 12.80 GHz |
| IF Input Frequency Range | 950–1450 MHz (Std) / 950–1700 MHz (Ext) | 950–1450 MHz (Std) / 950–1700 MHz (Ext) |
| Saturated Output Power (Psat) | 200 W (+53 dBm) | 250 W (+54 dBm) |
| Linear Output Power (PLINEAR) | 100 W (+50 dBm) | 125 W (+51 dBm) |
| Power Gain (Nominal) | 75 dB Nominal | 75 dB Nominal |
| Gain Flatness / Gain Stability | 2 dB Typical / ±1 dB over Temperature | 2 dB Typical / ±1 dB over Temperature |
| Gain Control Range | 20 dB in 0.5 dB Steps | 20 dB in 0.5 dB Steps |
| Intermodulation Products | -25 dBc Max (2 carriers, 5 MHz apart @ PLINEAR) | -25 dBc Max (2 carriers, 5 MHz apart @ PLINEAR) |
| Phase Noise (Typical) | -65 dBc/Hz @ 100Hz, -95 dBc/Hz @ 100kHz | -65 dBc/Hz @ 100Hz, -95 dBc/Hz @ 100kHz |
| AC Operating Voltage | 220 VAC (175 to 264 VAC) | 220 VAC (175 to 264 VAC) |
| Power Consumption | 1000 W Typical | 1350 W Typical |
| RF Input / Output Interfaces | N-Type Female / WR75 SG Cover-Grooved | N-Type Female / WR75 SG Cover-Grooved |
| M&C Connector / Protocol | 19-Pin MIL Circular (Ethernet TCP/IP, RS485) | 19-Pin MIL Circular (Ethernet TCP/IP, RS485) |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) & Weight | 320 × 200 × 180 mm (15.5 kg / 34.1 lb) | 320 × 200 × 180 mm (15.5 kg / 34.1 lb) |
2. RF Performance, Frequency Band Options, and Signal Integrity
Converting L-band IF signals to Ku-band RF output requires precise local oscillator (LO) stability and low phase noise to prevent signal degradation in dense satellite transponders.
Frequency Options & Upconversion
This Ku-band GaN BUC series provides factory-configured local oscillator (LO) options:
- Standard Ku-Band: Accepts 950–1450 MHz IF input and converts to 14.00–14.50 GHz RF using a 13.05 GHz LO, representing a widely deployed commercial VSAT uplink allocation.
- Extended Ku-Band: Accepts 950–1700 MHz IF input and converts to 13.75–14.50 GHz RF using a 12.80 GHz LO, accommodating broader satellite uplink transponder allocations.
Reference Lock & Phase Noise Performance
The BUC locks automatically to an external 10 MHz reference signal supplied via the L-band IF coax cable (0 ± 5 dBm drive level). Models with an integrated internal reference option feature frequency stability up to ±0.03 ppm over temperature (±0.1 ppm standard). Low phase noise specs (-85 dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset and -95 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset) ensure minimal bit error rate (BER) impact on high-throughput satellite (HTS) communication links.
3. Hardware Interfaces, M&C Capabilities, and Physical Enclosure
Deploying a high-power Ku-band BUC on outdoor satellite dishes requires versatile monitoring and robust electrical interfaces.
- RF & Power Interfaces: Features a standard 50 Ω N-Type Female connector for L-band IF input and a precision WR75 SG (Cover-Grooved) waveguide flange for low-loss RF connection to the feed horn. AC power is supplied via a 2-pin AC connector.
- Monitoring & Control (M&C): Equipped with a 19-pin MIL-spec circular connector supporting RS485 and Ethernet TCP/IP network interfaces (RS232 options available). Ground station operators can remotely control attenuation (20 dB range in 0.5 dB steps), mute SSPA transmission, and monitor lock status, temperature, and output power readings in real time.
- Status Indication & Redundancy: Integrated LED status indicators provide immediate visual diagnostics on-site. Systems can be configured with optional 1:1 redundancy controllers and waveguide switch kits for uninterrupted ground station operations.
4. Factory Verification, Quality Deliverables, and Customization
Integrating high-reliability GaN BUC units into commercial, broadcast, or defense satellite networks requires certified factory validation.
- Factory Testing & Deliverables: Every Ku-band BUC unit undergoes comprehensive factory RF validation before shipment. Shipped documentation includes test reports covering gain flatness, phase noise sweeps, linear power output, intermodulation performance, and temperature stability.
- Custom Configuration Options: Need custom M&C protocols, specific waveguide flange orientations, or 1:1 redundancy switch system designs? MCW provides rapid custom engineering support to match specific earth station configurations.
- Minimum Order Quantity: We support satellite ground station builds, mobile broadcast upgrades, and prototype evaluations with a 1-unit minimum order quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between Standard Ku and Extended Ku BUC frequency options?
Standard Ku-band operates from 14.00 to 14.50 GHz (using a 13.05 GHz LO and 950–1450 MHz IF), representing a widely deployed commercial VSAT uplink allocation. Extended Ku-band expands coverage from 13.75 to 14.50 GHz (using a 12.80 GHz LO and 950–1700 MHz IF), accommodating broader commercial transponder allocations and international satellite uplinks.
Q2: How do linear power (PLINEAR) and saturated power (Psat) ratings differ in 200W/250W GaN BUCs?
Saturated power (Psat) represents the maximum achievable CW power output (+53 dBm for 200W / +54 dBm for 250W). Linear power (PLINEAR) represents the operational output power (+50 dBm / 100W for the 200W unit and +51 dBm / 125W for the 250W unit) where intermodulation products remain below -25 dBc, ensuring clean multi-carrier transmission without spectral regrowth.
Q3: What monitoring and control (M&C) protocols are supported for remote earth station management?
The BUC features a 19-pin MIL circular connector supporting RS485 and Ethernet TCP/IP protocols (with RS232 options). Operators can remotely monitor lock status, chassis temperature, and actual RF output power, as well as execute SSPA Mute and adjust gain attenuation over a 20 dB range.