Satellite uplink ground stations face severe link budget constraints when transmitting high-throughput signals during heavy rainfall or long-distance orbital hops. Atmospheric attenuation requires higher transmit power to maintain link availability and prevent service drop-outs. The MCW Ku-Band 200W / 250W GaN Block Upconverter (BUC) is designed to address these challenges by integrating Gallium Nitride (GaN) solid-state technology into a compact IP66 outdoor enclosure. Delivering up to 54 dBm saturated power and 51 dBm linear output, this high-power outdoor BUC provides essential link margin for maritime VSAT terminals, mobile SNG vehicles, and fixed ground stations.
GaN vs. GaAs: Advantages in High-Power BUC Systems
Comparing GaN technology with legacy GaAs solid-state power amplifiers highlights clear gains in power density and thermal efficiency:
Technical Specs & Engineering Support
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- High Linear Output Power: Delivers 50 dBm (100 W) linear power for the 200 W model and 51 dBm (125 W) linear power for the 250 W model, maintaining low intermodulation distortion (-25 dBc max) under multi-carrier operation.
- Compact All-in-One Design: Measuring 330 × 200 × 180 mm and weighing 15.5 kg (34.1 lbs), the integrated housing reduces system complexity by eliminating separate power supply units.
- High Gain Stability: Features 70 dB nominal gain with ±1 dB gain stability across the -40 °C to +60 °C operating temperature range, ensuring consistent transmit levels in harsh thermal environments.
Key Hardware Specs & System Integration
1. Frequency Band Coverage (Std Ku & Ext Ku)
Supporting Standard Ku-Band (14.0–14.5 GHz) and Extended Ku-Band (13.75–14.5 GHz) frequencies, this Ku-Band GaN BUC converts L-band input signals (950–1700 MHz) for high-frequency satellite transmission.
2. Monitor and Control (M&C) Architecture
A 19-pin MIL circular connector provides TCP/IP Ethernet and RS-485 communication lines. System operators can remotely track lock status, internal temperature, and RF output power, as well as adjust gain across a 20 dB range (0.5 dB steps).
3. Weatherproof IP66 Outdoor Housing
Designed for field deployment, this outdoor block upconverter is rated to operate in tropical downpours and low-temperature environments, functioning reliably in 0 to 100% relative humidity.
Technical Specifications Overview
| Parameter | 200W Model Specification | 250W Model Specification |
| RF Output Frequency | Std Ku: 14.0–14.5 GHz / Ext Ku: 13.75–14.5 GHz | Std Ku: 14.0–14.5 GHz / Ext Ku: 13.75–14.5 GHz |
| IF Input Frequency | 950–1450 MHz (Std Ku) / 950–1700 MHz (Ext Ku) | 950–1450 MHz (Std Ku) / 950–1700 MHz (Ext Ku) |
| Output Power (Psat) | 53 dBm (200 W) | 54 dBm (250 W) |
| Linear Power (Plinear) | 50 dBm (100 W) | 51 dBm (125 W) |
| Nominal Gain | 70 dB nominal | 70 dB nominal |
| Gain Flatness & Stability | 2 dB typical flatness; ±1 dB over temp | 2 dB typical flatness; ±1 dB over temp |
| Spurious Signals | -55 dBc max (2 carriers, 5 MHz apart at Plinear) | -55 dBc max (2 carriers, 5 MHz apart at Plinear) |
| M&C Interface | TCP/IP Ethernet & RS-485 via 19-Pin MIL Connector | TCP/IP Ethernet & RS-485 via 19-Pin MIL Connector |
| Operating Voltage | 220 VAC (170 to 264 VAC) | 220 VAC (170 to 264 VAC) |
| Power Consumption | 1000 W | 1300 W |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +60 °C; IP66 Waterproof | -40 °C to +60 °C; IP66 Waterproof |
| Dimensions & Weight | 330 × 200 × 180 mm; 15.5 kg (34.1 lbs) | 330 × 200 × 180 mm; 15.5 kg (34.1 lbs) |
Technical Support & Evaluation Options
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the difference between Psat and Plinear for this Ku-Band GaN BUC?
Psat represents the saturated peak output power (53 dBm for 200W / 54 dBm for 250W). Plinear represents the linear operating power (50 dBm for 100W / 51 dBm for 125W) where intermodulation distortion meets compliance limits (-25 dBc max) for clean multi-carrier satellite uplink transmission.
Q2: How is the block upconverter monitored and controlled in remote installations?
The unit includes an IP66-rated 19-pin MIL circular connector providing TCP/IP Ethernet and RS-485 communication interface lines. Operators can monitor lock status, internal temperature, and RF power output, as well as execute digital gain control remotely.
Q3: Does this outdoor BUC support 1:1 or 1:2 redundant system configurations?
Yes. The module integrates with external redundancy controllers to manage waveguide switches for reliable 1:1 or 1:2 redundant satellite uplink systems.