• This chapter describes the various components of a complete VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal), including: • VSAT Antenna • LNB (Low Noise Block Down-Converter) • BUC (Block Up-Converter) • Feed • iDirect Satellite Router • Coaxial Cables • Splitter VSAT Antenna
The satellite antenna is required for the
reception and transmission of signals to and from the satellite. • The appropriate size of the antenna. The shape of the coverage pattern of a satellite varies from one satellite to another. As a result, certain geographical locations require larger antennas for optimal performance. • A larger antenna also results in a higher gain and a narrower transmission beam, which provides improved • rejection of the 'side lobes' of adjacent satellites and protection from terrestrial interference. LNB (Low Noise Block Down-Converter)
The LNB (Low Noise Block Down-Converter)
• The LNB (Low Noise Block Down-Converter) is part of the receive chain of your VSAT. Located on the feed horn, the LNB converts the satellite signal that was reflected off the satellite antenna’s reflector from a C-Band signal into an L-Band signal. • The L-Band signal is in the frequency range of 950- 1750 MHz, and is considered more manageable. • This is partially due to the fact that the transmission of the lower frequency signal can be more reliable than C-Band signals when using a coaxial cable. Frequency Bands • Different kinds of satellites use different frequency bands. L–Band: 1 to 2 GHz, used by MSS S-Band: 2 to 4 GHz, used by MSS, NASA, deep space research C-Band: 4 to 8 GHz, used by FSS X-Band: 8 to 12.5 GHz, used by FSS and in terrestrial imaging, ex: military and meteorological satellites Ku-Band: 12.5 to 18 GHz: used by FSS and BSS (DBS) K-Band: 18 to 26.5 GHz: used by FSS and BSS Ka-Band: 26.5 to 40 GHz: used by FSS BUC (Block Up-Converter) BUC (Block Up-Converter) • The BUC (Block Up-Converter) is part of the transmit chain of your VSAT. It is often located on the feed horn, but if it is a large BUC, it may be located at the base of the antenna and connected with RF conduits (waveguides). • The BUC converts the modem's L-Band transmit signal into higher frequency C-Band signals, then amplifies it before it is reflected off the satellite antenna towards the satellite. • To perform both its functions, the BUC is composed of two individual components: – Local Oscillator – Power Amplifier • The Local Oscillator performs the frequency conversion between the L-Band and the satellite frequency, such as C-Band. The resulting satellite frequency is calculated by adding the L-Band frequency to a number known as the Local Oscillator Frequency, which is stamped onto the BUC. • A Local Oscillator Frequency of 4900 MHz is used for a non-inverted spectrum, and a Local Oscillator Frequency of 7375 MHz is used for an inverted spectrum. • A typical system requires a 2-Watt BUC or higher, depending on the application. • Although BUCs are available with very powerful amplifiers, it is unlikely that a VSAT installation will require more than 10 Watts, even in less than ideal circumstances. Feed Parts of Feed • The Feed comprises the following: – Feed Horn – OMT (Orthomode Transducer) – Transmit Reject Filter (either built-in or to be added on the receive end of the OM – Waveguide – Circular Tube for circular polarization requirements