Down ConvertersDown converters are used in radar systems, receiver systems, electronic warfare, and satellite communication systems. They take a broad band input and translate it to a lower frequency band.
The figure below shows a block diagram of a wide bandwidth 18-40GHz down converter. The main functional item is the mixer which down converts the signal from the higher frequency band down to a lower band where it can be further processed. 
From the figure it can be seen that the input is switched to two different signal paths . One signal path is Band 1 and the other is Band 2. Splitting the band into two regions allows for the down converted from each band to fit within the IF bandwidth. It is also important to note that the down converter module includes a local oscillator that functions to generate the signal that feeds the mixer. The frequency of LO is carefully chosen so that it can feed both of the mixers. This means that only one LO is required.
The standard size of our down converters is shown in the figure below. Note the size is 4.5” by 5.5” and would include the RF input, RFoutput, RefIn for the LO, and the power and control connector. 
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Q&A on Down ConvertersHow are down converters used?
Down converters are used in many types of applications. They all have the common need to translate signals at a higher frequency band to a lower frequency band. How are MPT down converters different from other sources? Our down converters offer two things that our competing solutions do not. First, MPT down converters use more affordable manufacturing methods, normally making our down converters a more economical alternative. Second, for our millimeter-wave down converters, MPT uses advanced integrated circuit, packaging, and assembly methods that allow us to achieve performance levels that other systems cannot achieve. | ||
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