3.4Ghz Transverter

   

The 3.4 GHz Transverter uses PCB Hairpin filters.

 

The TX strip comprises an SNA586 MMIC driver followed by an SNA586 MMIC which produces an output of up to +16dbm.

 

The RX strip comprises of a super low noise NE32584 HJfet followed by a low noise ERA3 MMIC. Conversion Gain is over 20db.

 

The mixers are Minicircuits SYM3650 which work efficiently with an LO drive of between +6dbm and +13dbm at 2968 MHz.

 

TX

with LO of 10dbm@2968Mhz, -10dbm@432Mhz(IF).  Output >12dbm@3400Mhz

with LO of 10dbm@2968Mhz, -5dbm@432Mhz(IF). Output >16dbm@3400

LO image better than -50dbc

 

Some have had sucess with this board using a 144Mhz (IF), the coresponding multiplier will need retuning.

 

 

A Regulated +8vdc supply is needed.

 

 

 

VK3XDK Transverters and multipliers (Test results)

 

With Gippstech (VK3 microwave conferrence)  coming up on the weekend, I quickly put together 3 kits (In one day!) for display at the event.

 

3.4 GHz Transverter and multiplier

5.76 GHz Transverter and multiplier

10.368 GHz Transverter and multiplier

 

Bear in mind these kits were built quickly and results will vary for each kit construction (better or worse)

 

All dbm measurements are taken with a 50mm rigid coax section and a sma to female n adaptor connected between the actual port and a Boonton 4B power head.

 

2968 Multiplier (for 3.4 Transverter (432 MHz IF))

Multiplier pass band found to be 2948 MHz to 3248 MHz (may be able to tune for 3256 MHz 2M IF)

 

Power out results,

-7dbm @ 1484 MHz for 8dbm (each port) at 2968 MHz

-4dbm @ 1484 MHz for 10dbm (each port) at 2968 MHz

 

 

0dbm @ 989.3333 MHz for 9dbm (each port) at 2968 MHz

6dbm @ 742 MHz for 7dbm (each port) at 2968 MHz

3dbm @ 593.6 MHz for 5dbm (each port) at 2968 MHz

 

3.4 GHz Transverter TX (RX not yet tested on this board)

Transverter Band pass found to be 3360 MHz to 3670 MHz

 

Tested with an LO injection of 10dbm @ 2968 MHz

 

Power out results,

-14dbm @ 432 MHz (IF) for 10dbm Output @ 3400 MHz

-10dbm @ 432 MHz (IF) for 13dbm Output @ 3400 MHz (recommended)

-5dbm @ 432 MHz (IF) for 17dbm Output @ 3400 MHz (max recommended)

0dbm @ 432 MHz (IF) for 17.8dbm Output @ 3400 MHz (signs of saturation)

 

LO image better than -52db with 13dbm output.

 

Tested with LO injection of 10dbm @ 3256 MHz (for 144 MHz IF)

LO image only 26db down, so I don’t recommend This Transverter for use with a 2M IF (It can be improved a bit with some microwave absorb between the mixer and filter (32db down)).