Up and down converters for satellite communications stations

The development of up and down converters for 4/6-GHz satellite communications stations is considered. Each converter is responsible for two frequency conversions between intermediate frequencies of 70 ± 18 MHz and the microwave-signal frequencies. The converters include controllable frequency synthesizers and attenuators permitting operation in ten frequency bands, with gain control. A controller receiving external commands and transmitting telemetric information via a standard RS232 interface permits converter operation in automated satellite-communications ground stations.