Research on Ku-band Frequency Conversion Modules Compatible with DVB and NTN Technologies

The engineering design of a Ku-band up/down frequency conversion module featuring tunable local oscillators, which ensures compatibility between digital video broadcasting (DVB) and non-terrestrial network (NTN) technologies, is presented in this paper. The developed up-conversion link adopts two frequency conversion superheterodyne structures, in which the first stage uses an active mixer and the second stage uses an up-converter with an integrated local oscillator. The down-conversion module employs a single-frequency conversion superheterodyne structure, simplifying the design and enhancing integration by utilizing an integrated local oscillator. As a key interface between the baseband module and the active phased array antenna, the proposed module not only meets the requirements of Ku-band DVB low earth orbit satellite communication with high integration and performance, but also provides a research case and engineering design for future 5G NTN technology.