SignalCore has introduced two matched members of the Greenjay II family of modular super-heterodyne frequency converters: the SC5328A, a DC to 18 GHz RF Downconverter, and the SC5428A, a DC to 18 GHz RF Upconverter. Both modules share the same three-stage conversion architecture, the same compact mechanical envelope and an externally supplied, coherent LO scheme, which makes them a natural transmit/receive pair for coherent multi-channel systems.
The two modules at a glance
| Parameter | SC5328A (Downconverter) | SC5428A (Upconverter) |
|---|---|---|
| Function | RF to IF, three-stage | IF to RF, three-stage |
| RF range | RF input ~DC to 18 GHz | RF output ~DC to 18 GHz |
| Conversion path | 1.5 GHz to 18 GHz | 1.5 GHz to 18 GHz |
| Bypass path | DC to 3.5 GHz | DC to 3.5 GHz |
| IF2 | 1.5 to 3.25 GHz, BW 1.25 GHz | 1.5 to 3.25 GHz, BW 1.25 GHz |
| IF3 / IQ | DC to 500 MHz, I/Q BW 1 GHz | DC to 500 MHz, I/Q BW 1 GHz |
| Conversion Gain | RF to IF2 +31 dB typ (Preamp off), +60 dB typ (Preamp on); RF to IF3 +14 dB typ | IF2 to RF +36/+31/+27 dB typ; IF3 to RF +18/+14/+9 dB typ |
| Gain adjustment | -20 dB to +35 dB (to +60 dB with preamp) | -30 dB to +35 dB (I/Q path -40 dB to +20 dB) |
| Noise Figure | 24 dB typ (Preamp off); 8 dB typ (Preamp on) | 25 dB typ |
| OIP3 / OP1dB | +30 dBm typ / +18 dBm | +27 dBm typ / +10 to +25 dBm |
| SFDR | 105 dB typ; 116 dB typ (Preamp on) | 102 dB |
| LO range (external) | LO1 11 to 20 GHz; LO2 9.75 to 12.25 GHz; LO3 DC to 3.5 GHz | LO1 11 to 20.5 GHz; LO2 9.75 to 12.25 GHz; LO3 DC to 3.5 GHz |
SC5328A — DC to 18 GHz RF Downconverter
The SC5328A integrates a three-stage down-conversion chain for continuous broadband coverage, high image-rejection performance and low spurious response. Inputs from approximately DC to 18 GHz are processed either through the full conversion path (1.5 GHz to 18 GHz) or through a dedicated DC to 3 GHz bypass routed to the second-stage IF output.
- IF outputs: high-IF from 1.5 GHz to 3.25 GHz with more than 1 GHz instantaneous bandwidth, or baseband I/Q from DC to 500 MHz with differential signaling and 1 GHz I/Q bandwidth
- Gain adjustment: RF attenuation 0 to 31.5 dB (0.5 dB steps), IF2 attenuation 0 to 31.75 dB (0.25 dB steps), IF3/IQ attenuation 0 to 31 dB (1 dB steps)
- RF Isolation: RF to IF2 and RF to IF3 both <-90 dBc typ
- RF input level: +25 dBm max (Preamp off), 0 dBm max (Preamp on), +6 dBm max (bypass)
SC5428A — DC to 18 GHz RF Upconverter
The SC5428A uses a three-stage up-conversion chain engineered for continuous broadband RF generation, high spectral purity and image suppression. It accepts a high-IF input from approximately 1.5 GHz to 3.25 GHz or a baseband I/Q input from DC to 500 MHz, with a dedicated low-frequency path routing DC to 3 GHz content directly into the final output stage.
- Conversion Gain: IF2 to RF +36 dB (1.5 to 6 GHz), +31 dB (6 to 15 GHz), +27 dB (15 to 18 GHz) typ; IF3 to RF +18/+14/+9 dB typ
- Gain adjustment: RF attenuation 0 to 31.5 dB (0.5 dB steps), IF2 attenuation 0 to 31.75 dB (0.25 dB steps), IF3/IQ attenuation 0 to 31.75 dB (0.25 dB steps)
- IF Isolation: IF2 to RF <-95 dBc typ, IF3 to RF <-90 dBc typ
- IF2 input level: +20 dBm max
Shared architecture
Both converters use externally supplied LO signals to support coherent multi-channel architectures. Two LO sources are required for operation through the second IF stage and three for full conversion to or from the DC to 500 MHz I/Q port. External LO injection provides deterministic phase alignment across multiple modules.
- Connectors: RF and IF2 K-type 2.92 mm (50 Ohm), IF3/IQ MMCX female, LO input and output SMPM female
- Interface: USB, UART and SPI; 3.3 V LVCMOS logic, 5 V tolerant
- Power: 10 to 15 VDC; SC5328A 26 W max, SC5428A 24 W max
- Mechanical: 3.7 in x 0.75 in x 6.00 in, 1.0 lb each
- Compliance: EN 61326-1, CISPR 11 Class A; CE per 2014/30/EU; 3-year warranty
Applications
- Coherent receiver and transmitter systems
- Phased arrays
- Automotive radar
- Precision measurement systems
- Advanced communication transceivers