VSAT

VSAT Components Introduction

• This chapter describes the various components of a
complete VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal),
including:
• VSAT Antenna
• LNB (Low Noise Block Down-Converter)
• BUC (Block Up-Converter)
• Feed
• iDirect Satellite Router
• Coaxial Cables
• Splitter
 VSAT Antenna

The satellite antenna is required for the

reception and transmission of signals to and
from the satellite.
• The appropriate size of the antenna. The
shape of the coverage pattern of a satellite
varies from one satellite to another. As a
result, certain geographical locations require
larger antennas for optimal performance.
• A larger antenna also results in a higher gain
and a narrower transmission beam, which
provides improved
• rejection of the 'side lobes' of adjacent
satellites and protection from terrestrial
interference.
LNB (Low Noise Block Down-Converter)

The LNB (Low Noise Block Down-Converter)

• The LNB (Low Noise Block Down-Converter) is part
of the receive chain of your VSAT. Located on the
feed horn, the LNB converts the satellite signal that
was reflected off the satellite antenna’s reflector
from a C-Band signal into an L-Band signal.
• The L-Band signal is in the frequency range of 950-
1750 MHz, and is considered more manageable.
• This is partially due to the fact that the transmission
of the lower frequency signal can be more reliable
than C-Band signals when using a coaxial cable.
 Frequency Bands
• Different kinds of satellites use different frequency bands.
 L–Band: 1 to 2 GHz, used by MSS
 S-Band: 2 to 4 GHz, used by MSS, NASA, deep space research
 C-Band: 4 to 8 GHz, used by FSS
 X-Band: 8 to 12.5 GHz, used by FSS and in terrestrial imaging, ex: military and
meteorological satellites
 Ku-Band: 12.5 to 18 GHz: used by FSS and BSS (DBS)
 K-Band: 18 to 26.5 GHz: used by FSS and BSS
 Ka-Band: 26.5 to 40 GHz: used by FSS
BUC (Block Up-Converter)
 BUC (Block Up-Converter)
• The BUC (Block Up-Converter) is part of the
transmit chain of your VSAT. It is often located
on the feed horn, but if it is a large BUC, it may
be located at the base of the antenna and
connected with RF conduits (waveguides).
• The BUC converts the modem's L-Band
transmit signal into higher frequency C-Band
signals, then amplifies it before it is reflected
off the satellite antenna towards the satellite.
• To perform both its functions, the BUC is composed
of two individual components:
– Local Oscillator
– Power Amplifier
• The Local Oscillator performs the frequency
conversion between the L-Band and the satellite
frequency, such as C-Band. The resulting satellite
frequency is calculated by adding the L-Band
frequency to a number known as the Local Oscillator
Frequency, which is stamped onto the BUC.
• A Local Oscillator Frequency of 4900 MHz is used
for a non-inverted spectrum, and a Local Oscillator
Frequency of 7375 MHz is used for an inverted
spectrum.
• A typical system requires a 2-Watt BUC or higher,
depending on the application.
• Although BUCs are available with very powerful
amplifiers, it is unlikely that a VSAT installation will
require more than 10 Watts, even in less than ideal
circumstances.
Feed
 Parts of Feed
• The Feed comprises the following:
– Feed Horn
– OMT (Orthomode Transducer)
– Transmit Reject Filter (either built-in or to be
added on the receive end of the OM
– Waveguide
– Circular Tube for circular polarization
requirements