For critical applications where size, weight and power are as important as performance, Mercury Systems developed the MSC0218L4444, a 2 to 18 GHz receiver integrated in a 1.4" × 1.4" × 0.125" surface-mount module. The input signal passes thru a limiter, to prevent receiver damage, and is then filtered into four 4 GHz-wide channels. The two higher frequency channels are down-converted prior to detection and digitization, and the two lower frequency channels are detected and digitized. The input signal amplitude is represented by a 14-bit digital word. The power-limited output of each channel is presented through the BGA for further detection and processing. The analog-to-digital converters and down-converting mixers are integrated in the module with the 9.15 GHz VCO used for the down-conversion supplied from an external source.
The receiver has a maximum noise figure of 6.5 dB. Gain can be controlled through internal analog attenuators with a 32 dB range, set with a +2.5 V control signal. The input 1 dB compression point is −2 dBm from 2 to 10 GHz and −8 dBm from 10 to 18 GHz, with an input IP3 of +7 and −2 dBm from 2 to 10 GHz and 10 to 18 GHz, respectively. Integrated, tunable bandstop filters, with a maximum rejection of 25 dB, help suppress interfering signals; tuning is set with a +14 V tuning voltage. The receiver dissipates approximately 9.4 W, biased with +9 V at 0.52 A, +5 V at 0.94 A and −5 V at 10 mA. The operating temperature range is −50°C to +85°C.
The MSC0218L4444 is packaged in a ball grid array (BGA) with 12 mil diameter, Sn 63 balls to connect the output, LO, tuning, attenuation and bias. The RF input signal uses an SMPS full detent connector mounted on the side of the module. The unit is environmentally sealed and has three 0-80 thru holes for mounting.
Mercury Systems
Chelmsford, Mass.
mrcy.com/sip