Dual-polarity low-noise block downconverter systems and methods

摘要

Methods and systems are provided for spectrally separating first and second satellite signals that occupy a common frequency band with different first and second electromagnetic polarizations. These systems and methods facilitate the use of inexpensive single-cable distribution networks to simultaneously deliver all transmitted channels of a satellite communication system to a plurality of subscriber locations. In particular, a frequency-converter system is provided that includes first and second low-noise block downconverters whose outputs are coupled into an output diplexer. The low-noise block downconverters each have a downconverter mixer and a local oscillator that couples a local oscillator signal to the mixer but the local oscillator signals are sufficiently spaced apart to convert the first and second satellite signals to spectrally spaced first and second intermediate-frequency (IF) bands. The IF bands are isolated because they are spectrally separated. Accordingly, they can be combined in the diplexer and distributed to subscribers over an economical single-cable distribution network.