New Concepts for Telemetry Converters

Abstract

Future requirements to convert present VHF telemetry receivers to L and S-bands can be satisfied by relatively simple solid state microwave converters. Use of the recently developed Schottky barrier diodes in balanced mixers along with high frequency field effect transistors in the intermediate frequency VHF preamplifiers, show considerable promise of providing low system noise figure (e.g. 5.5 dB) and low intermodulation distortion. These broadband converters have the potential advantages of minimum cost, size, weight, and power consumption, thereby providing a convenient and practical means for converting existing telemetry systems to the new frequency bands. Design considerations and predicted performance characteristics are presented for solid state converters of this type.