2007 0106

Page 1 of 46
Commercial-in-Confidence
ERA TECHNOLOGY
LNB Performance Study
Z Wang
I Parker
B Randhawa
A Ishaq
ERA Report 2007-0106

ERA Project 7G0345207
FINAL REPORT
Client : Ofcom
Client Reference : Stephen Talbot
ERA Report Checked by: Approved by:
S P Munday M Ganley
Project Manager Programme Manager
Ofcom Measurement Resource Ofcom Measurement Resource
February 2007
Ref: SPM/vs/62/03452/Rep-6078
2
Copyright ERA Technology Limited 2007

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Ref:P:\Projects Database\Ofcom 2006 - 7G 03452\Ofcom - 7G0345207 - LNB\ERA Reports\Rep-6078 - 2007-0106.doc
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Summary
Ofcom is currently consulting on proposals to award spectrum in the 10 GHz band between 10.125
10.225 GHz paired with 10.475 10.575 GHz. The spectrum between 10.7 12.75 GHz is used
globally for satellite service in the space to Earth direct. In the UK the vast majority of installations
are for the reception of direct-to-home satellite television. In order to investigate potential blocking of
the satellite signal from out-of-band emissions, Ofcom commissioned ERA Technology to examine
the potential interference from the proposed 10 GHz band allocations to the direct-to-home satellite
service band. Measurements were made at ERAs test facility in Leatherhead, Surrey, on three Low
Noise Block (LNB) converters in common use in domestic satellite systems.
Tests were carried out to measure the gain of the LNBs, the received satellite signal level, the third-
order intermodulation products, and performance blocking of satellite systems in domestic usage.
The results show that for the three LNBs tested, gain varies slightly across the operational frequency
band, and it rolls off quickly outside the operational band. The average gain measured is shown in the
table below.
Invacom LNB Invacom LNB Sharp LNB MTI LNB

(conducted) (radiated) (radiated) (radiated)
Average Gain (dB) 62.0 60.8 65.8 65.7
Standard Deviation (dB) 3.1 2.5 2.4 2.6
Received satellite signal levels were measured on all the transponder centre frequencies of ASTRA
2A/2B/2D and Eurobird_1 satellites. The measurements were carried out for three different weather
conditions: sunny, raining and cloudy as different types of weather will cause different received signal
levels. The radiated measurements were carried out with clear-blue sky and cloud cover conditions
and the actual weather status during the project was noted. The average received signal level at the
measurement site for all conditions is summarised in the table below.
ASTRA Eutelsat (Eurobird_1)

Average received satellite signal level1 (dBm) -89.1 -91.2
Standard Deviation (dBm) 2.1 2.2
Third order intermodulation measurements were carried out for all three LNBs. Conducted
measurements were used for the Invacom LNB and a radiated measurement method was used for the
1
The signal levels were the level at the input flange of the LNB.
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other two LNBs. The Output third-order Intercept Point (OIP3) and Input third-order Intercept Point
(IIP3) are shown in the table below:
LNB Invacom LNB Sharp LNB MTI LNB

OIP3 (dBm) 19.2 18.1 16.6
IIP3 (dBm) -42.0 -43.7 -46.9
Third order intermodulation (TOI) products were measured to assess the required input signal level to
cause TOI products:
at the same level of the received satellite signal (-90 dBm)
at a level 10 dB lower than the received satellite signal (-100 dBm).
The threshold of input power level of f1 and f2 are shown in the table below:
Input power level before LNB Input power level before LNB
(f1 = 11.5 GHz and (f1 = 10.223 GHz and
f2 = 11.5002 GHz) f2 = 10.476 GHz)
Signal level of TOI product equal to -58.2 -49.1
input power level of -90 dBm (dBm)
No TOI products were observed or distinguishable from the noise floor using one tone from the LNB
band with an operational signal level of -65 dBm (before LNB) and one tone from the Ofcom
proposed 10 GHz band using a signal level to cause the onset of saturation (-50 dBm).
Performance blocking measurements were carried out with both in-band and out-of-band Continuous
Wave (CW) interferer, and with a wideband Additive White Gaussian Noise interferer. The average
measured C/I due to blocking was:
Interferer In-band CW signal Out-of-band CW signal Out-of-band AWGN signal

Average measured C/I -3.5 -34 -26
ratio due to blocking (dB)
Standard Deviation (dB) 0.8 2.5 2.3
EIRP (dBW) from
interferer (22.5m away in
-77 -48 -56
the bearing direction)
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Contents
Page No.
1. Introduction 11
2. Background 12
2.1 LNBs in Common Use in the UK Market 12
2.2 Frequency Bands used by Satellite Transponder/LNB 13
3. Measurements Methods 14
3.1 LNB Gain 14
3.1.1 Conducted measurement 14
3.1.2 Radiated measurement 15
3.2 Received Satellite Signal Strength 17
3.3 Third Order Intermodulation Products 17
3.4 Frequency Blocking Performance 20
4. Results 22
4.1 LNB Gain 22
4.2 Received Satellite Signal Strength 25
4.3 Third Order Intercept Points 26
4.4 Third Order Intermodulation Products 28
4.4.1 TOI products generated by tones from Ofcom proposed low band and
Ofcom proposed high band 29
4.4.2 TOI products generated by tones from Ofcom proposed band and
LNB low band 29
4.5 Non-Linear Effects of LNB 30
4.6 Frequency Blocking Performance 30
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4.6.1 Co-channel interference 31
4.6.2 Out-of-band narrowband (CW) interference 31
4.6.3 Out-of-band wideband (AWGN) interference 33
5. Conclusions 35
6. Test Equipment 37
7. References 38
APPENDIX A: Gain Measurement Results of LNBs 39
APPENDIX B: TOI Measurement Results of LNBs 44
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Tables List
Page No.
Table 1: Permissible out-of-block emissions ....................................................................................... 11
Table 2: Average Gain of LNBs ........................................................................................................... 22
Table 3: Installation Parameters for BSkyB Satellite dish.................................................................... 25
Table 4: Average received satellite signal level.................................................................................... 26
Table 5: Average Third-Order Intercept Point of LNBs....................................................................... 27
Table 6: TOI products generated by 11.5GHz and 11.5002GHz tones ................................................ 28
Table 7: Possibility of two tones which generate the TOI at LNB band .............................................. 28
Table 8: TOI products generated by tones of Ofcom proposed low band and high band..................... 29
Table 9: In-band CW interference signal strength due to blocking ...................................................... 31
Table 10: Out-of-band CW interference signal strength due to blocking ............................................ 33
Table 11: Out-of-band AWGN interference signal strength due to blocking ....................................... 34
Table 12: Equipments used for the project ........................................................................................... 37
Table 13: Conducted measured Gain of Invacom LNB........................................................................ 39
Table 14: Radiated measured Gain of LNBs ........................................................................................ 42
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Figures List
Page No.
Figure 1: Frequency Plan of Eurobird_1 downlink (only operational channels are displayed)............ 13
Figure 2: Frequency Plan of ASTRA 2A, 2B and 2D downlink .......................................................... 14
Figure 3: Test set-up for conducted LNB gain measurements.............................................................. 15
Figure 4: Test set-up for measuring antenna receiver gain ................................................................... 16
Figure 5: Set-up to measure TOI products using two-tone testing of NI method ................................. 18
Figure 6 Radiated set-up to measure TOI products using two-tone test ............................................... 19
Figure 7: Test set-up to measure blocking performance....................................................................... 20
Figure 8: View of instrumentation trailer, satellite dish and TV receiver............................................. 21
Figure 9: View from dish towards interfering source and satellite position ......................................... 21
Figure 10: Gain of LNBs at the LNB frequency band .......................................................................... 24
Figure 11: Average Field Strength of received satellite signal level .................................................... 26
Figure 12: TOI measurements for Invacom LNB, Sharp LNB and MTI LNB..................................... 45
Figure 13: TOI products generated by two tones from Ofcom proposed bands ................................... 46
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Abbreviations List
AWGN Additive White Gaussian Noise
CW Continuous Wave
DUT Device Under Test
EUT Equipment Under Test
FWA Fixed Wireless Access
IIP3 Input third-order intercept point
IMD3 Two-tone third-order intermodulation distortion
LNB Low Noise Block
L.O. Local Oscillator
MTI Microelectronics Technology Inc
OIP3 Output third-order intercept point
RBW Resolution Bandwidth
TOI Third Order Intermodulation
VBW Video Bandwidth
VSWR Voltage Standing Wave Ratio
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1. Introduction
Ofcom is currently consulting on proposals to award spectrum in the 10 GHz band between 10.125
10.225 GHz paired with 10.475 10.575 GHz. In the UK, the spectrum between 10.7 12.75 GHz is
used for the reception of direct-to-home satellite television.
There is a total of 2 x 100 MHz of spectrum available in the 10 GHz band. Ofcom is proposing to
offer this as a single UK lot. In arriving at this proposal Ofcom considered two options: offering two
separate 100 MHz lots or a single paired 100 MHz lot [1].
The regulator has identified a number of potential applications, which fall broadly into three
categories:
Mobile and fixed network operators who might use spectrum to backhaul their own networks.
The interest here is in paired spectrum.
Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network operators who might deploy broadband access
networks in addition to providing backhaul, both for themselves and for other network
operators. The interest here is primarily in paired spectrum.
Broadcasters who might use spectrum in the 10 GHz band for video links and wireless
cameras. The interest here is in unpaired spectrum.
Annex 5.i of Reference [1], gives the maximum Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) in the
proposed blocks as 55 dBW in any measured bandwidth. The permissible out-of-block emissions are
described in the table below:
Table 1:
Permissible out-of-block emissions
Offset from Edge of Block Maximum Permitted Level (dBW)

In block up to and including 14 MHz 55
From 14 MHz up to and including 0 MHz 11 + (19/14*f1) dBW/MHz 1
From 0 MHz up to and including + 14 MHz -39 - (13/14*f2) dBW/MHz 2
+14 MHz of block edge -52 dB/MHz
1
f1 is the frequency offset between -14 MHz to 0 MHz of the block edge limits
2
f2 is the frequency offset between 0 MHz to +14 MHz of the block edge limits
Where, 0 MHz is the edge of the block, - is inside the block edge and + is outside the block edge.
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In an environment where use is made of the spectrum that Ofcom is proposing for award for systems
that are close to the proposed maximum EIRP and densely deployed, the performance of the domestic
satellite system (predominately the LNB) to reject signals outside its tuning range will be required. As
those performance figures are not usually published for LNBs, actual measurements have been made.
For the purposes of this project, the performance of the systems that are directed to the ASTRA
systems at 28.2E and Eutelsat at 28.5E have been considered. It is assumed that the vast majority of
satellite systems in use in the UK are directed to either or both of the satellites identified. Three
commercially available LNBs used in domestic satellite systems have been tested; the assessment on
the impact of interference from the proposed new band to the existing LNB band included the
following tasks:
Measure the received signal strength level at the input flange of the LNB from both satellites
ASTRA (2A, 2B and 2D) and Eutelsat (Eurobird 1).
Examine the Third Order Intercept (TOI) point created by combining the signals from the
LNB band and signals from outside the band (i.e. within Ofcom proposed bands).
Examine the conditions of blocking/breakthrough performance of LNB system.
2. Background
2.1 LNBs in Common Use in the UK Market
A Low Noise Block downconvertor sits on the end of an arm and faces the parabolic reflector ("dish")
which focuses the signals from the "feed horn" of the LNB. It uses the super-heterodyne principle to
take a wide block (or band) of relatively high frequencies, amplify and convert them to similar signals
carried at a much lower frequency (called intermediate frequency or IF). These lower frequencies
travel through cables with much less attenuation of the signal when compared to those frequencies
actually received. This results in a much more manageable signal level left on the satellite receiver
end of the cable. It is also much easier and cheaper to design electronic circuits to operate at these
lower frequencies, rather than the very high frequencies of satellite transmission. In this study, LNB
refers to the LNBs designed to operate at Ku band, i.e. 10.7 12.75 GHz.
There are several types of LNB available in the market:
Standard LNB: has a 10.0 GHz Local Oscillator and works in one band.
Enhanced LNB: has a Local Oscillator of 9.750 GHz, and works in 10.7 11.7 GHz.
Universal LNB: has two local oscillators of 9.75 and 10.60 GHz and it works in two bands of
10.7 11.8 and 11.6 12.7 GHz. (22 kHz signal switched). The polarisation switching is
controlled by dc voltage supplied by the receiver. Usually 12.5v to 14.5v gives vertical and
15.5 to 18v gives horizontal polarisation.
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The following LNBs have been tested in this study, all of which are Universal LNBs, i.e. having two
local oscillator frequencies of 9.75 GHz and 10.6 GHz. Universal LNBs are the most widely used type
in the UK market:
Invacom LNB: SNF-031 0.3dB low noise Universal LNB. The LNB has a C120 circular
waveguide interface, which can attach an external feed horn.
Sharp LNB: BS1R6El low noise Universal LNB.
Microelectronics Technology Inc (MTI) LNB: AP8-T2RC, 06dB low noise Universal LNB.
2.2 Frequency Bands used by Satellite Transponder/LNB
Both ASTRA (2A, 2B and 2D) and Eutelsat (Eurobird 1) satellites use a set of transponders to
transmit signals towards the UK and Europe. Figure 1 [2] and Figure 2 [3] indicates the downlink
spectrum allocated for domestic satellite broadcast services.
Figure 1: Frequency Plan of Eurobird_1 downlink (only operational channels are displayed)
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Figure 2: Frequency Plan of ASTRA 2A, 2B and 2D downlink
There are a total of 24 operational transponders on the Eurobird_1 satellite. The transponder
bandwidth is 33 MHz (D channels) or 72 MHz (C and F channels) as shown in Figure 1. Across Band
E and Band F, there are 40 transponders/channels on ASTRA 2A and 2B, the channels are identical as
redundant services while ASTRA 2D is operated at Band D only. The transponder bandwidth of
ASTRA is either 33 MHz or 26 MHz. Each transponder broadcasts several TV channel programmes
simultaneously.
3. Measurements Methods
3.1 LNB Gain
A literature survey was carried out to review available information regarding received signal strength
at the LNB. No published information was found to be available and so measurements were first
undertaken to characterise the gain of the LNBs.
3.1.1 Conducted measurement
The test set-up for conducted measurements of the LNB gain for the Invacom LNB is shown in the
figure below. This was the only LNB that had a C120 flange, allowing it to be connected to an
external feed horn, or waveguide. (RF ports on the other LNBs were not accessible.)
The Invacom LNB was connected to a cable-waveguide with a WR75 adapter and WR75/C120
transformer. A test signal was transmitted at the required frequency points to the LNB via the adapter,
and the output from LNB was linked to a Biased-T, which provided a DC voltage to the LNB via an
F-cable and only allowed the RF component to the spectrum analyser.
The LNB has an F type connector which is 75, therefore a matched pad was used to connect to the
50 input of the signal generator and spectrum analyser, thus ensuring the correct Voltage Standing
Wave Ratio (VSWR).
The test set-up is shown in the following figure.
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Signal Transition/ LNB

Generator Adaptor
Biased-T Spectrum
Analyser
DC Supply
Figure 3: Test set-up for conducted LNB gain measurements
The gain of the LNB was measured using the following procedure:
1. The input of the LNB was generated by using a Continuous Wave (CW) RF output from a
signal generator, in the 11.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz band.
2. The output from the LNB to the spectrum analyser was used to measure the peak power in a
1 MHz bandwidth with max hold.
The gain was calculated as the difference between the measured peak power before and after the
LNB.
A series of frequency points across the LNB band were measured to see how the gain varied across
the band and how the gain fell off out of band.
3.1.2 Radiated measurement
Radiated measurements of LNB gain were made inside a Fully Anechoic Room (FAR), which
satisfies the Rayleigh criterion of d > 2D2/, where D is the maximum dimension of the EUT (in our
case the size of the LNB) and is the wavelength of interest.
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Figure 4: Test set-up for measuring antenna receiver gain
Following the method described in ETSI ETS 300 456, the test arrangement was set-up as shown in
Figure 4, with the EUT connected to the test receiver, and the following test procedure was used:
a) A test signal at the required frequency was transmitted by the test transmitter through the test
antenna in the E-plane2. (The frequency is dependent upon the designed receive frequency
band.).
b) The EUT was aligned to the transmitting antenna, at a distance of 4m away.
c) The EUT was manually tuned in azimuth and elevation directions until the maximum output
reading was obtained on the spectrum analyser.
d) The EUT was replaced by a substitution antenna.
e) This level was read on the spectrum analyser.
f) The substitution antenna was tuned in azimuth and elevation directions as in c) until the
received signal level was maximised.
g) The gain of the EUT was calculated from: GEUT = L1 - L2 + C, where: GEUT is the gain of the
EUT (dBi); L1 is the level obtained with the EUT (dB); L2 is the level obtained with the
substitution antenna (dB); C is the calibrated gain of the substituted antenna at the test
frequency (dBi). The gain of the LNB GLNB = GEUT - GANT, assuming the gain of the receiving
antenna is known.
2
The E-plane is in the vertical direction
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h) The tests in b) to f) were measured for frequencies in the 10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz band.
3.2 Received Satellite Signal Strength
The received signal strength measurements were carried out at centre frequencies of all operating
multiplexes across the concerned frequency band for both satellites. Currently, there are three ASTRA
satellites with either 16 or 40 transponders available for transmission of broadcast and broadband
multimedia services for UK and Ireland, and 24 transponders are available from Eutelsat system
(Eurobird) at 28.5E, in the bands 10.7 12.75 GHz. The 10.7 12.75 GHz downlink is split into
two bands and down converted by a Universal LNB, which has local oscillator(s) working at 9.75
and/or 10.6 GHz. The signal levels of these transponders across the LNB band were examined at
centre frequencies of the operating transponders.
The received signal strength measurements were performed with a dish that is in common use in
direct-to-home systems (typically 60 cm diameter parabolic reflector) using the procedure outlined
below:
1. For each satellite, the installation of satellite dish/LNB was aligned to obtain the best
reception. The alignment was performed using a hand portable satellite signal strength meter
and satellite compass to identify the satellite, and checked with the satellite receiver and
television. As different types of weather cause different received signal levels, the radiated
measurements were carried out with clear-blue sky, rainy days and cloudy days during the
project, which were noted.
2. The measurement result was calculated for the signal received in the 11 GHz band, and not
the level from the LNB output (i.e. between 950 2150 MHz), by correlating against the gain
of the LNB as measured in Section 3.1.
3. Steps 1 and 2 were repeated for a number of transponders and an average was taken for the
two satellite systems.
3.3 Third Order Intermodulation Products
Intermodulation distortion occurs when the non-linearity of a device or system with multiple input
frequencies causes undesired outputs at other frequencies. These spurious outputs due to system non-
linearities are the result of mixing of the fundamental and harmonics of other signals (i.e.,
intermodulation interference). The easiest form of intermodulation interference assessment is to
measure two-tone, third-order intermodulation. In the case where two signals are present, the two
signals (f1 and f2) mix with each others second harmonic (2f1 and 2f2) and create distortion products
evenly spaced around the fundamental (2f1-f2 and 2f2-f1). These distortion products can degrade the
performance of the communication system.
Two-tone third-order intermodulation distortion (IMD3) is the measure of the third-order distortion
products produced by a non-linear device when two tones closely spaced in frequency are fed into its
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input. This distortion product is usually so close to the carrier that it is almost impossible to filter out
and can cause interference in multi-channel communications equipment. Assuming that the power
levels of the two tones are equal, IMD3 is the difference between the power of the fundamental signals
and the third-order products, as defined in the following equation:
IMD3 = Po Po 3
Where o refers to the output of the EUT, Po3 is the power level of one of the output third-order
products, and Po is the power level of one of the fundamental tones. Once the IMD3 is measured, the
EUT output third-order intercept point (OIP3) is calculated using the following equation:
IMD3
+ Po = (3P0 Po 3 ) (dB )
1
OIP3 =
2 2
The input third-order intercept point (IIP3) is defined as:
IIP3 = OIPo G
Where G is the gain of the device. The IIP3 number quantifies the third-order linearity of a device.
The Third Order Intermodulation (TOI) using the two-tone method was measured with the set-up
shown below. [4]
Figure 5: Set-up to measure TOI products using two-tone testing of NI method
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Figure 6 Radiated set-up to measure TOI products using two-tone test
The output third-order intercept point (OIP3) was calculated by following the procedure detailed
below:
1. Two tones f1 and f2 with a separation of 0.2 MHz were created using signal generator 1 and 2
respectively.
2. The signal level of both tones at the output of the combiner was set to a value of 20 to 30 dB
above the sensitivity of the LNB.
3. The spectrum analyser was tuned to the third-order distortion product frequency of interest,
either 2f1-f2 or 2f2-f1. The resolution bandwidth was then deceased until a distortion spur
appeared.
4. The attenuation level was increased until the harmonic level stopped decreasing. The
attenuation does not lower the distortion products of the signal; it only lowers the distortion
products generated internally to the Equipment Under Test (EUT). The resolution bandwidth
was decreased to lower the noise floor.
5. The IMD3 and IIP3 points were calculated by measuring the output of the fundamental Po and
the third harmonic Po3 and using the equations described above.
NOTE: Theoretically, IIP3 is not a function of power level. However, the dynamic range is limited by
the spectrum analyser noise floor at the low end and the DUT saturation or spectrum analyser
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intermodulation at the high end. Looking at IIP3 as a function of power provides a good way of
checking the valid measurement range.
3.4 Frequency Blocking Performance
The purpose of this part of the work was to determine the unwanted mixing with the local oscillator,
which for most dual band LNBs are: 9.75 and 10.6 GHz.
d h
Figure 7: Test set-up to measure blocking performance
Blocking was measured by setting up the satellite receiving system with the antenna on a tripod (at
1m height), suitably aligned for optimum satellite signal reception, and introducing an interference
signal into the main receiving beam. The dish was connected to a Sky digital box with its output fed
to a television inside a trailer to enable the picture quality to be assessed.
The antenna radiating the interfering signal down towards the receiving dish was at a height of 9.5m
and a slant distance of about 22.5m. This was to ensure that the main beam of interfering signal was in
the same direction as the satellite signals.
A signal generator at ground level was connected to the interfering signal antenna via a 10m
microwave coax cable.
The set-up is shown in the figures below.
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Figure 8: View of instrumentation trailer, satellite dish Figure 9: View from dish towards interfering
and TV receiver source and satellite position
The measurement procedure is outlined below:
1. The satellite receiver was mounted on a tripod 1 m above the ground in an open area
environment and suitably aligned for optimum satellite signal reception using the procedure
described in Section 3.2.
2. An interfering signal was introduced into the main beam of the receiving satellite antenna.
The antenna dish was connected to a standard Sky Digital box decoder with its output fed to a
television inside a trailer, where the picture quality was assessed. Before connecting the
television the wanted carrier power C of the received satellite signal was measured in the
channel bandwidth of the transmitted signal.
3. With no applied signal, the interfering signal antenna was raised into the main beam until a
fractional signal reduction was observed and then lowered by 0.4 m to obtain a full line-of-
sight signal between the receiving antenna and the transmitting antenna.
4. The interfering antenna was positioned on a pole and raised to its position using an extending
mast.
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5. A CW signal was applied in accordance to the emission mask detailed in Table 1 and the level
of received interference I measured in the same channel bandwidth as observed for the wanted
carrier C.
6. The Carrier-to-Interference C/I ratios due to blocking were calculated as C (dBm) I (dBm).
4. Results
4.1 LNB Gain
The conducted and radiated measurement methods described in section 3.1 were used to measure the
LNB gain. The average results within the operational frequency band are shown in the table below;
the input and output powers measured for each frequency are listed in Appendix A.
Table 2:
Average Gain of LNBs

Average Gain 62.0 dB 60.8 dB 65.8 dB 65.7 dB
(dB)
Standard 3.1 dB 2.5 dB 2.4 dB 2.6 dB
Deviation (dB)
Outside of the operational frequency band the gain of LNBs tested was found to roll off quickly.
When the frequency is 500 MHz outside the nominal LNB frequency band, the gain rolls off to about
30 dB or lower, as shown in Figure 10. 4th order polynomial trend lines are shown in Figure 10(b).
The gain values outside the LNB band are also listed in Appendix A.
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Invacom conducted
Invacom Radiated
Sharp Radiated
13
MTI Radiated
Ofcom band
12.5
12
Frequency (GHz)
LNB Gains
11.5
11
10.5
10
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Gain (dB)
(a) Gain of LNBs
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13
Poly. (Invacom conducted)
Poly. (Invacom Radiated)
Poly. (Sharp Radiated)
Poly. (MTI Radiated)

Invacom conducted
Invacom Radiated
Sharp Radiated
12.5
MTI Radiated
Ofcom band
12
Frequency (GHz)
LNB Gains
11.5
11
10.5
10
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
Gain (dB)
(b) Trends of Gain
Figure 10: Gain of LNBs at the LNB frequency band
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4.2 Received Satellite Signal Strength
The field strengths of the satellite signals at the nominal centre frequencies of ASTRA2A/2B/2D
/Eurobird_1 transponders were measured using the method described in section 3.2. The centre
frequencies of the satellite transponders are shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.
Two ASTRA transponders were found to be non-operational during the measurements, at 12.402 GHz
and 12.4215 GHz. All the Eutelsat transponders shown in Figure 2 were observed with carrier
transmissions during the measurements.3
The measurements were carried out on the roof of a two-storey office building, at the ERA site,
located at 511820N, 02015W, 44m elevation above sea level. A 60cm BSkyB satellite dish was
mounted on a tripod with a height of 1.5m above the roof. The installation parameters shown in the
table below were calculated using an online satellite installation tool [5].
Three different weather conditions were observed: Raining (light shower), cloudy and sunny without
cloud (just after a shower).
Table 3:
Installation Parameters for BSkyB Satellite dish
ASTRA 28.2 E Eutelsat 28.5 E

Dish azimuth (to true north) 145.1 144.8
Dish azimuth (to magnet north) 148.1 147.7
Dish elevation 25.5 25.4
Polarisation tilt -20.9 -21.1
The signal from the LNB was transmitted to a BSkyB satellite receiver connected to a television to:
Verify the test signals picked up were from the correct satellites.
Monitor the TV channels themselves.
The average received signal level at the measurement site for all conditions is summarised in the table
below.
3
The TV channel information for each satellite transponder could be found at the following links, for ASTRA:
http://www.ses-astra.com/backoffice/findAChannel_en/index.php and for Euro_bird:
http://www.eutelsat.com/products/channel_line-up/eutelsat_line-up.xls
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Table 4:
Average received satellite signal level

Average received satellite signal -89.1 -91.2
level4 (dBm)
The average level of received satellite signal is plotted in Figure 11. The plot shows the signal level
before LNB and after the 60cm satellite dish as a function of frequency.
Received ASTRA/Eurobird Satellite Signals

-80
ASTRA 2A/2B/2D
-82
Eurobird_1
-84
-86
Power level (dBm)
-88
-90
-92
-94
-96
-98
-100
10.5 11 11.5 12 12.5 13
Frequency (GHz)
Figure 11: Average Field Strength of received satellite signal level
4.3 Third Order Intercept Points
Third Order Intercept Points were measured for all three LNBs using the method described in section
3.3. The conducted measurement method was applied for the Invacom LNB (Figure 5) and the
radiated measurement method was used for the Sharp LNB and MTI LNB (Figure 6).
4
The signal levels were the level at the input flange of the LNB.
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The frequency span and RBW/VBW of the Spectrum analyser were optimised for observation of
intermodulation products as described in intermodulation measurement studies [6, 7]. For this type of
measurement, a frequency span of 1 MHz and a RBW/VBW of 1 kHz was applied respectively.
The frequency of tone 1, denoted as f1, was set to 11.5 GHz and frequency of tone 2, f2, was set to
11.5002 GHz. The input power of f1 and f2 were first set at a low power level between -80 dBm to
-75 dBm. At these levels Third Order Intermodulation products were not detectable or distinguishable
from the noise floor at the signal generator. The input power was then increased in steps of 3 dB, and
the output power of the two tones, which was measured at corresponding down-converted frequency
after the LNB in lieu of the input frequency f1, was increased proportionally. Input power was
increased until the onset of saturation appeared.
The measurement results of the Third-Order Intercept points of the three LNBs are shown in
Appendix B. The average Output third-order intercept points (OIP3) and the input third-order
intercept points (IIP3) are listed in Table 5. The points around noise floor and saturation were not
included in the calculation.
Table 5:
Average Third-Order Intercept Point of LNBs

Gain at 11.5GHz (dB) 61.2 61.8 63.5
OIP3 (dBm) 19.2 18.1 16.6
IIP3 (dBm) -42.0 -43.7 -46.9
In order to assess the possible interference to the satellite services in the LNB band, two input power
levels were examined:
The level required to introduce a TOI product equal to the average received satellite signal
(-90 dBm)
The level required to introduce a TOI product equivalent to 10 dB below the average received
satellite signals (-100 dBm)
Table 6 shows the input power levels required to generate TOI products. The results show that an
average input power level of -58.2 dBm was required to generate TOI products equivalent to the
received satellite signal strength (-90 dBm before LNB); and -61.8 dBm was required to generated
TOI products 10 dB lower than the received satellite signal strength (-100 dBm before LNB).
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Table 6:
TOI products generated by 11.5GHz and 11.5002GHz tones
Invacom Sharp MTI LNB Average

LNB LNB
Gain of LNB (dB) 62.0 65.8 65.7
Average received satellite signal level before -90 -90 -90
LNB (dBm)
Signal level of TOI product equal to the case -56.3 -57.6 -60.8 -58.2
with input power level of -90 dBm (dBm)
Signal level of TOI product equals to the case -60.5 -60.9 -64.0 -61.8
4.4 Third Order Intermodulation Products
The Third Order Intermodulation products were tested across both the Ofcom proposed bands of
concern and the LNB band. Observation of the output showed that there was no significant effect
while increasing the frequency gap of the two tones, i.e. with the proper input power level, any two
tones from the proposed Ofcom bands and/or LNB band can generate third order intermodulation
products, as shown in the table below.
Table 7:
Possibility of two tones which generate the TOI at LNB band
Frequency of Tone 1 Frequency of Tone 2 Frequency of TOI products

Ofcom proposed low band Ofcom proposed high band LNB Low band
Ofcom proposed band LNB low band LNB band
Two further measurements were carried out to examine the TOI products:
Using two tones, with one tone from Ofcoms proposed lower band and one from Ofcoms
proposed higher band, in order to assess the effects on the TOI products with the variation of
LNB gain across these two bands.
Using one tone from Ofcoms proposed band and one tone from the LNBs lower band, in
order to assess the affects on the TOI products in the case of one tone from Ofcom proposed
band and the other tone from received satellite signals.
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4.4.1 TOI products generated by tones from Ofcom proposed low band and
Ofcom proposed high band
The LNB gain measurements show that the gain rolls off quite sharply outside the LNB band. The
Ofcom proposed bands of 2 x 100 MHz are outside the LNB operational band, where the gain at
10.125 10.225 GHz is 20 50 dB lower than the gain in the nominal frequency band. The gain
measured across 10.475 10.575 GHz is at the same margin of the average operational gain.
In this scenario the frequency of tone 1, denoted as f1, was set to 10.223 GHz and frequency of tone
2, f2, was set to 10.476 GHz, i.e. one tone was at Ofcom proposed low band and another tone at
Ofcom proposed high band.
The measurement results are shown in Appendix B. Table 8 below shows the input power levels
required to generate TOI products. The results show that an average input power level of -49.1 dBm
was required to generate TOI products equivalent to the received satellite signal strength; and
-52.5 dBm was required to generated TOI products 10 dB lower than the received satellite signal
strength.
Table 8:
TOI products generated by tones of Ofcom proposed low band and high band
Invacom Sharp MTI LNB Average

LNB LNB
Gain of LNB (dB) 62 65.8 65.7
Average received satellite signal level before -90 -90 -90
LNB (dBm)
Comparing to Table 6, as the LNB gain at 10.125 10.225 and 10.475 10.575 GHz is lower than the
gain across the operational LNB band, to generate a certain level of TOI products the input power
level was 9 dB higher.
4.4.2 TOI products generated by tones from Ofcom proposed band and LNB
low band
In this scenario the frequency of tone 1, denoted as f1, was set to 10.537 GHz and frequency of tone
2, f2, was set to 10.714 GHz, i.e. one tone from the Ofcom proposed band and another tone from the
existing LNB lower band.
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As before the input power level of f2 was set as the average received satellite signal level (-90dBm
before LNB); the power level of f1 was increased in 3 dB / 5 dB steps. The input power level of f1
was increased until the onset of saturation (-50 dBm before LNB). The expected TOI product in the
corresponding LNB band (1.14195 GHz) was not distinguishable from the noise floor of the signal
generator.
The input power of f2 was then increased until 25 dB higher than the average received satellite signal
level (-65 dB before LNB). With the signal level of -50 dBm at f2, the TOI product at the
corresponding LNB band (1.14195 GHz) was still not distinguishable from the noise floor of the
signal generator. (The other TOI product at 0.61095 GHz was observed.)
The measurement results indicate that it is unlikely that TOI products will be generated by a
combination of one tone from the existing satellite signal and one tone from the proposed Ofcom
band.
4.5 Non-Linear Effects of LNB
When performing the TOI measurements non-linear effects were observed on all three LNBs. These
effects consisted of:
frequency shifting,
limitation of output power.
The frequency shifting was observed when the total current/power load was close to saturation. The
maximum observed frequency shift was 22 kHz for the Invacom LNB, 8 kHz for the Sharp LNB and
10 kHz for the MTI LNB.
The non-linear effects of gain can be observed in Figure 12 and Figure 13, when the LNBs were
overloaded and saturation occurred.
4.6 Frequency Blocking Performance
The purpose of the performance/blocking measurements was to make a practical assessment of the
level of interference needed to cause blocking effects to the satellite receiving system. The
interference sources considered were
Third-Order intermodulation products co-located at the satellite operational carrier band;
a narrow band signal (CW) at the proposed Ofcom 10 GHz band;
a wideband signal (AWGN) at the proposed Ofcom 10 GHz band.
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4.6.1 Co-channel interference
A co-channel unmodulated CW interference signal was used to represent the TOI products that could
interfere with a domestic satellite broadcast service. The frequency of the CW signal was set at the
centre frequency of the relevant satellite transponder. Using the test method described in section 3.4,
the amplitude of the interfering signal was progressively increased until interference on the TV was
observed. Tests were made for a number of TV channels corresponding to the operational frequencies
of the satellite services, for co-polar antenna orientations (both vertical and horizontal polarisations).
Table 9 shows a summary of the results from the measurements. The EIRP was calculated based on
that the interference source was 22.5m away from the satellite dish in the bearing direction. The Gain
of dish is 34dB assuming the efficiency of the antenna is 55%, and the free space loss propagation is
applied for the calculation.
Table 9:
In-band CW interference signal strength due to blocking
Satellite Freque Pol SKY Channel Received Blocking threshold C/I Ratio
Transponder ncy monitored signal level of interference (dB)
(GHz) (dBm) signal (dBm)
ASTRA 2D 2.042 10.729 V 315 Film 4 -91.7 -87.8 -3.9
Eurobird_1 S1 11.527 V 645 Thomas Cook -101.2 -97.58 -3.62
TV
ASTRA 2D 2.048 10.818 V 986 BBC 1 West -95.1 -93.07 -2.03
ASTRA 2D 2.045 10.773 H 101 BBC one -100.3 -96.5 -3.8
London
Eurobird_1 S1 11.546 H 650 Thane Direct -99.74 -95.71 -4.03
ASTRA 2D 2.047 10.803 H 972 BBC1 Wales -94.02 -90.32 -3.7
ASTRA 2B 2.017 12.032 H 630 QVC -92.75 -88.09 -4.66
ASTRA 2D 2.045 10.773 H 617 Cbeebies -95.81 -93.48 -2.33
Average C/I -3.5dB
Standard 0.8dB
Deviation
EIRP -77dBW ( 22.5m away from the dish in the bearing direction)
4.6.2 Out-of-band narrowband (CW) interference
A narrow band CW signal was transmitted as the interferer towards the satellite dish, using the test
method described in section 3.4. The frequencies of the CW signals were chosen to be at the upper
and lower ends of the Ofcom proposed bands (10.125 GHz, 10.225 GHz, 10.475 GHz and
10.575 GHz).
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Measurements were made on TV channels at the lower end of LNB band:
ITV1 Anglia West: The TV programme is transmitted on transponder 2.041 of ASTRA 2D, the
central frequency is 10.714GHz and it is transmitted in horizontal polarisation.
Film 4: The TV programme is transmitted on transponder 2.042 of ASTRA 2D, the central
frequency is 10.729 GHz and it is transmitted in vertical polarisation. (EPG channel 315)
Within the LNB operational band, blocking was observed with co-polar antenna orientations at
frequencies of 10.475 GHz and 10.575 GHz.
Outside of the operational band (10.125-10.225 GHz) the LNB gain rolls off sharply, decreasing by
20 dB or more compared to the in-band gain. With the available interference signal strength, no
performance blocking was observed outside of the operational band.
An average C/I ratio of -34 dB was required to block the performance of satellite services as shown in
the following table. The values are the signal level recorded before the LNB and after the satellite
dish.
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Table 10:
Out-of-band CW interference signal strength due to blocking
Signal Polarisation Horizontal Vertical

Wanted Satellite Frequency (GHz) 10.714 10.729
Signal
TV channel ITV Anglia West Film 4
Interference with Received Satellite Signal Level (dBm) -103 -101
Sharp LNB
Interference Signal strength at -65 -66
10.575 GHz (dBm)
C/I (dB) -38 -35
10.475 GHz
C/I (dB) -36 -37
Invacom LNB
10.575 GHz (dBm)
C/I (dB) -33 -37
10.475 GHz
C/I (dB) -32 -34
Interference with Received Satellite Signal Level (dBm) - -94
MTI LNB
Interference Signal strength at - -63
10.575 GHz (dBm)
C/I (dB) - -31
10.475 GHz
C/I (dB) - -31
Average C/I -34 dB
Standard Deviation 2.5 dB
EIRP -48 dBW ( 22.5m away from the dish in the bearing direction)
4.6.3 Out-of-band wideband (AWGN) interference
Out-of-band blocking performance was also measured with a wideband (80 MHz bandwidth) signal
(AWGN) acting as the interference source. Using the test method described in section 3.4, the centre
frequency of the AWGN signal was set to 10.525 GHz, towards the upper end of the Ofcom proposed
bands.
As before, measurements were made on TV channels at the lower end of the LNB band, ITV Anglia
West (10.714 GHz) and Film 4 (10.729 GHz)
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Within the LNB operational band, blocking was observed with co-polar antenna orientations. An
average C/I ratio of -26 dB was required to block the performance of satellite services as shown in the
following table. The values are the signal level recorded before the LNB and after the satellite dish.
Table 11:
Out-of-band AWGN interference signal strength due to blocking
Signal Polarisation Horizontal Vertical

Wanted Satellite Frequency (GHz) 10.714 10.729
Signal
TV channel ITV Anglia West Film 4
Sharp LNB
10.525 GHz
C/I (dB) -30 -26
Invacom LNB
10.525 GHz
C/I (dB) -25 -27
Interference with Received Satellite Signal Level (dBm) - -94
MTI LNB
10.525 GHz
C/I (dB) - -23
Average C/I -26 dB
Standard Deviation 2.3 dB
EIRP -56 dBW ( 22.5m away from the dish in the bearing direction)
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5. Conclusions
Measurements have been undertaken at ERAs test facility in Leatherhead, Surrey, on three Low
Noise Block (LNB) downconvertors in common use in domestic satellite systems to determine the
interference potential from Ofcoms proposals to award spectrum in the 10 GHz band.
Tests were carried out to measure the gain of the LNBs, the received satellite signal level, the third-
order intermodulation products, and performance blocking of satellite services.
The results show that for the three LNBs tested, gain varies slightly across the operational frequency
band, and it rolls off quickly outside the operational band. The average gain measured is shown in the
table below.

Average Gain 62.0 60.8 65.8 65.7
(dB)
Standard 3.1 2.5 2.4 2.6
Deviation (dB)
Received satellite signal levels were measured at all the transponder centre frequencies of ASTRA
2A/2B/2D and Eurobird_1 satellites. The measurements were carried out for three different weather
conditions: sunny, raining and cloudy. As different types of weather will cause different received
signal levels, the radiated measurements were carried out with clear-blue sky and cloud cover
conditions and the actual weather status during the project was noted. The average received signal
level at the measurement site for all conditions is summarised in the table below.

Average received satellite signal level5 (dBm) -89.1 -91.2
Third order intermodulation measurements were carried out for all three LNBs. Conducted
measurements were used for the Invacom LNB and a radiated measurement method was used for the
other two LNBs. The Output third-order Intercept Point (OIP3) and Input third-order Intercept Point
(IIP3) are shown in the table below:
5
The signal levels were the level at the input flange of LNB.
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OIP3 (dBm) 19.2 18.1 16.6
IIP3 (dBm) -42.0 -43.7 -46.9
Third order intermodulation (TOI) products were measured to assess the required input signal level to
cause TOI products:
at the same level of the received satellite signal (-90 dBm)
at a level 10dB lower than the received satellite signal (-100 dBm).
The threshold of input power level of f1 and f2 are shown in the table below:
Input power level before LNB Input power level before LNB
(f1 = 11.5 GHz and (f1 = 10.223 GHz and
f2 = 11.5002 GHz) f2 = 10.476 GHz)
No TOI products were observed or distinguishable from the noise floor using one tone from the LNB
band with an operational signal level of -65 dBm (before LNB) and one tone from the Ofcom
proposed 10 GHz band using a signal level to cause the onset of saturation (-50 dBm).
Performance blocking measurements were carried out with both in-band and out-of-band Continuous
Wave (CW) interferer, and with a wideband Additive White Gaussian Noise interferer. The average
measured C/I due to blocking was:
Interferer In-band CW signal Out-of-band CW signal Out-of-band AWGN signal

Average measured C/I ratio -3.5 -34 -26
due to blocking (dB)
Standard Deviation (dB) 0.8 2.5 2.3
EIRP (dBW) from interferer
(22.5m away in the bearing
-77 -48 -56
direction)
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6. Test Equipment
Table 12:
Equipments used for the project
Equipment Manufacturer and Model Number ID Number

Signal Analyser HP E4407B Microlease 11309
Signal Generator HP 83752B Microlease
Signal Generator Agilent 83711B Microlease
Programmable attenuator Marconi Instruments 2187 05926
VSWR Bridge 87A50 831
Bias-T B428B 8475
Horn 1 AH system SAS-571 E044
Horn 2 AH system SAS-571 E046
Voltage Supplier 830172
75/50 ohms transformer Pasternack E029
Satellite dish BSkyB Digital Zone2 60cm, Electronic EL0109
Link ltd.
LNB Invacom SNH-031
LNB Sharp
LNB MTI
Receiver Grundig BSkyB GDS200/2
Adjustable feed horn Invacom C120 feed
Cable/WR75 adapter Flann 094-SF
WR75/C120 transformer Swedish Microwave
Digital Satfinder DIGISAT LCD
Television Digix
Pre-amplifier HP8449B EMC Hire 4441
Signal Generator Agilent E4438C 03219
Signal Generator Agilent E4438C 06816
Frequency Mixer Mini-circuits ZMX-10G+
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7. References
[1] Ofcom, Office of Communications, Award of Available Spectrum 10 GHz, 28 GHz, 32 GHz
and 40 GHz, June 2006.
[2] Eutelsat, SUMMARY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE EUROBIRDTM 1 SATELLITE,

2005. http://www.eutelsat.com/satellites/pdf/Handbooks/handbook__eurobird.pdf
[3] SES ASTRA, ASTRA 2A/2B/2D, Direct-to-Home services in the UK and Ireland, 2003.
http://www.ses-astra.com
[4] NI Application Note, Two-Tone Third-order Intermodulation Distortion Measurement,

http://zone.ni.com/devzone/cda/tut/p/id/4384
[5] Satellite dish azimuth and elevation pointing calculator. http://www.satsig.net
[6] http://www.nitehawk.com/sm5bsz/dynrange/intermod.htm
[7] Maury Microwave, Application note 5C-043, THEORY OF INTERMODULATION

DISTORTION MEASUREMENT (IMD) 1999.
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APPENDIX A: Gain Measurement Results of LNBs
Table 13:
Conducted measured Gain of Invacom LNB
Frequency Input level before Output after LNB Gain (dB)

LNB (dBm) with losses
corrections (dBm)
10 -100 -91.0 9.1
10.1 -100 -76.5 23.5
10.2 -100 -55.2 44.8
10.3 -100 -46.6 53.4
10.4 -100 -47.9 52.1
10.5 -100 -44.9 55.1
10.6 -100 -45.1 54.9
10.7 -100 -43.4 56.6
10.71425 -100 -44.2 55.8
10.729 -100 -43.2 56.8
10.74375 -100 -41.1 58.9
10.7585 -100 -41.9 58.1
10.77325 -100 -43.0 57.0
10.788 -100 -41.7 58.3
10.80275 -100 -39.3 60.7
10.8175 -100 -41.0 59.0
10.83225 -100 -42.9 57.1
10.86175 -100 -40.0 60.0
10.89125 -100 -41.4 58.6
10.906 -100 -40.2 59.8
11 -100 -39.7 60.3
11.1 -100 -36.7 63.3
11.2 -100 -37.3 62.7
11.222 -100 -36.3 63.8
11.26 -100 -37.5 62.5
11.264 -100 -37.4 62.6
11.307 -100 -37.0 63.0
11.344 -100 -34.7 65.3
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corrections (dBm)
11.389 -100 -33.9 66.1
11.39 -100 -33.8 66.2
11.426 -100 -35.9 64.1
11.469 -100 -37.0 63.0
11.508 -100 -38.8 61.2
11.527 -100 -41.2 58.8
11.546 -100 -42.2 57.8
11.585 -100 -42.4 57.6
11.623 -100 -38.0 62.0
11.642 -100 -38.9 61.1
11.662 -100 -36.7 63.3
11.681 -100 -35.7 64.3
11.739 -100 -36.5 63.5
11.817 -100 -37.9 62.1
11.8365 -100 -35.3 64.8
11.8755 -100 -36.1 63.9
11.895 -100 -34.1 65.9
11.9145 -100 -36.0 64.0
11.9535 -100 -33.2 66.8
11.9925 -100 -33.7 66.3
12.0315 -100 -35.7 64.3
12.051 -100 -34.4 65.6
12.0705 -100 -34.6 65.4
12.1095 -100 -35.9 64.1
12.129 -100 -35.0 65.0
12.1485 -100 -36.4 63.6
12.168 -100 -35.6 64.4
12.1875 -100 -34.0 66.0
12.207 -100 -34.8 65.2
12.2265 -100 -34.4 65.6
12.246 -100 -33.4 66.6
12.2655 -100 -35.0 65.0
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corrections (dBm)
12.285 -100 -35.7 64.3
12.3045 -100 -35.8 64.2
12.363 -100 -39.2 60.8
12.3825 -100 -42.4 57.6
12.402 -100 -42.9 57.1
12.4215 -100 -42.5 57.5
12.441 -100 -43.2 56.8
12.48 -100 -38.7 61.3
12.5 -100 -38.8 61.2
12.523 -100 -37.1 62.9
12.56 -100 -38.9 61.1
12.6 -100 -38.0 62.1
12.7 -100 -39.5 60.6
12.8 -100 -40.2 59.8
12.9 -100 -41.8 58.2
13 -100 -44.3 55.7
13.1 -100 -53.6 46.4
13.2 -100 -67.1 33.0
13.3 -100 -67.4 32.6
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Table 14:
Radiated measured Gain of LNBs
Sharp LNB MTI LNB Invacom LNB

Output Output Output
Input level with level with level with
Frequency level corrections Gain corrections Gain corrections Gain
(GHz) (dBm) (dBm) (dB) (dBm) (dB) (dBm) (dB)
10 -88.9 11.1 -81.9 18.1
10.1 -100 -86.1 13.9 -72.4 27.6
10.2 -70.1 29.9 -51.8 48.2
10.3 -53.6 46.4 -47.4 52.6
10.4 -47.8 52.2 -40.2 59.8
10.5 -38.6 61.4 -32.6 67.4
10.6 -31.2 68.8 -34.4 65.6
10.7 -33.0 67.0 -35.6 64.4
10.729 -35.5 64.5 -32.5 67.5 -43.6 56.4
10.788 -34.9 65.1 -31.1 68.9 -42.7 57.3
10.906 -34.6 65.4 -30.4 69.6 -41.9 58.1
11 -35.3 64.7 -33.1 66.9
11.222 -36.3 63.7 -34.1 65.9
11.26 -33.5 66.5 -33.9 66.1 -37.8 62.2
11.344 -32.1 67.9 -33.0 67.0 -36.3 63.7
11.426 -32.3 67.7 -32.3 67.7 -37.7 62.3
11.508 -38.2 61.8 -36.5 63.5 -40.4 59.6
11.527 -39.4 60.6 -38.2 61.8 -42.7 57.3
11.623 -39.0 61.0 -37.8 62.2 -41.4 58.6
11.739 -32.8 67.2 -33.4 66.6 -39.4 60.6
11.817 -33.2 66.8 -34.1 65.9 -38.9 61.1
11.895 -31.6 68.4 -34.3 65.7 -37.0 63.0
11.9535 -31.4 68.6 -33.4 66.6 -37.4 62.6
12.051 -31.4 68.6 -31.8 68.2 -36.6 63.4
12.246 -29.4 70.6 -29.1 70.9 -35.2 64.8
12.363 -34.3 65.7 -35.8 64.2 -39.3 60.7
12.5 -35.0 65.0 -38.9 61.1
12.56 -35.8 64.2 -35.2 64.8 -37.4 62.6
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Sharp LNB MTI LNB Invacom LNB

Output Output Output
Input level with level with level with
Frequency level corrections Gain corrections Gain corrections Gain
(GHz) (dBm) (dBm) (dB) (dBm) (dB) (dBm) (dB)
12.6 -34.8 65.2 -38.5 61.5
12.7 -36.8 63.2 -38.2 61.8
12.8 -38.0 62.0 -41.3 58.7
12.9 -39.4 60.6 -47.9 52.1
13 -46.0 54.0 -55.4 44.6
13.1 -50.1 50.0 -59.1 40.9
13.2 -63.8 36.2 -71.5 28.5
13.3 -64.9 35.1 -74.2 25.8
The substitution antenna used was a calibrated 12 dB Gain Horn antenna (E044), the corrections
included the 6.6 dB loss of Satfider, and the 1dB loss of biased-T.
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APPENDIX B: TOI Measurement Results of LNBs
The figures below show the measurement results for Third-Order Intercept Points.
TOI of Invacom LNB

20
10
0
P out (dBm)
-10
-20
-30
-40
f1
f2
-50
2f1-f2
-60
2f2-f1
-70
-80 -75 -70 -65 -60 -55 -50 -45
P in (dBm)
TOI of SHARP LNB

10
-10
P out (dBm)
-20
-30
-40 f1
-50
f2
2f1-f2
-60
2f2-f1
-70
-80 -75 -70 -65 -60 -55 -50
P in (dBm)
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TOI of MTI LNB

10
-10
-20
P out (dBm)
-30
-40
f1
-50 f2
-60 2f1-f2
-70 2f2-f1
-80
-85 -80 -75 -70 -65 -60 -55 -50
P in (dBm)
Figure 12: TOI measurements for Invacom LNB, Sharp LNB and MTI LNB
The figures below show the measurement results for Third-Order Intermodulation products.
TOI products of Invacom LNB

20
10
-10
P out (dBm)
-20
-30
-40
f1=10.223GHz
-50 f2=10.476GHz
TOI at 0.979GHz
-60
TOI at 0.253GHz
-70
-65 -60 -55 -50 -45 -40 -35
P in (dBm)
ERA Technology Ltd

46
TOI products of Sharp LNB

20
f1=10.223GHz
10 f2=10.476GHz
0 TOI at 0.979GHz
TOI at 0.22GHz
-10
P out (dBm)
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
-70
-80
-75 -70 -65 -60 -55 -50 -45 -40 -35
P in (dBm)
TOI products of MTI LNB

20
10
-10
P out (dBm)
-20
-30
-40 f1=10.223GHz
f2=10.476GHz
-50
TOI at 0.981GHz
-60 TOI at 0.253GHz
-70
-80 -75 -70 -65 -60 -55 -50 -45
P in (dBm)
Figure 13: TOI products generated by two tones from Ofcom proposed bands
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2007 0106

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Page 1 of 46

LNB Performance Study

ERA Report 2007-0106

Client Reference : Stephen Talbot

ERA Report Checked by: Approved by:

Copyright ERA Technology Limited 2007

ERA Technology Ltd

Ref:P:\Projects Database\Ofcom 2006 - 7G 03452\Ofcom - 7G0345207 - LNB\ERA Reports\Rep-6078 - 2007-0106.doc

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Invacom LNB Invacom LNB Sharp LNB MTI LNB

ASTRA Eutelsat (Eurobird_1)

Ref:P:\Projects Database\Ofcom 2006 - 7G 03452\Ofcom - 7G0345207 - LNB\ERA Reports\Rep-6078 - 2007-0106.doc

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LNB Invacom LNB Sharp LNB MTI LNB

at the same level of the received satellite signal (-90 dBm)

at a level 10 dB lower than the received satellite signal (-100 dBm).

Interferer In-band CW signal Out-of-band CW signal Out-of-band AWGN signal

Ref:P:\Projects Database\Ofcom 2006 - 7G 03452\Ofcom - 7G0345207 - LNB\ERA Reports\Rep-6078 - 2007-0106.doc

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2.2 Frequency Bands used by Satellite Transponder/LNB 13

3.1.1 Conducted measurement 14

3.1.2 Radiated measurement 15

3.2 Received Satellite Signal Strength 17

3.3 Third Order Intermodulation Products 17

3.4 Frequency Blocking Performance 20

4.2 Received Satellite Signal Strength 25

4.3 Third Order Intercept Points 26

4.4 Third Order Intermodulation Products 28

4.5 Non-Linear Effects of LNB 30

4.6 Frequency Blocking Performance 30

Ref:P:\Projects Database\Ofcom 2006 - 7G 03452\Ofcom - 7G0345207 - LNB\ERA Reports\Rep-6078 - 2007-0106.doc

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4.6.1 Co-channel interference 31

4.6.2 Out-of-band narrowband (CW) interference 31

4.6.3 Out-of-band wideband (AWGN) interference 33

APPENDIX A: Gain Measurement Results of LNBs 39

APPENDIX B: TOI Measurement Results of LNBs 44

Ref:P:\Projects Database\Ofcom 2006 - 7G 03452\Ofcom - 7G0345207 - LNB\ERA Reports\Rep-6078 - 2007-0106.doc

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Table 1: Permissible out-of-block emissions ....................................................................................... 11

Table 2: Average Gain of LNBs ........................................................................................................... 22

Table 3: Installation Parameters for BSkyB Satellite dish.................................................................... 25

Table 4: Average received satellite signal level.................................................................................... 26

Table 5: Average Third-Order Intercept Point of LNBs....................................................................... 27

Table 6: TOI products generated by 11.5GHz and 11.5002GHz tones ................................................ 28

Table 9: In-band CW interference signal strength due to blocking ...................................................... 31

Table 10: Out-of-band CW interference signal strength due to blocking ............................................ 33

Table 12: Equipments used for the project ........................................................................................... 37

Table 13: Conducted measured Gain of Invacom LNB........................................................................ 39

Table 14: Radiated measured Gain of LNBs ........................................................................................ 42

Ref:P:\Projects Database\Ofcom 2006 - 7G 03452\Ofcom - 7G0345207 - LNB\ERA Reports\Rep-6078 - 2007-0106.doc

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Figure 2: Frequency Plan of ASTRA 2A, 2B and 2D downlink .......................................................... 14

Figure 3: Test set-up for conducted LNB gain measurements.............................................................. 15

Figure 4: Test set-up for measuring antenna receiver gain ................................................................... 16

Figure 7: Test set-up to measure blocking performance....................................................................... 20

Figure 8: View of instrumentation trailer, satellite dish and TV receiver............................................. 21

Figure 10: Gain of LNBs at the LNB frequency band .......................................................................... 24

Ref:P:\Projects Database\Ofcom 2006 - 7G 03452\Ofcom - 7G0345207 - LNB\ERA Reports\Rep-6078 - 2007-0106.doc

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AWGN Additive White Gaussian Noise

DUT Device Under Test

EUT Equipment Under Test