Low noise block-downconverter system with local oscillator module

Abstract

A low noise block-downconverter system (LNB system) includes a local oscillator module having first and second phase locked loop circuitry (PLL circuitry) for downconverting an electrical signal to generate a downconverted signal. The first PLL circuitry receives a low-frequency reference signal that is used with an intermediate-frequency oscillator to generate an intermediate-frequency signal. The second PLL circuitry receives and uses the intermediate-frequency signal in conjunction with a high-frequency oscillator, separate from the intermediate-frequency oscillator, to generate a high-frequency signal. The high-frequency signal is used to downconvert the electrical signal. The signal dynamic range of the first PLL circuitry is higher than the signal dynamic range of the second PLL circuitry, thus achieving improved overall dynamic range for the LNB system. The first PLL circuitry may be a first integrated circuit defining a low phase-noise amplifier. A second integrated circuit may include the second PLL circuitry and the high-frequency oscillator.