MKU 144 G2

Transverter

144 ... 146 MHz

Combinations of HF transceivers and transverters provide high input sensitivity, good large signal performance, excellent phase noise values and low intermodulation distortion. Usually, the performance is much better than that of modern VHF transceivers. The high performance transverter module MKU 144 G2 is based on several decades of development and production of transverters. Its outstanding technical data makes it usable for many applications.

Technically skilled customers can set up their own 144 MHz transverter system with the transverter module and one of Kuhne electronic's power amplifiers MKU PA 2M-60W HY or MKU PA 2M-120W HY. The transverter module MKU 144 G2 will work with most HF transceivers, which have a transverter output port. Due to switchable input power range and connector configuration, the module is very flexible.

Oscillator

A temperature-compensated low noise butler oscillator generates the 116 MHz LO signal. A thermostat crystal with a 40 °C precision crystal heater is used. Phase noise of the oscillator output signal is -156 dBc/Hz @ 10 kHz. This value is much better than that of the HF transceivers.

Receiver

In the receiver frontend there is only one super low noise stage with a noise figure (NF) of 0.5 dB and an output IP3 of +30 dBm. The frontend is followed by a helical band pass filter and a matching network. A high level schottky diode ring mixer converts the signal to the intermediate frequency (IF) at 28…30 MHz.

Transmitter

In the transmit path of the transverter a second high level ring mixer with an adjustable attenuator is used. The IF input power is adjustable between -12 … +17 dBm (0.06 … 50 mW). For further power adjustments the HF transceiver can be used. At the mixer output there is a matching network and a helical band pass filter. It is followed by an MMIC amplifier stage and a second helical band pass filter. The final output driver amplifier is able to generate 100 mW output power.

Dimensions as PDF

Specifications
Type	MKU 144 G2
Frequency range	144 ... 146 MHz
IF frequency range	28 ... 30 MHz
IF input power	2 ... 50 mW, adjustable / switchable to range 60 ... 2000 µm
LO accuracy @ 18 °C	typ. +/- 2 ppm, max. +/- 3 ppm
LO frequency stability (0 ... +40 °C)	typ. +/- 2 ppm, max. +/- 3 ppm
Output power	min. 100 mW
IM3 of output signal	max. -40 dBc @ 200 mW PEP
Spurious rejection	min. 60 dB
Harmonic rejection	typ. 40 dB
RX gain	typ. 25 dB
Noise figure @ 18 °C	typ. 0.9 dB
RX output IP3	typ. +23 dBm
PTT control	+12 V DC for TX
Supply voltage	+12 ... 14 V DC
Current consumption	typ. 370 mA
Dimensions (mm)	150 x 55 x 30
Case	German silver
Coaxial connectors IF / impendance	SMA-female, 50 ohms There are two separate IF connectors. They can be switched to one common IF connector.
Coaxial connectors VHF / impendance	separate RX/TX connectors, SMA-female, 50 ohms
DC-supply and control connector	Feed-through capacitor with solder pin
Weight	typ. 200 g

Block diagram

 

Applications