LNB (Low Noise Block)

An LNB (Low Noise Block aka LNC- Low Noise Converter) is used for communications (broadcast) satellite reception. The LNB is usually affixed either in or on the satellite dish.

The LNB’s purpose is to utilize the super heterodyne effect and amplify and convert a wide block (band) of frequencies. This helps compensate the signal loss associated with typical coaxial cable at relatively high frequencies.

The term ‘low noise’ relates to the quality of the 1st stage input amplifier transistor, measured in either called Noise Temperature units, Noise Figure units, or Noise Factor units.

Both Noise Factor and Noise Figure are easily converted into Noise Temperature units. A lower Noise Temperature rating is always better (i.e. an LNB with a Noise Temperature of 100K is 2x as good as one rated 200K).

The term ‘Block’ refers to the conversion of a higher block of microwave frequencies (received from the satellite- typically in the range 4 GHz to 21 GHz) being down converted to a lower block range of frequencies for the receiver.

The “low-noise” part also indicates that amplification and mixing takes place prior to cable attenuation in a circuit that requires no power supply or receiver.

With the high frequencies that satellites operate at, it is critical that the noise is controlled prior to signal processing.

An LNB helps keep the overall sound and picture of satellite TV from becoming greatly degraded, without the need for introducing a much larger dish reflector.

For wide band satellite television carrier reception (generally 27 MHz wide band), the tolerance (accuracy) of the LNB local oscillator frequency needs to be in the range of ±500kHz. This makes low cost DROs (dielectric oscillators) feasible.

However, for reception of narrow bandwidth carriers (i.e. 16-QAM), a highly stable, low phase noise dedicated LNB (local) oscillator is required.

They typically contain an internal crystal oscillator (or 10 MHz reference from the indoor unit) and a PLL (Phase-Locked Loop) oscillator, and naturally tend to be more expensive.

LNB Feedhorns (LNBFs)

DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite) dishes use an LNBF, which matches the antenna’s feedhorn up with the LNB.

Often times, small diplexers are utilized to distribute the resulting IF signal (typically in the 950 MHz to 1450 MHz range) and “piggyback” these signals with same TV cable that carries lower-frequency (terrestrial) television signals from a typical outdoor (terrestrial) antenna.

The TV set receiver also has another diplexer that separates the signals.

Universal LNBs

A universal LNB can receive both polarizations and the full range of frequencies in both the Ku and C satellite band.

Some LNBs can receive both polarizations simultaneously (through 2 different connectors), while other LNBs have either switchable or adjustable polarization.

Typical Universal LNB specifications are:

• Local Oscillator (LO): 9.75 GHz /10.6 GHz
• Frequency: 10.7 GHz-12.75 GHz
• Noise Figure (NF): 0.7 dB
• Polarization: Linear

Standard DBS LNB example:

• Local Oscillator (LO): 11.25 GHz
• Frequency: 12.2 GHz-12.7 GHz
• Noise Figure (NF): 0.7 dB
• Polarization: Circular

Typical North American C-band LNB specs:

• Local Oscillator (LO): 5.15 GHz
• Frequency: 3.6-4.2 GHz
• Noise Figure (NF): 15 to 100 Kelvins (uses Kelvin ratings as opposed to dB rating)
• Polarization: Linear

Dual and Quad LNBs are multiple LNBs in one package that allow for multiple receivers (on one dish).

A Dual LNB consists of 2 universal LNBs (affixed at a small offset angle in a single housing) and uses only one “F” connector and coaxial cable connection to the converter box.

Though also a Dual LNB system, the Monobloc LNB has only one output and only one (satellite) transmission as compared to dish systems that have two or more separate LNBs. Each LNB is connected to separate receivers in which both transmissions can be simultaneously viewed or recorded.

The Monobloc LNB was specifically designed to receive signals from satellites that are spaced very close together. For example, parts of Europe use a Monobloc LNB to receive the Astra 1 (19E) and Hotbird (13E) satellites, eliminating the need for an expensive rotator.

Quad Universal LNB (a.k.a. Quad-Output LNB)

The Quad Universal LNB can accommodate four separate receivers, as each receiver has independent control of band and polarization via 13v. and 17v. and 22kHz on/off switching respectively.

This LNB is primarily deployed in the Sky Digiboxes (with 2 LNB inputs and internal hard disks for recording one program while the user watches another).

Two LNB outputs would go to one “Sky Plus” Digibox, leaving the other 2 LNB outputs for either 2 standard Digiboxes or to one additional Sky Plus Digibox.

OCTO LNBs

An OCTO LNB is the same as above, except that it has 8 independent outputs.

Quattro Universal LNB’s

This is a 4-output LNB, specifically designed for use as a “head end” I.F. distribution system (for apartment complexes). LNBs can generally supply (up to) 16 outputs for separate dwellings or Digiboxes. The 4 outputs of the Quattro Universal LNB are:

• Low band horizontal polarization
• High band horizontal polarization
• Low band vertical polarization
• High band vertical polarization

As a general rule of thumb, any standard (universal) LNB will work with any circular (prime focus) dish or offset focus dish. Though actually taller than it is wide, an offset focus dish appears circular as far as the LNB is concerned.

However, dishes that are wider than they are tall require a special LNB.

LNBs that are used for satellite TV reception contain DROs (dielectric resonator stabilized local oscillators), which are a ‘pellet’ of material that resonates at the required frequency.

A DRO is relatively unstable compared to a quartz crystal resonator or oscillator.

Tolerances vary by as much as +/- 250 kHz to 2 MHz (Ku band), which include the extremes of the full operating range.

Because most TV carriers are quite bandwidth wide (i.e. 27 MHz band) even a 2 MHz error can successfully be received.

Though PLL LNBs are typically more expensive, the advantage of deploying an external reference PLL LNB is that constant temperature stability is much easier to maintain.

LNB Supply Power

The DC supply (typically in the 13v. to 19v. range) is cable line fed to the LNB and it is often times possible to alter the polarization by changing this voltage.

Alteration via the frequency band is also possible, albeit less common. Efficiently weather proofing the outdoor connector is critical, as oxidation and corrosion occur rapidly. This, in turn, directly relates to signal degradation.

Both the outer and inner conductors must make solid electrical contact.

High resistance causes the LNB to switch permanently into the low voltage state over time, and leads to overall signal deterioration.

If physically trouble shooting a system, be aware that the electrical antenna contacts between the BUC chassis and LNB are often times difficult to navigate and ‘earth loop’ currents may also propose a problem.

As a matter of fact, it is entirely possible to become severely shocked in discovering 50 Hz or 60 Hz AC Mains currents on the outer conductors. Be extremely cautious.

The quality and smoothing of the DC supplies used for the LNBs are also of great importance.

Testing an LNB

• Check the ammeter drawing the DC current from the power supply (approx. number of mA’s provided by the manufacturer).
• Poor quality (or corroded) F type connections are the most typical cause of concern.
• The center pin (of the F connector plug) should stick out ~ 2mm, away from the surrounding ring.
• A satellite finder power meter is also helpful. By pointing the LNB up at outer space (clear sky), the noise temperature contribution from the surroundings becomes negligible.

The meter reading will directly correspond to the LNB’s noise temperature.

If, for example, pointing the meter to outer space reads 100K (K is short for Kelvin, which measures absolute temperature), then the user points the LNB towards the ground (say at a temperature of approximately 300K), the noise power meter reading should go up accordingly, to roughly 400K (100K +300K).

LNBs that fail on a particular polarization (or particular frequency band) may only do so at certain temperatures.

If attempting to replace an LNB in a VSAT system, be sure to check both the supply voltage and the transmit reject filter as continuously blowing up LNBs can get cost prohibitive quite rapidly.

Overloading an LNB

If the user has a very large dish (i.e. ~7m diameter), and it is aimed at a satellite with signals intended for small dish antennas (i.e. ~70cm diameter), the overall 20 dB increase in signal strength (being fed into the LNB) may be ample enough to overload some of the internal transistor amplifier stages.

Because this is not always obvious, it is wise to measure the LNB’s composite output power (using a power meter) and compare this with the 1 dB compression point that the manufacturer supplies.

Alternatively, users can do an antenna pattern test (on both a high power and a low power satellite). Any non linearity problem (with the high power satellite) will become clearly discernible.

To overcome this problem, users may need to invest in a special LNB (low gain or high power output level) if they have a large dish.

The “poor man’s” field expedient means of fully testing an LNB is to hook it up to the desired dish (aligning the dish and LNB) and connect it to a satellite receiver.

Note the time of day and standard thermometer temperature and check to see if each channel is there.

If all channels are present, take note and wait until there is a temperature variance of ~40 to 50 degrees higher or lower (Fahrenheit) and perform the exact same test again.

If it continues to work through a net temperature swing of at least 40 degrees, then the LNB should work for at least a while.

Keep in mind, however, that the reverse is not necessarily true. Missing channels can also be due to a cable, receiver, or dish (due to distortion, warpage, or misalignment) fault.

A process of elimination (by swapping the dish, the cable, and the receiver) and bearing in mind that not all receivers work correctly with all LNBs will go a long way in aiding troubleshooting endeavors.

Also, bear in mind that while a cheap satellite finder meter gives the average strength of all frequencies and an expensive satellite finder meter can target specific frequencies, neither will indicate whether frequencies are missing.

Lastly, most testers and meters draw off of low amperage battery power. If the battery cannot supply enough current to the LNB, it will ultimately give a false reading.