The SC2470 Microwave Converter is a dual channel converter optimized for 6 to 26 GHz, engineered to seamlessly integrate with software defined radios (SDRs), including Analog Devices’ Mixed-Signal Front-End (MxFE), National Instruments’ USRP, and similar SDR platforms.

 

Typical Applications

• 5G FR3 Research and Development
• Aerospace and Defense Application Prototyping
• Software Defined Radio Applications
• Advanced Wireless Communications Research

The SC2470 architecture includes two converters (daughterboards), each providing one complete RF front end with independent transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) paths. Each Tx path incorporates an upconverter, and each Rx path includes a downconverter, both operating from their own dedicated local oscillator (LO). The converters can be individually configured for either frequency division duplex (FDD) or time division duplex (TDD) operation. A built-in bypass path allows signals to route around the converters when frequency translation is unnecessary.

 

To address the challenges of MIMO systems, the SC2470 supports deterministic phase alignment across all channels and cascaded devices, ensuring repeatable and coherent performance in demanding applications such as beamforming, over-the-air testing, direction finding, and multi-antenna radar or communication system development.

 

Adjustable gain control on both the upconverter and downconverter provides precise control over signal levels in the transmit and receive paths, ensuring optimal performance across varying input powers, link budgets, and noise environments. This flexible design allows the SC2470 to adapt easily to diverse deployment scenarios—from laboratory testing to field environments or integration into larger communication systems.

 

The SC2470 can also be configured as a UHD-compatible device and  controlled using NI Ettus Research’s USRP X4xx series SDRs, with full support through the UHD Extension Framework.

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