PRODUCTS / IMAs

Upconverters & Downconverters

18–40 GHz mmWave Block Converters

Complete frequency conversion subsystems in ultra-compact packages.

Thousands of deployed 2–18 GHz RF systems now need mmWave capability. Spectrum Control's SCi Blocks mmWave block converters are built for that transition. Available as 30×30 mm surface-mount BGA SiPs for high-density board integration, or as ruggedized hermetic modules that install directly into existing platforms with no board changes required.

New dual-channel models deliver two complete conversion chains (Dual Tx, Dual Rx, or Tx/Rx) in the same compact footprint.

ultra-compact block converters 2.png
 

Contact Us        Get a Quote

SELECT A TAB FOR MORE DETAILS

Hermetic Modules

Extend and upgrade without redesign

  • Packaged modules for rapid deployment
  • No board spin required
  • Ideal for system upgrades and retrofits

 

hermetic SiP with dimensions.png

 
2-18 GHz ↔ 18-40 GHz upconverters and downconverters are available as deployment-ready subsystems in SMA-connectorized modules. RF signal chain with IF conversion and LO generation, power management, and FPGA-based digital control.
 
NOTE: Dual-channel modules are slightly larger than shown above. Check the datasheet for exact mechanical specifications.

Representative I/O 

single channel IO block - downconverter.png

Single-channel downconverter module showing I/O ports.
Consult datasheets for model-specific details.

System-in-Package

Integrate frequency extension directly into your system

  • BGA-mountable SiPs for compact layouts
  • Ideal for new designs and high-density implementations
  • Enables scalable, multichannel subsystem integration

block converter SiP dimensions.png

Graphical User Interface

The GUI interface (hermetic and single-channel models) allows users to easily manage temperature, BIT detection, RF path selection, RF attenuation, gain control, and sequencing, providing unparalleled adaptability to optimize either noise figure or linearity performance through control of the multiple digital attenuators integrated into the design.

MMW_SiO_upconverter_controller.png

Development Kit

.Evaluation Boards/Development Kits are available for rapid development with our surface-mount frequency extender family.

downconverter-eval-board 2.png


 

Specifications

Choose Your Configuration

Our family of mmWave block converters supports a range of implementations, from single-channel frequency extension to dense multichannel architectures.

Single Channel

  • Upconverter (Tx)
  • Downconverter (Rx)

Dual Channel [NEW]

  • Dual Downconverter (Rx)
  • Dual Upconverter (Tx)
  • Transceiver (Tx/Rx)

SiP family block diagram6.png

Our frequency converters incorporate best-in-class components: filters, amplifiers, mixers, attenuators, power management, and digital control. The specific implementation is optimized for each configuration. Consult individual product datasheets for details.

Custom Designs

Built on integrated miniaturization

Custom Integrated Microwave Assemblies

Leverage Spectrum Control's design, simulation, and manufacturing platform to create high-performance, ultra-compact surface-mount integrated microwave assemblies (IMAs) tailored to your program requirements.

Where standard catalog products don't fit, our Subsystem Integration Team applies the same co-design process — RF, power management, digital control, and packaging engineered together from first principles — to custom frequency plans, specialized front ends, switched filter banks, direct sampling architectures, and mission-specific configurations.

Why programs choose Spectrum Control for custom IMA development:

  • Integration-ready from day one
    Software-instrumented control interface included as standard, not an afterthought
  • Proven miniaturization platform
    Repeatable processes for chip-and-wire assembly, signal isolation, and hermetic packaging at production volumes
  • Wideband and high-frequency expertise
    Deep experience across mmWave frequencies with high simulation-to-hardware correlation
  • Advanced packaging technology
    Innovative materials and assembly techniques that enable performance at scale
  • Low NRE
    Pre-engineered subsystem building blocks reduce custom development cost and risk
  • Fast concept-to-production
    Rapid turnaround from initial specification through prototype, characterization, and volume manufacture
  • Designed for low- mid- or high- volume applications
    C
    ost-effective at scale, with supply chain and manufacturing processes optimized for production readiness