Radio Astronomy LNA/BPF Testing with NanoVNA

Introduction

In the previous two posts (Ref.1/2) I looked at re-purposing my GOES16 equipment for reception of the so called hydrogen line at 1420MHz/21cm. I did a quick test on the LNA/BPF using an input random noise test. The bandpass was about 65MHz flat and 75MHz half way down the edges as shown in Figure 1. In this post I will do a more detailed gain/response test using the NanoVNA.

Fig.1 SAWBIRD_H1 LNA/BPF Frequency Response Term 50ohms

LNA/BPF Testing

Fig.2 LNA/BPF Testing Block Diagram
Fig.3 Input Port Return Loss and Gain Freq Response of SAWBIRD_H1

Figure 2 shows the test setup. It is critical not to over drive the SAWBIRD as well as not over driving the NanoVNA. I placed 30dB of attenuation in the input to the SAWBIRD, so receive levels are nominally at -30dBm. On the output, I have a 20dB pad so that receive levels into the NanoVNA are nominally -10dBm. I also added a DC Block just in case (only the paranoid survive!). Figure 3 shows the nominal 40dB amplifier gain and the 65MHz response which exactly matches the data sheet. Ref.3 is a great resource for setting up and calibrating the NanoVNA.

Fig.4 YouTube Video Radio Astronomy LNA/BPF Testing with NanoVNA

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References

#1. – “RTL-SDR for Radio Astronomy – LNA/BPF Testing”
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/rtl-sdr-for-radio-astronomy-lna-bpf-testing/

#2. – “RTL-SDR for Radio Astronomy – Planning
https://jeremyclark.ca/wp/telecom/rtl-sdr-for-radio-astronomy-planning/

#3. – “Absolute Beginner’s Guide to the NanoVNA”
http://www.nemarc.org/Absolute_Beginner_Guide_NanoVNA.pdf

By Jeremy Clark

Jeremy Clark is a Senior Telecommunications Engineer and Advanced Amateur Radio Operator VE3PKC. He is the author of E-Books on Telecommunications, Navigation & Electronics.