Very high frequency radio receiver preselector design

Objectives. The quality of a radio receiver preselector largely determines its main characteristics, including sensitivity. A preselector usually consists of linear elements: inductors, capacitors, low noise amplifiers, and switches. At high frequencies, the components cannot be considered as ideal ones, since active and reactive parasitic parameters significantly affect the frequency response of the components and, as a consequence, the network. Therefore, simulation of the networks requires more sophisticated component models, which take into account parasitic parameters. However, if refined components models are applied, it is still possible to obtain unsatisfactory results, since interconnections and footprints pads also affect the frequency response. This is true even if short lines with a length of about 5 mm are used at frequencies of about 100 MHz. These features must be taken into account for RF network design. The purpose of the work is to ensure the required characteristics of the preselector in the design process based on computer simulation.

Methods. Egor Gurov’s methodology for analog VHF LC-filters was applied to radio receiver preselector design. The methodology contains the methods of discrete optimization, Monte-Carlo method, momentum analysis with Green’s functions. Experimental results were obtained by prototype implementation and measurement with a vector network analyzer. The purpose of the work is to ensure the required preselector characteristics in the design process based on computer simulation.

Results. The article presents the preselector design process. The preselector contains two analog switches, an analog band-pass filter, an analog high-pass filter, and a low-noise amplifier. Simulation and experimental results with their comparison are presented in the article.

Conclusions. Satisfactory results were obtained. It means that Egor Gurov’s method can be applied for more complex networks design such as radio receiver preselectors.

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