Mini-Circuits EP2RKU+ is a MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit)

The Mini-Circuits is a MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit) bidirectional 0° splitter/combiner designed for ultra-wideband operation from DC (0 Hz) to 18 GHz.

2. Key Functions

2.1 Ku-Band Signal Reception & Low-Noise Amplification

• It is specifically engineered to receive Ku-band satellite signals (typically covering the frequency range of 10.7GHz–12.75GHz, the standard band for satellite TV and data services). The front-end module features a high-sensitivity antenna feed interface (compatible with standard Ku-band satellite dishes) to capture weak signals after long-distance atmospheric transmission.
• Equipped with a state-of-the-art low-noise amplifier (LNA) with an ultra-low noise figure (NF), usually as low as 0.2dB–0.3dB. This ensures that the weak satellite signals are amplified significantly without introducing excessive background noise, which is critical for maintaining signal integrity and subsequent decoding.

2.2 Precise Frequency Downconversion

• High-frequency Ku-band signals suffer severe attenuation when transmitted over coaxial cables, making direct transmission impractical. The EP2RKU+ uses a high-stability local oscillator (LO) to mix the received Ku-band signals with the LO signal, downconverting them to standard intermediate frequencies (IF) of 950MHz–2150MHz.
• The LO frequency stability typically reaches ±1ppm (parts per million) or higher, eliminating signal distortion or frequency drift caused by unstable oscillation, thus ensuring consistent signal quality.

2.3 Dual Independent IF Signal Output

• A defining feature of the EP2RKU+ is its two separate F-type coaxial output interfaces. After signal processing (amplification and downconversion), the device splits the signal into two identical, interference-free IF signals, which can be transmitted to two independent satellite receivers, set-top boxes, or recording devices simultaneously.
• The dual-output design supports both "same-program" reception (two devices viewing/recording the same satellite channel) and "different-program" reception (if paired with a compatible DiSEqC switch, enabling reception of different channels from the same satellite).

2.4 Enhanced Performance & Reliability

• High Gain: Provides a total signal gain of 55dB–65dB, compensating for signal losses during transmission through cables and splitters, ensuring that downstream devices can detect and process signals effectively.
• Anti-Interference Filtering: Built-in band-pass filters suppress out-of-band interference (e.g., terrestrial microwave signals, adjacent-band noise) and harmonic signals generated during processing, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
• Weather-Resistant Design: The external housing is constructed from corrosion-resistant, die-cast aluminum or similar materials, with IP-rated protection (e.g., IP65) against rain, dust, and extreme temperature fluctuations (-40°C to +60°C typical), ensuring stable operation in outdoor environments.

3. Typical Applications

3.1 Residential Dual-Terminal Satellite TV Reception

• The primary application: Paired with a Ku-band satellite dish (e.g., 60cm–120cm in diameter) for home use, enabling two independent TV terminals to receive satellite TV signals simultaneously. For example, one output can connect to a living room set-top box, and the other to a bedroom receiver, allowing different family members to watch different satellite channels (with a DiSEqC switch) or the same channel without signal conflict.

3.2 Small-Scale Signal Distribution (Homes, Small Offices)

• Used in scenarios requiring limited signal distribution, such as apartments, small guesthouses, or home offices. The dual outputs eliminate the need for an additional signal splitter (which can introduce noise and signal loss), directly powering two receiving devices. This simplifies the system setup and reduces costs for small-scale deployments.

3.3 Simultaneous Viewing & Recording

• Ideal for users who need to watch one satellite channel while recording another. By connecting one output of the EP2RKU+ to a satellite receiver (for real-time viewing) and the other to a DVR (digital video recorder), users can capture their favorite programs without missing live content, leveraging the device’s ability to provide consistent signals to both devices.

3.4 Light Commercial Satellite Data Reception

• In small businesses or remote monitoring stations that require dual-path Ku-band data reception (e.g., receiving weather updates, news feeds, or private satellite data), the EP2RKU+ can transmit processed signals to two independent data terminals, ensuring redundancy and continuous data access.

4. Core Advantages

• Dual-Output Efficiency: Eliminates the need for external splitters, reducing signal loss and system complexity while enabling simultaneous use of two devices.
• Superior Signal Quality: Ultra-low noise figure and high gain ensure clear, stable reception even for weak satellite signals, minimizing issues like TV image freezing or audio dropouts.
• Broad Compatibility: Works with all standard Ku-band satellite dishes and DVB-S/DVB-S2/DVB-S2X compliant receivers/set-top boxes, making it easy to integrate into existing systems or upgrade old single-output LNBs.
• Durable Outdoor Operation: Weather-resistant housing and stable components guarantee long-term reliability in harsh outdoor conditions, reducing maintenance needs.

Mini-Circuits MMIC amplifier

EP2RKU+ microwave integrated circuit

Mini-Circuits RF amplifier module

Mini-Circuits EP2RKU+ is a MMIC (Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit) Images