BUC vs LNB | Difference between BUC and LNB

This page compares BUC vs LNB and mentions difference between BUC and LNB. BUC is the short form of Block Up Converter and LNB is the short form of Low Noise Block Converter.

Both of these devices BUC and LNB are used in VSAT transmission systems for relaying voice/data via satellite to larger portion of the earth.

BUC-Block Up Converter

As mentioned BUC stands for Block Up Converter. As shown in the figure it consists of two modules in one package i.e. RF Up converter and RF power amplifier. Following are the functions of BUC:
• Frequency conversion i.e. it converts lower frequency to higher frequency. This process is referred as RF up conversion and module is reffered as RF up converter.
• Amplification i.e. it boosts amplitude level of RF signal converted in the previous module. This process is referred as RF amplification and module is referred as RF Amplifier.

The advantages of using BUC in place of two separate modules (up converter and amplifier) are less cost and easy installation. BUC is placed between satellite modem (i.e. modulator output) and antenna.
Refer BUC Vendors➤.

LNB-Low Noise Block Converter

As mentioned LNB stands for Low Noise Block Converter. As shown in the figure it consists of two modules in one package i.e. RF LNA and RF Down converter. Following are the functions of LNB:
• Low Noise Amplification i.e. it boosts amplitude level of received RF signal while maintaining CNR (carrier to Noise Ratio) in order to avoid any distortion.
• Frequency conversion i.e. it converts higher frequency to lower frequency. This process is referred as RF down conversion and module is reffered as RF Down converter.

The advantages of using LNB in place of two separate modules (LNA and down converter) are less cost and easy installation. LNB is placed between satellite modem (i.e. demodulator input) and antenna.