How do LNB's work?

Satellites are synonymous with modern 21st century life. Whilst we are all familiar with the spaceship-like disc that adorns many of our homes, most of us are unaware of the importance of the box that sits on a pole pointing to the middle of the satellite dish. This pole is a device called an LNB. Have you ever wondered what an LNB is or what it does? Maybe you’ve even come across it when researching how to choose an LNB for your satellite.

What Is An LNB?

LNB is an abbreviation for Low Noise Block (it can sometimes be referred to as a Low-noise block downconverter). An LNB is mounted on all satellite dishes used for receiving satellite TV. An LNB device is comprised of four parts which include: a low-noise amplifier, a frequency mixer, a local oscillator and an IF amplifier. When mounted on the front of a satellite dish, the LNB helps to:

• Collect low level signals from the satellite;
• Change the signals to a lower frequency band ;
• Send the signals down to the indoor satellite TV receiver.

In simpler terms, a Low Noise Block receives weak incoming microwave signals, amplifies them and converts them to a signal which can be read by the user’s satellite TV box.

Low Noise Blocks are significant because they have the ability to receive, filter and interpret high frequency encoded signals. Without them, we would not be able to enjoy the benefits that satellite television brings to our daily lives.

LNB From Systemsat

The type of LNB you may require will depend upon your satellite service provider, and the satellite itself. The common types of LNB are single, dual, quad or octo Universal LNBs. Systemsat offers five types of LNBs:

• Single LNB;
• Twin LNB;
• Quad LNB;
• Octo LNB;
• Monoblock LNB.

Satellite television transmissions use alternating vertical and horizontal polarisation. This helps to maximize the number of transmissions carried in a particular frequency range since reception equipment has the ability to distinguish between transmissions using the same frequency but different polarisation.

When installing an LNB it is extremely important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions and make sure that the satellite dish is properly mounted and adjusted.

If you are looking to buy an LNB but can’t decide which one is best suited to your satellite dish, why not talk to the experts at Systemsat? They will be more than happy to suggest and advise on which LNB will best fit your satellite dish depending on your specific needs. Systemsat have a large variety of products and years of experience to ensure that customer requirements and expectations are both met and exceed.

If you need further advice about purchasing a New LNB or are still bemused please email us or call us on 0203 411 2132