IRT Technologies 40W Super Compact C-Band BUC

by Hamid Bagheri  |  November 28, 2025

In today’s rapidly evolving satellite communication landscape, operators demand equipment that delivers high power, superior RF performance, strong reliability, and compact form factors suitable for a wide variety of fixed and mobile applications. The IRT Technologies 40W Super Compact C-Band BUC, part of the revolutionary PicoBUC® series, is engineered precisely for these needs.

This next-generation Block-Upconverter (BUC) combines up to 50W Psat output, ultra-low phase noise, wide gain control range, low power consumption, and durable construction—while maintaining a size small enough to fit in your hand. As one of the smallest and most powerful C-Band BUCs in the world, it meets the requirements of broadcasters, VSAT operators, enterprise networks, government agencies, and satellite service providers seeking high-density and cost-efficient RF solutions.

At VSATPlus, we proudly supply IRT Technologies equipment worldwide, ensuring our customers have access to the most advanced RF products available today. This article explores the product’s technical features, advantages, and use cases, along with a complete technical specifications table for engineering evaluation.


The IRT Technologies Super Compact 20W / 40W C-Band BUC (PicoBUC® series) is designed to deliver industry-leading RF performance in a remarkably small enclosure measuring just 6.5” × 6.5” × 4.5” and weighing only 6 lbs. Despite its compact size, the BUC provides:

  • Up to 46 dBm (40W) P1dB output power
  • Up to 47 dBm (50W) Psat
  • Best-in-class RF quality exceeding IESS308/309
  • Superb linearity for complex waveforms
  • Excellent gain stability and gain flatness
  • Ethernet, RS-232, and RS-485 control interfaces
  • Optional internal AC power supply for plug-and-play operation

Purpose-built for direct feed-horn mounting, this BUC reduces installation time, required components, and overall terminal cost. Its efficient power design improves heat extraction, making it suitable for harsh, high-temperature, and high-humidity outdoor environments.


1. Ultra-Compact & Lightweight

At only 6.5” × 6.5” × 4.5”, the BUC is one of the smallest in its class. This compact form factor allows:

  • Easy installation on existing VSAT antennas
  • Reduced system weight
  • Lower mechanical stress on mounts
  • Space-constrained deployments such as maritime terminals, SNG vehicles, and portable fly-away kits

Despite its small size, it produces high RF output suitable for demanding commercial and governmental applications.


2. High Output Power (40W P1dB / 50W Psat)

The 40W model delivers 46 dBm minimum P1dB and 47 dBm typical saturated power, enabling:

  • High-throughput uplinks
  • Long-distance C-Band transmission
  • Reliable operation under rain fade conditions
  • Support for wideband carriers, DVB-S2X, and high-order modulations

Best for uplinks requiring strong signal penetration and robust link margins.


3. Exceptional RF Performance

IRT Technologies engineered the PicoBUC® series for outstanding RF integrity, with metrics such as:

  • Phase noise 10 dB better than IESS308/309 (satellite operator requirements)
  • Gain flatness ±1.5 dB max over full band
  • Low spurious emissions (< –60 dBc)
  • High linearity, enabling efficient multi-carrier operation

This ensures the BUC can support mission-critical, high-availability satellite links.


4. Super-Extended C-Band Options

In addition to standard 5.85–6.425 GHz, the BUC is available in:

  • Super-Extended C-Band
  • Palapa C-Band
  • Insat C-Band

This supports global deployments across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and maritime applications.


5. Integrated Upconverter

The unit includes a built-in L-Band to C-Band upconverter, minimizing the need for extra components. This simplifies system architecture and reduces rack/antenna clutter.


6. Advanced Monitoring & Control Interfaces

The 40W C-Band BUC includes extensive M&C capabilities:

  • RS-232 serial console
  • RS-485 packet protocol
  • Ethernet management
  • Optional SNMP (network monitoring)
  • User-friendly HTTP browser-based GUI

This ensures easy integration with NMS systems and remote O&M operations.


7. Built-In Output Isolator

With an integrated output isolator, the unit provides:

  • Full output VSWR protection
  • Improved system reliability
  • Reduced risk of damage due to reflection

8. Low Power Consumption & Efficient Cooling

The BUC is designed for high efficiency with low power characteristics:

  • 48VDC isolated power supply standard
  • Optional internal AC power supply
  • Forced-air cooling to maintain thermal stability

This reduces operational costs and extends product lifespan.


9. Rugged Environmental Design

The PicoBUC® is engineered for tough field environments:

  • Operating temperature: –40°C to +60°C
  • Humidity: up to 100% condensing
  • Aluminum chassis for durability
  • Suitable for both fixed and mobile deployments

The IRT Technologies 40W Super Compact C-Band BUC is ideal for:

1. Fixed VSAT Terminals

Perfect for enterprise networks, telecom operators, and data backhaul where high reliability and link availability are essential.

2. Maritime & Offshore Communications

Small size and rugged construction make it ideal for:

  • Offshore platforms
  • Vessel broadband
  • Maritime VSAT

3. Satellite News Gathering (SNG)

Portable uplinks benefit from the unit’s:

  • Lightweight form
  • High power
  • Quick installation

4. Disaster Recovery & Emergency Response

Rapid-deployment teams can leverage its:

  • Plug-and-play setup
  • Portable design
  • Strong RF performance

5. Government & Military Communications

Supports secure, high-availability tactical networks, even in extreme environments.

6. Cellular Backhaul & Remote Enterprise

High power enables reliable backhaul in remote areas where C-Band shines due to resistance to rain fade.


Parameter20W Model40W Model
RF Frequency Range5.85–6.425 GHz / 5.85–6.725 GHz5.85–6.425 GHz / 5.85–6.725 GHz
IF Frequency Range950–1525 MHz / 950–1825 MHzSame
LO Frequency4.9 GHz4.9 GHz
Conversion TypeSingle, non-invertingSame
P1dB Output Power43 dBm min46 dBm min
Saturated Power (Psat)44 dBm typ47 dBm typ
Conversion Gain72 dB min, 75 dB typSame
Gain Flatness±1 dB typ (full band), ±0.5 dB (40 MHz)±1.5 dB max
Gain Stability±1.5 dB over temperatureSame
Gain Control20 dB minSame
External Reference10 MHzSame
Phase Noise (External Ref.)–130 dBc/Hz @100HzSame
Upconverter Phase Noise–70 dBc/Hz @100HzSame
Spurious (Non-Signal)< –60 dBc< –60 dBc
Spurious (Signal Related)< –55 dBc< –55 dBc
DC Input Voltage32–72 VDCSame
Power Consumption (DC/AC)140W / 150W220W / 230W
CoolingForced airSame
Operating Temperature–40°C to +60°CSame
RF Output ConnectorCPR137 GroovedSame
Weight6 lbs6 lbs
Size6.5” × 6.5” × 4.5”Same

VSATPlus is a leading global supplier of satellite connectivity hardware, and we proudly support all IRT Technologies RF products. When you order the 40W C-Band BUC from VSATPlus, you receive:

  • Fast global shipping
  • Verified authentic equipment
  • Full technical support
  • Warranty management
  • Competitive pricing for integrators & distributors

Our team assists customers in system design, integration, and RF troubleshooting, making VSATPlus the ideal partner for your C-Band network requirements.


The IRT Technologies 40W Super Compact C-Band BUC is one of the most innovative and powerful transmitters in its class, offering unmatched performance in an ultra-small, rugged, and energy-efficient design. Whether you are deploying VSAT terminals for enterprise connectivity, maritime links, cellular backhaul, broadcasting, or government communications, this BUC ensures reliability, stability, and exceptional RF output.

VSATPlus proudly offers this product for immediate order, along with a full range of C-Band, Ku-Band, and Ka-Band RF equipment from leading manufacturers.

👉 Order now at: www.vsatplus.com

📧 Contact: sales@vsatplus.com

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