local oscillator frequency (LOF)

The local oscillator frequency( LOF) is the fixed frequency used for mixing with the input frequency to select the intermediate frequency from the mixed product.

The term local oscillator is mainly used in satellite reception technology where the satellite reception frequency is mixed with the local oscillator frequency at the LNB converter. The mixed product, the difference of both frequencies, is fed to the receiver. Satellite reception frequencies range from 10.7 GHz to 12.75 GHz. The local oscillator frequency for most television satellites is 9.75 GHz. This results in a reception frequency range for the satellite receiver of 950 MHz to 2.150 GHz. These frequencies are fed to the receiver, which selects the individual satellite channels from them.