A. Suriani

Applications of HEMT devices in space communication systems and equipment: a European perspective

Abstract In the last years the satellite applications have seen a strong increase in the space hardware demand mainly for commercial communication services like fixed satellite service (FSS), broadcasting satellite service (BSS) and mobile satellite service (MSS). The new boundary will be the low cost, high production rate hardware needed for satellite constellations like Teledesic and for multimedia satellite-based systems (Euroskyway, Spaceway, Astrolink, Cyberstar). The design and development of microwave and millimeter wave equipment has been deeply modified in order to combine technical requirements and market needs (large productions, low cost and fast lead time). In this scenario the maturity of gallium arsenide MESFET and PHEMT devices and processes for space applications is a key factor and the design and integration of GaAs MMICs is mandatory to achieve the mentioned industrial drivers in the space companies. The paper will focus the application of GaAs MMIC technology in the European space industry taking as reference the space production done by Alenia Aerospazio in Italy and other European space companies and providing a future road map.

Application of MMIC and ASIC technology to a new generation of satellite repeater equipment

This paperfocuses on Xth application of state-of-the-art technologies such as GaAs MMIC and ASIC in the development of a new generation of miniaturised microwave equipment for on-board satellite telecommunications repeaters.

Solid State Linearizers For Satellite TWTs

This paper describes the design and development of solid state TWTA linearizers for Ku and Ka band satellite payloads. Two distinct approaches to the design of linearizers are presented along with measured performance, system considerations, and producibility implications of each.

Design of Microstrip Balanced Mixers for Spurious Outputs Suppression in Ku Band Satellite Repeaters

This paper focuses on design of microstrip uniplanar mixers suited for Ku band satellite repeaters where conversions from the 14 or 18 GHz receive ranges to the 12 GHz transmit range is required with suppression of spurious mixing products and local oscillator harmonics which may fall inside or close to the transmit frequency range. A simple principle circuit scheme is used with success in several specific applications and is suited for Schottky diode or FET resistive mixing.

Fully Integrated Ka/K Band Hermetic Receiver Module

This paper presents an Engineering Model of a fully integrated, hermetic receiver as developed for commercial space flight applications. Repeatable performance especially at K band frequencies is difficult and costly in a production environment. State-of-the-art packaging technology and a family of dedicated MMICs were employed in order to guarantee performance as well as reduce production and alignment costs. This combined with Alenia Spazios extensive, flight proven heritage, has produced a receiver aimed at both the transparent and regenerative payload markets.

Ka Band MMIC Based Channel Amplifier for Commercial Satellite Applications

This paper describes the design and development of channel amplifier and lineariser functions for Ka band satellite payloads. The units combine the latest expertise in electrical design and technological implementation. GaAs MMIC technology is used to realise all the functions needed in the microwave section while advanced packaging techniques, such as low temperature cofiring ceramic, are employed to obtain a very compact and lightweight design.

Packaging Solutions in Space MCM's and MEIC's

Since 90s MCM, MICs, and MHICs have been developed by several technological approaches for space application. Alternatives in the packaging solutions through thick film hybrids and thin film MIC have been found to increase integration level and reliability of space components. For analog and digital hybrids thick film MCM technology evolution was driven by high resolution printing and fine line etching of top layers. Thin film multilayer technologies employing photosensitive polyimide and sputtered SiO2 as dielectric have been evaluated to achieve line/gap structures of 25 ¿m as well embedded NiCr resistors. LTCC MCMs using etched thin film fine lines have been evaluated. GaAs discrete and MMIC dices take relevant role in hermetic cavities development for MHICs in C-X-Ku-Ka bands. Last prototyping and space qualification work is going to develop high-tech mixed solutions hybrids based on LTCC with thin film metallizations for MW applications, and HTCC with fine lines for MCMs.