Multifunction GaAs MMIC transmitter/receiver for onboard satellite equipment
This paper describes the development of a new GaAs MMIC to be used in transmit/receive modules for S band transponders. The IC, which includes five different functions, reduces the sue of the system whilst maintaining and even improving system performance. Amplification, phase shifting, and mixing are some of the functions integrated in the same chip. The goal of the work is to reduce the number, size, and consequently, the cost of the circuitry currently in use through an European commercial Enhancement/Depletion (E/D) pHEMT process, compatible with low noise reception. A maximum conversion gain more than 54 dB has been achieved with a gain control more than 27 dB. A 0 dBm output power at 1dB compression point (P1dB) has been measured when a CW stimulus was used as input signal, while more than 35 dB of Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR) was tested for a BPSK input signal.
Evolution and recent development in MMIC's for space application
A very aggressive policy has been set up in the early 1990s to introduce MMIC in space equipment in ALCATEL Space Industries. The first step was to choose preferred suppliers able to produce high reliability low level or power MMIC's up to Ku band even if the required quantities were not so important. MMIC processes have been formally space qualified following the methodology proposed by French Administration. The second step was to develop MMIC's as "building blocks," families of generic simple circuits were designed (gain block, LNA, MPA, HPA, phase shifter, flatness correctors, multipliers, mixers, oscillators, etc...) mainly in C band and Ku band. This represented more than 100 different MMIC's.
How MMIC Technology is Improving Satellite Transponders
Fiftecen years afier their fir-st deimonstitdion. MMICs are now rrapidis coniquerinig the world of space electronics, The driving force behlinid MMIC development have been miniaturization. cost reduction and higher reliability. MMICs have first been introduced into GEO Telecommunication satellites with a new generation of compact equipment. After these first convincing demonstrations. MMICs have now become an absolute necessity for turning into reality future satellites with active antennas. observation radars or future systems such as LEO constellations. The paper presents several major achievements for space programs and discusses about procedures to fly these advanced microclectronics.