High Performance C-/Ka-Band Coaxial Circulators

  • Status
    Completed
  • Status date
    2016-11-03
Objectives

The input multiplexer and the low power circulators are crucial components in a satellite communication payload. In modern multimedia satellites the complexity of the payload is increased by adding more and more signal processing features to the simple amplification, and the role of the input multiplexer therefore becomes even more pronounced. The project focuses on C- and Ka-band circulators and isolators.

The general task of the output network is to combine all channels to one waveguide called manifold. The output network consists of isolators, switches, channel filter and the manifold. The first task of the isolator is to terminate the power amplifier. The output of the isolator is connected to a switch, which provides the signal to channel filter. The second task of the isolator is to protect the power amplifier. Two typical failure scenario are: The switch is in the wrong position or the RF frequency has not the channel frequency. In both cases the RF signal will be totally reflected at the switch or the filter and propagates back to the load of the circulator. At both failures the power amplifier is still terminated with the same impedance and is protected. The power of the backward propagating wave is terminated in the load. The project focuses on C-band high power circulators and loads with coaxial interfaces.

Challenges

Key issues are:

  • Develop and qualify high performance C-/Ka-band circulators for low power application.
  • Develop and qualify high performance C-band isolator for high power application with coaxial interface.
Benefits

Expected benefits brought by the project are:

  • High performance for Ka-/C-band I/P-circulators.
  • High performance for C-band high power circulators.
Features

Reliable high performance output circulators are the baseline for a reliable output network and will be developed in this program for C- and Ka-band.

Plan

The project has 3 main phases:

  • Design and Development
  • Manufacturing and Process Validation
  • EQM Manufacturing and Testing
Current status

PDR for Ka-band and C-band circulators / isolators successfully performed, CDR for C-band and Ka-band low power circulator / isolator successfully performed. CDR for Ka-band high power planned for February 2011.

Prime Contractor