Mercury Development of next generation Ka-band VSAT transceiver

  • Status
    Completed
  • Status date
    2015-11-02
  • Activity Code
    7A.024
Objectives

The key objective of this project is to develop a fully integrated, flexible VSAT outdoor transceiver platform for use in next generation deployable Ka-band terminals having a range of distinct applications.

The transceiver will address the upcoming need for a high-performance, affordable unit that exploits the operational features of the latest High Throughput Satellites (HTS) – specifically i) spot-beam architectures and ii) mixed commercial / non-commercial Ka payloads.

Challenges

The project addresses the need to provide a flexible RF package suitable for use by different market sectors and a range of different satellite networks. In addition to the technical challenges difficulties in delivering this product, a key challenge is to do so at market-leading price points.

Benefits

The transceiver includes BUC, PLL LNB, waveguide network and M&C, all housed in a compact, IP-rated enclosure with modem-ready IF interface and different M&C options.

The base product provides over 5 Watt at P1dB of RF power with a future upgrade path to 10 Watt.

A particular innovation is that the new product has the ability to electronically switch polarisation and frequency band to provide simple, seamless operation for users who require the ability to operate in different locations and with different satellites networks using common terminal hardware. This includes Comms-on-the-move (COTM) and Comms-on-the-pause (COTP) applications.

Features

The Mercury transceiver is a single-box solution that includes the  M&C, BUC, LNB, waveguide network (including T/R filtering), waveguide polarizer and antenna feed.

The Mercury is a flexible platform for wideband Ka-VSAT XCVRs with switchable polarization and switchable bands.

It has a circular-to-linear waveguide polarizer, dual TX-RX diplexers and high performance transmit reject filters.

SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE

The overall transceiver concept is depicted below:

The XCVR is designed in a modular way consisting of :

  • WG module with polarizer and TX-RX diplexers
  • RX module
  • TX module
  • PA module
  • Control module
  • DC module

 Interfacing with the system modem takes place via two coaxial IF/IFL connections and a RS-422 serial bus.

 The phase-combined Power Amplifiers are capable of delivering well over 5 Watt of modulated carrier power between 29 - 31 GHz over all conditions to the antenna feed.

Plan
  • Engineering samples – Q4 2013
  • Pilot production units – Q3 2014
  • Full production units – Q1 2015
Current status
Achievements:
• 3 pcs product samples have been built, validated and debugged.
• The product is compliant with the specifications.and all major qualification tests have been passed.
• The production tools, mainly for aluminium die-casting, have been released
• Specialised production test stations have been designed, built, commissioned and debugged.
• A pilot assembly- and test- line has been set-up, commissioned and validated at Skyware Radio Systems GmbH in Krefeld [Germany].
• CE (includes ETSI) and FCC certification testing has been completed, as has type approval for Inmarsat’s GX program.
• The technical product documentation has been completed.
• The Final Review has been concluded and the project closed
• >200 units have been sold to various customers
Work in progress:
• Additional variants being developed
 
Next activities:
• The assembly- and test-line is to be shipped to Skyware Technologies Asia Inc. in the Philippines.
Related links
5W Full Ka-Band VSAT Transceiver

Documentation

Documentation may be requested

Prime Contractor

Last update
2024-04-20 00:03