In orbit reconfigurable dual X and K-band transmitter for Low Earth Orbit multi-mission satellites

Abstract

The forthcoming project by the National Research and Innovation Agency encompasses deploying a constellation of telecommunication microsatellites in Low Earth Orbit. These microsatellites will carry a telecommunications payload and facilitate missions such as vessel monitoring, air traffic surveillance, and data collecting platforms. As an alternative to mitigate inter-satellite and terrestrial interferences, a dual X and K-band transmitter was proposed for transmitting all the payload data. This paper focuses on designing and implementing the X and K-band payload data transmitter RF Front-End for this multi-mission microsatellite. The RF front-end design was based on the mission requirements of the payload and the platform power constraint. Subsequently, the article also discusses the measurement results obtained from the breadboard model. The test results indicate that the X-band solid-state power amplifier (SSPA) obtained a 4 W (36 dBm) and RF output power for the X-band transmitter operating at a centre frequency of 8.2 GHz. The overall efficiency of the X-band transmitter was determined to be 15.14% with a gain of 45 dB. As for the K-band, a high-power amplifier with Psat 31.3 dBm and 21.64% PAE has been demonstrated. The peak gain of this HPA was 23.38 dB small-signal gain.

Keywords

• Satellite
• transmitter
• software-defined radio
• power amplifier