Modeling, verification and optimization of LTCC based TR module: Dynamic behavioral performance in satellite radar payload

Abstract

Transmit Receive (TR) modules are the hardcore of the radar payload, which has day-night and all weather imaging capability in earth observation satellites having military and civil applications. The TR modules in satellite application will experience critical vibration loads during launch wherein it withstands such loads generated by the launch vehicle.In this paper, Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics (LTCC) based dual channel TR module is analyzed for mechanical performance parameters using finite element method and experimentally tested. Both the channels have been tested independently and the integrated module has been successfully qualified for designed specifications. The analytical calculations have been done to validate the physical parameters such as deflection, stress, natural frequency including thickness of the parts. Further, the optimization of design has been proposed to identify the right material for designing of LTCC substrate lid, mechanical housing, and cover of TR module.The FEM based structural analysis has been carried out with 29,867 nodes and 29,389 elements for LTCC submodule and 342,261 nodes and 960,705 elements for the dual TR module level. It is found through the experimental verification of vibration testing that FEM analysis demonstrated less than 2% errors and provided useful confidence for reliable operation of the radar imaging payload in the orbit.

Keywords

• Transmit Receive (TR) Modules
• Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
• Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC)
• Finite Element Modeling (FEM)
• Structural Analysis
• Static analysis