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In this paper we describe the architecture and design of a non-blocking 4×4 switch matrix module for mm-wave satellite communications, where flexible signal distribution becomes increasingly relevant. Following the successful on-orbit verification of a blocking 4×4 switch matrix for a reconfigurable Ka-band input multiplexer aboard the planned German Heinrich Hertz mission, the non-blocking switch matrix module offers relevant advantages in terms of signal routing and total power consumption. The non-blocking switch matrix utilizes hybrid-integrated precision laser-trimmed Wilkinson power splitters and low microwave-loss absorptive transistor-based SPST-switches.

In this paper we describe the development of a compact and lightweight reconfigurable 4×4 switch matrix module for geostationary satellite communications in Ka-band (17…22 GHz), where signal routing becomes more and more relevant. The module is based on a space-qualified low-temperature co-fired ceramic multilayer technology. Following a successful on-orbit verification aboard a low-earth orbit satellite mission, the switch matrix has undergone major design revisions, aiming at an industry-scale manufacturability without compromising the advanced functional performance. By applying a system-in-package approach including automated hybrid assembly, a fully operational breadboard version has been developed, which upon further space qualification steps is intended to become part of a reconfigurable input multiplexer aboard the geostationary Heinrich Hertz satellite. Combining a ceramic package, an organic multilayer interface, wire-bonded coaxial connectors into an aluminum housing, the dimensions measure 126 mm × 87 mm × 11 mm with a weight of 193 g, corresponding to a reduction of 60 % in volume and 40 % in mass compared to a previous electronic version, and orders-of-magnitude better than coaxial switch matrices.

The ongoing developments of satellite antenna technology, mainly of multiple-feed-per-beam (MFB) concepts, combined with advanced compound semiconductor and packaging technologies that provide the building blocks for a new generation of K-band satellites, are reported. This paper proposes a next-generation MFB application scenario using the advantages of both new antenna and solid-state power amplifier concepts.

A new and very compact Ka-Band local oscillator for point-to-multipoint (PMP) radio link systems has been developed. The local oscillator consists mainly of a voltage controlled oscillator with a planar ring resonator (RR-VCO) and a GaAs-pHEMT microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC), a sampling phase detector (SPD) and a control circuitry including PLL amplifier and filtering. The ring resonator operates at harmonic frequencies. An innovative fully automated active laser-trimming procedure is used to adjust the frequency, the varactor tuning sensitivity and the electrical length between the ring resonator and the MMIC of the free-running oscillator. In addition, laser-trimming is used to adjust the symmetry of the sampling phase detector, the symmetry of the PLL amplifier as well as the attenuation of an adjustable attenuator between the output of the RR-VCO and the RF input of the SPD. A single side-band phase noise of approx. ?110dBc10dBc/Hz is achieved for offset frequencies between 10kHz and 4MHz. In addition, the laser tuneable frequency tuning range is larger than 10% without any significant change of the VCO's characteristics. The temperature drift of the oscillator frequency is less than 4ppm/K. The attenuation of the laser adjustable attenuator can be adjusted in the range between 0.4dB and 11dB.

A K-band sampling phase detector for application in the frequency generation section of advanced microwave frequency sources has been developed. The article focusses on the extensive use of modern CAE tools based on precise diode parameter extraction and modelling, that leads to an excellent agreement between simulation and measurement results. By using the periodic steady-state analysis (PSS) under SpectreRF from Cadence® we achieved a breakthrough for our circuit which could not be simulated up to now. The core of the sampling phase detector consists of a driving inductor, a step-recovery-diode (SRD), coupling capacitors and a series pair of schottky diodes. The signals, caused by the switching pulse, are calculated in frequency and time domain. Phase detector output voltage and bandwidth are predetermined. The computed waveforms are compared with measured data of the device.