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The increasing demand for satellite capacity will require the extension of the currently used bands to the Ka-band. However, the most advanced input multiplexers in Ka-band do not yet exploit the volume and size reductions as experienced at lower frequencies by the use of dielectrics. Therefore, a further step to make waveguide input multiplexers more efficient is required. The objective of the project is to develop, build and qualify a Ka-band input multiplexer with: - Reduced dimensions of filter resonators,
- Improved electrical performance without external equalisation,
- Reduced number of circulators,
- Thereby reduced number of parts and improved reliability,
- Dramatically reduced footprint area,
- Reduced mass.
Input multiplexers constitute a basic element in the payload of a telecommunication satellite. They connect a reception antenna to the channel amplifiers.
The project has 4 main phases: - Design trade-offs,
- Breadboarding,
- EQM development and manufacturing,
- Qualification testing.
Key issues are: - Advancement of design software,
- Electrical optimisation,
- Mechanical design.
Expected benefits brought by the project are: - Improved electrical performances,
- Reduced mass,
- Reduced footprint,
- Improved reliability by reduced number of parts.
EQM qualification successfully completed, first FM contract with 10 channels based on this design successfully completed also.
Last Update: 07 May 2007
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