DUAL-BAND KU- AND KA-BAND FILTERS FOR FUTURE FLEXIBLE PAYLOADS
ESA project for developing a Ku/Ka-Band dual-band bandpass filter elegant breadboards, suitable for active antennas in satellite applications.
CONTEXT
Current flexible satellites offer flexibility in terms of coverage and in-band frequency reconfigurability (e.g. Ku-band and Ka-band). This reconfigurability is frequency band specific and satellites requiring simultaneous operation in both Ku- and Ka-bands, are required to duplicate frequency specific equipment, bringing an overall high penalty in terms of cost, mass and volume. In this scenario, future satellite communication systems will require broadband or multi-band frequency antennas that can cover multi-frequency functionality compatible with the flexibility of the satellite. Dual-band multifrequency single aperture active antennas which can offer both Ku-band and Ka-band capacity in orbit would be a significant advantage as it would address different markets and extend the capability of LEO constellations operating in Ku- and Ka-bands.
A key building block for such systems are dual-band filters which can simplify the architecture and reduce the overall volume and mass. In fact, it would be a single compact 2-port device that can operate on both frequency bands of interest (in this case Ku- and Ka-bands).
This project activity investigates and develops dual-band transmit filter concepts for Ku- and Ka-band active antennas. The activity goal will be also to study suitable interfaces that allow easy integration at active antenna level and within the RF chain without compromising the RF performance.
OBJECTIVES
The activity reviews the current state-of-the-art, develops dual band prototypes for at least two different design concepts (first BBs) and produces a filter elegant breadboard (EBB) to validate the most promising concept and reach at least TRL > 4.
TRL LEVEL
Technology Readiness Level is 4-5.
STATUS
Baseline Design Review (BDR) achieved.
PARTNERS
RF MICROTECH (Prime)
University of Perugia, Engineering Department (Subcontractor)
