‘COmpact Ku/Ka-band filters for On-board processor-based payloads’
ESA project for the development and space assessment of miniaturised Ku- and Ka-band RF filters integrating a wide-band differential interface for on-board digital signal processors (ESA Artes Advanced Technology, Contract 4000129096/19/NL/AF)
OBJECTIVES
Miniaturising the broadband filters and implementing differential interfaces to the ADCs and DACs (e.g. by integrating baluns) will significantly impact the size of analogue pre- and post-processors. Up to 30% size reduction could be achieved by combining advanced design techniques with three-dimensional implementation techniques such as Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramics (LTCC) or multilayer Printed Circuit Boards (PCB). At the same time, due attention must be paid to implementing good gain and phase stability and tracking through the different analogue signal processing chains, which is important in digital beam forming applications.
The objective of this project is to design, manufacture and test miniaturised Ku- and Ka-band RF filters integrating a wide-band differential interface for on-board digital signal processors.
TRL Level
From 4 to 6
STATUS
On-going
PARTNERS
RF microtech s.r.l. Italy – PRIME CONTRACTOR
Thales Alenia Space Italy
Italy