A MMIC chip set for V-band crosslink communication systems

V-band communication crosslink systems are being developed to take advantage of high atmospheric-attenuation characteristics. Because of strict weight, volume, and cost constraints of modern satellites, MMIC technology was chosen over conventional MIC approaches to deliver lighter, smaller, and higher performance communication systems. Through the MIMIC Phase 2 program, sponsored by ARPA and the Army Research Laboratory, TRW has developed a chip set for such a crosslink. Requirements from several insertion programs have been integrated to design an architecture that is generic, but flexible enough for expansion or reconfiguration to support these programs. The chip set includes nine highly integrated, multi-function MMICs configured to provide a complete V-band transceiver system.<>