Title :
K-band T/R-converter modules for the IRIDIUM satellite program
Author :
Corman, D.W. ; Agar, B.T. ; Buer, K.V. ; Cook, D.L.
Author_Institution :
Div. of Satellite Commun., Motorola Inc., Chandler, AZ, USA
Abstract :
The paper describes two K-band multi-chip modules developed for the satellites on the IRIDIUM communication program. The modules employ a wide range of low noise and power 0.25 um PHEMT MMICs to provide all K-band transmit/receive functions aboard the spacecraft. The modules include over 500 active and passive components including LNAs, power amplifiers, mixers, frequency doublers, and associated support circuitry. Descriptions are provided of the MMIC and module development programs, module producibility features, and the associated MMIC reliability test program. Also described is a novel K-band interface method which eliminates RF alignment.<>
Keywords :
HEMT integrated circuits; field effect MMIC; integrated circuit reliability; integrated circuit testing; multichip modules; satellite communication; 0.25 micron; IRIDIUM satellite program; K-band; LNA; MMIC reliability test program; PHEMT MMICs; T/R-converter modules; frequency doublers; mixers; multichip modules; power amplifiers; transmit/receive functions; Artificial satellites; Circuit noise; Circuit testing; Frequency; K-band; MMICs; PHEMTs; Power amplifiers; Radiofrequency amplifiers; Space vehicles;
Conference_Titel :
Microwave Symposium Digest, 1995., IEEE MTT-S International
Conference_Location :
Orlando, FL, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-2581-8
DOI :
10.1109/MWSYM.1995.406294
