Advances in Deep-Space Transponder Technology

Author

Comparini, Massimo Claudio ; De Tiberis, Fabio ; Novello, Rocco ; Piloni, Vincenzo ; Simone, Lorenzo ; Gelfusa, Dario ; Argentieri, Filippo ; Fiore, David Joseph ; Barletta, Francesco ; Delfino, Massimo ; Cocchi, Sigilfredo ; Marchetti, Fernando ; Delfino

Author_Institution

Thales Alenia Space-Italy, Rome

Volume

95

Issue

10

fYear

2007

Firstpage

1994

Lastpage

2008

Abstract

The paper offers an overview of the deep-space transponder (DST) equipment that has been developed by Thales Alenia Space-Italy over the last two decades in the framework of various European programs. It briefly describes major achievements, technologies, and characteristics relevant to the present class of DSTs operating in S- and X-band (Rosetta, Mars Express, and Venus Express missions). A complete overview of the novel DST equipment designed and developed for X- and Ka-band applications (BepiColombo mission) is provided.

Keywords

aerospace instrumentation; digital signal processing chips; transponders; European programs; Thales Alenia Space-Italy; deep-space transponder technology; digital signal processing; Bandwidth; Digital signal processing; Frequency synthesizers; Modulation; Radio frequency; Satellite broadcasting; Space missions; Space technology; Telemetry; Transponders; Digital signal processing; fractional-N PLL; frequency plan; miniaturization; space-qualified technologies; transponder for interplanetary missions; undersampling;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Proceedings of the IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

0018-9219

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/JPROC.2007.905078

Filename

4378252