A compact low power consumption integrated RF-head for Inmarsat-M ground terminal

This paper describes the design and performance of a compact and low cost RF-Head for Inmarsat-M applications. The RF-Head is part of a portable satellite communication terminal called "BIPSAPHONE". BIPSAPHONE supplies phone and fax services to the customer. The RF-Head includes a receiving and transmitting channels, receiving and transmitting synthesizers, RF-Controller and a DC supply unit. The RF-Head size is 30×20×2.5 cm and weight less than lKg. The transmitting channel may be operated in high power mode or in low power mode to transmit 10W Or 4W respectively. The output power level is automatically controlled by the RF controller. The noise figure of the receiving channel is better than 2.2 dB including 1 dB diplexer losses. The total gain of the receiving channel is 75dB.