Low-Cost Ka-Band Transmitter for VSAT Applications

This paper describes a low-cost Ka-band 1W power transmitter module developed for VSAT applications within the FP5 European Project GALACTIC using innovative LTCC packaging technologies optimized for high power and millimeter-wave frequencies. An MMIC chipset has been designed with highly integrated multifunctions, allowing the reduction of the GaAs area inside the module. The design of low-cost VCO, RF and DC functions is described. Significant advantages of this approach have been demonstrated, in terms of cost and ease of mass manufacture