Multi-Beam Transmit Receive Module for Use and SGLS Band Satellite Links

Abstract : The development of a low cost Transmit-Receive module (T/R) for the next generation of Phase Array Antennas for the Air Force Satellite Control Network has been achieved. The T/R module consists of dual transmit channels each capable of 30 dBm output power, a 4-Bit phase control and a 4-Bit amplitude control. In addition, beam switching and on board digital control has been implemented. The dual receive channels exhibit a 2 dB Noise Figure associated with a gain of 30 dB per channel. Each channel exhibits four bit phase shift and five-bit amplitude control. In addition to the control functions, built-in test circuits have been incorporated to monitor the health and status of the RF devices. This function utilizes a micro-controller to output digital data for each of the power and low noise amplifiers on command, via AID converters. The bandwidth of the T/R module has been increased by a factor to encompass both the Unified S-Band (USB) and Satellite Ground Link System (SGLS). The transmit-receive functions are combined at the output via a ceramic resonator diplexer comprised of a bandpass-band stop filter. The control of the T/R module is conducted via a single Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) through a GPIB controller. The T/R module has been designed to meet the cost objective for an array with 55000 T/R modules. To this end the paper will detail the performance and innovative methods used to achieve the price performance goals.