PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The project objective is to develop an IF Switch Matrix for use in Multimedia Satellite The development is targeted Ka & Ku-Band Multimedia applications, where connectivity and capacity switching is taking place at an IF in the range from 700 MHz and up to 2,5 GHz. The demonstrator will verify the low cost approach for switch elements and a developed switch matrix unit will verify a specific connectivity for a targeted program.
The goal is to integrate the switch-matrices with our existing products, extending the integration and packaging philosophies that have been successfully applied on a number of programs.
Challenges
The key issues in the development is to design and demonstrate an 8 x 16 IF Switch matrix based on multilayer PCB technology. Focus will be on low cost in combination with a highly integration and combination with the existing product range of downconverters, demux (including SAW subchannelization filters) and upconverters. It will be a key issue to extend the integration and packaging philosophies that have been successfully applied on a number of programs.The developed unit will be designed with a modular approach so that several switch matrices can be stacked in different configurations to provide the needed switching capability.
Plan
There are three main milestones in the project; BDR (Baseline Design Review), MTR (Mid Term Review) and FR (Final Review). Program duration is 18 months.
System Studies & Trade Off Analysis
The first phase leading up to BDR consist of the following tasks at T0+4:
- System optimisation and Building Block Specification
- Technology Evaluation T
- est Definition
Equipment Design and Development / Test Development
The second phase ends at MTR (T0+9) and includes:
- Equipment overall design
- Switch matrix design
- Qualification of parts, materials and processes
- Procurement
- Test Development
EQM Assembly Integration and Test
The last phase ends at FR (T0+18) and includes:
- Switch matrix assembly and verification
- Equipment EQM Assembly and integration
- Qualification of parts, materials and processes
- Equipment Test and reports
Current Status
The program is now close to the MTR. Baseline has been chosen and the detailed design is almost finalized. The most challenging issue have been the layout of the multilayer PCB. Through prototyping design rules and technology choices have been verified and implemented in the design. Qualification programs are currently running, and the preliminary results are promising. After MTR the manufacturing, integration and test will take place.
