WIF2C

Objectives

The main objective of this ARTES project is the development of a partial prototype of a wideband integrated frequency converter in order to validate the design and mitigate the risks associated to the final product development.

Following aspects characterize this partial prototype realized in the scope of that activity:

• One Frequency conversion module 

• Ka-Band frequency range 

• Down conversion 

• Indoor variant 

• Partial implementation of Core Controller functions (e.g. Status, Control, Configuration and Local GUI)

Challenges

The main challenges are:

• the design meeting the flatness constraint of the frequency response in the used bandwidth and showing good spectral purity with low phase noise

• the design of a solution that covers the whole RF band (17.7-21.2 GHz) to serve different applications

• the design of a stable local oscillator and its distribution to all frequency conversion stages

• the physical size of the frequency conversion modules. It is key to arrive at small foot-print modules to maximize the capacity of the platform in terms of numbers and types of frequency channels supported in a small/medium size platform

System Architecture

The top level block diagram of this WIF2C product is illustrated by the following figure:

• Frequency Conversion module includes all components (local oscillators with synthesizers, OCXO-reference, mixers, filters, amplifiers), needed for the frequency translation.

• The control / configuration module is in charge of control & configuration management of the product modules (e.g activation, maintenance, update and change between configurations). 

• The status module is responsible for reporting the values of the equipment parameters, including those of the M&C system itself, to the different clients, as well as any changes in the status parameters.

• Local User interface embedded in the unit for local operator configuration, contingencies resolution, testing, validation.

Plan

This activity is organized in 2 phases as followed:

• Definition Phase

  • User & Technical Requirements Definition

• Technology Phase

  • Preliminary Design

  • Detailed Design

  • Development & Manufacturing

  • Final Verification

  • Project Closure

Current Status

The project achieved the Critical Design Review (CDR) milestone and is moving towards the Test Readiness Review (TRR) milestone.