ACON

- Agile Converters

STATUS | Completed
STATUS DATE | 15/05/2023
ACTIVITY CODE | 5C.455

Objectives

The performed activity is in response to an imminent market need for Agile Converters for Ka/IF and Q- and V-band, of which the proposed Agile synthesized LO and digital gain control (DCLO – Digital Control & LO) module is a key part. The DCLO is a generic function that is intended to be used in different applications, especially converters and receivers interfacing payload processors at different frequencies.

Challenges

The main challenge is to achieve a flexible design while delivering  good phase noise and low spurious levels at the output of the final Converter/Receiver.

System Architecture

The Agile Converter combines a modular architecture with software controlled local frequency and gain to flexibly address a wide range of frequency converter and receive requirements.

Plan

The project has consolidated user requirements, developed a preliminary design and evaluated the DCLO element via the assembly and testing of a breadboard.

Current Status

The Project has been successfully completed and compliance to the  consolidated requirements  have been verified on an integrated breadboard.