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StatusCompleted
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Status date2019-10-15
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Activity Code5C.232
Next generation high throughput telecommunication satellites will be required to utilize Q-/V-band for the feeder link in order to satisfy the bandwidth needs for the user link. Q-band TWTs are under development in Europe, but critical technology and sub-system elements for Q-Band EPCs are not available yet to cover the related very high TWT voltage levels.
In this activity high voltage technologies, sub-assemblies and thermal management techniques needed for Q-band EPCs were to be developed and demonstrated via a breadboard.
A complete high voltage module breadboard including transformer and insulation material was to be built and tested to fully validate the technologies developed
Validation was to include test of EPC BB and technology samples according to the agreed Evaluation Plan.
Assumed requirements were helix voltages of about 15 kV, DC power consumption of 300-400W and RF power 150-200W
Major challenges were to establish a suitable requirements baseline with ongoing TWT developments and selection and incorporation of major design drivers to ensure optimal trade-off concerning cost and performance of design
Compact 15kV HV module design by making extensive use of SMT parts compared to previous designs
The EPC using the new 15kV HV-module is comparable in size to Tesats FPM design and successfully passed 1500h TV test.
The Q-Band EPC uses a LV-Board, Interface-Board and a HV-Board. As part of this activity main focus was set on HV-Board. The voltages are generated by one high voltage transformer. Current limiting resistors are inserted to prevent damage in case of external short circuit.
A cathode current regulator is connected to a convenient voltage within the high voltage generation. A helix voltage regulator is implemented for minimal helix voltage variation.
The Q-Band EPC uses a LV-Board, Interface-Board and a HV-Board. As part of this activity main focus was set on HV-Board. The voltages are generated by one high voltage transformer. Current limiting resistors are inserted to prevent damage in case of external short circuit.
A cathode current regulator is connected to a convenient voltage within the high voltage generation. A helix voltage regulator is implemented for minimal helix voltage variation.
All activities within this project have been completed
