PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The aim of the project is to develop a power supply for Ka/Q/V-Band Solid State Power Amplifiers (SSPA) and associated technologies. The power supply should be modular, flexible and capable to function at high temperature. The temperature requirement refers to an increased temperature compared to conventional baseplate regulation and in this case was set to 85°C. Modularity addresses the need to have a solution capable to supply a variable amount of SSPAs by stacking or assembling modules. Finally the flexibility refers to the possibility to have different input and output voltage, in order to bring flexibility regarding Bus Voltage as well as different SSPA technology.
Technology demonstrator will be manufactured as well as an electrical model with relevant technologies implemented. The electrical model shall be tested under vacuum, with a regulation at 85°C.
Challenges
The challenges of the projects are related to system, technology and electrical topology. System architecture should be understood in order to propose a relevant solutions for SSPAs. Compatibility to temperature is a challenging part as it is 20°C higher than conventional baseplate regulation. Finally there is a challenge related to electrical topology and the requirement to have a flexible and modular solution.
System Architecture
At system level, integration of the power supply and the SSPAs will depend on the antenna architecture. For Ka/Q/V bands, the narrow distance between radiating elements makes it a requirement to have a remote power supply and to use harnesses to connect the SSPAs. Typically, SSPA antennas have their own cooling loop (different from the satellite baseplate) in order to manage the important dissipation of the amplifiers. A power supply compatible with higher temperature regulation makes it possible to integrate the module close to the antenna which is a benefit at system level.
Plan
The project plan is the following :
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System architecture & Requirements
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Architecture Design
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Detailed Design
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Implementation and manufacturing
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Tests, compliance to specifications and roadmap
Current Status
Project has been completed successfully.
From early concept including new technologies to electrical testing under vacuum conditions at 85°C. The model is capable to supply 8 SSPAs (max 5A, 25V), for a total output power of 1kW. 93.5% Efficiency was measured under vacuum conditions with a regulation at 85°C.
