Multimedia Satellite Equipment – ECOMUX (Extremely Compact Output Multiplexer)

STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 06/01/2010
ACTIVITY CODE |

Objectives

The number of channels and the power per channel in satellite payloads is continuously increasing. Therefore there is a strong need for high power, low loss output multiplexers with as small a footprint as ever possible.

The objective of the project therefore is the development and qualification of a new type of output multiplexer with:

  • Improved power handling capability (300 W per channel),
  • Reduced insertion loss,
  • Improved removal of heat from the filters,
  • Dramatically reduced footprint area,
  • Reduced mass.

Challenges

Key issues are:

  • Advancement of design software,
  • Electrical optimisation,
  • Mechanical and thermal design.

Plan

The project has 4 main phases:

  • Design trade-offs,
  • Breadboarding,
  • EQM development and manufacturing,
  • Qualification testing.

Current Status

EQM qualification (5 and 10 channel OMUXes) completed. Final Review successfuly performed.