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StatusCompleted
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Status date2025-04-01
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Activity Code6A.094
The objective of the proposed activity is to qualify a high-performance tracking down converter for ground stations. The project is separated into two phases. Previously in Phase 1, a demonstration BreadBoard has been designed, manufactured and tested. Based on the results and experiences of Phase 1, at the end of Phase 2, which is the current development phase, a fully qualified EQM is now available.
The main challenge was to find proper components and develop the key technologies in this high frequency band to maintain the requirements. Other challenge was to ensure the required quality and accuracy of the manufacturing processes such as PCB and module level assemblies or mechanical constructions as these elements are intolerant against even smaller failures. Every module had to be premeasured and tuned individually to ensure the required operation and specified parameters as an assembled product.
BHE can supply a competitive equipment, and in some cases with better performance over competitors, manufactured in Europe. With this product, the needs of ground station, operated with high frequency, can be satisfied without export control regulations.
The product has been developed for Q-band ground station application. It is intended to be part of the tracking system of the antenna stations with indoor 2U high rack construction. It provides two independent downconverter channels with good phase tracking. It operates with tuneable frequency with fine step and excellent phase noise parameters. Low noise figure parameter and low unwanted spurious level also feature of the product. The product can be controlled in local mode with its front panel and also in remote mode with its user interface software.
The Q-band Tracking Downconverter (TDC) is a standalone product which is intended to be operated in tracking systems of Q-band satellite ground stations. The main elements of the tracking system, beside the TDC are the Tracking Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA) and the Tracking Receiver. This current project only covered the development of the Q-band TDC, but it was extended with common qualification measurements with the referred Tracking Receiver.
This development started as another ESA project (Phase 1), where the specification was finalized and a BreadBoard model was designed, manufactured and tested. The EQM design was also finalized.
In the previous 8 months long phase (Phase 2) of the project, a previously accepted EQM design was revised, manufactured, tested and successfully qualified against the requirements.
In the past months, the Phase 2 part of the project has been completed. The Phase 1 of the development, had been covered by another project by ESA including the design and manufacturing of the BreadBoard model, had been completed previously. Based on the experience of Phase 1, a fully functional EQM has been manufactured, tested and qualified according to the specified requirements. As a conclusion, the project is considered to be closed.
