PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The project undertakes to develop, validate, and qualify an EPC with integrated linearizer for a Quad MPM, capable of in-orbit adjustment of the saturated output power (power flex). This Quad MPM will operate two Dual TWTs, resulting in a Quad MPM with flexible output power a total of four RF channels and flexible output power.
Challenges
The key challenges were the high efficiency and stringent phase stability requirements at a very compact footprint. The high efficiency and relatively high output power require the use of a TWT-based solution, whereas the size constraints exclude the use of a conventional MPM with 1-2 RF channels per EPC. Therefore, this new development with 4 TWTs respectively with 2 dual TWTs was required to make use of the existing MPM concept for an active antenna application.
System Architecture
The equipment contains the following core elements:
1. Compact EPC
-
HV section with power flex functionality for four TWTs
-
LV section with electrical interface to command four RF channels
-
HV connector solution to interconnect Dual TWTs and EPC
-
housing to be suitable for the OneSat active antenna application
2. Compact phase controlled linearizer (PHLIN)
3. 2 Dual-TWTs (no TESAT development)
Plan
Baseline of the project are three phases,
-
Technology – objectives reached
-
Product Design – successfully implemented
-
Industrialisation – volume production established
Key milestones,
-
PDR – March 2022
-
CDR – July 2023
-
TRR ¬- September 2023
-
Final Settlement – November 2023
Current Status
EQM qualification completed.
FM production progressing.
