PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The QV Band High Power Hardware technology development project completed the design and proof of concept Engineering Models of a high power Isolator and a compact Output Multiplexer for use in the new 40 GHz QV band frequency range. The QV Band (37.5-42.5 GHz) will be taking on more of a Gateway role in upcoming communication satellites, and this project will develop to have high RF power and high reliability product designs ready to take up to 200 Watts of applied power.
Challenges
The extremely small size of the WR22 products have difficult challenges due to the size limitations for manufacturing and assembly, as well as the very precise tolerances needed to get the best repeatable operation. Some internal components are expected to be well less than 1 mm in size, which will tax the fabrication and production processing.
System Architecture
The QV band Isolator is realized using a differential phase shifter assembly. This structure gives very stable RF performance abilities while also giving very good power handling abilities and margins. The Omux is a single piece, one sided assembly that maximizes the output multiplexer abilities for small signal as well as large signal performance and margins.
Plan
The project will be divided into 3 phases: firstly an initial exploratory design segment to review all possible technologies and down-select the best candidate performer. This initial phase is approximately 3 months.
The second phase scope completes a detailed design phase including 3D modelling, full supporting analysis and breadboarding to prove operation is possible. Phase 2 requires approx. 12 months to complete. The final phase taking roughly 9 months will fabricate, assemble, tune & test an Engineering Model of each design, to produce and test for all critical operating functions and to prove all critical operational characteristics.
Current Status
The Technology Development project has completed all detailed design activities, has fabricated, assembled and environmentally tested all three major Engineering Models. The Isolator, Omux and LPF have undergone very detailed peak power analysis to find the margins to breakdown with a very high degree of confidence.
