ESCALAS

The introduction of active array antennas for telecommunication payloads raises completely new questions for the space industry with regard to the selection and use of active components and their technologies. In previous classic space applications, the space requirements and power dissipation of the small signal preamplifiers do not play a dominant role, as they occur in small numbers and are distributed over a larger area, so that the space and power requirements of an amplifier train are essentially determined by the high-power components. For active array antennas, however, these parameters are of great importance and will lead to new technologies based on silicon supplementing or even replacing the existing technology mix of various GaAs technologies LCAMP (Linearized Channel Amplifier). Very compact and powerful RF modules with very different functionalities can be integrated on a silicon chip in a very small space. By additionally implementing a digital interface, the module can also be self-adjusted. So-called “Built-In-Self-Tests (BIST)” are already used today in various RFICs (Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits) for microwave applications, e.g. for radar applications in the automotive sector. In the chips available on the market, built-in self-tests only evaluate the small-signal S-parameters or single-tone output power. For broadband, analogue predistortion linearizers, this self-test is to be extended in this project to the adjustment of the non-linear third-order intermodulation products. The integrated self-test simplifies and accelerates the test procedure at the end of the production of an amplifier train or RF module, as the detectors integrated in the chip, including digital control of the measurement process, can be used instead of expensive laboratory RF measuring devices. In addition, the RF module can be readjusted or recalibrated at any time - even in orbit. As part of the project, both the K-band (18 - 26 GHz) and Ka-band (25 - 27 GHz) frequency bands, which have dominated satellite communications to date, and the Q/V-bands (37 - 66 GHz) are being considered. The latter potentially play an increasingly important role both for future applications in the area of broadband gateway connections between earth and satellite, as well as for connections between satellites. With the focus on

• Miniaturization and cost efficiency through the use of modern SiGe-BiCMOS MMIC technology,
• increased functionality through automated self-calibration of transceivers,
• Scalability by addressing all relevant frequency bands of satellite communication in the millimeter wave range

The project addresses innovative circuit paradigms in the context of new space technologies.
technologies.

In order to realize future active array antennas, and thus the RF modules in the frequency ranges from 15 GHz to beyond 60 GHz in a cost-effective, space-saving and efficient manner, new highly integrated RF components need to be developed. These components are to be realized by using silicon-based semiconductor technologies. The focus of this project is

• the development of an integrated channel amplifier (CRFIC: Channel RFIC) consisting of individual blocks such as amplitude sliders, phase shifters, adjustable amplifiers (VGA: Variable Gain Amplifier) and amplifier blocks with medium output power (MPA: Medium Power Amplifier). These serve as the output stage of the channel amplifier
• the development of a broadband, analogue predistortion linearizer (LRFIC: Linearizer RFIC) with self-balancing functionality, including the necessary analogue-digital interfaces for control
• the demonstration, according to “Technology Readiness Level” (TRL) 4, of the functionality of self-balancing in the complete RF chain consisting of CRFIC and LRFIC
• testing the developed circuits for their radiation resistance and thus suitability for use in space.