PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The objective of this activity is the design, manufacture and test of a 4×4 breadboard demonstrator of an advanced concept of Ka-band switch matrix scalable to very high order switch matrices (32 inputs x 32 outputs and higher)
The end goal is to prove the feasibility of an advanced highly integrated, low mass and cost efficient high order scalable solid state switch matrices for use in future Ka-band multibeam payloads for application as both low level redundancy rings and/or for implementation of flexible on board channel to beam connectivity.
The proposed solid state switch matrix concept shall represent a significant improvement with respect to current state of the art in terms of feasible maximum switch matrix order, RF performance, scalability, integration and cost points of view.
Challenges
The main challenge addressed by the project is the development of the 4×4 building block at Ka-band on a single LTCC board, with about:
– 20 MMICs, each one in one single cavity;
– 4 planar power dividers;
– 8 resistive pads, for gain equalization;
– 16 crossing paths for signals routing;
In addition to the physical placement, the main issue is to guarantee proper isolation at Ka-band between all components and, so, between the Outputs. To this aim, extensive EM simulations and technological optimization are required.
Plan
The project is developed on the basis of the following tasks:
- Task 1: Switch Matrix trade-offs and preliminary design
- Task 2 : Breadboarding of critical elements
- Task 3: Switch matrix detailed design
- Task 4: Manufacture, integration and test
- Task 5: Conclusions and way forward
Current Status
Project has been completed. The 4×4 Matrix has been realized and tested as a Building Block element to be scaled for the 32×32 Matrix.
