Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1537868
C h a p t e r 3 | D e s i g n i n g f o r S p a c e • Output power must be sufficient to drive long-distance Ku- and Ka-band transmissions while preserving spectral efficiency. • GaN-based PAs address all three metrics effectively, making them the preferred solution for high-frequency SATCOM payloads. When considering solutions for the receiving side, LNAs must deliver excellent signal fidelity under power-constrained conditions. Key characteristics include: • Low noise figure, which directly affects signal clarity and sensitivity. • Input third-order intercept point (IIP3), an indicator of a receiver's ability to handle multiple signals without distortion. • Power efficiency, especially in systems operating on the limited DC power sources that are used in satellite systems, such as batteries and solar arrays. Choosing the right LNA technology ensures robust signal reception even when incoming signals are weak or distorted by propagation effects. Summary Communication satellites function in the unique environment of space while delivering high performance. The reduced radiation risks associated with LEO enable designers to adopt readily available components. Using commercial semiconductor technologies including GaN, GaAs, and silicon creates new possibilities for cost-effective SATCOM designs. With the appropriate level of testing, it is possible to deploy reliable, high-performance systems that will provide years of service, even in the harsh environment of space. Lockheed Martin's LM-400 platform exemplifies the cutting edge of SATCOM design. This mid-size LEO bus balances demanding power needs for wide-band Ku/Ka communications with tight energy management during eclipses, all while maintaining a mass light enough to hitch a ride as a secondary payload on commercial launchers." Gregory Torriani Jones Staff Electrical Engineer, Lockheed Martin 17 Engineering the Future of Satellite Communications