Issue link: https://resources.mouser.com/i/1537868
C h a p t e r 4 | D e s i g n i n g f o r G r o u n d a n d A i r b o r n e U s e and beyond. These high-performance systems are highly sensitive to distortion, and any deviation in amplifier performance can lead to signal degradation and loss of capacity. • Output power must be sufficient to maintain a strong uplink while balancing thermal load and system size. The integration of these PAs into BFICs enables scalable AESA installations, but it requires careful design and testing to ensure that each element performs consistently and predictably under a range of environmental and signal conditions. Selecting Low-Noise Amplifiers LNAs within the BFIC must be selected to preserve weak signals with minimal distortion or noise. This is especially important in airborne systems, where the dynamic environment, altitude effects, and changing weather conditions create additional challenges. • A low noise figure is fundamental to maximizing receiver sensitivity and system signal-to-noise ratio. Any noise introduced at the LNA stage cannot be corrected downstream. • Input linearity, often measured by the third-order intercept point (IIP3), is important when operating in signal-rich environments where adjacent channel interference is a risk. • DC power efficiency plays a crucial role in system design. Lower power consumption enables simpler cooling strategies, improves battery or onboard power usage, and extends the lifetime of mobile terminals. The integration of LNAs into BFICs ensures minimal signal path losses and enables distributed beamforming in AESA arrays, which are key to modern SATCOM resilience and efficiency. When designing SATCOM systems, it's critical to factor in real-world constraints, like size, weight, environment, and installation location, alongside performance needs. These practical considerations shape how compact, high-efficiency components are developed to meet evolving demands." Mohammad Reza Farahdel Sr. Radio Frequency Engineer, FARASAT TELECOM 21 Engineering the Future of Satellite Communications