Descripción del proyecto
Un novedoso amplificador de alta potencia y frecuencia permite el funcionamiento de múltiples portadoras satelitales 5G
Debido al aumento del tráfico de datos y las aplicaciones que requieren una velocidad, precisión, fiabilidad y seguridad extremadamente altas, los satélites tradicionales tienen dificultades para seguir el ritmo. Los nuevos satélites de alto rendimiento están ampliando las bandas de frecuencia que utilizan para dar cabida a un gran número de usuarios y volúmenes de comunicación, como si se pusieran más carriles en una autopista. Esto incluye el ascenso del espectro para incluir la banda Ka (26,5-40 GHz) y las bandas Q/V (33-75 GHz). Los amplificadores de potencia de estado sólido (SSPA, por sus siglas en inglés) convencionales no eran capaces de satisfacer la demanda de alta potencia a altas frecuencias. El proyecto FLEXGAN, financiado con fondos europeos, está allanando el camino hacia un SSPA de banda Ka de bajo coste, alta potencia y eficiente para respaldar las aplicaciones satelitales 5G a bordo.
Objetivo
5G demand requires the deployment of Very High Throughput Satellites (vHTS) than can satisfy the expected needs implying a growth opportunity for GEO satellites. This kind of spacecraft offers high capacity, large number of users and communication volumes (1 Terabit/s per satellite), with lower cost per GBPS, increasing the flexibility since the satellite capacity is allocated where it is needed. Future vHTS satellites will make use of Ka/Q/V gateways where the forward payload link will operate in K-band. Traditionally, demand for power at high frequencies has resulted in TWTAs as the logical amplifier of choice; this is due to the fact that traditional SSPA technology was unavailable at similar performance levels. However, technological advancements such as linearization, miniaturisation, and the use of different materials such as GaN, have levelled the playing field for SSPAs. The objective of FLEXGAN is to design, develop and test in a representative space environment (TRL 5) a low cost high power and efficient Ka-band GaN SSPA with RF output power varying capability, with high innovative & low loss recombination schemes and able to operate in multicarrier operation mode for on-board 5G satellite applications. The operational frequency band is 17.3-20.2 GHz and the objective output power 125W. The main innovations that FLEXGAN brings are: 1) Bring known terrestrial technologies by TTI to space; 2) SSPA able to provide the required output power maximising the power added efficiency to compensate the downlink fading losses; 3) SSPA able to transmit in multicarrier mode w/o memory effect; 4) Implementation of highly innovative linearization techniques; 5) use of lighweight composite structures to decrease the weight of the overall SSPA. In order to have a 100% European SSPA an MMIC based on D01GH technology from OMMIC will be designed, manufactured and tested. FLEXGAN will allow to reinforce and corroborate the use of GaN technology for space applications.
Ámbito científico
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationstelecommunications networksmobile network5G
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringastronautical engineeringspacecraft
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringinformation engineeringtelecommunicationsradio technologysatellite radio
Palabras clave
Programa(s)
Convocatoria de propuestas
Consulte otros proyectos de esta convocatoriaConvocatoria de subcontratación
H2020-SPACE-2018
Régimen de financiación
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinador
39011 Santander
España
Organización definida por ella misma como pequeña y mediana empresa (pyme) en el momento de la firma del acuerdo de subvención.