High-speed integrated receiver Demod and tracking ASIC

Interstate Electronics Corporation has developed a configurable, high-speed application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is the key element in NASA´s newest generation tracking and data relay satellite system (TDRSS) demodulator, the integrated receiver. The TDRSS is NASA´s global communication and tracking system, used to communicate with all NASA low-orbiting vehicles, including the Space Shuttle. Through the extensive use of VLSI technology, a single configurable, demodulator has been designed that operates over a wide range of the data rates and operational modes supported by this system. The heart of the receiver is the Demod ASIC. With a 60000 gate, 1.0 μm design, this proven CMOS chip performs carrier recovery, data matched filtering, automatic gain control, symbol synchronization, and PN early/late processing functions for the receiver. This gate array design is described in conjunction with the architecture and performance goals of both the completed device and receiver