Design and characterization of a simplified planar 16×8 RF MEMS switch matrix for a GEO-stationary data relay

Author

Figur, Sascha A. ; Meniconi, E. ; Prechtel, Ulrich ; Ziegler, Volker ; Schoenlinner, B. ; Sorrentino, Roberto ; Vietzorreck, Larissa

Author_Institution

EADS Innovation Works, München, Germany

fYear

2012

fDate

Oct. 29 2012-Nov. 1 2012

Firstpage

1059

Lastpage

1062

Abstract

This paper presents the design and measurements of a simplified design approach for a 16 × 8 switch matrix based on Radio Frequency Microelectromechanical System (RF MEMS) switches. The operational frequency range is between 25.5 GHz and 26.5 GHz for data links between a Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) relay satellite and several Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites. The switch matrix implements a key functionality for tracking the incident signals of the LEO satellites on the receive feed antenna array of the GEO satellite´s reflector antenna. A maximum insertion loss of 8.5 dB, isolation of higher than 45 dB and a minimum return loss of 18 dB have been measured.

Keywords

antenna arrays; microswitches; microwave switches; reflector antenna feeds; relay networks (telecommunication); satellite antennas; satellite communication; GEO satellite reflector antenna; GEO-stationary data relay; LEO satellites; frequency 25.5 GHz to 26.5 GHz; incident signal tracking; low earth orbit satellites; planar 16×8 RF MEMS switch matrix design; radiofrequency microelectromechanical system switches; receive feed antenna array; Argon; Radio access networks; Switches;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Microwave Conference (EuMC), 2012 42nd European

Conference_Location

Amsterdam

Print_ISBN

978-1-4673-2215-7

Electronic_ISBN

978-2-87487-026-2

Type

conf

Filename

6459172