Ku-Band MMIC Transceiver for Mobile Satellite Communications

A fully integrated Ku-Band transceiver utilizing state-of-the-art GaAs MMIC components has been developed for use in a commercial two-way mobile satellite communication system. The current transceiver, with over 500 discrete components requiring an area of 50 square inches, has been reduced to six MMIC chips and an area of 4.2 square inches. The extensive use of integration maximizes the inherent advantages of size, weight, cost, and reliability. The MMIC's are integrated onto an alumina substrate to eliminate the cost associated with individual microwave quality packages. To further reduce the cost, state-of-the art techniques in thick film are being used for the metallization of the substrate. After a brief description of the OmniTRACS® mobile communication system, this paper will describe the Ku-Band transceiver, the alumina substrate, and the individual GaAS MMIC's.