Small AJ SATCOM Terminal Considerations

This paper provides parametric assessment of the performance variables in small anti-jam (AJ) satellite communications (SATCOM) terminals. Because of the small physical size, primary batteries are assumed for the power source. Link budgets to existing or postulated payloads are evaluated for low data rate (2.4 kbps to 75 bps) operation. Performance is evaluated for systems operating from UHF to EHF in the clear sky and jamming cases. Critical technology elements of the different terminals are evaluated. Solid state EHF power amplifiers and complex AJ signal processing using VHSIC approaches are evaluated. A trade-off matrix has been provided to summarize the preliminary study.