LTCC Multi-Chip Modules for Ka-Band Multimedia Satellite Technology

This paper will focus upon the investigation and development of innovative and inexpensive microwave components for applications in multimedia satellite communication. This effort is part of the national R&D project KERAMIS-2, which is funded by German DLR/BMWI. The goal of the project is to participate with the KERAMIS-technology in an On-Orbit- Verification (OOV) mission, which is scheduled to launch an exploration mini-satellite as LEO in early 2010. Three independent payloads have been defined by the consortium partners. This paper reports on a payload where the authors have the responsibility to design and develop multi-chip modules in multilayer LTCC (Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic) technology. This is demonstrated with the example of a fractional-N synthesizer, a medium power amplifier and an SPDT switch. Those modules have been designed for operation in Ka-band (18 - 20 GHz), which is the satellites down-link frequency.