Multifunction GaAs MMIC transmitter/receiver for onboard satellite equipment

This paper describes the development of a new GaAs MMIC to be used in transmit/receive modules for S band transponders. The IC, which includes five different functions, reduces the sue of the system whilst maintaining and even improving system performance. Amplification, phase shifting, and mixing are some of the functions integrated in the same chip. The goal of the work is to reduce the number, size, and consequently, the cost of the circuitry currently in use through an European commercial Enhancement/Depletion (E/D) pHEMT process, compatible with low noise reception. A maximum conversion gain more than 54 dB has been achieved with a gain control more than 27 dB. A 0 dBm output power at 1dB compression point (P1dB) has been measured when a CW stimulus was used as input signal, while more than 35 dB of Adjacent Channel Power Ratio (ACPR) was tested for a BPSK input signal.