Ka-band (29/19 GHz) suitcase satellite terminal

A suitcase-size Ka-band satellite terminal has been developed by CRC for data rates up to 2.048 Mbps for demonstration, in cooperation with the USAF at Rome Labs NY, over the Advanced Communications Technology Satellite (ACTS). A 0.5 m offset-fed parabolic Ka-band antenna is fitted to the cover of the suitcase with an SSPA attached to the boom. A conventional 70 MHz IF dual-stage frequency converter, and an LNA are installed on the inside of the lid. A variable rate (9.6 kbps to 2.048 Mbps) open/closed system commercial modem is in the bottom of the suitcase with a standard RS-449/RS-422 interface to provide point-to-point digital services. Software has been integrated to access the suitcase router on a contention basis with a spread spectrum wireless link and/or a wired 10 baseT connection. The circuit has been connected via the ACTS satellite and the 4.2 m master station (hub) in Ottawa to a "server" that provided dedicated and Ethernet network connections.