Transmit Receive Subsystems for Satellite Payload Electronics Miniaturization Test and Characterization and Reliability Estimation

Abstract

A satellite is a complex arrangement of payloads, sensors, solar panels, antennae, and newlineelectronics packages, all of which must coexist in a confined space. Earth observation newline(EO) is one of the fastest growing sectors in the space market. Earth observation from newlinespace radar is based on the active electronically steerable antenna whose newlineperformances count on reliable and powerful transmit/receive modules (TRM) which newlineare the essential elements of Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellites (SAR-SATs). Over newlinethe past few decades, transmit/receive (T/R) modules have undergone significant newlinechanges both functionally and technically in semiconductors, device, interconnect, newlinesubstrate, digital control/interlock circuits and packaging technologies. Since TRMs newlinegenerate thousands of test data while testing at multiple test phases of their journey to newlinesatellite integration, there is a need to automate the testing process and reduce testing newlinetime. newlineSpace environment is one of the hardest to replicate apart from being the harshest one newlinefor electronics to operate. Since they are not accessible for routine maintenance and newlinerepair, the quality and reliability must be the highest for satellite s successful newlineoperation for the designed mission life. newlineThis research work brings out novel techniques in design, manufacturing newline(miniaturization and packaging: attachments, interconnects and hermeticity), and testcharacterization aspects of space-based TR subsystems. Design for a 10-Watt, C newline