LTCC Based Multi Chip Modules at C-Band and Ka-Band for Satellite Payloads

Abstract

This paper presents design and development of Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) based multi-chip-modules (MCM) of C-band receiver and Ka to Ku-band downconverter. C-band RF Section designed for C-band satellite transponder application achieves gain of 55 dB and Noise Figure of 1.7 dB. Ka to Ku-band down converter designed for high throughput satellite application exhibits gain of 20 dB. Novel small size C-band filter for 3.7-4.2 GHz filter is developed for C-band receiver which is embedded inside LTCC substrate. Very low loss CPWG-SIW-CPWG transition is designed at Ka-band at input of Ka to Ku-band converter. For both the modules individual MMICs are isolated by seal rings mounted on LTCC substrates. These seal rings are also used for localized hermetic sealing of the MMICs.