A 3.4mW/element Radiation-Hardened Ka-Band CMOS Phased-Array Receiver Utilizing Magnetic-Tuning Phase Shifter for Small Satellite Constellation

Abstract

Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations have been demonstrated as a ground breaking technology for providing low-cost low-latency global internet access. However, each satellite needs more than 200kg launch mass due to bulky wireless components and solar cells, which raises a serious cost issue. One possible solution is further minimizing satellite mass, such as cube satellites, by realizing an ultra-low-power Kaband phased-array transceiver. In this work, 1W power consumption is targeted for a 256-element Ka-band phased-array receiver, i.e. 4mW per element. In the conventional geostationary communication satellites, a parabolic antenna is utilized, and a transceiver module is placed inside a metallic cavity so it can tolerate cosmic radiation. On the other hand, LEO satellites need beam-steering functionality by using a phased-array antenna, and only a thin shield layer can be inserted between antennas and ICs for avoiding redundant mass and insertion loss. Thus, the radiation-hardening and low power consumption are key requirements for such cube satellite phased arrays. For RF building blocks in a phased array, the total ionizing dose (TID) is more critical than the single event effects (SEE). Figure 4.8.1 shows an estimated result for non-radiation-hardened design regarding TID degradation on beam pattern, resulting in 3.8dB main-lobe degradation. In this work, 2.7Mrad TID tolerance is considered adequate for a 3-year lifespan with a 24pm PCB copper shield. Figure 4.8.1 also summarizes the system requirements for a phased-array satellite receiver.