Further development and demonstration of S-band Venus Capable Radio Transmitter

The objective is to develop and implement an S-band communication transmitter/radio capable of operation at extreme high temperatures and pressures in hostile and corrosive environments such as those found on the surface of Venus. This extreme environment transmitter/radio will be based on our Phase I prototype 500oC capable S-band power amplifier microwave integrated circuit (MIC) which employ SSVDTM devices. For this proposed Phase II SBIR program, a SSVD™-based MIC wireless transmitter including voltage controlled oscillator, upconverter, digital to analog converter, etc. will be developed, implemented, characterized and tested. We shall further develop in Phase II the innovative microwave circuit configuration and enabling passive circuit components developed in Phase I. We shall also further develop and integrate the Phase I prototype power amplifier in a package/enclosure suitable for high temperature, high pressure extreme environment applications such as found on the surface of Venus. In addition to being lightweight and low mass, the innovative microwave circuit configuration enables higher performance. SSVDTMs have high reliability and long lifetimes including at high temperatures. We anticipate the Venus transmitter based on the Phase I innovations and our SSVDTMs will last for years and support NASA’s studies for the Venus exploration including VEXAG and LLISSE. The Phase II hardware will first be tested at our facility and then followed by 500oC high pressure and corrosive environment and ageing testing and studies including testing at NASA GEER. We shall use materials that can survive and are Venus surface and environment compatible. Our innovative s microwave circuit configuration and enabling passive circuit components will also address the manufacturability of the MIC suitable for the Venus environment and ensure the transmitter/radio can operate in the extreme environment of the Venus surface without requiring additional protection.

Anticipated outcomes and applications include long-life robust and reliable extreme environment communications and electronics for NASA missions including for lander to Venus. Once this 500oC transmitter is developed, there will be a family of RF and microwave integrated circuits and associated subsystems suitable for communications, radar and related systems that can operate in extreme environment including Venus missions including VEXAG and LLISSE, atmospheric probes for giant planets and other missions which need extreme environment systems.

Potential commercial and defense applications include computing, signal processing, power electronics, radar, RF transceivers in harsh environments including high to extreme temperatures and uncooled electronics for satellite communications, nuclear facilities, power plants, scientific research communities, material and geothermal processing industries, etc. including corrosive ambients.

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