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Design and Validation of High Data Rate Ka-Band Software Defined Radio of Small Satellite

Completed TRL 6 (started at 3, targeting 6)

Description

This project develops a novel Ka-band transceiver circuit that is capable of establishing high data rate inter-satellite links with a throughput of 500 Mbps, and provide millimeter ranging precision. The system will be designed to operate with high performance and reliability that is robust against various interference effects and network anomalies.

Benefits

The project will produce 3 products with infusion potentials. One is the SiGe RF front-end circuits, which can be licensed to RF device manufacturers. Secondly, the digital baseband SoC chip design, which can be prototyped through ASIC chip implementation to demonstrate its flexible performance. Both software and hardware systems are ready to be sold to satellite communication equipment companies. Finally, the ESA beam steering technique can be patented and licensed for advanced communication and tracking systems.

Details

Technology areaCommunications, Navigation, and Orbital Debris Tracking and Characterization Systems > Radio Frequency
ProgramSmall Spacecraft Technology (SST)
Lead organizationUniversity of Vermont, Burlington, VT
Start date2016-01-01
End date2017-10-17

Project contacts

Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.

How to get involved

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

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