Impact of monolithic microwave integrated circuit development on communications satellites
Abstract
An investigation is conducted concerning the impact of monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) technology on future satellites. The trends in communications satellites are examined, taking into account the Intelsat IV, the Intelsat V, the use of traveling wave tube amplifiers, the employment of hybrid transmissions, and Intelsat VI with two 6 x 6 SS-TDMA microwave switch matrices. An overview of monolithic microwave integrated circuits is provided. MMIC is based predominantly on GaAs rather than silicon. The two 6 x 6 microwave switch matrices, which will be included in Intelsat VI, will be used to introduce SS-TDMA to the international communications system. It is pointed out that the size and complexity of future communications satellite systems may be closely linked with the success of MMIC fabrication technologies and circuit techniques.
- Publication:
-
ICC 1982 - The Digital Revolution, Volume 1
- Pub Date:
- 1982
- Bibcode:
- 1982icc.....1R...1G
- Keywords:
-
- Communication Satellites;
- Integrated Circuits;
- Microwave Circuits;
- Satellite Design;
- Technological Forecasting;
- Gallium Arsenides;
- Intelsat Satellites;
- Microwave Switching;
- Network Control;
- Packet Switching;
- Time Division Multiple Access;
- Traveling Wave Amplifiers;
- Communications and Radar