Multi-Output Frequency Generation System for AMC 15 and 16 Spacecrafts

Abstract

Abstract Americom-15 and 16 (AMC-15 and 16) Communication Satellites developed by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems (LMCSS) with significant design inputs from the customer SES Americom will be launched in 2004. The two satellites carry the first Ka-band payloads to be flown and marketed by this customer. These two satellites [1] will each use a multi-output microwave Frequency Generation System (FGS) that is SEU hard and total dose tolerant. The FGS is composed of the following Assemblies: Frequency Generator Unit, Frequency Distribution Unit (FDU), Switch Assembly (FSA1/FSA2), Reference Oscillator Assembly, and an Electronic Power Converter (EPC). The FGS design illustrates the principles and benefits of a single loop synthesizer generating low noise and multiple local oscillators for various frequency up/down converters in the payload. Forty-eight phase-locked loops are configured to provide coherent, multiple, and redundant C, X, and Ku-Band local oscillator frequencies by combining digital, analog and microwave concepts to achieve small size, low mass, low DC power consumption, low phase noise and spectral purity. The design requirements of small size, low mass and low power consumption, were met by a unique design concept that is modular and easy to test [2].