High-reliability SAW bandpass filters for space applications

High-reliability surface-acoustic-wave (SAW) bandpass filters have been developed for use in transponders for more than 25 earth-orbital and deep-space satellite programs. SAW filters have been incorporated in several NASA standard TT&C transponders and NASA standard tracking and data relay satellite system (TDRSS) user transponders. The author gives examples of the electrical performance, summarizes the manufacturing processes, and discusses qualification testing for these SAW devices. He identifies reliability problems encountered and their solutions. >