K-band SATCOM Receiver Modules: System Design, Analysis and Test using the M3-Approach

In this work, a holistic approach, the M3-appraoch (Methodologies, Models, Measures), is applied for the efficient and accurate design of K-band receiver front-end modules for satellite communication applications on earth stations on mobile platforms (ESOMPs). First, based on the targeted application and the international regulatory requirements we derive the system specifications and the system/receiver architecture. Based on this, we specify the system components,. In addition, we develop a concept for low-cost realization of the receiver front-end module, as well as a strategy to test it. Next, the proposed module is modeled and its performance investigated by means of 3D full-wave simulations, both at the component and at the packaging level. Then, test samples are fabricated and measured to verify the results of the full-wave simulations. Excellent correlation between measurements and simulations is achieved. Finally, he verified models are applied to optimize the RF performance of the K-band receiver components and front-end.