Abstract

This paper presents the design, packaging and measured performance of a redundant 8x8 Reconfiguration Switch Matrix (RSM) at 5.5 GHz for use on board the Data Relay Satellite Systems (DRSS). The RSM includes the RF Switch Matrix (RFSM), a Switch Matrix Controller (SMC) and a Telecommand/Telemetry Interface (TTI). Miniaturization of the RFSM has been achieved by using custom designed MMIC switched amplifiers. The ON-state insertion loss and ON to-OFF isolation for all the 64 RSM paths are measured to be 8 dB and 60 dB (minimum) over 5.3 to 5.7 GHz frequency range, respectively. The gain tracking between the 64 pathes is within 1. dBpp. This design allows for modular 8x8 RFSM expansion or redundant contraction.