Abstract

A Ka-band down converter has been developed for use in a transponder to be flown on board a Low Earth Orbiting (LEO) satellite called Fedsat. The down converter employs a single Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (MMIC) which combines the functions of a low noise amplifier and a mixer. The down converter unit has been designed with a particular emphasis on the choice of right materials, components, packaging and assembly techniques with a goal to achieve a low cost unit qualified for space environment.