Citation
Abstract
Uplink and downlink Advanced Deep Space Transponder breadboards have been constructed using voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) phase-locked loop (PLL) frequency synthesizers. Results indicate wideband frequency tuning, demonstrating a 40 percent improvement over prior dielectric resonator oscillator (DRO) components and covering the entire deep-space and near-Earth X-band allocations (7145– 7235 MHz for uplink and 8400–8500 MHz for downlink). Phase noise performance is well within current transponder specifications. Coherent turnaround has been demonstrated in the Deep Space Network X-band channel allocation. Particular emphasis has been devoted to loop filter design. Results show excellent agreement between expected and observed performance and clearly indicate excellent promise for the use of VCO PLL technology in spacecraft transponder applications.
Details
- Volume
- 42-166
- Published
- August 15, 2006
- Pages
- 1–13
- File Size
- 407.1 KB