Photonics-enabled satellite payloads: the achievements of SIPhoDiAS project from component design to evaluation of a V-band frequency-converting front-end

This paper reports the outcome of the EU-SIPhoDiAS (Space-grade optoelectronic Interfaces for Photonic Digital and Analogue Satellite payloads) project that aimed at the development of critical components needed for high-performance and low size, weight and power, photonics-enabled Very High Throughput Satellites. It reports the achievements from the key component design to the integration, demonstration and complete evaluation of this V-band frequency-converting payload front-end. More specifically it is all about the design of compact V-band GaAs electro-optic modulator arrays, which use a folded-path optical configuration to manage all fibre interfaces packaged opposite direct in-line RF feeds for ease of board layouts and mass/ size benefits, and the design of Ka and Q-bands analogue photodetectors that have been assembled in compact packages offering more bandwidth per unit area. The photonic RF payload sub-system configuration is presented, the measured RF performance are reviewed vs. system requirements and performance predictions. Experimental RF performance were found in line with the performance figures that can be predicted based on the characteristics of the components. An environmental evaluation program including thermal and mechanical tests has been executed and has shown no degradation of the end-to-end RF performance of the photonic RF sub-system, proving both robustness of the developed technology and suitability of the mounting process.