Abstract: In order to maintain isolation of signals within a multiport amplifier of a communications satellite and to reduce cross-talk components, by monitoring communications signals passing through the multiport amplifier, output signals of the multiport amplifier are sensed and downconverted to baseband, and applied to an emulator mechanism of the multiport amplifier. The emulator mechanism comprises a reverse matrix of the multiport amplifier, which recovers the input signals of the multiport amplifier together with cross-talk components, and a digital signal processor which carries out a frequency analysis of the cross-talk components by means of an FFT, and employs a digital model of the multiport amplifier to determine the state of the multiport amplifier which gives rise to such cross-talk components. The digital signal processor may be located at a ground station to which communication is made via a telemetry link.

Abstract: An output multiplexer OMUX is disclosed which includes a plurality of hybrid-coupled filters. Each hybrid-coupled filter may be arranged to receive a first signal and a second signal via first and second input ports respectively, and output the first signal and the second signal via first and second output ports respectively, and the hybrid-coupled filters may be connected to combine a plurality of the first signals into a first multiplexed signal and combine a plurality of the second signals into a second multiplexed signal.

Abstract: Feedback loops are used within a Multiport Amplifier (MPA) of a communications satellite to maintain phase and amplitude tracking and hence isolation and combining performance. at Ku and Ka-bands, for which there is increasing interest in MPA applications, and where wavelengths are short and maintenance of phase/amplitude tracking becomes highly challenging. Feedback loops are located at strategic points within the MPA Output Network (ONET) to detect tracking errors and provide compensation. Errors are detected through power measurements at “null points”, with zero power corresponding to accurate tracking. The feedback loops adjust the MPA phase/gains such that the levels at these points are maintained at zero. The scheme operates with a pilot signal for measurement of nulls, injected at one of the MPA inputs.

Abstract: A method of tuning a multiport amplifier and a multiport amplifier are provided. The multiport amplifier comprises an even number of microwave power amplifiers arranged in parallel, a series of input ports and a series of output ports, the input ports being connected to the amplifiers by a series of input hybrids and the output ports being connected to the amplifiers by a series of output hybrids, whereby an input signal at any given input port is amplified by all amplifiers, and then recombined into an output signal at a given output port. The method includes the steps of matching each amplifier in a pair of adjacent amplifiers to the other to an extent which is greater than matching between non paired amplifiers while still being able to ensure acceptable signal isolation between all output ports. This method of tuning results in an MPA well suited to the requirements of certain frequency re-use schemes and which has a significantly reduced set-up and test time.

Abstract: In order to maintain isolation of signals within a multiport amplifier of a communications satellite and to reduce cross-talk components, by monitoring communications signals passing through the multiport amplifier, output signals of the multiport amplifier are sensed and downconverted to baseband, and applied to an emulator mechanism of the multiport amplifier. The emulator mechanism comprises a reverse matrix of the multiport amplifier, which recovers the input signals of the multiport amplifier together with cross-talk components, and a digital signal processor which carries out a frequency analysis of the cross-talk components by means of an EFT, and employs a digital model of the multiport amplifier to determine the state of the multiport amplifier which gives rise to such cross-talk components. The digital signal processor may be located at a ground station to which communication is made via a telemetry link.

Abstract: A method of tuning a multiport amplifier and a multiport amplifier are provided. The multiport amplifier comprises an even number of microwave power amplifiers arranged in parallel, a series of input ports and a series of output ports, the input ports being connected to the amplifiers by a series of input hybrids and the output ports being connected to the amplifiers by a series of output hybrids, whereby an input signal at any given input port is amplified by all amplifiers, and then recombined into an output signal at a given output port. The method includes the steps of matching each amplifier in a pair of adjacent amplifiers to the other to an extent which is greater than matching between non paired amplifiers while still being able to ensure acceptable signal isolation between all output ports. This method of tuning results in an MPA well suited to the requirements of certain frequency re-use schemes and which has a significantly reduced set-up and test time.

Abstract: Feedback loops are used within a Multiport Amplifier (MPA) of a communications satellite to maintain phase and amplitude tracking and hence isolation and combining performance. at Ku and Ka-bands, for which there is increasing interest in MPA applications, and where wavelengths are short and maintenance of phase/amplitude tracking becomes highly challenging. Feedback loops are located at strategic points within the MPA Output Network (ONET) to detect tracking errors and provide compensation. Errors are detected through power measurements at “null points”, with zero power corresponding to accurate tracking. The feedback loops adjust the MPA phase/gains such that the levels at these points are maintained at zero. The scheme operates with a pilot signal for measurement of nulls, injected at one of the MPA inputs.