Abstract: System for measuring satellite downlink amplifier linearity includes a pulsed signal generator for selectively generating low duty cycle pulses. A linear transmitter uplink amplifier is provided for amplifying the low duty cycle pulses and generating an uplink signal. An antenna transmits the amplified uplink signal to an orbiting satellite. A downlink amplifier in the satellite generates a downlink signal for re-transmission to an Earth-based antenna. A pulse receiver is provided for receiving the downlink signal and providing information regarding the transfer function of the downlink amplifier. Preferably, a delayed trigger circuit is coupled to the pulse signal generator for activating the pulsed signal generator after a time delay substantially corresponding to the propagation times of the uplink and downlink signals.

Abstract: A broadband surface mounting package includes a housing having a flat bottom wall forming parallel first and second surfaces. An integral wall forms, with the bottom wall, an enclosure having a top opening to provide access to an interior compartment or cavity to receive a microwave component. The second surface is arranged to contact a printed circuit board (PCB) for attachment to lands or pads on the PCB. Cylindrical holes in the enclosure each defines an axis parallel to the bottom wall, and has a dimension, generally transverse to the bottom wall, to extend from the second surface to at least the first surface, and has an axial length sufficient to provide a through hole in the wall and a gap within the bottom wall proximate to and inwardly from the wall.

Abstract: A rack-mounting system includes a rack with a number of shelves for mounting electronic modular components. At least two modular components are mounted on each shelf, each component with width approximately equal to W/n, where W equals the width of the shelf and n equals the maximum number of modular components to be mounted on a single shelf. Each modular component is fully self-contained, stand-alone, and operates with full independence of the other self-contained, stand-alone components. At least two modular components have the same function. Means is provided for switching out a defective component and switching in a standby component that performs the same function, thus enhancing redundancy.