Abstract: A downlink beam frame signal processing system (100) for a communication satellite includes a packet switch (608) that routes self addressed uplink data to a memory (804). The memory (804) stores queues for at least a first and a second downlink beam hop locations (302, 304). The processing system (100) also includes a power amplifier (108) that amplifies a waveform formed using the uplink data. A power gating circuit (1200) coupled to the power amplifier (108) includes a power gate input (1216) responsive to a power gating signal to remove RF power from at least a portion of the waveform before transmission.

Abstract: A frame signal (100) for communicating payloads (104, 110) of data includes a first payload field (104) and a first header field (102) with a first frame type indicator (120). The frame signal (100) also includes a second payload field (110) and a second header field (108) smaller than the first header field (102) that includes a second frame type indicator (128). The first payload field (104), first header field (102), second payload field (110), and the second header field (108) are encapsulated in a single frame (100) to provide multiple payload delivery with reduced overhead compared to individually transmitted single payload frames.

Abstract: A power gating module (200) for a downlink beam frame signal (402) includes a power amplifier (210) for amplifying for transmission frame signals that include at least a first header signal (418), a first payload signal (420), a second header signal (424), and a second payload signal (426). The power gating module (200) further includes a power gating circuit (300) coupled to the power amplifier (210). The power gating circuit (300) includes a power gate input (318) and is responsive to a power gating signal to remove power from at least one of the first header signal (418) and first payload signal (420) in combination, and the second header signal (424) and second payload signal (426) in combination before amplification by the power amplifier (210).

Abstract: A frequency selective surface filter (20 or 50) particularly useful in connection with a transmit antenna (10) for passing and rejecting signals in multiple frequency bands. According to one embodiment, the frequency selective surface filter (20) has a single conductive screen (24) disposed on a dielectric medium (22). The single-conductive screen (24) includes an array of parallel intersecting lines (26) and (28) providing low frequency filtering. The single-conductive screen (24) also includes an array of double-loop conductive elements each made up of an inner conductive loop (32) and an outer conductive loop (30). According to a second embodiment, the frequency selective surface filter (50) contains two dielectrically separated conductive layers including a first conductive layer (52) having an array of double-slots made up of an inner slot (64) and an outer slot (66). The double-slot configuration further includes a second conductive layer (60) made up of an array of single conductive loops (62).