CubeSat

The National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) Space Enterprise Consortium (SpEC) engaged the BANC3 team to develop an Emergent CubeSat Technology (ECT) project for a “SWaP Efficient Multi-band Radio Frequency (RF) Front End for CubeSats” in support of Space Systems Command (SSC). The project creates a dual channel, full duplex software defined radio (SDR) using a tunable front end that covers 1-36 GHz. BANC3’s SDR is built using Intel’s latest direct RF multi-chip package to create a size, weight, and power (SWaP) efficient, high-performance package.

The CubeSat payload developed in this project dramatically increases both the frequency range (up to 36 GHz) and bandwidth (programmable from tens of MHz to more than 1 GHz) of current CubeSat SDR technology, while maintaining a simplified RF front end to minimize size and power. The techniques used include programmable bandwidth, fast tuning, and variable waveform generation. The proposed configuration offers low SWaP to enable installation within 1U (100 x 100 x 100 mm) section of the CubeSat.

This same technology is well suited for use by non-defense Government agencies and private sector industry. Our SDR payload will provide a highly reliable, redundant communications channel that covers L, S, C, X, Ku, K, and Ka bands in real-time in a single package. This fully programmable SDR architecture will allow the host CubeSat to support multiple waveforms, access more ground antennas, and improve resilience. In addition, our product provides an affordable solution for wide bandwidth, real-time satellite communications over a wide frequency range using two fully duplex channels for greater operational flexibility than other CubeSat SDRs.