Ultra High Sampling RF Front End

As it has been previously mentioned, the main drawback of the Track and Hold amplifiers (THAs) lies in the Analog RF bandwidth limited now to 18 GHz. To extend this analog bandwidth, other technologies could be evaluated and studied as SiGe or new generations of GaN transistors presenting now transition frequencies higher than 200 GHz. The use of such kind of transistors in the design of new THA could enable to overcome the limitation of analog RF bandwidth and it could also allow increasing the dynamic of the receiver limited now around 70 dB. The main objective will be to reach the same dynamic as the one obtained in heterodyne receivers of VNA (around 100 dB). To reach the trade-off between bandwidth and dynamic is the main challenge of this topic.

Opto/RF subsystems simulation and CAD methodology for MMIC conception

As it has been describe in the state of the art, photonics and microwave photonics are emerging as enabling technologies for advanced payload concepts with enhanced flexibility in future telecom satellites. In this context, a thesis, based on system simulation, focused on the integration of semiconductor components (SOA or SOA EAM) in the frequency conversion modules found in satellite payloads, will start in the last quarter of 2013.

Moreover, a second axis can be involved in this subtask. Its concerns activities on CAD methodology for MMICs conception taking into account the losses of the reactive elements of integrated technologies. This axis will be covered by starting a thesis at the beginning of DEFIS-RF project,

Thèses en cours

Amélioration des performances électriques d'un module de mélange optoélectronique privilégiant des dispositifs à semi-conducteurs. Applications dans les charges utiles de satellites

Méthodologie de CAO innovante pour la conception de MMICs prenant en compte les pertes des éléments réactifs des technologies intégrées