Discrete RF Sampling Transceiver Reference Design

The RF sampling transceiver reference design supports up to 5GHz bandwidth for crucial communication and radar functions in space applications.

Space-grade discrete RF sampling transceivers are essential for the successful operation of satellite and spacecraft systems due to space’s harsh and unique conditions. These devices ensure reliable and high-performance communication and control for critical space missions by handling wide instantaneous bandwidths, which support the rapid transmission and reception of large data volumes. Designed to be radiation-tolerant, they withstand various forms of ionizing radiation that could degrade or damage standard electronic components. The reference design from Texas Instruments (TI) features a discrete RF sampling transceiver that supports instantaneous signal bandwidths up to 5GHz.

The reference design uses -SEP (Space Enhanced Plastic) grade, radiation-tolerant active devices suited for space applications. The receiver incorporates the ADC12DJ5200-SEP ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), while the transmitter utilizes the DAC39RF10-SEP DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). These data converters support various JESD modes for 1 or 2 output channels up to the lower X-band. The applications of the design include communications payloads, radar imaging payloads, and command and data handling (C&DH).

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The design includes a TRF0208-SEP active balun in the receiver to convert single-ended input to differential output and a TRF0108-SEP active balun in the transmitter to convert differential output to single-ended. The clocking system is housed on a daughter board that attaches to the main data converter board and features the LMK04832-SEP, which generates and distributes low-frequency clock and reference signals to the synthesizer, data converters, and FPGA. The LMX2694-SEP RF synthesizer delivers a 10GHz sample clock to the DAC and a 5GHz sample clock to the ADC. The power system is also on a daughter card that connects to the lower part of the board and manages power distribution to all active devices.

The design features up to 5GHz of instantaneous bandwidth and operates up to the X-band. It includes a 10/5GHz clocking design and a broadband active data converter interface. Additionally, it has a swappable clocking and power design, allowing for flexible adjustments and upgrades.

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Satellite payload applications in communications and radar demand wide instantaneous bandwidth signals to manage large data volumes. These applications benefit from flexible, configurable solutions capable of quick reconfiguration across different bands. For applications up to approximately 8GHz, the RF sampling architecture provides direct support. For frequencies through the Ka-band (27 – 40GHz), the RF sampling architecture functions as an Intermediate Frequency (IF) stage, facilitating the up/down conversion to and from higher frequencies. These systems are typically used in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and require radiation-tolerant active devices to ensure reliability and performance in space conditions.

TI has tested this reference design. It comes with a bill of materials (BOM), schematics, assembly drawing, printed circuit board (PCB) layout, and more. The company’s website has additional data about the reference design. To read more about this reference design, click here.