Reduction of Heat Generation from Onboard SSPA by Using Heat Suppression Signal

Abstract

Satellite communication systems have entered into the mobile multimedia communication era. To support small earth terminals, the satellites must have high levels of effective isotropic radiated power. Onboard high-power amplifiers are not only needed to generate high RF output power, but also to generate as less heat as possible. To address this issue, we present a new technique reducing an amount of heat generated in high power amplifiers on a satellite. The technique makes use of heat suppression signals so as to maintain the amplifier’s power efficiency. The dissipation heat has been conventionally evaluated by consumption power of loaded FETs. However, the validity of this method has not yet been clarified on an experimental basis. Therefore, the dissipation heat from SSPAs was evaluated by other measurement technique, that is, we measured temperatures of SSPA and of air cooling. Furthermore, an effect of heat suppression was demonstrated.