CubeSat communications transceiver for increased data throughput

Abstract

CubeSat communication links require small size, low power, and low cost transceivers. Link parameters resulting from the satellite's Low Earth Orbit (LEO) can impair transceiver performance, degrading mission data throughput. This paper describes the characteristics and control of a new CubeSat transceiver. The new transceiver provides an estimated 300% increase in data throughput for a typical 45-degree maximum elevation angle LEO pass over the Aerocube-2 transceiver. 12

A Critical Review of Baseband Architectures for CubeSats’ Communication Systems

“…Before closing this section, it is worth mentioning that there are some older (2000-2010) CubeSat communication systems that had some noticeable features such as the systems described in [79][80][81][82][83][84] which adopted different design approaches both hardware based such as [79] and software based such as [84], however, they are quite outdated for this review. For example, [84] was able to implement both AFSK and GMSK modulation schemes on a DSP connected to a VHF transceiver which had a transmission power consumption of 1 W for a data rate of 1.2 kbps for the AFSK modem and 4.8 kbps for the GMSK modem.…”

A Survey of Communication Sub-systems for Intersatellite Linked Systems and CubeSat Missions

“…The fourth major CubeSat launch contained several unique elements as Boeing entered the fray of the CubeSat community with their entry of CTSB-1 and Tethers Unlimited launched three tethered CubeSats known as MAST. Aerospace Corporation also launched their second CubeSat and California Polytechnic Institute launched CP3 and CP4, their third and fourth CubeSat [41].…”

“…These missions were also unique in their use of the frequency spectrum and the licensing requirements associated. CTSB-1 used an experimental license that operated at 400 MHz, AeroCube-2 used ISM license between 902-928 MHz [41], and MAST used the same transceiver as GeneSat-1, a Microhard MHX2400 transceiver operating at 2.4 GHz.…”

Class F GaN power amplifiers for CubeSat communication links

“…Be space for on-board Li-Ion batteries and so power available to the CubeSat is also restraint places a DC power limit on the tra power budget primarily consists of the (PA). A full description of CubeSat transc operation is provided in [1]. The Aerospa latest CubeSat, AeroCube-3, is shown in transceiver operates close to 915 MHz i Scientific Medicine (ISM) band using Keying (FSK) at 115.2 kbps.…”