20 x 20 IF switch matrix for SS-TDMA systems

Satellite-switched TDMA, an effective means for the increasing of communication satellite channel capacity and the improvement of system flexibility, requires that the spacecraft carry an IF switch matrix in order to provide interconnectivity among multiple beam antennas. Attention is presently given to the development of a 20 x 20 IF switch matrix for the NASA 30/20 GHz communications satellite which will provide a 2.5 GHz bandwidth at C-band frequencies with a switching speed of 10 nsec. Switch matrix architecture, switching device characteristic, and distribution control unit design practices are discussed, together with switch matrix reliability.