ESCALAS: SiGe-BiCMOS RFICs with Built-In Self-Test and Analog Predistortion for Ka-, Q- and V-Band Satellite Payloads

This work presents compact SiGe-based RF-Integrated Circuits (RFICs) and individual building blocks for Ka-, Q- and V-band satellite communication (SatCom) payloads developed during the program ESCALAS sponsored by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). A digital interface enables Built-In Self-Tests (BIST) for autonomous calibration and in-orbit recalibration. Additionally, broadband analog predistortion (APD) linearizers are introduced. A Ka-band BIST was realized to tune third-order intermodulation products. Measurement results demonstrate excellent high-frequency performance, and radiation tolerance, confirming suitability of the presented RFICs for next-generation SatCom systems.