since its founding in the 1960s
the space electronics division has
established itself as a leader in space
communications and other space
electronics applications
in the early 1970s its development of
high efficiency transmitters for the
communication technology satellite
enabled global transmission of broadcast
signals by creating access to the ku
band a feat for which the division later
received an emmy
in the 1980s the division initiated work
on acts the advanced communications
technology satellite which will enable
innovative communication services and
improved spectral use by opening up the
ka band
today the division continues to perform
award-winning research and development
work in varied areas of space
electronics from communication systems
antenna and rf systems technology to
electron beam solid state and digital
technology
staffed by nearly 100 professionals many
of whom are recognized authorities in
their fields the division performs its
work in partnership with a distinguished
cadre of universities and businesses
space communications remains an
important research area for the division
the communications systems branch for
instance performs advanced system and
communication architecture studies which
permit the formulation of network design
requirements and traffic models
and the identification of technologies
critical to the deployment of advanced
architectures
division's electron beam technology
branch a world leader in long life
cathode and high efficiency traveling
wave tube research
is developing 32 gigahertz and 60
gigahertz traveling wave tubes for use
in deep space and enter satellite links
respectively
the comparative longevity of these
devices coupled with their high
efficiency extends satellite life while
reducing redundancy requirements
the division's solid state branch is
well known for its testing and
characterization of high temperature
superconductors
such as microwave and millimeter wave
circuits for use in high frequency
communication systems
high speed circuit design and
development from schematic capture to
printed circuit board layout and
fabrication is the forte of the digital
signal technology branch
an area of major concentration for the
branch is space and ground-based
communications switching technology
specifically the development of
modulation and coding on-board
processing and digital ground terminals
the branch's artificial intelligence lab
is doing pioneering work in the
development of expert systems that
identify and provide solutions to
problems in satellite power and
communications systems
expert systems are also being applied to
operator training and documentation
needs
a principal area of expertise for the
antenna and rf systems technology branch
is the development of phased array
antenna systems
these systems provide significant beam
control advantages over other antenna
systems
the branch's photonics research has led
to the development of optically fed
controlled and processed arrays which
are much smaller and lighter than
conventional arrays
testing of such arrays is conducted in
state-of-the-art near and far field
antenna facilities
the divisions rf activity includes
designing monolithic microwave
integrated circuits such as phase
shifters amplifiers and oscillators the
division is also developing more
appropriate circuit packaging for such
devices and has received a number of
patents for its circuit test fixtures
the divisions communications projects
branch
builds on and augments the
communications related work of the
division's other branches
its noteworthy projects include a
satellite communication test bed and a
link evaluation terminal both of which
have been applied to the axe satellite
among the terminals capabilities are the
demonstration of a high burst rate earth
acts satellite link
the test bed's uses include the
evaluation of link transmission quality
and the modeling of the axe satellites
planned multi-channel
to 20 gigahertz transponder
as the 21st century approaches the space
electronics division's unique research
capabilities and highly qualified staff
ensure that it will continue to be an
innovative force in space electronics
providing leadership and support for the
developmental and research efforts of
its corporate and university partners
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