The IQ spacecom business division of the Berlin-based IQ Technologies for Earth and Space GmbH will showcase its end-to-end cubesat solution with XLink and WORK Microwave’s AX-60 at SATELLITE 2022 at the booth of WORK Microwave (#1605).
The IQ spacecom product portfolio comprises state-of-the-art radio communication solutions made in Germany that enable flexible and highly efficient broadband data communication for smallsats, such as the advanced SDR (Software Defined Radio) platform XLink.
A special focus will lie on its joint end-to-end cubesat solution with WORK Microwave. In live demonstrations, visitors can experience the added value that results from the seamless connection between IQ spacecom’s XLink SDR platform and WORK Microwave’s AX-60 IP ground modem. As one of the world’s first end-to-end cubesat solutions, it supports satellite communications for both ground and space segments.
Customers benefit from a fully featured bidirectional communication system that provides Gigabit Ethernet as on-board control as well as a high-speed data interface. XLink is an advanced transceiver system for X- and S-band communication links of small satellites with a flight grade tested COTS design. The compact 0.2 U sized XLink is characterized by its robust and high-rate signal modulation techniques that provide best bandwidth efficiency: downlink/telemetry and payload of up to 100 Mbps and an uplink/telecommand of up to 256 kbps.
The highly customizable platform is equipped with a fully integrated RF front end that enables a direct connection to the antenna. The antennas for this solution are also provided by IQ spacecom. The cost-effective X- and S-band patch antennas have a flight proven design for smallsat applications.
The AX-60 of WORK Microwave is a 19-inch rack-mount modem unit and fully compatible with the CCSDS protocols of the XLink transceiver. Both platforms connect to IP networks and provide easy-to-use, straightforward connectivity.
A Ground Converter Unit (GCU) can also be provided with the solution for an easy integration into the ground segment and the connection to ground stations and antennas in various frequency bands. Both IQspacecom and WORK Microwave place great emphasis on the joint development of customer-specific projects. In order to offer the best possible technology in line with high reliability to our customers, IQ spacecom has been constantly developing its products for more than 20 years. Another focus of the presentation will be the further development steps of the highly adaptable XLink platform in terms of frequency bands, communication protocols and mechanical adaptations.