Multi-Function Assemblies

Smiths Interconnect|TRAK’s capability to design and produce a wide range of passive microwave, RF and millimetre wave functions enables Smiths Interconnect|TRAK to offer highly integrated sub-assemblies.

The applications which Smiths Interconnect|TRAK multi-function assemblies are used in range from commercial marine radar systems to transponders for LEO spacecraft, Earth environmental monitoring systems in GEO spacecraft and transponders and receivers on interplanetary probes.

These multi-function assembles are designed to offer enhanced performance in terms of electrical performance, reliability/mechanical robustness, reduced mass and footprint.

Smiths Interconnect|TRAK can combine its core ferrite isolator and circulator capability with transitions, couplers and simple filters to offer multi-function assemblies to produce a cost effective solution.

A broad base of passive microwave, RF and millimetre wave technology enables Smiths Interconnect|TRAK to offer highly integrated sub-assemblies designed to offer enhanced performance in terms of electrical performance, reliability/mechanical robustness, reduced mass and footprint. Smiths Interconnect|TRAK can combine its core ferrite isolator and circulator capability with transitions, couplers and simple filters to offer multi-function assemblies to produce a cost effective solution.

TRAK has considerable heritage and experience supplying Multi-Function Assemblies (MFAs) realised in waveguide for space applications.

The first was an X-Band integrated Isolator, Circulator and Limiter operating in X-band used in a series of earth observation platforms (~26,000 TRAK supplied devices are currently in orbit), the latest an integrated K-band assembly for the Iridium Next telemetry transponder comprising transition from SMA to WR42, A WR42 low pass filter and isolator and transition from WR42 to WR51.

Operating between 18-22 GHz, the Iridium Next Telemetry transponder incorporates a transition from SMA to waveguide followed by a 40 GHz harmonic filter, an 18-22 GHz low loss isolator and transition to WR51. The internal structure is realised in WR42 to assist making the assembly as compact as possible. Variants of the assembly include an isolated coupler.